Top 9 Lakes around Blanes

While Blanes is primarily known for its Mediterranean coastline, the surrounding province of Girona offers a variety of aquatic environments. These include significant natural lakes like Lake Banyoles, large artificial reservoirs such as the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir, and local wetlands or river deltas like Estanys de Sils and the Mouth of the Tordera.

Directly within Blanes, significant natural lakes are not present. However, the Estanys de Sils, about an hour's drive away, represents the last vestige of what was once the largest natural lake in Catalonia, now recovered as a wetland area. Further afield, Lake Banyoles is Catalonia's largest natural lake.

Lake Banyoles, located about an hour from Blanes, is Catalonia's largest natural lake, famous for its clear waters and picturesque setting. It hosted the rowing events for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, canoeing, kayaking, and serene walks along its shaded shores. There are also three designated swimming areas open during summer.

Yes, swimming is possible in some areas. Lake Banyoles has designated swimming areas during summer, including free and paid access points. The Darnius-Boadella Reservoir also offers pleasant swimming conditions, with water temperatures comparable to a typical cove.

The Darnius-Boadella Reservoir, located further north in Catalonia, is a large artificial lake created by the Darnius Dam. It provides a natural setting for activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking. It's considered a special and active outing for families, offering beautiful views and opportunities for long walks.

Absolutely. The Estanys de Sils wetland area is family-friendly, offering walking and cycling paths. The Mouth of the Tordera is also family-friendly, with its protected natural area and diverse fauna. Both Lake Banyoles and the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir are excellent choices for family outings, offering various water activities and scenic walks.

The Mouth of the Tordera forms a natural delta with a huge inner lagoon, created by river sediments. It's a protected natural area within the Natura 2000 Network, featuring swampy vegetation, riparian forest, and diverse fauna including various bird species, turtles, and frogs.

Yes, the areas around these water bodies offer opportunities for outdoor activities. For instance, the Estanys de Sils is great for walking or cycling. You can find numerous hiking, cycling, and mountain biking routes in the broader region around Blanes. Explore options like the 'Hiking around Blanes' guide for trails such as 'The Camí de Ronda from Blanes to Lloret', or the 'Cycling around Blanes' guide for routes like 'Punta del Tordera Beach – Les Caletes Beach loop from Blanes'.

Pantà de Can Llop is an artificial swamp located amidst a cork oak forest. It's easily accessible, including from the EuroVelo route, and offers shaded areas and small beaches for resting, making it a pleasant spot to visit.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the summer months are ideal, especially at Lake Banyoles and Darnius-Boadella Reservoir. For hiking and cycling, spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and pleasant conditions. Wetlands like Estanys de Sils can be visited year-round, though mosquito repellent is recommended in warmer months.

Yes, beyond the larger destinations, there are smaller water bodies. For example, the En Llobet Reservoir consists of a couple of small swamps that typically retain some water, offering a more secluded natural experience before ascending towards the coastal mountains.