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Good news: the start of the season is just around the corner! Grandvalira Resorts has announced that the Andorran slopes will open from 1 December 2023 to 7 April 2024. If you don’t want to be run out on a rail, here you will find some tips for you to have all your ski equipment ready for the start of the season. This will help you get the most out of your snow holiday in Andorra from the very first minute 😉 Check your boards To get your skis and snowboard in good condition before you hit the slopes, it’s important to repair scratches and scuffs, polish the edges and check the bindings. You can do this on your own when it’s a simple tune-up. But if you detect a malfunction in the bindings, if you see that the boards are deeply scratched or if you don’t have experience in such tasks, the best thing to do is taking them to a specialised workshop. It is also recommended to do this once a year for a general overhaul of the equipment. Clean your boots Make sure your ski boots are clean. Simply wash them inside with water and neutral soap and then disinfect them. It’s best to leave them well stored and dry after the season is over so they don’t take on a bad shape during the summer months. Check the poles Once you’ve got your boards and boots checked over, keep an eye on your ski poles as well. Make sure the handle, strap and rosette are in good condition. If this is not the case, you can either replace the part or consider whether it is time to change them. Check your glasses On the one hand, check that the lenses are not scratched and that you have good visibility. On the other hand, check that the padding covering the glasses is still in good condition and that the strap is not worn. Test the condition of the clothes you are going to wear. This point is also very important. It may happen that from one season to the next, even if only 8 to 9 months have passed, an item of clothing may not fit or may need to be replaced. The best thing to do is to try everything on beforehand. The jacket, the ski trousers, the socks, the snow gloves, the thermal clothing and… All the clothes you are going to wear! This way you can check that everything is in optimum condition. And if not, you’ll have time to buy some of the ski equipment you need. Get a head start on winter. Start preparing all your ski equipment and book your holidays in the snow from 1 December at the Hotel del Tarter.

Do you know that Andorra also makes wine? Our small country has several wineries with their own vineyards, where they harvest the grapes and make their own wine. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover more about the country’s wine-making history and get a closer look at one of our local products that you can take back with you as a souvenir on your next getaway. But first, we’ll take you on a wine tourism tour in Andorra. Borda Sabaté We begin our wine tourism route in Andorra at Borda Sabaté. It is located in the parish of Sant Julià de Lòria at an altitude of 1190 metres. They produce two organic wines: a red wine called Torb with Cornalin, Merlot and Syrah varieties, and a white wine called Escol, made only from the Riesling variety. This winery has won several international wine awards. It offers tours of the vineyards and facilities with a tasting included, which begins with a 4×4 drive from the town of Sant Julià. It also has a restaurant where you can taste its wines paired with dishes that will bring out their flavours. Beal House This winery in Sant Julià shows the public its cellar, vineyards and the activities it carries out on the property, such as apiculture and the production of fruit trees and tobacco. Visitors will also be able to taste its top-of-the-range wine, Cim de Cel, made with Gewürztraminer, a variety that is not very sensitive to cold and which adapts well to the environment. This winery was the first to revive winemaking in Andorra and its wine has been awarded the Gran Or. Auvinyà House We continue our wine tourism route in Andorra at Casa Auvinyà. It has also been awarded international prizes. Its best-known wines are the white “Imagine vi de neu” and the red “Evolució”. Visits start in the property’s orchard and continue with a walk among the grape vines and vineyards. It ends in the fermentation room of the winery with a small tasting session. Wine tourism in Andorra In order to plan the tour properly, it is best to make a reservation in advance, as it is essential and the visits are for small groups. The country has two more wineries, “El Celler Mas Berenguer” in Sant Julià and “Casus Belli” with vineyards located between 1200 and 1300 m. above sea level, in the parish of Ordino, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This autumn don’t miss a unique visit to the vineyards of Andorra and complete your stay with a night in the hotel in Tarter.

