Book a holiday home in Cornellà del Terri

What is Cornellà del Terri?

Cornellà del Terri is a quiet rural municipality in the Pla de l'Estany comarca, in Girona Province, Catalonia. Situated in the flat, fertile lowlands between the city of Girona and the volcanic uplands of La Garrotxa, it sits just five minutes from Banyoles — the lakeside town made internationally famous by the 1992 Barcelona Olympics rowing events. The village retains the unhurried pace of traditional rural Catalonia: a Romanesque church, stone farmhouses, and a landscape of fields, hedgerows, and woodland that changes colour through the seasons.

What makes Cornellà del Terri exceptional for visitors is its location. Within a 30-minute radius you have Banyoles Lake for water sports and cycling, the medieval walled town of Besalú, the city of Girona, and the volcanic natural park of La Garrotxa. It is a base that gives you access to an unusually rich range of landscapes and experiences — without any of the crowds or prices of the coast.

What to do in Cornellà del Terri and Pla de l'Estany

The area offers a compelling mix of lakeside activities, cycling, cultural heritage, and rural slow travel.

Banyoles Lake (5 min): The largest natural lake in Catalonia and one of the most beautiful in the Iberian Peninsula. The lake is fed by underground springs and maintains exceptional clarity throughout the year. Visitors can kayak, canoe, row, paddleboard, or simply cycle the well-maintained path that encircles the water. The lake hosted the rowing and canoe sprint events at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and its facilities remain world-class.

Cycling — Via Verde and lake circuit: The flat terrain around Banyoles and Cornellà del Terri makes this one of the best cycling areas in inland Catalonia. The circuit around Banyoles Lake is 6 kilometres of flat, smooth tarmac — ideal for families and relaxed riders. The wider network of quiet rural roads and greenway paths extends the options considerably for those who want longer rides.

Porqueres church: The 12th-century Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Porqueres stands directly on the shore of Banyoles Lake and is one of the most photographed buildings in Catalonia. The setting — church, lake, and surrounding hills — is particularly atmospheric at dawn and dusk.

Banyoles old town: The historic centre of Banyoles is compact and easily explored on foot. The Plaça Major, the covered market arcades, and the Darder Museum of Natural History (which includes the famous — and controversial — Banyoles Man exhibit) are among the highlights. The town also has a good selection of restaurants serving traditional Catalan cuisine.

Mirador del Puig de la Força: A hilltop viewpoint above the lake offering panoramic views across the Pla de l'Estany plain and, on clear days, as far as the Pyrenees and the coast. Accessible on foot or by car.

Rural gastronomy: The Pla de l'Estany is a productive agricultural area with strong food traditions. Local markets, farmhouse restaurants, and producers of charcuterie, cheese, and wine offer excellent opportunities for food-focused guests.

What to do in the surrounding area

Cornellà del Terri is exceptionally well connected and makes an ideal base for day trips across a wide arc of northeastern Catalonia.

Besalú (20 min): One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Catalonia, with a famous multi-arched Romanesque bridge over the River Fluvià, a Jewish heritage quarter (including a rare intact 12th-century mikveh), and a compact historic centre that has changed little since the Middle Ages. Besalú is one of the most visited historic sites in inland Catalonia and is highly recommended for a half-day visit.

Girona (20 min): A beautifully preserved medieval city with a walled old quarter, a Gothic cathedral, the famous Barri Vell, and a food scene that has attracted international attention. Girona is an easy half-day excursion and offers museums, galleries, markets, and excellent restaurants at every price point.

La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (30 min): The most complete volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula, with over 40 volcanic cones and lava flows accessible on a network of well-maintained trails. La Fageda d'en Jordà — the famous beech forest growing on an ancient lava field — is one of the most visited natural sites in Catalonia and is particularly spectacular in autumn.

Olot (30 min): The main town of La Garrotxa, with an excellent local food market, the Garrotxa Museum, and direct access to the volcanic park trails. The town is also known for its Modernista and Baroque architecture and is a pleasant base for exploring the wider region.

Costa Brava (45–55 min): The coves and beaches of the Costa Brava — Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu, and the wider Alt Empordà coast — are within an hour's drive, making a beach day a realistic option from Cornellà del Terri.

Rupit (40 min): One of the most dramatic medieval villages in Catalonia, perched on a rocky outcrop above a forested gorge, with hanging bridges, cobbled streets, and surrounding beech forests. A classic excursion from anywhere in the Girona hinterland.

Holiday rentals in Cornellà del Terri with Els Majordoms

Els Majordoms manages carefully selected holiday rentals in and around Cornellà del Terri and the Pla de l'Estany. Properties are chosen for their quality, character, and ability to place guests in the heart of the Catalan countryside — close to the lake, within easy reach of Girona, and a world away from the noise of the coast. Whether you are a family looking for cycling and lake days, a group of travellers exploring the medieval towns of inland Catalonia, or a couple seeking total rural peace, this corner of Girona Province consistently exceeds expectations.

Every stay includes:

Cleaning and linen: Your property is prepared to a professional standard before arrival. Beds are made, towels are provided, and the accommodation is inspected before every stay.

Flexible self check-in: Via a secure key safe, so you can arrive at any time without waiting for a handover.

Reception support: Our team is available by phone, email, or WhatsApp before and during your stay, reachable until 23:00 on arrival day.

Local knowledge: We can recommend cycling routes, lake activities, restaurants, local producers, seasonal events, and day trips suited to your group's interests and pace.

Best price when booking direct: Reserving through our website at reserva.elsmajordoms.com gives you the best available rate and the most flexible conditions.

Book your stay in Cornellà del Terri

Browse available dates and book directly at reserva.elsmajordoms.com. Booking direct gives you the best price, the most flexible conditions, and direct access to our reception team from the moment you confirm. We look forward to welcoming you to Cornellà del Terri and the Pla de l'Estany.