Swimming in the reservoir, hiking to the dam or exploring Romanesque buildings: you can plan a day in Darnius around a range of interests. Water sports and trails take centre stage at the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir, while churches and castle remains offer insights into the area’s older architectural and local history.
Water sports at the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir
Swimming is permitted in the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir. The best access to the swimming area is via Club NĂ utic Darnius. Kayaks for one, two or three people, as well as stand-up paddleboards, can be hired from the club at the lakeshore. Light sailing is another activity available on the reservoir.
Freshwater sport fishing, including black bass fishing, is also possible. A licence and the required permit for controlled areas are necessary. The same body of water thus offers a range of options, from swimming and paddling to sailing and regulated fishing.
Hiking trails with different highlights
The first difference between the two hikes described is their length: one route starting in Darnius is about 7 km long, while a partly marked circular route in the north of the municipality is 12 km. The shorter route follows the Ricardell and the old road to La Vajol; a detour leads to the Ermita de Sant Esteve del Llop. The longer loop passes through varied landscapes and offers a detour to the Dolmen de Can Puig de Caneres near the hamlet of d’Amunt.
The circular hike around the reservoir offers a different perspective. Paths close to the shore lead through dense forests, past old terraces and across fallow fields. The loop joins the CamĂ Natural de la Muga, continues to the dam and then returns to Club NĂ utic Darnius. This lets you experience the lakeshore not only as a water sports destination but also as part of a hiking route.
Views and landscapes
The Darnius-Boadella Reservoir is a protected area at the foot of the Albera Massif. Two viewpoints offer different perspectives: the Mirador de la Tortuga is marked by stones resembling a turtle. From the Mirador del Serrat del Sentinella, you can enjoy views of the dam and the Boadella Reservoir.
Romanesque buildings and local history
The remains of Castell de Montroig stand on the summit of the mountain of the same name and are visible throughout the surrounding area. The easiest way up is via a forest track that branches off the road between Biure and Darnius.
The Ermita de Sant Esteve del Llop is a Romanesque hermitage dating from the 14th century. Its apse also features an early Romanesque structure from the 11th century. It stands amid meadows, surrounded by oak and cork oak forests. The main structure and the apse thus offer two distinct points of reference in time that can be considered together when viewing the building.
In the town centre stands the Església de Santa Maria de Darnius, a Romanesque church documented since 1279. It is located in the centre of the former fortified town. A remarkable covered passageway leads to the church grounds’ entrance.
Every year on Good Friday, Darnius hosts a craft fair in its streets. The programme includes demonstrations, stalls selling handcrafted goods, pottery makers and basket weavers, as well as regional food products. If you would like to include the fair in your travel plans, check the date of Good Friday for the relevant year.
Planning your trip
From the 19th century onwards, Darnius developed a significant cork industry that continued well into the 20th century. This history adds an economic dimension to the area’s architectural and local history. If you are travelling by bus, check the latest services from Figueres and other nearby places before your trip.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Llampaies, Bolvir, CamĂłs, Sant Miquel de Cladells, La Jonquera, Sant TomĂ s De FluviĂ , Pujals dels Pagesos, La Bisbal D'empordĂ .
For the main travel guide: Girona.