Autumn is the ideal time for a tour of Andorra’s picturesque villages. You’ll love discovering the architecture and the colours of the nature that populates the mountains that surround these beautiful enclaves. Get in the car and we’ll guide you on this enchanting route! Art and nature A visit to Canillo is almost obligatory to get to know the culture and traditions of Andorra. And also for the views and the privileged natural surroundings. Here you will find the sanctuary dedicated to the patron saint of Andorra, Our Lady of Meritxell. A modern basilica built in 1976 by the architect Ricardo Bofill, which replaces the old church that was destroyed by fire in 1972. It has been restored and houses a permanent exhibition of photographs and historical objects related to the village and the Meritxell festival. Another interesting fact about the place is that it forms part of the Marian route along with Montserrat, Lourdes, El Pilar and Torreciudad. It became part of this route after Pope Francis granted it the title of minor basilica in 2014, being the only sanctuary in the country with this distinction. From May to October it is open to the public and free guided tours can be booked. Find out more here. A charming village Pal is one of Andorra’s pretty villages that blends into the mountains. It is located in the parish of La Massana, at an altitude of 1,550 metres in the middle of an impressive natural setting. When you visit it, you will feel as if time has stood still in its cobbled streets. Every corner is an opportunity to marvel at the typical architecture of the region, with its stone houses, slate roofs and wooden details that preserve the charm of typical mountain villages. In addition to its architectural beauty, Pal preserves one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the country. Both its interior and exterior retain elements from the 11th century and onwards. In summer most of the Romanesque churches offer free guided tours. Check the information here. A historic site The most striking feature of Les Bons, in the parish of Encamp, is its historic complex dating from the Middle Ages. It is made up of a 13th-century defence tower, two dovecotes, a water reservoir dug into the rock and a 12th-century Romanesque church. It contains reproductions of Romanesque paintings by the Master of Santa Coloma, although most of his works are now in the MNAC museum in Barcelona. But the most important thing is the location of this enclave. As it is a defensive construction, it is located above the village from where the whole valley can be controlled. Nowadays, it allows us to enjoy magnificent views. Pay attention: at the end of the village of Encamp you will see the historic building of Radio Andorra. These are some of the beautiful villages of Andorra, but there are many more. They share their traditional mountain architecture, but at the same time each one has its own charm. To discover them you will have to drive your own car and enjoy the freedom to make your own stops. But we provide the rest, in our mountain hotel in El Tarter, where peace and quiet are guaranteed. Book a room. And if you would like to know more charming villages in Andorra, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

On 28 August, Andorra will once again host a final stage of the Vuelta a España. The country will provide an exciting finish to the stage, where the riders will have to make an effort to reach the finish line in our mountains. We tell you all the details here. La Vuelta a España passes through Andorra This time the competition arrives relatively early and it will be the first contact that the cyclists will have with a mountain stage. The start is from Súria (Bages, Barcelona, Catalonia) and the finish line in Andorra will be in Arinsal, at an altitude of 1914m, after a total of 158.5 kilometres. La Vuelta will enter the Principality through the Spanish border, head to Canillo, pass through the Coll de Ordino, a first-class pass and where the stage will reach its highest point at 1980 metres above sea level. It will then descend through Ordino to La Massana and climb back up through Erts to the finish line. The finish, an unprecedented stage, will be in the Comallempe area in the Arinsal resort of Grandvalira Resorts. Day 4 will be on 29 August, starting from the Parc Central in Andorra la Vella, towards Tarragona. This will be a medium-mountain stage with a distance of 183.4 kilometres. La vuelta a España 2023 It starts on 21 August in the Olympic Port of Barcelona and finishes in Madrid on 17 September. It has a total of 21 stages, covers some 3,153 kilometres and will involve a total of 22 teams. In addition, it will cross its borders twice in Andorra and France. In the French Pyrenees it will climb the mythical Tourmalet, famous among Tour de France fans. Big names in cycling such as Remco Evenepoel, Geraint Thomas, Juan Ayuso, Enric Mas, and reigning Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard are expected to take part. If you want to witness one of cycling’s greatest events, make your reservation to sleep in El Tarter, close to where the world’s best cyclists will be riding.

