Girona’s Volcanic Charm: Besalu & Banyoles Lake Review

Girona, a treasure chest in Catalonia, Spain, gives you, like your own personal highlight reel, many experiences all bundled into one accessible spot. Forget, if you can, Barcelona for a moment because you should give this province, too it’s really beautiful, a little look. The thing is, that just outside Girona city, there’s a lot to see. From medieval towns to strangely mesmerizing volcanic areas, plus, actually, the calm waters of Lake Banyoles, there is almost no end to day trips and scenic lookouts. This review explores exactly those locations: specifically, the volcanic zone of Garrotxa around Besalu and the relaxing spot that is Banyoles Lake. I would suggest a trip that involves strolling through centuries-old streets and experiencing nature that is pretty much undisturbed, to fully take in everything this area has to offer.

Besalu: A Step Back in Time

When you think about medieval towns, Besalu usually is that image that jumps into most people’s heads; very probably it is the perfect blend of atmosphere and history that draws visitors in. It’s like your time machine has been set back a few centuries. The place seems to sit so perfectly at the point where the Fluvia and Capellades rivers join, a really significant position going way back. One could argue the town’s huge architectural draw, the Romanesque bridge, kind of is more than only a way to get over the river; too it is almost like an entrance way into another world, a true welcome to anyone arriving. The funny thing about that structure, though, is it’s got these defense towers perched on top, telling the tale about its really strategic role in wars long since past.

If you just want a general wander, you’re more than able to follow the lanes into the city center, the place where buildings show you every step that the town took in time. Take a bit to spot things such as the old synagogue or the church of Sant Pere. Each and every one of these spots carries stories of all the different cultures and events that shaped Besalu. Basically, you should also look out for the Mikveh, which seemingly is one of Europe’s most seasoned Jewish ritual baths. It’s in pretty good condition still, apparently, after all of these years. Also, the fact you are able to freely wander through Besalu allows a greater feeling; the ability to almost touch the old stones while getting totally swallowed by the historical atmosphere that seeps through everywhere.

The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone: Where Earth Breathes

Moving only a small amount distance away from the tight, very old roads of Besalu, the area of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone gives you something that really goes against the old medieval settings, very probably an adventure for the nature lover. The views show about forty volcano cones which are dormant, now mostly clad in such leafy vegetation, almost that is like looking at rolling landscape. One of the neatest things about Garrotxa may well be that its beauty comes less from raw drama and much more from peaceful unity with nature.

If I were you, for taking everything in, the trails could be a good starting place, that apparently snake through the heart of the natural park. Look at the popular paths over volcanoes like Santa Margarida which has an old chapel tucked down deep in its crater, just waiting for exploring. So too, for views and maybe something unusual, there’s Croscat volcano, featuring that stark ‘gredera’ or exposed volcanic rock hillside, just showing the inside parts of years and years of volcanic actions.

Anyway, when on these tracks, the landscape can be seriously mesmerizing, I promise. Because that perfect silent feeling meets the abundant green shades. One of the reasons so many visit usually is to see some nature. As you wander from here to there, it’s perfectly easy to have your eye caught by loads of species; the area is home for various animals, therefore make sure to bring those binoculars and look out into that lovely canopy.

Banyoles Lake: Serenity by the Water

So, right after exploring that historical charm around Besalu plus the geological spectacle that the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone seemingly shows you, it’s, I think, worth visiting Lake Banyoles for that spot of peace and calm away from things. Very easily you can find the biggest lake that all Catalonia has within its grasp; because, let me tell you, it gives out this restful vibe. This setting, it does invite those to sit by the waters edge, whether it is those thinking about life’s journey, or for sports that occur out over the seas.

Activities on and round Banyoles go, because apparently they all cater for everyone, even whether that someone prefers things rather energetic or quiet reflection. Anyway, for getting right among nature’s charm then maybe think of wandering, as this brings lots of nice scenic sight opportunities, or for you sporting types there are activities such as rowing as well kayak possibilities, plus paddleboarding and the list doesn’t just end there, I wouldn’t think. Furthermore, cyclists will probably adore making use of the trails surrounding all shores, it goes all around lake offering great looks out across such tranquil surface area. Is it true this lake saw quite some buzz a few times, I believe, throughout 1992 Barcelona Olympics? To be perfectly honest with you this fact alone can often raise what’s really an engaging feeling, particularly on that of local pride around water location’s rich sporting heritage from years before, almost.

One of Banyoles Lake’s distinct qualities tends to be tied deep towards legend almost that this seems part mysterious feeling associated into these waterways through legends connected right to its hidden depths beneath. I feel one interesting tradition focuses on legend of an actual aquatic creature so now, generations afterwards story of Banyoles dragon still fascinates locals then tourists the very same!

Planning Your Trip: Tips and Recommendations

So then, with regards planning best method going from Girona exploring Besalu with Banyoles so there’s what has got that I think are the major considerations towards making unforgettable venture outside among all city’s walls.

Starting one might consider transport option due region this should give some freedom particularly one seeks venture apart beyond most popular visitor tracks that typically is really beneficial by vehicle if this is more suited need this should be convenient that makes sure ability stopping somewhere on-route if ever finds sight worthy enough pausing here even briefly that means ability setting own agenda instead depending what another might expect if go within public transportation keep by way local services however they would do okay however could easily need advance making travel around place seem more time very conscious perhaps not right that should become priority I’m getting myself involved right!

Moving away starting season, Catalonia happens displaying Mediterranean warm climate so even during main holiday amount for warmer levels the place it seems really busy. Think sometime toward Spring or then maybe fall period might actually often suggest far lower congested areas because, obviously the place could almost certainly see almost so lower visitor foot traffic, offering up nice chances take that perfect look over most of Girona while there but less fellow site enthusiasts during time.

Last consider eating locally if thinking maybe that might offer rich taste. Besalu then Banyoles offers some Catalan foods for sample offering a little something of region’s best that it shows itself out from any kitchen. Taste conventional dishes which uses quality things so will there’s usually anything tasty around regardless might wish find from. In this method by participating into one taste of local cooking it really contributes in very own travel encounter that can keep great recollection so long afterwards even going forward from the period you come there!