Top 7 Lakes around Riudellots De La Selva

While Riudellots de la Selva itself is characterized by streams and rivers, the broader Girona province offers significant lakes. Key natural and artificial water bodies include the historic wetlands of Estanys de Sils, the artificial Pantà de Can Llop, and the smaller En Llobet Reservoir. Further afield, but within easy reach, are the large natural Lake Banyoles and the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir.

Lake Banyoles is Catalonia's largest natural lake, renowned for its unique karstic origin and stunning natural beauty. It offers a serene setting for relaxation and a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy walking, running, and cycling on its flat trail, or engage in water sports like rowing, kayaking, and paddle surfing. It was even the rowing venue for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The lake also features designated swimming areas during summer.

The Darnius-Boadella Reservoir, located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, is a large artificial lake known as a hub for water sports. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even water skiing or wakeboarding. The area boasts incredible landscapes with mountainous scenery and dense forests, perfect for long walks and cycling. Facilities like Club Nàutic Darnius offer equipment rentals, a playground, and picnic areas, making it family-friendly.

Yes, there are several options for swimming. At Lake Banyoles, designated swimming areas are available during summer, including a free public access area at Caseta de Fusta. The Darnius-Boadella Reservoir is also popular for swimming, often described as a freshwater 'beach'. For a cooler dip, Bassa d'en Rufí is a pool of cold water ideal for cooling off on hot days.

Absolutely. Lake Banyoles features a flat, shaded trail that circles the lake, perfect for walking, running, or cycling. The area around the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir is also suitable for long walks and cycling, with mountain biking routes like the Salines-Bassegoda passing through. Locally, the wetlands of Estanys de Sils are great for walking or cycling, though mosquito repellent is recommended due to the wet environment.

Many lakes in the region are very family-friendly. Pantà de Can Llop offers shadows and small beaches for resting, easily accessible from the EuroVelo route. The Darnius-Boadella Reservoir has amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas at Club Nàutic Darnius. Lake Banyoles provides safe swimming areas and flat trails suitable for all ages. The Estanys de Sils wetlands are also a good option for family walks.

The region around Riudellots de la Selva offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for running, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For running, explore routes like the Sant Andreu Salou loop. Mountain bikers can tackle challenging trails such as the Forest Path in Les Gavarres. Gravel biking enthusiasts have options like the Vilobí d'Onyar route. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails, MTB Trails, and Gravel Biking guides for the area.

Yes, the region is rich in history and unique natural features. Around Lake Banyoles, you can find old fishermen's houses (pesqueres) and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Porqueres. The Draga Neolithic Park showcases a reconstructed Neolithic village. The Estanys de Sils wetlands are the last vestige of what was once the largest natural lake in Catalonia, with a fascinating history of drainage and recovery. At the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir, during periods of drought, the remains of an 18th-century weapons factory can become visible.

The lakes offer changing scenery throughout the seasons. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, particularly at Lake Banyoles and Darnius-Boadella Reservoir. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for walking, cycling, and wildlife observation, with vibrant flora and fauna. Winter can offer a serene experience, though water activities might be limited. Always check local conditions and opening hours for specific facilities.

Access varies by lake. Lake Banyoles is about 12 km from Girona and is generally well-connected. The Pantà de Can Llop is easily accessible from the EuroVelo route, suggesting good cycling access. For the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir, driving is often the most convenient way to reach it, with scenic routes through forests. While specific public transport details for each lake from Riudellots de la Selva would require local inquiry, many areas are best explored by car or bicycle.

Yes, facilities are available, especially at the larger lakes. Lake Banyoles has options like Banys Vells where purchases are required, and the nearby town of Banyoles offers cafes and restaurants. The Darnius-Boadella Reservoir features the Club Nàutic Darnius, which includes a restaurant and a picnic area. For smaller local spots like Pantà de Can Llop, you'll find small beaches and shaded areas perfect for a self-brought picnic.