Andorra is known for its impressive mountains and its incomparable natural environment. And there’s no better way to appreciate it than by walking its trails. But don’t worry, you don’t need a great deal of experience. On this occasion we suggest some easy and safe routes for hiking with children, so get ready for a day full of laughter, discovery and dreamlike landscapes! The potion of the witch Quela The first stop on our route for hiking with children in Andorra takes us to Escaldes-Engordany. The hike starts at the fountain circuit in Engolasters (before reaching the lake of the same name). This is an interactive trail designed for children aged 4 to 12, which takes them into the fantastic world of witches and legends of the Principality through activities and games in the heart of nature. This circuit is one of the Maraculla trails created especially for the youngest adventurers in the house. A guide is available in all the country’s tourist offices. We have told you about the Maraculla circuits in this article. The Ordino iron route This walk will take you on a journey through a period in Andorra’s history. The iron industry was one of the country’s economic engines between the 17th and 19th centuries. Along the route, which is approximately 4 kilometres long and lasts two hours, you will see different elements such as sculptures created with iron or the Ordino ironworks. The walk starts at the Llorts mine and ends at the church of Sant Marí de la Cortinada. We recommend that you book a visit to the mine where you will go 30 metres into the tunnels while listening to the guide’s explanations (visit only available in summer). Lake of Les Abelletes in Pas de la Casa This is an ideal hiking route to do with children in summer. It is classified as low difficulty and lasts one hour from the Coll dels Isards chairlift in Pas de la Casa. Almost the entire route runs along the river, so it is perfect for these hot days. It is a lake famous among fishermen who come to look for river trout and spring salmon. As it is located on the natural border with France, one part belongs to the neighbouring country and the other to Andorra. Hiking with children in Andorra is an activity that combines fun, nature and learning. The easy routes we have mentioned are just a sample of the many options available. So, if you’re looking for a fun family outing, don’t hesitate to venture into the mountains of Andorra. We provide the rest 😉 Check out the room options we offer for families here.

If you’re still wondering what to do in Andorra when you take your skis off, here’s a complete plan for the month of August. Andorra is an excellent option for your summer holidays, and if you’re travelling with your family, even more so! Choose from all the outdoor activities to spend the day in Grandvalira and finish it in the thermal waters of Caldea. Are you up for it? Read on: we’ll tell you all about it below. A day of activities in the heart of nature August’s plan starts at Mon(t) Magic in Canillo, Grandvalira Resorts’ adventure park for families. It’s relatively close to the hotel. So all you have to do is get in the car and drive 5 minutes to the Canillo cable car. Here are details of the park’s activities to give you an idea and make it easier for you to choose. – For the little ones at home There are proposals for children to have a great time, such as push bikes, a circuit for them to learn how to ride a bike, inflatables, mini-golf, archery or a pedal car circuit. And jumping activities such as the Bigairbag, the Acrojump and the trampolines. Some of these are exclusively for the little ones, while others are for parents to accompany them. – Water activities At Mon(t) Magic you will also find a lake where you can enjoy canoeing, scooters and canoes with the whole family. Or you can try out the “RedShark”: a bicycle on a surfboard, which is both original and fun! – Get your adrenaline pumping One of the most popular activities is the zip line that flies over the Forn lake. You can jump in tandem with your child, seated or in a horizontal position. Another activity not to be missed is the Magic Gliss slide, which also offers the possibility of enhancing the experience with virtual reality glasses. Finally, don’t miss the “QuickFlight”, a free-fall jump from a height of 7 metres. – Discovering nature In summer, hiking routes are a must, and at Grandvalira they are even more fun. Explore the environment with an interactive game that combines orienteering and an outdoor escape room (you’ll need your mobile phone to follow the clues). It’s an ideal activity for the whole family. On the other hand, we suggest you discover the magical beings hidden along the legendary paths of Mon(t) Magic. Without a doubt, a day of outdoor activities that will surprise both young and old alike. Ending up in the thermal waters of Caldea To put the finishing touch to a day full of emotions, you can’t leave without visiting the Caldea Thermoludic Spa. A spa suitable for families with children aged 5 and over who want to extend the fun. Although if you prefer, once you have finished with all the activities at Mon(t) Magic you can go to the hotel to rest and take advantage of the following day to go to Caldea, as the opening hours are very long (from 10 a.m. to midnight). You choose the experience you want to live! And if you come with younger children (between 3 and 4 years old) they can enjoy the exclusive Likids spa for children. Ask us when you make your reservation and we will inform you of all the options. The best rest after a day of adventures At the Hotel del Tarter you will find options for all types of families: from triple rooms to quadruple rooms and even family rooms for 5 people. Please note that to book quadruple and family rooms, you must do so by email at reserves@hoteldeltarter.com. You will love staying in a mountain hotel, surrounded by nature and in a relaxed family atmosphere. Our rooms have enough space for families to feel at home with comfortable beds to guarantee the necessary rest after a day of activities in Andorra. In addition, we also offer the possibility of having breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Book your room in Andorra and experience the best plan for August with the whole family.

