Top 6 Lakes around Calldetenes

The most notable historical feature is the Church of Sant Romà de Sau (Submerged Bell Tower) at the Sau Reservoir. This 11th-century church is recognized as the world's oldest standing church in water, with its bell tower often visible when water levels are low. During prolonged droughts, the entire submerged village of Sant Romà de Sau can become exposed.

Yes, the region offers spectacular panoramic views. A must-see is the View of the Cingles de Tavertet from Sau Reservoir, which provides sweeping vistas of the reservoir and the impressive cliffs that frame it. Another great spot is the Sau Dam, offering expansive views of the turquoise reservoir.

The area around the reservoirs is popular for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and gravel biking. For example, you can explore routes like 'View of Sau Reservoir – Sau Reservoir loop from Folgueroles' for cycling, or 'Route of the Mills – Park of the Seven Fountains loop from Calldetenes' for running. Discover more options in the Cycling around Calldetenes, Running Trails around Calldetenes, and Gravel biking around Calldetenes guides.

Yes, the area offers family-friendly spots. Playa de la Rovira at the Sau Reservoir is a beach area that is considered family-friendly, offering fantastic views of the surrounding cliffs. The natural environment around the reservoirs is generally suitable for families to enjoy walks and picnics.

The reservoirs are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with lush greenery or vibrant fall colors. Summer is ideal for water-based activities, though it can be warmer. Winter provides a different, often serene, landscape, and lower water levels might reveal more of the submerged church.

While the reservoirs are primarily for water supply, areas like Playa de la Rovira at Sau Reservoir offer accessible shorelines where visitors can enjoy the water. It's advisable to check local regulations and water quality before swimming.

Parking is generally available at key access points and viewpoints around the Sau Reservoir, such as near the dam or popular hiking trailheads. Specific parking information for each highlight or trail can often be found in detailed route descriptions on komoot.

The region is characterized by a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, lush forests, and the expansive, turquoise waters of the reservoirs. You'll encounter impressive geological formations like the Cingles de Tavertet, offering a blend of natural beauty and the unique sight of the artificial lakes fed by the Ter River.

Yes, the area provides various circular walking routes. While a full circular walk directly around the entire Sau Reservoir might be extensive, many trails offer loops that provide different perspectives of the lake and its surroundings. You can find specific routes in the komoot guides for hiking and running in the region.

Both Sau and Susqueda are significant reservoirs fed by the Ter River, forming a system of three reservoirs. Sau Reservoir is particularly famous for the submerged Church of Sant Romà de Sau and its dramatic cliffside views from Tavertet. Susqueda Reservoir also offers expansive views and scenic routes, but lacks the unique visible historical structure of Sau.

While direct amenities on the immediate shorelines might be limited, the surrounding villages and towns, such as Vilanova de Sau or Tavertet, offer cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options where you can find refreshments and meals after exploring the lakes.

The Sau Dam is a significant man-made monument and a key part of the Ter River's hydraulic infrastructure. It offers sweeping views of the turquoise reservoir and the surrounding natural landscape. It's also a great spot to appreciate the scale of the reservoir and the engineering behind it.

Yes, Playa de la Rovira at the Sau Reservoir is a notable beach area with accessible shorelines. It provides a spot to relax by the water and enjoy views of the spectacular cliffs that encircle the reservoir.