🚣️ Paddleboarding on the lakes of Spanish Catalonia: 5 magnificent spots + practical tips for complying with regulations

Looking for a place to paddleboard in Catalonia away from the crowded beaches? The region is full of freshwater lakes and reservoirs ideal for practicing stand-up paddleboarding in a natural, calm, and often spectacular setting. This guide presents five must-see spots, along with specific regulatory advice for safe and legal paddleboarding.

🏜️ 1. Banyoles Lake – Supervised paddleboarding in a protected natural site

📍 Where: 20 min from Girona, near Olot

Lake Banyoles, the largest natural lake in Catalonia, is an iconic site in the region. Although popular for water sports, it is subject to strict regulations.

🚫 What you need to know:

• Personal paddleboarding prohibited .

• Activity authorized only through approved providers (e.g. Club Natació Banyoles).

• Goal: to protect the fragile ecosystem and organize the sharing of the body of water.

✅ Tip:

Book through a local water sports center. The activity is safe and equipment is provided.

🚗 Access: free parking around the lake.

📅 Nearby attractions: Banyoles historic center and La Garrotxa volcanoes.

🌄 2. Embalse de Sau – Sail above a sunken bell tower

📍 Where: 1 hour 15 minutes north of Barcelona, towards Vic

Lake Sau is an iconic reservoir, famous for its sunken church steeple. You paddle through an impressive canyon, between red cliffs and forest.

✅ What you need to know:

• Self-regulated paddle.

• A responsible declaration must be made on the Agència Catalana de l’Aigua (ACA) website.

• Cleaning of the board is mandatory before/after (to avoid invasive species).

✅ Tip:

Free declaration to be completed online. Clean your equipment with clean water.

🚗 Access: parking at the Parador de Vic-Sau.

📅 To see: monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres.

Sau

🌿 3. Llosa del Cavall – Paddle in the Catalan mountains

📍 Where: 1.5 hours northwest of Barcelona (pre-Pyrenees)

This artificial lake is a natural gem: turquoise waters, steep mountains, and endless forests. An ideal spot for nature-loving paddlers.

✅ What you need to know:

• Paddle authorized with mandatory declaration to the ACA .

• No official nautical base : be independent.

• Respect the areas, clean your board.

✅ Tip:

Mandatory safety equipment: vest, leash. Excursion reserved for minimally experienced users.

🚗 Access: C-462 road, parking available.

📅 Must see: Lord's Sanctuary, sublime view of the lake.

🌳 4. Embalse de Rialb – The wild and quiet spot

📍 Where: 2 hours from Barcelona, in the Noguera region (Lleida)

Vast, isolated, and uncrowded, this reservoir is perfect for solo paddleboarding or long-distance hiking.

✅ What you need to know:

• Safety equipment and cleaning required.

✅ Tip:

Bring your own equipment; autonomy is recommended. Access is sometimes not indicated.

🚗 Access: winding roads from Ponts, parking in nature.

📅 Must-see: Montmagastre Castle.

🐦 5. Ebro Delta – Paddleboarding among birds and rice fields

📍 Where: 2.5 hours south of Barcelona, between Amposta and Deltebre

It's a natural paradise: silent paddleboarding on freshwater canals, among flamingos and rice paddies. Perfect for birdwatching and relaxation.

✅ What you need to know:

• Paddleboarding permitted in certain areas (excluding reserves).

• Recommended practice via local providers.

• Some areas may require permits.

✅ Tip:

Guided outing recommended to avoid mistakes. Beware of mosquitoes in summer.

🚗 Access: easy parking from Amposta.

📅 Must-see: beaches of Punta del Fangar.

✅ Summary table of rules by lake

Lake	Personal paddle	ACA Statement	Rental	Cleaning	Easy access
Banyoles	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sau Embalse	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Llosa del Cavall	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	AVERAGE
Rialb Embalse	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	AVERAGE
Ebro Delta	Yes (areas)	Variable	Yes	Yes	Yes

❗ General tips for freshwater paddleboarding in Catalonia

• ✉️ Declare your navigation on the ACA website for tanks if necessary.

• 🧼 Clean your paddle before and after each outing.

• 🚑 Equip yourself properly : vest, leash, sun protection.

