Limitless running and a pleasant stay: La Carpa Apartments

Banyoles works exceptionally well if you want to spend a few days focused on running or triathlon. Everything is close: the lake sits at the centre, some of the best running routes start and finish there, and at La Carpa Apartments, a good recovery is a certainty.

Early in the day, the Estany de Banyoles is at its best. A full loop around it is just over 7 kilometers, flat and mostly gravel, and easy to repeat without it getting dull. There are no crossings to break your stride, and the surface stays consistent all the way around. Some people jog, others train more seriously, but everyone moves at their own pace and it never feels crowded.

La Carpa is right by the water, so starting a run takes no effort. You step outside and you’re already on the path. Inside, the apartment is well-equipped and comfortable, with good beds and a kitchen that covers what you need without fuss. It’s the kind of place where you settle in quickly and don’t think about it again.

There’s also a gym in the building, which turns out to be useful. It is complete and has enough for strength work, stretching, or a short session on days when you don’t feel like going far. It fits naturally into the routine here, especially if you’re combining running with some basic strength work.

Downstairs, the restaurant makes things even easier. After a run, you can sit down without having to go anywhere else, whether it’s for a proper meal or just something light. The terrace looks out towards the lake, and that tends to be where people end up, especially later in the day.

We head out just after sunrise. The first loop stays close to the lake, then we move beyond it, following gravel paths that lead up to the Pla de Martís. Views are impeccable up here, while there is little elevation, and the gravel stretches are therefore ideal for longer runs. They go on for miles, with no traffic and no interruptions, so you can hold a steady pace without thinking about it. If you want distance, this is where you find it.

Running to the opposite side from La Carpa, towards Rocacorba, the landscape starts to shift. The flat surroundings give way to gentle hills, and eventually to the edge of La Garrotxa. It’s not a sudden change, more something you notice gradually as the ground rises and the paths narrow. You can keep it easy or let it turn into something more demanding, depending on how far you go.

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Back in town, the lake plays another role. It’s a regular training spot for the local triathlon scene, with swimmers in the water most mornings. The Club Natació Banyoles is based here, and you can see how the place lends itself to that mix of sports. Running laps around the lake, then getting into the water: there is a reason why Banyoles is attracting many (professional) triathletes all year long.

Later, back at the apartment, things slow down again. From the terrace, the lake looks calm, almost still, and it’s easy to forget how much ground you’ve covered in just a few hours. Days here fall into a simple pattern without much effort: go out, move, come back, eat, rest. And then we haven’t mentioned the city center of Banyoles yet, that has anything else you need for a pleasant stay at La Carpa Apartments.