Darnius at the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir

The Darnius-Boadella Reservoir is a protected area at the foot of the Albera Massif; swimming is permitted there. The best access to the bathing area is via Club Nàutic Darnius. On the shore, self-guided kayaks for one, two or three people and stand-up paddleboards can be hired through Club Nàutic Darnius. Light sailing is possible on the Darnius Reservoir through the town’s Club Nàutic. Sport fishing in fresh water, including for black bass, is also possible in the Darnius-Boadella Reservoir. Darnius can be reached by bus from Figueres and other nearby towns.

Hiking

A partially marked, 12 km circular hiking route in the north of the municipality of Darnius passes through varied landscapes and offers a detour to the Dolmen de Can Puig de Caneres near the hamlet of d’Amunt. An approximately 7 km hiking route from Darnius follows the Ricardell and the old path to La Vajol; it offers a detour to visit the Ermita de Sant Esteve del Llop. The circular route around the Darnius Reservoir follows paths close to the shore through dense forests, past old terraces and across fallow fields. It connects with the Camí Natural de la Muga, continues to the dam and then returns to Club Nàutic Darnius.

Landscape

The Mirador de la Tortuga is marked by stones that resemble a turtle. The Mirador del Serrat del Sentinella offers views of the dam and the Boadella Reservoir.

Other places

Other places on this page: Agullana, El Port De La Selva, Ordis, Espinavessa, Verges, Sant Gregori, Sant Miquel d'Aro and Olot.

Culture and history

The Dolmen de Puig Caneres is a passage grave 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 since 1070. The easiest ascent to Castell de Montroig is via the forest track that branches off the road between Biure and Darnius. The Ermita de Sant Esteve del Llop is a 14th-century Romanesque hermitage; its apse features an early Romanesque structure from the 11th century. It lies amid meadows surrounded by holm oak and cork oak forests. The Església de Santa Maria de Darnius is a Romanesque church documented since 1279. It is located in the centre of the former fortified town. A remarkable covered passageway leads to the entrance to its grounds. Every year on Good Friday, an arts and crafts fair is held in the streets of Darnius, featuring demonstrations, stalls selling handmade products, potters, basket makers and gastronomic products from the region. From the 19th century onwards, Darnius developed a significant cork industry, which continued well into the 20th century. The Mas de Sant Esteve de Llop building complex in the municipality of Darnius comprises a hermitage and a farmhouse and is included in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia.

To the main travel overview: Girona.