The Volta a Catalunya has visited Banyoles a total of 23 times, being the last of them in the special number 100 edition, in 2021, where the city and its recognized lake shined in an individual time trial. On eleven occasions, Banyoles has been a stage start host, while it has hosted stage finishes in twelve editions. Since the first time Banyoles was part of the race as a city host (in 1927), the capital of Pla de l'Estany has witnessed wins of world-class sprinters like Alessandro Petacchi (2011), Mark Cavendish (2010) or Erik Zabel (1999).
- Zone: Pla de l’Estany
- Population (Idescat, 2024): 20,707
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The origin and main sign of identity of the town of Banyoles is his lake (“l'Estany de Banyoles”) which, together with its natural surroundings, belongs to the RAMSAR Network of Wetlands of International Importance and is considered the most extensive karstic complex on the Iberian Peninsula.
Several routes allow us to enjoy this unique space of great geological, ecological, scenic and cultural value, and also to discover the fisheries, small, picturesque buildings that we find in the water, on the eastern shore of l'Estany. This is also the starting point for the irrigation channels, small water channels built from the 9th century onwards, which brought water to the population for domestic, irrigation or industrial uses, as in the case of the Rec Major. Following the course of this watercourse, we enter the heart of the Old Quarter of Banyoles, of medieval origin, with points of interest such as the Plaça Major (13th century), the Llotja del Tint (15th-16th century) and the City Wall (13th-15th century).
Banyoles also stands out as a city where sport is present in every corner. Throughout the year, a multitude of sporting events are organized and held, more than a dozen of which are of an international nature. The city's natural environment and services make Banyoles a unique destination for sports, particularly rowing, canoeing, triathlon and cycling.
Surrounded by plains and mountains, the possibilities for enjoying cycling routes, whether by road, gravel or mountain, are endless.
