SOMTOTS

Neolithic history, living nature and urban environment in Pla de l’Estany

On a sunny day, a view of the lake of Banyoles. On the water, a group of people rowing. On the far right of the image is one of the fishing boats along the perimeter of the lake. Image by Pep Callís.

The Pla de l’Estany is an agricultural and livestock farming region, with fertile land, abundant water and several historical sites. In the centre of the county is the famous lake of Banyoles, the largest natural lake in Catalonia. It has its own ecosystem and, in this environment, sports activities and natural discovery activities can be carried out. In the Pla de l’Estany you will find all kinds of services and resources for leisure, sport and tourism activities.

Part of this offer can be discovered in Els sentits de la descoberta (The senses of discovery), the e-book of inclusive experiences in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees, in which several hosts from the area with different abilities guide us through the experience. The publication includes audiovisual materials with the testimony of these hosts and also of tourism organisations and professionals from the sector who work for inclusive tourism. All audiovisual materials include English subtitles and SSI interpretation. Welcome to Pla de l’Estany.

Neolithic and Roman history

Users, workers and collaborators of the Fundació Estany, an organisation dedicated to people with intellectual disabilities, accompany us on this discovery of the Pla de l’Estany. We visit the Neolithic Park of La Draga, the only Neolithic lake site on the Iberian Peninsula. We go back 5400 years. In the park, you can visit a granary and two faithfully reconstructed huts. They are accessible and have materials that can be manipulated. The visit is adapted to the visitor and is inclusive.

In front of one of the huts in the Neolithic Park of La Draga, a guide shows various tools from the period. The hut is raised above the ground and has an access ramp adapted for wheelchair users. Image by Diego Espada.
In front of one of the huts in the Neolithic Park of La Draga, a guide shows various tools from the period. The hut is raised above the ground and has an access ramp adapted for wheelchair users. Image by Diego Espada.

Another historical site in the county is in Camós. This is the Roman site of Vilauba, one of the most studied rural villas in Catalonia. The visit is accompanied by 3D audiovisual material, a technology that helps people with attention or comprehension deficits to follow the story of the visit.

The surroundings of the lake

The lake of Banyoles is a sign of the identity of the people of Banyoles and, by extension, of the inhabitants of the Pla de l’Estany. At the tourist office, located at the lake, you can hire bicycles to cycle around its perimeter, which is about seven kilometres long. A large part of the route has a cycle lane that makes it easy and comfortable to ride.

A group of six kayaks navigate the calm waters of the lake. Image by Diego Espada.
A group of six kayaks navigate the calm waters of the lake. Image by Diego Espada.

Caiac i Natura allows you to experience the lake through various inclusive activities, sports and contact with nature. It offers guided outings by bicycle or kayak, a way of exploring the calm waters of the lake and discovering its natural environment. The visits are adapted to all abilities. Around the lake, there are paths, parks, restaurants, a sailing club… and all kinds of services to make the most of your visit.

The urban environment of Banyoles

The surplus water from the lake comes out through five irrigation channels that run through the county. One of them is the Major. Following its route takes about 90 minutes and allows you to discover the town of Banyoles. Along the route, there are several QR codes that expand the information with audiovisual material.

A general view of the main square in Banyoles. It is an arcaded square with stone buildings. In the centre, there is a park with an earthen floor and trees and wooden benches around it. Image by Lluís Reverter.
A general view of the main square in Banyoles. It is an arcaded square with stone buildings. In the centre, there is a park with an earthen floor and trees and wooden benches around it. Image by Lluís Reverter.

Very close to Banyoles, in Serinyà, you can find the Mas Casadevall Autism Foundation, which has a restaurant open to the public from Monday to Friday from 1 pm to 3 pm. It offers market cuisine dishes elaborated with products from the farm and vegetable garden of the Foundation itself. It is necessary to book a table at 972573313. And if you are interested in therapeutic horse riding, you can go to Equinoteràpia Girona Mas Alba, specialised in horse-assisted therapies.

Nature