Banyoles lake offers a 2km multi lane course which was used in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The lake itself is set near to the town centre and is part of the town’s sports centre. The lake has been used for International rowing, canoeing and triathlon events All activities are based at the Banyoles Sports Centre (Club Natació Banyoles). The Rowing and Canoe club occupy the ground floor of a 2 storey building whilst the swimming pool can be found upstairs. Saunas and plenty of changing space are available.
By Air; Girona airport 25 km - Barcelona airport 108 km Transfers; to and from the airports can be arranged Car Hire: To redeem your Special Discount via our partners, Rhino Car Hire, click here ….
Banyoles is a quiet town, with a few possible places to stay ranging from typical athletes accommodation to 3-4* hotels. Accommodation can be found adjacent to the lake or within easy walking distance of the training facilities. To check Availability & Prices for accommodation in Banyoles, Click Here → We search the best travel sites to find the cheapest price for you
One of the reasons we like Banyoles is the easy access to the old part of town, with its square, local market and tapas bars. When Barcelona play at home, the bars are full of supporters of all ages. Girona is a 30’ bus ride away. see Map showing places to see within Banyoles see more Places of Interest near by
The lake is 2,100 metre long, has a maximum width of 750m and depth of 64m. The 2,000 metre course is buoyed with 500m markers. There is a pathway around the lake but this can not be used for effective coaching The Sports Centre manages the site and restricts the number of visiting teams. This allows good and safe usage of the lake for those training. Even during the winter, the lake is usually calm, although watch out for the winds that come off the mountains. These can make the lake extremely rough, very quickly but then it calms with equal speed. The water comes down from the mountains so whilst it looks clear, the temperature is on the cold side. Usually a maximum of 2 launches are made available for each visiting club. However, the centre is reasonable and will hire a third if necessary, subject to availability. The launches are well maintained by the Centre staff. If there is a problem, the staff are extremely helpful.
The lake is 2,100 metre long, has a maximum width of 750m and depth of 64m. The 2,000 metre course is buoyed with 500m markers. There is a pathway around the lake but this can not be used for effective coaching The Sports Centre manages the site and restricts the number of visiting teams. This allows good and safe usage of the lake for those training. Even during the winter, the lake is usually calm, although watch out for the winds that come off the mountains. These can make the lake extremely rough, very quickly but then it calms with equal speed. The water comes down from the mountains so whilst it looks clear, the temperature is on the cold side. Usually a maximum of 2 launches are made available for each visiting club. However, the centre is reasonable and will hire a third if necessary, subject to availability. The launches are well maintained by the Centre staff. If there is a problem, the staff are extremely helpful.
OPEN WATER SWIMMING The lake is 2,100 metre long, has a maximum width of 750m and depth of 64m. The 2,000 metre course is buoyed with 500m markers. There is a pathway around the lake but this can not be used for effective coaching The Sports Centre manages the site and restricts the number of visiting teams. This allows good and safe usage of the lake for those training. Even during the winter, the lake is usually calm, although watch out for the winds that come off the mountains. These can make the lake extremely rough, very quickly but then it calms with equal speed.The water comes down from the mountains so whilst it looks clear, the temperature is on the cold side. Usually a maximum of 2 launches are made available for each visiting club. However, the centre is reasonable and will hire a third if necessary, subject to availability. The launches are well maintained by the Centre staff. If there is a problem, the staff are extremely helpful. INDOOR The indoor swimming pool is well maintained but very popular at weekends. 2 lanes can be made available. If you require a 50 metre pool, see our review of the facilities in Girona
For years this area has been used by a number of the professional cyclists who also live close to Banyoles and near-by Girona. Some of the mountains overlooking the lake form part of their regular training rides in preparation for the Tours. The roads around Banyoles are very good. The traffic is light, the tarmac reasonably new without pot holes. Being very close to Girona, home to many professional cyclists, all the surrounding areas offer good cycling and some with stories attached. The climb to the Mare de Deu del Mon (Virgin of the Sun), which can be seen across the lake, was used by US Postal for their training climbs. The following offer suggested routes Tackling the Rocacorba, the highest mountain in the Girona province at 922m high with 15 degree ramps in places or alternative routes The Banyoles cycling team have made some videos For possible bike hire For bike hire and suggested cycle routes, both Road and MTB
If you’re after a short run, then a run around the lake is 3.8 miles. For the majority, this run is flat. If you begin to run out of town, you will encounter uphill gradients. Once you hit the trails, some shade can be found but expect uneven ground. Elsewhere there are some gorgeous off road trails, one includes a 10km trail that goes by two volcanoes. The old pack horse trails have been preserved so people can enjoy these routes. Possible running routes
The weights gym is in the basement of the sports centre, has loose weights and can accommodate probably a maximum of 12 athletes. There is a much larger room on the second floor, adjacent to the swimming pool, with some static bikes, cross trainers and multi gym equipment but access to this is restricted. There are a approximately 20 ergos in the boat house which can be used with prior agreement
Enhance your camp with more intensive coaching. We can put you in contact with accredited rowing coaches, experienced in coaching at all levels from beginners through top domestic and up to international and Olympic standard, who will work with your own coaches to further extend the gains you make on your camp.
![]() |
Improving your reaction speed is time well spent as you’ll see the rewards as an athlete and in your daily life. |
![]() |
To include Strength & Conditioning into your multi-sport training program requires a balanced approach |
![]() |
Our attitude towards consistency is one of the most important ingredients to our success. |
![]() |
How strength training will enhance an Endurance athlete’s performance. |