Darnius: Reservoir, Hiking Trails and Historic Sites
Accommodation in Darnius
Darnius combines the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir with hiking trails, viewpoints and historic buildings. You can focus your trip on water activities, choose a hike or explore the history of the municipality. Various activities are available at the lake; the trails run along the shore, to the Ricardell or through the north of the municipality.
Darnius-Boadella Reservoir: Swimming and Activities
Swimming is permitted in the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir. The best access to the swimming area is via Club NĂ utic Darnius. At the shore, you can rent self-bailing kayaks for one, two or three people, as well as stand-up paddleboards, directly from the club. The club also offers light sailing on the reservoir. Freshwater sport fishing, including for black bass, requires a license and a permit for the controlled area. If fishing is part of your plans, take these requirements into account when planning your trip.
Hiking Trails by the Lake and Around the Municipality
The circular hike around the reservoir follows trails close to the shore through dense forests, past old terraces and fallow fields. It connects with the Camà Natural de la Muga, reaches the dam and then returns to Club Nà utic Darnius. Another circular hike is in the north of the municipality: it is 12 km long, partly marked and passes through varied landscapes. Near the hamlet of d’Amunt, it offers a detour to the Dolmen de Can Puig de Caneres.
A hiking route of about 7 km starts in Darnius and follows the Ricardell and the old road to La Vajol. A detour leads to the Ermita de Sant Esteve del Llop. The two routes with stated distances therefore differ in both length and course: the shorter one follows the Ricardell and heads to La Vajol, while the 12 km circular hike runs through the north of the municipality. The loop around the reservoir, meanwhile, is distinguished by its trails close to the shore and its section leading to the dam.
Dolmens, Castle Ruins and Romanesque Buildings
The Dolmen de Puig Caneres is a passage tomb dating from around 3500 BC. The remains of Castell de Montroig stand on the summit of the mountain of the same name and are visible throughout the surrounding area. The castle is documented from 1070. The easiest way to reach it is via a forest track that branches off from the road between Biure and Darnius.
The Ermita de Sant Esteve del Llop is a Romanesque hermitage dating from the 14th century; its apse has an early Romanesque structure from the 11th century. It lies amid meadows surrounded by oak and cork oak forests. The Església de Santa Maria de Darnius is a Romanesque church in the center of the former fortified settlement, documented from 1279. A remarkable covered passage leads to the entrance to the site.
Viewpoints, Cork History and Tradition
The Mirador de la Tortuga is marked by stones that resemble a turtle. From the Mirador del Serrat del Sentinella, you can enjoy views of the dam and the Boadella Reservoir. Each viewpoint offers something different: one draws attention to its distinctive stone shape, while the other looks out over the dam and water.
From the 19th century onward, Darnius developed a significant cork industry that lasted well into the 20th century. Every year on Good Friday, an arts and crafts fair is held in the streets of Darnius. The program includes demonstrations, stalls selling handmade goods, ceramics and basketry, as well as local food products.
Discover more destinations: Setcases, PontĂłs, CampdorĂ , CruĂŻlles, CamĂłs, Torroella De Montgri, Olot, Cantallops.
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