If you are looking for a getaway to escape the heat and you are a nature and mountain lover: we have the perfect solution for you. Discover three emblematic peaks in Andorra that will undoubtedly put you to the test. Take note that you will need to be in good physical shape and have some mountain experience to reach the summit. For safety reasons, it is recommended to do the routes from the end of June to the end of September. Touch the roof of Andorra The first of these summits is Comapedrosa, at 2943 metres high. It is the highest mountain in the country, and therefore, we can already tell you that the climb is tough. It is classified as a difficult hike that can take about 8 hours. The peak is located in the Comapedrosa Valley Natural Park, in the northwest of the country in the parish of La Massana. The place is perfect to see alpine and subalpine species, such as the alpine violet and eagles. As you climb, the landscape changes and transforms, giving you forests, lakes and waterfalls – a spectacle for nature lovers! The views from the top are spectacular, you can see the whole valley of Arinsal. If you can’t make it to the top, the excursion that takes you through the Comapedrosa Natural Park to the refuge is a good way to spend a few hours enjoying nature and the open air, without being too demanding. Crown of Casamanya Another emblematic peak in the country is located between the parishes of Canillo and Ordino, at an altitude of 2746 metres. It is a moderate level hike and the start of the route is at the highest point of the Coll d’Ordino and Montaup roads. When you reach the summit you will be able to see the peaks of Estanyó and Serrera to the north, Alt del Griu to the southeast, Carroi to the southwest and Comapedrosa to the west. You may be able to spot a vulture or bearded vulture soaring through the skies above the peaks. This hike is shorter than the previous one and lasts approximately 4h30. The ascent of the Pic de la Serrera The last of the peaks is one of the 6 highest in Andorra and is located in Canillo, the same parish where the hotel is located. To start the route you will have to go to the Coma de Ransol road, past the village of the same name until you reach the Pic de la Serrera, a route classified as difficult. This route is also impressive for the extraordinary beauty of its mountain landscapes and for the large number of species of flora and fauna typically found in the Pyrenees. You will also be able to discover lakes of glacial origin, as well as the old mines in the Meners pass. The panoramic views from the summit are spectacular in all directions, over the peaks of Ariège and Andorra. These three are just some of the peaks you’ll discover in Andorra. However, if you dare to conquer them, you’ll be able to feel the heartbeat of the mountain and enjoy the freshness you crave in summer. You shouldn’t miss it!

Surprise yourself with all the activities that await you in Canillo this summer. Just a short distance from the hotel, you’ll find a host of proposals that you’ll love. Visit one of the longest Tibetan bridges in the world You will enjoy breathtaking views of La Vall del Riu. The Tibetan bridge, which opened last year, is suspended high in the mountains and has already become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. The walkway is designed to give the sensation of floating in mid-air, with nothing but the sky above your head and the mountain beneath your feet. This makes walking across the bridge a thrilling and unforgettable experience. But if you are afraid of heights, you may want to think twice before venturing across. At the end, you can still enjoy spectacular views if you combine your visit with the Roc del Quer viewpoint, located just a few metres from the Tibetan bridge (and another attraction not to be missed this summer). In this article we tell you everything you need to know about the Tibetan bridge in Canillo. Skating on an Olympic ice rink At the Palau de Gel in Canillo you can ice skate on an Olympic rink, an attraction open all year round. In summer, it’s an ideal way to escape the hottest hours of the day. But it’s not just skating: you can also enjoy driving go-karts on ice, an activity for young and old alike where you can have fun with friends and family. For water lovers, the Palau de Gel also has a swimming pool with a solarium open in summer. Touring the landscapes of the Incles Valley The Vall d’Incles is a natural area close to the hotel, where you can go on many excursions to lakes or peaks. Or if you prefer something lighter (but with dream views) follow the Obac path, from the beginning to the bottom of the valley. A practically flat walk of about 2 and a half kilometres that will not disappoint you and that you can do comfortably if you go with children. Playing golf on the highest green in Europe In summer you can play golf in Soldeu, on the highest course in Europe at an altitude of 2,250 metres, located in the Grandvalira resort. If you are a lover of this sport, you won’t be able to resist a visit to spend a few hours playing golf and enjoying the priceless views. To get there you have to go to Soldeu and take the 8-seater cable car. Discover the history of motorbikes Canillo is home to one of the most original museums in Andorra, where you can see authentic two-wheeled gems in excellent condition. It has more than 100 items that show the evolution of the motorbike from the end of the 19th century to the present day. A good place to lose yourself for a few hours and which you can also combine with the other attractions in Canillo. If you want more, follow our blog where we give you many more ideas for you to experience a very “top” summer with family and friends. Remember that this weekend we open and kick off the summer season with the festivities of San Juan. We are waiting for you!

