Llac de Can Codorniu

Llac de Can Codorniu is a small reservoir north of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, in the heart of Catalonia's Alt Penedès region, an area best known for producing cava.

Where does this lake come from?

The lake isn't natural in origin, even though it looks the part today. It was created in the early 20th century, around 1906, as a retention dam built by damming the Can Ferrer del Mas stream, using clay materials typical of the water-management structures of that era in this part of Catalonia. Over the following century, the surrounding land gradually renaturalized: reeds and aquatic vegetation took hold along the banks, and the reservoir itself became a habitat for local wildlife. Today it covers roughly 5.25 hectares, making it one of the larger bodies of water in the area.

What will you see there?

The main draw is the contrast between the still water and the vineyard landscape around it - the lake sits within the grounds of the Raventós i Blanc estate, one of the region's well-known cava producers. Reeds along the shoreline, rows of vines in the background, and the quiet surface of the water give the spot a distinctly rural, semi-wild character that's unusual to find so close to a town.

Because of its ecological value, the lake and its immediate surroundings have been included in the Generalitat de Catalunya's inventory of Wetland Zones. In practice, this means the reservoir functions as an important habitat for waterfowl and other species tied to wetland environments, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in birdwatching near Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.

How do you get there?

Llac de Can Codorniu lies north of the town centre, surrounded by the farmland and vineyards typical of Alt Penedès. Walking and cycling trails run through the area, used by both locals and visitors - the lake is a popular destination for family walks and bike rides that combine a loop around the water with nearby vineyards and cava cellars. Sant Sadurní d'Anoia itself is within easy reach of Barcelona, making the lake a convenient addition to a day built around cava tasting in the region.

When should you visit?

Given the setting - a calm reservoir framed by greenery - spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the vegetation along the banks is at its lushest and conditions for walking or birdwatching are most comfortable. Summers here can get hot and less pleasant for longer walks, though the view over the water and surrounding vines remains appealing year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Llac de Can Codorniu a natural lake? Not originally - it's an artificial reservoir created in the early 1900s by damming the Can Ferrer del Mas stream. Over time the area has renaturalized and now looks and functions much like a natural lake.

Can you swim in the lake? The available sources don't mention swimming as an activity here. The site is valued mainly for its landscape and ecological role as a protected wetland area, not as a swimming spot.

What's near the lake? The reservoir sits on the grounds of the Raventós i Blanc estate, surrounded by the vineyards characteristic of the Alt Penedès cava-producing region.

Is it accessible by bike? Yes, walking and cycling trails connect the lake area with the centre of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia and the surrounding vineyards.