If one thing is clear, it’s that summer is time for going for a dip. Relaxed plans with friends, family, children and couple by the water. Don’t you think so? No matter whether you prefer beach or mountain there are plenty of alternatives to cool off in Catalonia. 
In our article today, we will talk about the mountain; if you prefer the beach, you can check our articles on The best beaches of Barcelona or beaches near Barcelona.

And what water areas can you find on the mountain to cool off? Rivers, lakes and the legendary ‘gorgs’ . And you may wonder, what is a Gorg? In Spanish it is called poza or pileton, that is, river pool; in hydrology, it is a stretch of a river or a stream in which the depth of water is higher than average and the speed of water is much lower than average. Therefore, as you can imagine, it is the ideal place to go for a dip in addition to giving you a massage on your back taking advantage of the water pressure of waterfalls.
Want to know the ‘gorgs’ or waterfalls that you can’t miss this summer? Take note! And follow the link, in it, you will find the ideal route to get to enjoy and make the best of the way to your river pool through shaded hills and lush forests around the rivers.

  1. Riera de l’Anyet  (L’Anyet Riverside) (Cantallops, Alt Empordà) – (Picture).
  2. Salt del Fitó – (Fitó waterfall)(La Jonquera, Alt Empordà)
  3. Gorgs i font de la Farga (Maçanet de Cabrenys, Alt Empordà)

Gorgs de la Muga

  1. Gorgs de la Muga (Albanyà, Alt Empordà) – (Picture). 
  2. Sant Aniol d’Aguja (Sadernes, Garrotxa)
  3. Salt del Molí Fondo (Sant Joan les Fonts, Garrotxa)

Gorg de Can Batlle

    1. Gorg de Can Batlle (Santa Pau, Garrotxa) – (Picture).
    2. Salt del Cossí d’en Batlló (Setcases, Ripollès)
    3. Gorgs del Freser (Queralbs, Ripollès)
    4. Gorg de Santa Margarida (Les Planes d’Hostoles, Garrotxa).

Want more river pools? We recommend you this article from Nació Digital where they put together up to 50 river pools around Catalonia, so you have more to choose from. We’ve also made you our own selection. 
LAGO DE BANYOLES
Apart from boating or taking a swim, the lake of Bayoles is known for its beauty and the calm it instills. That’s why we recommend you go around the lake. It is one of the best known walks in the area, both by visitors and locals. It is a circular itinerary of 2 hours and low difficulty, signposted as route number 1.
More information.
LAKES OF COLOMER

Lagos de Colomer

The Route of the 7 Lakes at Circ de Colomèrs in the Aran Valley, is one of those wonders of nature that is worth visiting. This part of the Pyrenees within the Aran Valley in the Catalan Pyrenees deserves a stop along the way. And although it is not an easy route, it is considered to be the best of hiking trails.
More information.
SANT MAURICI LAKE
Estany de Sant Maurici, Pirineos

The Estany de Sant Maurici is located in the National Park of Aigüestortes. A national park is a natural and cultural heritage that must be respected and preserved so that future generations may also enjoy the landscape, geomorphology, flora and fauna. The best excursions to start out in getting to know the park are the Camí dels Enamorats (Lovers’ walk), the Rock of the Cremada, Lake Llong, the lake of Sant Maurici and Amitges. In the National Park you can observe glacial phenomena such as U-shaped valleys and natural lakes. The Park has a lot of shelters and other external services such as visitor reception centers.
More information.
If you look for further spots with lakes, we recommend you to have a look at this article.
And after all this water, take a rest! Come to Hostemplo to be even better than at home. We have rooms, suites and apartments with everything you need and beautiful views of the Sagrada Familia. So you know, we’re waiting for you, you’re at home! Remember that just by booking through our website we invite you to breakfast every day of your stay!