The mountains of Andorra have some magical little creatures that you don’t see very often. But in the Menairons forest there are clues for us to find them. Do you dare to look for them?   The Menairons Forest in La Massana This is a very easy hiking route to be done with children together with their families. The Menairons Forest is located near the village of Pal, in the parish of La Massana. It is an outdoor family activity that allows children to interact with nature. Following the instructions in the guide booklet that you can obtain from the tourist offices, the kids will help the little goblins to carry out their tasks. The route can be done at any time of the year, but you should be prepared for the weather. The play elements and surprises along the way are made by local artists and craftsmen with nature-friendly materials. The “maraculla” itineraries These unique itineraries are short and easily accessible circular paths. They are designed so that the youngest members of the family can get into the world of hiking and get close to nature with their families. Along the way they will find games and educational elements for them to have fun and develop their imagination while learning to respect nature. Apart from the Menairons Forest, there are three other “macarulla” circuits: in Canillo, Encamp and Escaldes. As in the first family route described above, the pieces have been created by local artists and craftsmen using noble materials such as wood, stone and iron. The trails can be discovered with the help of guides available at the tourist offices. At the end you can download a diploma that certifies the children as “macarulla”. If you like hiking routes, Andorra offers a multitude of itineraries. From family routes such as the Menairons forest to itineraries that require a higher level. At the Hotel del Tarter we will be happy to help you plan a mountain excursion when you make your reservation.

Andorra has a wide range of cultural and sporting events in the open air for you to have fun and enjoy what you like best. We have selected for you the most important ones so that you can plan your getaway this summer. Outdoor sports If there is one thing that makes Andorra stand out, it is the large number of mountain-related competitions organised every summer. – The Andorra Multisport Festival Between the last weekend in June and the first weekend in July, this event is made up of 5 races, including foot races, mountain biking, road cycling and even an ironman. – The Skyrace Comapedrosa The Skyrace Comapedrosa is a high mountain footrace that is very popular with trail running enthusiasts, where participants climb the highest peak in the Principality: Comapedrosa. The 15th edition will be held on 22 July, starting from Arinsal (La Massana). – The Multisegur Volta als Ports of Andorra On 23 July the country’s oldest cycle touring race is held with 5 routes of different distances, starting from La Massana and finishing at the Parc Central in Andorra la Vella. – The Vallnord Mountain Bike World Cup One more year the Bike Park of Pal hosts a new edition of the UCI Mountain Bike Series. On this occasion, it will take place from 22 to 27 August. – La Vuelta a España On 28 August, one of the great road cycling competitions returns to Andorra, which will be the end of the third stage and the beginning of the fourth. What is guaranteed is that we will once again see the greatest riders climbing Andorra’s most emblematic mountain passes. You can consult the calendar of sporting events here. Nights are getting longer! Good temperatures and longer days invite you to go out, have an ice cream on a terrace or attend open-air concerts. Andorra also has a good range of events on offer. – Jazz Andorra Escaldes-Engordany From 29 June to 6 July Escaldes organises its annual jazz festival, with street performances, concerts and other activities with internationally renowned groups and soloists. – FESTA, the new Cirque du Soleil show In July the Canadian company will present a new show that you can only see in Andorra to celebrate 10 years of collaboration with the country. The acrobatics, rhythm and great scenery will make you relive the magic of Cirque du Soleil. – Nights at the museums In summer, Andorra’s museums organise very special tours, with dramatised visits, small concerts and themed routes. – Popular festivities Whenever you come, there’s sure to be a town or local celebration that you can join in. Start the season by celebrating the night of San Juan in Andorra and join in the tradition of going out into the streets to watch the fallaires burn and turn large wheels of fire (the fallas). In the end these fallas are used to light the bonfires that will burn during the shortest night of the year. If you still don’t know our traditions, this is the ideal occasion, as we open on the weekend of San Juan. Book your room here. And you know the best thing? You will sleep soundly, because we are in the Pyrenees where the nights are cooler and the temperatures are more pleasant.