The lake of Banyoles is the largest natural lake in Catalonia, and it has a constant entering water due to subterranean waters, small rivers and raining. It also has a constant leaving of water due to evaporation, human extraction for the city of Banyoles and some small rivers that feed the Ter River.
Pilot Site Attributes
- Region: Pla de l’Estany (Catalonia)
- Bordering municipalities: Banyoles, Porqueres
- Popular name: Estany de Banyoles
- Population: 33.194
- Type: Pond: Estany de BANYOLES
- Surface: 113,7 ha (hectares/km2)
- Altitude: 172 m
- Watershed: El Ter
- Surface area of protected natural space (Nature 2000 Network): 1,064.01 ha
- Length: 2,150 m
- Width: 775 m (north lobe), 725 m (south lobe)
- Average depth: 14,8 m
- Maximum depth: 31m (basin I), 46,4m (basin II), 130m (basin III)
- Volume: 15,45m
Pilot Site Description
The lake of Banyoles is the largest natural lake in Catalonia, and it has a constant entering water due to subterranean waters, small rivers and raining. It also has a constant leaving of water due to evaporation, human extraction for the city of Banyoles and some small rivers that feed the Ter River. The water components are SO4 2-, HCO3-, Mg and Calcium. The city of Banyoles collects water and filters it to make it drinkable.
Next to the lake we can also find some small Ponds called: Vilar Pond, Cendra Pond and Montald Pond. It’s a PEIN – Natural Interesting Place- and there’s a local policy that regulates some aspects, uses and activities. It’s also a Region of special protection for the birds. GOV/112/2006. The area around the pond has been declared Cultural good of national interest (DOGC 15-01-1997) and been included in the RAMSAR LIST as a humidity area of international interest for aquatic birds (2003).
A LIFE NATURE project is implemented to fight, slow and reverse the regression of species and places of communal interest through controlling the invading species and strengthening the native species. Banyoles Council have developed Regulations about the activities in the Pond and the multistakeholder consortium of l’Estany controls the environment of what is called « Espai Natural de la zona lacustre de Banyoles » The regulations ask for civil responsibility assurance for any organization who wants to have an activity in or around the lake. The regulations also consider the noise and the light pollution.
About the allowed activities inside the water, each one has his own specific regulation:
- Rowing
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Lifeguarding and aquatic rescue
- Fishing
- Touristic commercial boats
- Small rowing boats
Motorboats are not allowed, however the regulation has an exception for sport competitions and training, rescue activities, maintenance, scientific…
About the activities around the lake have their own regulation:
- Walking, running, races and similar
- Picnic
- Flights
- Horse riding
- Mountain biking and Cycling
- Hunting – Not allowed
- Camping – Not allowed
Environmental associations
- Consorci de l’Estany: http://www.consorcidelestany.org/
- Escola de Natura
- Mou-te en bici
- Plataforma per l’Emergència Climàtica
Public authorities
- Banyoles Council
- Porqueres Council
- Diputació de Girona
- Environmental Department Generalitat de Catalunya
- Catalan Water Agency
- Sports department Generalitat de Catalunya
- Consell Comarcal del Pla de l’Estany
Sports clubs
- Club Natació Banyoles (Rowing, kayaking, Swimming, Kayak Polo, Triathlon, Athletics
- Club Ciclista Banyoles (Cycling and MTB)
- Centre Excursionista de Banyoles (Hiking Club)
- Club Atletisme Porqueres (Athletics)
- Club Esportiu ArtEsport (Cycling club)
- Club Ciclista Pla de l’Estany (Cycling club)
- CC Sindicat del Pedal (Cycling club)
Civil society organisations
- Neighbours’ organisations
- Student families’ associations
- Limnos
Sport tourism companies and operators
- Agenda Sports & elements
- Lloguer Bicis Banyoles
- Caiac I Natura
- Lemon Kayak
- Can Campolier
