The best natural pools in Girona near our holiday home

Natural pools in the province of Girona close to the holiday home

If you stay at the holiday home La Cabanya, in Banyoles, you have access to many more of the bathing areas offered by the Estany de Banyoles. The Pla de l’Estany and the neighboring regions such as La Garrotxa hide small natural treasures made up of streams, waterfalls, gorges and wooded areas that are ideal for taking a hike and enjoying nature.

The uniqueness of this territory is closely related to water. The Banyoles basin is part of a karst system fed by groundwater from Alta Garrotxa, which has been shaping the landscape for thousands of years.

• Salt d'en Vila de Porqueres (7 km. from the holiday house): one of the closest waterfalls to Banyoles, located on the Matamors stream in the municipality of Porqueres (Pla de l'Estany). It is one of the main examples of the small gorges found along this stretch of river. There is a small parking area by the roadside, and the path to the waterfall is somewhat difficult.
• Gorgs de Les Planes d'Hostoles (47 km. from the holiday house): probably one of the best-known pool complexes in La Garrotxa. There is a specific route connecting these pools. A ticket is required per person for access.
• Gorgs de Sant Privat d'en Bas and the Gurn River (50 km. from the holiday house): a very green and spectacular area, with waterfalls and natural pools surrounded by forest. You must park your vehicle in the free parking lot at Sant Privat d'en Bas.
• Gorgs de Santa Pau (22 km. from the holiday house): Along the Sant Martí stream, there are several bodies of water, most notably the Can Batlle gorge. Access is currently regulated during certain periods, and a parking ticket is required about a 20-minute walk from the gorge. Alternatively, you can park in the free Santa Pau parking lot, but this requires an approximately one-hour hike.
• Gorgs de Sant Aniol d'Aguja (34 km. from the holiday house): Within the Alta Garrotxa region, the route from Sadernes to Sant Aniol offers the opportunity to discover several pools and waterfalls, including the Gorg Blau (Blue Pool). It is one of the most spectacular hikes in the area, but access to Sadernes is regulated and requires reservations on certain dates. A parking ticket is required, and advance booking is necessary as there is no mobile phone coverage in Sadernes.
• Gorgs del pont de Llierca (30 km. from the holiday house): also in the Alta Garrotxa, are another of the outstanding river spaces of the Garrotxa region.

Photos in order: Salt del Brull de Sant Aniol d'Aguja, Salt d'en Vila de Porqueres, Gorg de les Planes d'Hostoles, Gorg Blau de Sant Aniol d'Aguja.