Tag Archives: Banyoles

Banyoles

Torras Chocolate Banyoles

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We all love chocolate right? Hands up who watched “Charlie and the Chocolate factory” in their youth and since have dreamed of visiting a real life chocolate factory?  Torras chocolates Banyoles allows this dream to come true.

Ceramic Torras chocolate signs

Torras chocolate Banyoles

In the 50’s and 60’s Torras installed many ceramic advertising signs on the sides of houses in the Banyoles region. Many can still be seen to this day and the sign pictured is in the village of Orfes.

Founded in 1890 Torras is one of the biggest chocolate producers in Spain.

Sugar-free and organic chocolate

As well as the traditional regular chocolate, Torras chocolates Banyoles also produce a large range of sugar-free, gluten-free and organic chocolates. Their pioneering sugar-free organic range is a world first!

It is possible to arrange visits to see how chocolate is made and to taste some different varieties. There’s also an on-site shop which sells the full range of Torras chocolates. It is also possible to order on-line through the Torras website. Here is the contact information to arrange a visit:

Girona-Banyoles Road, Km 15

17844 – Cornellà de Terri – GIRONA Tel.: +34 972 58 10 00

Charming Villas Catalonia

At Charming Villas Catalonia we offer our clients a wide selection of luxury holiday villas on the Costa Brava. Let us guide you through the villa selection process from start to finish.

We offer a free concierge service to all our clients and can help arrange activities and extra services. Locally based our aim to make sure that our clients get the most out of their stay while in Catalonia. We can help arrange special day-trip itineraries and give suggestions of activities and things to see and do. We are here for you.

Banyoles lake and market

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The lake of Banyoles

Banyoles, a medium sized town close to Girona is famed for its lake. Scene of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic rowing events the lake serves as the central hub and focus of the town.

A view of Banyoles lake along a jetty
A view of Banyoles lake just after sunrise

With the increased popularity of triathlons, Banyoles is also becoming one of the main locations for triathlon training in Europe. The triathlon world cup is being held here in 2012. The town is also a popular training location for rowing teams from around Europe.

The Banyoles lake and market

However one does not need to be an Olympic rower or triathlete to enjoy the charms of the lake. At around 2 kms long and with a perimeter of just over  7 kms the lake makes for the perfect mid morning or afternoon stroll. It is also possible to hire canoes and bikes.

Banyoles lake
Sunrise over Banyoles lake

If you are planning a day trip to Banyoles a good idea would be to do this on a Wednesday when the weekly market is spread out between “Placa Major” and the large “Placa de Rodes” which is close to the lake. The market mainly consists of fruit and vegetables, cured meats and cheeses with many of the stalls offering local and organic products. The market starts early at around 08.00am and starts closing up around 13.00

Banyoles

Some recommended restaurants in Banyoles include;

Famed for its seafood Gils Banyoles restaurant is a popular lunchtime destination for locals. Located close to the lake.

La Magrana (The Pomegranate) is a small family run restaurant in the old quarter of the town offering a modern twist on traditional Catalan dishes using fresh seasonal produce.

Can Xabanet is another family ran restaurant located just between Placa de Rodes and the lake. Traditional flavorsome dishes in a friendly atmospheric setting.

Charming Villas Catalonia

At Charming villas Catalonia we offer our clients a varied selection of high standard Barcelona vacation rentals. From Barcelona beachfront apartments to large farmhouses close to Barcelona.

Locally based we offer a free concierge service to all of our clients. Our goal is to make sure that our clients make the most out of their time while in Catalonia. We can help plan fun day-trips to the Costa Brava and all kinds of activities and extra services. From tables at the number one restaurant in Spain, El Celler de Can Roca to dining on a pier with fishermen. Let us know how we can help plan the perfect vacation and we will do the rest.