As “A Silver Shield” (“Un Escudo de Plata”) described the Catalan poet Jacint Verdaguer in the 19th century Banyoless Lake. This morning it shimmers in dark turquoise. The reed grasses are vainly reflected. The lake still has a magical charm to this day. So we are not the only ones who enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on the shore of the lake this Thursday morning. Fortunately, the smelly dragon was defeated centuries ago, and the floating magic fairies have been hiding since then. A number of tourists are on the road with bicycles. Walkers stroll along the shore. In one of the antique bathhouses on the shore of the lake is the new tourist office. Here we get the hiking map and information about the city.
with the Life-Natura project a lot was moved around the lake. have arisen New paths, wooden bridges and vantage points on the water, perfect signposts and nature hints are also part of the LIFE project. The landscape is to be preserved and renatured in its originality. We walk around the lake on the designated path: the Eight kilometers “Paseo Por El Lago” are with
2.5 hours of hiking time specified. The Biggest Sea of Catalonia (107 hectares) is fed by underground springs and rivers. 600 liters of water per second bubble out of the Depth from 6 to 62 meters. Excavations around the lake suggest the former presence of Old and New Stone Age cultures, which by the Remains of the New Stone Age settlement La Draga is illustrated.
Fish jump up. An angler tries to outsmart her. A water hen flies into the thicket shyly. Ducks are quietly chattering away. Past the swimming pool and restaurants, the coolness of the forest surrounds us later. Swamp plants show lush green. At intervals, branch paths lead to the lake. There you will find one Mirador – Water view points. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a whistle, the water hen or even a kingfisher. We’re only meeting a swan today. Before us someone shared his bread with him.
since the World Rowing Championship 2004 there is also one observation tower at the end of the lake. The target tower of the World Cup allows us a view from above over the lake.
On the other shore and a few kilometers away we rested at the Church of Santa Maria de Porqueres. It is a jewel of Romanesque architecture from the 12th century. The door is amazingly open. Inside the church you will find a Romanesque baptismal font, imposing capitals and magnificently painted figures of saints. The church bells hit the 12th hour. The sun has covered with white clouds.
We refresh ourselves at the Font del Rector source. In the shade of large plane trees and silver poplars we rest on a short, shorn lawn. Willows bow deep in front of the lake. Magical landscape, sublime calm, caressing wind. Around 1:00 p.m., the parking lot in front of the Restaurant “La Masia”. The lunch menu for 13 euros attracts many guests.
We decide to make a detour to the Banyoles Old Town. Traffic was recently banned from the center and some streets and squares were explained to the pedestrian zone. The Plaça Major With its restored old city palaces, arcades and cafés, you are now inviting you to linger. You should only be prepared for crowds on Wednesday mornings. Then he finds here weekly market instead. A good opportunity to buy fresh local produce. Another tourist office is located in one of the most beautiful houses on the Plaça Major. The Old mill “Cal Moliner” is one of the oldest houses in the city and offers an attraction with its intact mill.
Pere Arpa’s Restaurant “El Rebost d’en Pere”
When we asked about a good restaurant for lunch, we recommend the New Star of Banyoles: Pere Arpa. Be Restaurant “El Rebost d’en Pere” received a Michelin star in November. The small restaurant with 22 seats is in an alley just around the corner. The Menú degustació costs 46 euros. The interior is reserved. The plates are eye-catching. Chef Pere Arpa comes from a family of restaurants in the region. After studying painting in Barcelona, he focused on the family tradition and did an apprenticeship with well-known masters of the kitchen. Eight years ago he opened his own restaurant in Banyoles. His menu is surprising, creative and by no means boring. The best products are considered to him as the basis and the focus is on the taste of one’s own. We are looking for idiosyncratic contrasts: sweet and salty, sour and spicy, hot and cold – the symphony of the menu is fun. “Less is more” does not always apply to the star restaurant. Here you get really full.
Well-voiced, we personally compliment the boss. The Japanese at the neighboring table are also visibly enthusiastic.
A Walk to the monastery Across the city is now just the right thing to do. On the way there we stroll through a few boutiques and delicacies that lure you to shop. Banyoles is our tip for a peaceful summer day off the tourist beaches.
Info: www.estanyespainatural.net
