Best lake around Roses are primarily found in the surrounding region, as Roses itself is known for its bay and beaches. The area offers access to significant aquatic environments, including the wetlands and ponds of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, and the larger Lake Banyoles further inland. These natural features provide diverse ecosystems for wildlife observation and outdoor activities. The landscape is characterized by marshes, ponds, and flooded meadows, offering a different natural experience compared to the coastal areas.
…Last updated: May 7, 2026
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Popular around Roses
The paradise of the Costa Brava — Trail Running from Girona to Llançà
Garrotxa, Olot and Cap de Creus – gravel paradise in Spain
The Catalan coast on foot – Mediterranean Path (GR 92)
Road Cycling Routes around Roses
Cycling around Roses
Hiking around Roses
MTB Trails around Roses
Running Trails around Roses

Gravel biking around Roses
Mountain Hikes around Roses
It’s a beautiful open area in the Parc. Grazing cattle and a few ruins give the plain character. The gravelroad is super smooth and accessible for all kind of bikes.
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A beautiful small gravel path perfect for gravelbiking. This gravel is super smooth. This path takes you away from the main road so you can enjoy the beauty of the natural park.
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From this spot you get a fantastic view of Cala Jugadora, a cove in Cap de Creus. From this spot you can see down into the clear, crystal blue waters, surrounded by orange, gray, and white, vegetated rocks. You can either continue hiking along the trail, or take one of the spur trails down to the water. The spur trails are a little rocky, so just mind your footing as you head down to the beach.
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Aiguamolls and ruins
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Please note, within the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, bicycles are not allowed. However, it seems that the practice is tolerated out of season and outside busy periods. While respecting the calm of the reserve.
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"Slow down and quietly approach the pond at the end of the trail. It won't be long before you start seeing birds you've never seen before, and hopefully, maybe some more surprises. In my case, the surprise was a beautiful one example of a feral cat. Due to the strong north wind, the cat had not seen me when I approached. However, when it noticed my presence, it chose to crouch down and blend in with its surroundings. I knew I had seen it, and the distance between us was of only 5 meters. The cat used a surprising tactic by moving its eyes in the direction I had come as if something was going to happen. When I turned my head in that direction, I gained a few precious seconds to disappear among the weeds. It was a memorable encounter with nature and a lesson on the cunning and adaptability of feral cats in their natural environment. Feral cats are domestic cats that return to a wild state due to the lack of interaction with humans. They often originate from abandoned or lost cats. They have a similar appearance to domestic cats and are good hunters. In some areas, they form feral colonies. Overpopulation can be a problem, and it is controlled by sterilization. The presence of feral cats raises public health concerns and can have a negative impact on the local fauna. Animal welfare organizations often work in programs for their management and care. The lake of Cortalet is a wetland with a surface area of about 146 hectares. It consists of the Cortalet lake itself and an additional plot located to the north, called Les Mollerusses, made up of some closes and also managed as a wetland, with a sheet of water during most of the year. Estany del Cortalet is a large artificial pond designed and built in old meadows adjacent to the Information Center of the Natural Park. Its main purpose is to facilitate the observation of birds for many of the Park's visitors, its ecological interest being basically ornithological. The most abundant community in the space is the reedbed.
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The Matà lakes (also known as Matar rice paddies) are a wet area of artificial origin that occupies an approximate area of 91 hectares. In the past, rice was cultivated on this surface. The space is currently flooded by pumping, trying to maintain optimal levels for the populations of waterfowl that frequent the space.
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A very nice corner, the small detour from the GR 92 is worthwhile. The free-range cow herd with calves and bulls on the wayside behaves peacefully.
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While Roses itself is known for its bay and beaches, the wider region offers diverse aquatic environments. You'll find the extensive wetlands and ponds of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, and the large natural Lake Banyoles, approximately an hour's drive inland.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Within the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, you can visit Cortalet Pond, Matà Lakes, and Vilaüt Pond bird hide. These areas offer easy access and opportunities for wildlife observation. Lake Banyoles also features a flat, shaded 7km lakeside trail suitable for all ages and accessibility needs.
The Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park is a haven for biodiversity, featuring marshes, ponds, and flooded meadows. It's home to over 300 bird species, including flamingos and storks. Lake Banyoles, Catalonia's largest natural lake, is known for its picturesque landscape, fed by underground springs, and surrounded by lush scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Near the wetlands, you can enjoy hiking and cycling on well-marked itineraries, with specific routes like the Itinerari del Cortalet. Lake Banyoles offers a wide range of activities, including walking, jogging, or cycling along its 7km lakeside trail. Water sports like swimming, kayaking, paddle surfing, and electric boat tours are also popular on Lake Banyoles. For more extensive cycling, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Roses or MTB Trails around Roses.
Absolutely. The Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park is renowned for its exceptional birdlife. The Vilaüt Pond bird hide is a particularly nice spot, and the park has strategically located observatories and watchtowers. Spring and autumn migration seasons are especially rewarding for birdwatchers.
Yes, Lake Banyoles has significant historical ties. It was the rowing venue for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, and along its southern shore, you can see charming 19th-century 'pesqueres' (fishing huts). The town of Banyoles itself dates back to the ninth century AD, and nearby archaeological sites like the La Draga Neolithic village add to the area's rich history.
The spring and autumn seasons are particularly rewarding for visiting the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, especially for birdwatching during migration. Lake Banyoles is beautiful year-round, with its scenery changing with the seasons, and water sports are popular in the warmer months.
Yes, Lake Banyoles is known for its accessibility. The flat, shaded 7km lakeside trail is suitable for all, including families with strollers and wheelchair users, making it a great option for an inclusive outdoor experience.
The park's information center, El Cortalet, offers exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities. You can also find more information about the park on the official tourism websites, such as visitroses.cat or visitsantpere.com.
Visitors often highlight the tranquility and natural beauty of these areas. The Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park is praised for its rich biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities, while Lake Banyoles is loved for its serene atmosphere, diverse outdoor activities, and accessible lakeside paths. The unique character of spots like the Matà Lakes, with their history as rice paddies, also captivates visitors.
The Matà Lakes are an area of artificial origin, once used for rice cultivation. They are now flooded to maintain optimal levels for waterfowl populations. It's a great spot to observe various bird species in a unique wetland environment.


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