The Estany de Banyoles is a karst lake and protected natural area; at the same time, it shapes the city’s history and cultural life. Between the lake, medieval buildings and waterways, you’ll find a range of ways to enjoy a stay in Banyoles.
Karst Lake and Protected Landscape
The Estany de Banyoles was formed by subsidence. Up to 13 groundwater springs have been identified beneath the lake. Since 1992, its natural area has been protected as an Espai d'Interès Natural under Catalonia’s PEIN; since 2002, it has been included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and is a special conservation area in the Natura 2000 network.
The natural area of the Estany de Banyoles and Platja d'Espolla extends across Banyoles, Porqueres and Fontcoberta. More than 75 species listed in the annexes to the EU Habitats Directive occur in this natural area. Travertine is common along the shore and in the lake, as well as in the streets and buildings of Banyoles.
Archaeological sites are also part of the landscape’s history. In the regional context of Pla de l'Estany, the lake is a defining feature of social and cultural identity. Sites such as the Neolithic settlement of La Draga lie on its shores.
Medieval traces in Banyoles
In the historic center stands La Pia Almoina, an outstanding example of a Catalan Gothic civic palace. Its square courtyard and Gothic gallery with pointed arches are particularly striking. A significant section of the city walls, documented since the 13th century, also survives in the medieval Old Town.
The Sant Esteve Monastery was founded in 812. It preserves a 15th-century Gothic altarpiece and the reliquary casket of Sant Martirià , also from that period. The guided route “Banyoles Medieval, del carrer al campanar” leads through present-day streets with traces of medieval Banyoles and up to the monastery’s bell tower. It is available by reservation and ends with a visit to the Arqueta de Sant Martirià , a significant work of 15th-century Catalan medieval goldsmithing.
If you’re interested in local festival traditions, the Festa Major de Sant Martirià takes place every year on the weekend before October 24. The program includes competitions featuring cobla music and sardanas, as well as the Barraques music program. Check the specific event dates when planning your visit.
Waterways and Industrial Heritage
The historic irrigation canals were built from the 9th century onward by the monks of Sant Esteve Monastery. The network is 33 kilometers long, and a route follows the waterway into the Old Town. The Rec Major route offers a different perspective on the water: it follows the canal from the lake to the center and links eleven industrial heritage sites marked with explanatory panels. Guided tours are offered once a month; check the date in advance.
Routes, Views and Nature Experiences
The route to Can Morgat and Puig ClarĂ leads to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Porqueres and the lagoons of Can Morgat. At an altitude of 315 meters, Puig ClarĂ has two wooden viewpoints with 360-degree panoramic views of the Estany de Banyoles, the city, parts of EmpordĂ , and the Pre-Pyrenees and Pyrenees.
Another route leads to La Puda, also known as Font Pudosa, and Les Estunes. Along the way are several lagoons and a wetland inhabited by white storks and water buffalo. The routes offer distinct experiences to suit different interests: Rec Major links the waterway with industrial heritage, Puig ClarĂ offers viewpoints and panoramic vistas, while La Puda and Les Estunes focus on wetlands and their wildlife.
Kayaks are available to rent on the Estany de Banyoles; private kayaks are not permitted because of the ecosystem’s sensitivity. The Pesqueres, small, distinctive structures on the water along the southern and eastern shores, are also a defining feature of the lake landscape. They are listed as cultural assets of national interest in the “Historic Garden” category. Some can be visited as part of a guided tour; most are privately used and can only be viewed from the outside.
Museums, Crafts and Culinary Traditions
At the Parc NeolĂtic de la Draga, you can visit life-size reconstructions of Neolithic buildings. Demonstrations and activities include making fire, working flint and grinding grain by hand. The Museo Darder combines a natural history collection with an interpretive area about the formation of the Estany de Banyoles lake basin.
Craft traditions are also part of the local offering: Sastres Paperers makes paper at the Molà de la Farga using traditional methods. Banyoles’ culinary traditions include chicory, black radish and purple garlic. Traditional sweets include Tortades, Cansalada, Xuixo and Rocs de l'Estany.
Plan Your Journey and Shape Your Stay
TEISA operates bus services from Banyoles to Girona, Olot, Figueres and Barcelona. The company also runs local services and regional routes in Pla de l'Estany. Check the timetable before traveling so you can plan your visits accordingly.
When looking for a hotel in Banyoles, your travel interests can help you decide: would you like to make time for the landscape around the Estany, the city’s medieval history or the themed routes? The range of options can help you decide what to focus on during your stay, rather than trying to fit every stop into a packed schedule.
Discover more destinations: Fornells De La Selva, Albons, Palau De Santa Eulà lia, Guils De Cerdanya, Montagut, Celrà , Sant Julià del Llor, Castell-Platja d’Aro.
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
