Six inspiring watery locations

It is precious, necessary, essential and, sadly, very scarce. Perhaps that’s why we love venturing out to discover landscapes where its energy, freshness and melody infuses everything. It is life for the planet, for us and for our inspiration. It is water.

Salt de la Caula Waterfall (Les Escaules, Alt Empordà). Located at a bend in the road between Pont de Molins and Les Escaules, making a stop here is well worth it. This waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks surprises everyone with its 30-metre height and because of its wide and generous flow and lovely final canyon. It is a breathtaking sight after it has rained. Nearby, there is a little bar-restaurant with a handful of tables and chairs under some plane trees that invites you to pause and savour this moment for as long as you like. Bathing, however, is not permitted.

Puigcerdà Lake (Puigcerdà, Cerdanya). This is one of the most photographed spots in the entire county throughout the whole year, as each season brings its own magic in various different colours. The greens of spring and summer, golds and browns of autumn, and white in winter when it snows. For over a hundred years, Puigcerdà lake, which is fed by irrigation channels, has been a typical place for both locals and visitors to enjoy a relaxing stroll and rest. In summer there is the added attraction (although it is not swimming, which is banned) of boating on the lake, while respecting the flora and fauna that lives there peacefully.

Malniu Lake (Meranges, Cerdanya). For those who love the mountains, this lake at the foot of Puigpedrós (2,915m) will steal their hearts. To get there you have to park at Malniu mountain refuge which, by the way, can provide a nice picnic or sandwich if you have not come prepared. From there, welcome to a fantastic 40-minute walk through a forest that gradually climbs uphill. The reward for your efforts is arriving at this rural, wild, silent and authentic place that you can calmly wander around, because it’s the only way to fully absorb its beauty and healing power. As with all high-mountain lakes, and precisely to preserve its natural balance, bathing is not permitted.

Passeig de la Riera Riverside Walk (Arbúcies, Selva). This is another inspiring walk that brings you into contact with the positive energy of water, which in this case springs up from the Montseny mountains and flows down, bubbling and babbling, calling to you. It is no surprise that the Art Nouveau painter Santiago Rusiñol made several visits here and captured this landscape of lush vegetation in more than one of his canvasses. In fact, the network of pathways, trails, bridges and wooden walkways stretching for a kilometre and a half is named after him. 

Núria Lake (Núria, Ripollès). As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel the embrace of the mountains. At an altitude of almost 2000 metres, the landscape is stunning, the air is clean, the colours are vibrant and the attractions are endless. One of these is the artificial lake nestled in the hollow of the valley which is, in fact, a small reservoir. It is popular in summer and winter with young and old alike, who come to take photos, admire the views and cross it (although not swimming, as this is prohibited) to enjoy a relaxing boat or canoe ride.

Banyoles Lake (Banyoles, Pla de l’Estany). The largest lake in Catalonia brings this brief catalogue of watery inland spots to a close. Wide and extensive, and more than two kilometres long, some water sports can be enjoyed here under controlled conditions. Visitors can walk or cycle its eight-kilometre perimeter, which is filled with riverside vegetation. In summer, special zones are reserved for swimming, so diving into the lake is a perfect way to round off the experience.