The regulation of access to pantano de Sau has successfully concluded its season, having served 9,000 visitors without experiencing any episodes of overcrowding. The pre-booking system for entering the recreational area has facilitated the management of 3,771 cars and 283 motorcycles between March and November.
After six campaigns since its implementation, the regulation has established itself as an effective tool for balancing the conservation of the natural space with public use. The Consortium of the Natural Space of Guilleries-Savassona has completed the sixth campaign of regulated motorised access to the recreational area of pantano de Sau. The system, which operates on a pre-booking basis for parking, was in effect on weekends and public holidays from 7 March to 1 November, as well as continuously during the week of 10 to 16 August.
During this period, the information staff of the Natural Space attended to nearly 9,000 people, approximately 1,000 fewer than the previous season, combining access regulation tasks with environmental advice and visitor assistance. Over the 83 days of service, the campaign proceeded without incident, and no full occupancy of the parking area was recorded.
Most of the time, the system operated under basic conditions, with one information officer present in the recreational area, except for the three central days of Holy Week, when a second officer was added to enhance service. According to the operational managers, various contextual factors may explain the decrease in visitors. Notably, the summer of 2026 was the warmest recorded in Catalonia, particularly affecting the Vic plain, which may have influenced attendance. Additionally, the good water levels in the reservoir, replenished by winter rains, have diminished the interest generated by previous drought episodes.
The regulation aims to align public use with the capacity of the space, preserving its natural and cultural values, ensuring visitor safety, and promoting harmonious coexistence among all users. The system includes mandatory reservations for motorised vehicles, specific access regulations, informative signage, and a visitor guidance service. The access fee remains at €5 for cars, including reserved spaces for individuals with reduced mobility, and €2 for motorcycles. The parking area has 70 spaces for vehicles, 10 for motorcycles, and 2 adapted spaces. The revenue generated is entirely allocated to cover part of the costs for environmental staff and services offered in the recreational area, as well as to fund maintenance, improvement, and conservation efforts for this protected natural space.
Six campaigns after its launch, the regulation of access to pantano de Sau has proven to be an effective means of managing visits to this emblematic site of Guilleries-Savassona.
Renovated information centre enhances visitor experience
This season has also been marked by the renovation of the Information Centre in Vilanova de Sau, located within the recreational area of the reservoir. Completed in February, the works have allowed for a reconfiguration of the interior spaces and an improvement of the exterior environment to adapt the facilities to current visitor reception and information needs. This centre serves as one of the main points for receiving visitors to the Natural Space.
During 2026, it is estimated that around 2,500 people have visited the centre. According to the management team, the renovation has improved visitor assistance, particularly for those arriving with limited information about the natural space, enabling them to receive personalised advice, educational materials, and recommendations for lesser-known routes and sites. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” and number 15, “Life on Land.” The 17 SDGs were proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015 and are part of the global agenda for 2030. The Diputació de Barcelona is committed to fulfilling these goals and supports local governments in the province in accordance with the SDGs.