• ⏰ Sail during the day only , stay within 300 m of the shore if your board is < 3.50 m.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Freshwater Water Sports in Catalonia

1. Where to paddleboard on a calm lake in Catalonia?

You can practice paddleboarding in fresh waters on lakes such as Embalse de Sau , Lake Banyoles or Llosa del Cavall , in superb natural environments and away from the crowds. These bodies of water are ideal for a water activity surrounded by nature in the region of Catalonia.

2. Can you go paddleboarding with children in the lakes of Catalonia?

Yes, some spots like the Ebro Delta or the supervised areas around Lake Banyoles are perfect for paddleboarding with the family . The calm, shallow waters allow children to discover paddleboarding safely, with suitable life jackets available on site.

3. Is paddleboarding allowed on all the lakes in Catalonia?

Not all of them. Some lakes like Banyoles prohibit personal boards , but allow paddle boarding via approved local providers . On reservoirs (embalses) like Sau , Rialb or Llosa del Cavall , paddle boarding is allowed under certain conditions: you must make a declaration to the Agència Catalana de l'Aigua (ACA) and disinfect your board .

4. Can you go kayaking or pedal boating on the lakes of the Costa Brava or central Catalonia?

Yes, water activities such as recreational kayaking , pedal boats , or even electric boats are available in several tourist areas: Empuriabrava , Banyoles , Tossa de Mar (at sea) and sometimes in the embalses. It is recommended to rent from a local nautical center .

5. Do you need a permit or license to paddleboard in inland waters in Catalonia?

Yes, for most reservoirs (Lake Sau, Rialb, Llosa del Cavall), you must submit a free online declaration via the ACA. This is not a permit, but a mandatory administrative formality for non-motorized activities: paddleboarding, kayaking, rowing, etc.

6. Can we rent nautical equipment directly on site?

Yes, in designated areas (Banyoles, Sau, Delta de l'Ebre), you will find providers offering stand-up paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or pedal boat rentals . Some also offer guided paddleboard tours .

7. When are the best times to go paddleboarding or kayaking in Catalonia?

The best season is from May to October . The lakes are warmer, the wind is lighter in the morning, and the scenery is magnificent. Avoid the intense heat of mid-July to mid-August on the large, unshaded reservoirs.

8. What is the most impressive lake for paddleboarding in Catalonia?

Lake Sau is particularly spectacular with its submerged bell tower , visible from the water. It is an unusual water activity in the heart of nature, very popular with photographers and lovers of calm sensations.

9. Where to paddleboard among flamingos in Catalonia?

The Ebro Delta Natural Park is the perfect place to paddleboard or kayak among migratory birds , flamingos, herons, and other species. The freshwater canals offer a peaceful, eco-friendly atmosphere.

10. Do you need to clean your paddleboard or kayak after use?

Yes, it is mandatory on all Catalan reservoirs . This prevents the spread of invasive species such as the zebra mussel . Disinfection must be done before and after each launch.

11. Are life jackets mandatory on lakes?

It is mandatory for children and highly recommended for everyone. On large lakes or reservoirs (Rialb, Llosa del Cavall), it is even advisable to wear a vest + leash , especially in windy conditions or when you are far from the shore.

12. Can you paddleboard on the Costa Brava, but in fresh water?

Yes! Inland, several mountain lakes or freshwater reservoirs such as those in Girona , Vic , or in the Catalan Pyrenees, offer an alternative to sea paddleboarding .

13. Can we combine hiking and paddleboarding in the same day?

Absolutely! Spots like Llosa del Cavall or Lake Sau offer hiking opportunities with panoramic views , followed by a relaxing paddleboarding session. A perfect day for outdoor enthusiasts.

14. Is it possible to camp or bivouac near the lakes?

Bivouacking is tolerated in certain areas around lakes such as Rialb or Llosa del Cavall , but always with respect for the environment. Wild camping is prohibited in reserves or protected areas, such as the Ebro Delta.

15. Are there any supervised lakes for swimming or water activities?

Yes, Lake Banyoles is one of the few lakes to have supervised swimming areas and organized water sports facilities . Elsewhere, lakes are unsupervised: caution is advised, especially if you are swimming alone.