Lake Banyoles - holiday activity

The lacustrine coast of Lake Banyoles separates the Empordà plain from the Transversal mountain range, in the Garrotxa region of Catalonia.

Banyoles lake, has a surface area of 107 hectares and is shaped like the outline of a figure eight; the lake is one of the largest on the Iberian peninsula. Rainwater filtered through the volcanic rocks of the Garrotxa national park forms much of the lake. In one area seawater also feeds the lake having passed underground fro the Bay of Roses.

At the time of the Barcelona Olympic games the lake was the venue for rowing events. University and sporting clubs can be seen practicing their rowing techniques for future events.

The cool air surrounding the lake is welcome relief in the heat of summer, and makes walking by the shore a relaxing and pleasurable pastime.