Hotels in Banyoles

Old town and Plaça Major

Banyoles centre revolves around the arcaded Plaça Major, with terraces, where the weekly market is held. A few streets away are the monastery of Sant Esteve, the Darder natural history museum and the county archaeological museum. From here you can walk down to the lake following the old irrigation channels that still cross the town.

It is the choice for those who want shops, bars and restaurants on the doorstep and do not need a car during their stay. On market days the square fills with stalls of local fruit, cheeses and cured meats.

Best-rated in this area: Casa Maui, with a score of 9.1 from 240 reviews.

Lakeshore

Between the old town and the water runs the tree-lined lakeside promenade, with the rowing clubs, the small wooden fishing huts over the water and the swimming area. A path goes all the way round the lake, on foot or by bike. This strip appeals to sporty types, families with children and anyone who wants to run or row first thing without going anywhere.

Porqueres

On the west shore, in a different municipality, Porqueres is a scattering of houses, farmhouses and quiet estates. Its landmark is the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, a few steps from the lake. It has the quietest shore, with views of the water and the town opposite, and you can still walk into Banyoles along the lakeside path. It appeals to those seeking rest and dawn walks.

Farmhouses of the Pla de l'Estany

The area has plenty of rural houses among fields and woods. With a car, they leave you well placed for Besalú, the Garrotxa volcanoes or Girona, coming back to sleep away from traffic. Many are rented whole, a good solution for groups of friends or several families together.