News

Did you know that Andorra is the country which has the higher ratio of museums per square meter after the Vatican? You can find many types. Those which explain the history of the country; those which are curious, such as the one of miniatures, perfumes, motorcycles or collecting; those dedicated to art, such as the Carmen Thyssen or Columba museum and many more. In Encamp, a few kilometers from the hotel, you will find two that are very interesting and entertaining. Do you come with us? The Casa Cristo ethnographic museum It is a different and very authentic experience since you will have the opportunity to walk through a traditional humble house and see what life was like once in the rural world. The house has barely undergone renovations. It has only been accommodated so that it can open its doors to the public with real objects and furniture from that time. An ideal experience if you go with children to show them how life was before technology arrival. In addition, it is located in a picturesque place: the old town of Encamp. The visit will have already been worth it just for the surroundings. The national automobile museum of Andorra If you are passionate about the motor world, here you can enjoy real jewels on wheels. In total you can see eighty vehicles, dating from 1855 to 1970. You will see car’s evolution over time to modernize and to adapt to the environment thanks to technological advances. As a curiosity, there is also a sample of bicycles – about 100 in total – and among them some really old ones. It is an ideal museum for car lovers but also for those who are not so. You can see authentic collector’s pieces, which can only seen on television. You’ll love it! But you will only find cars and bikes, since motorbikes have their own museum in Canillo, where you can also appreciate unique objects. After this journey through history, come back to the present and rest in our 3-star mountain hotel and have a good dinner in our restaurant. ?

In autumn, there is still much to do before the ski season begins. Break the routine and escape to Andorra for a weekend in October or November. Here you are some ideas to make the most of your time. Mountain and mushrooms Organize a trip to the mountains to collect mushrooms (only the ones you know!). It is a good way to exercise and discover new places. You will love this activity because you can also appreciate the beauty of the landscape and the colors of the season. Delight yourself with a good meal based on these tasty seasonal foods, rich in protein. You will find them cooked in many ways: combined with stews or grilled meat, in salads, with creams … It is best to do it in an overboard, a typical Andorran restaurant where you can also taste all the specialties of the country. Surely you love this plan! Shopping and chestnuts Combine the mountain excursion with a good shopping session through the different commercial areas throughout the country. Take advantage of these days to renew your ski or snow equipment and be ready when the snow season begins in December. When you get cold, stop for some chestnuts in the stalls that you will find distributed in the main streets of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes. You will get warm quickly! Caldea and thermal water But to get warm, nothing is better than a good bath in the hot springs of Caldea’s thermal lagoons. Take advantage of our offer with hotel and entrance, and enjoy three hours of fun with the whole family. Then, come back to the hotel and recover with a good night of restful sleep and the next morning starts the day with all the energy with a good full breakfast. Now you know how to get out of the fall routine and spend a weekend 10. What do you think of the plan?

If you think that after summer there is nothing to do in Andorra and you must wait for the first winter snowfall to ski… you are wrong! Autumn is the ideal time to discover the country from another perspective. So get in the car, we are on our way to Canillo. 1) El Roc del Quer: the most instagrameable place in Andorra. Do not forget to have a good breakfast before leaving the hotel as you will need energy for what we have prepared for you! On the way, it is worth stopping at the Moles waterfall, a spectacular waterfall at the foot of the road that also catches us down. When you finish photographing it from all possible angles, return to the car and head towards Canillo. After the Palau de Gel, you will find the Montaup road that leads to the Coll de Ordino and through which you will reach the “Roc del Quer”. A unique viewpoint that invites you to admire stunning views from its 20-meter walkway. Take note that 12 are suspended in the air! At the end you will find “The Thinker” sculpture and behind you the Casamanya peak, crowning the Montaup’s valley. Without a doubt, this corner will not leave you indifferent due to its beauty and the curiosities you will discover. 2) The Sanctuary of Meritxell: an architectural jewel of the country This is another of the visits that you cannot miss in Canillo and that you have to visit, at least once. This religious building is dedicated to Our Lady of Meritxell, the patron saint of Andorra. It was the work of the architect Ricardo Bofill in the 70s and it contrasts totally with the other churches of the country, from the architectural and style point of view. The Sanctuary of Meritxell was born with the reconstruction of the old Romanesque church, which was demolished in a fire. You can see a photo exhibition that tells the story and a sample of reproductions of churches of the country at a small size. Afterwards, it is a good time to stop to eat. Do it overboard and delight yourself with a good stew of meat and mushrooms ideal this season. 3) Sant Joan de Caselles: a representation of the Andorran Romanesque It is located on the way back to the hotel, just outside Canillo. It is a Romanesque church, the artistic style that predominates in the country. Apart from being one of the most beautiful in the Principality, it is located in a perfect natural enclave where you will have some beautiful photos with the background landscape. At any time of the year it is a good post for your instagram feed. If you want more, visit the motorcycle museum where you will see unique vehicles from the early twentieth century and that is right next to the church. You will enjoy this tour from the moment you get in the car and see the amazing landscape and nature parade from your window. And if you get lost … nothing happens because surely you discover some other hidden corner ? Do you like the plan? Do not wait any longer and book now.

In autumn there are also good reasons to plan a trip to Andorra. Take the opportunity to learn about new fashion trends, taste a stew of meat with seasonal mushrooms or discover new places. A good option is to make a little known route, through the town of Santa Coloma and its surroundings. A picturesque town that belongs to the parish of Andorra la Vella and is located on the outskirts. Keep reading and discover everything you’ll find on this itinerary. First stop: one of the cultural novelties of the country We will start in the relatively new Columba space, which was inaugurated last spring. The highlights you will see are the original paintings that were once located in the apse of the parish church of Santa Coloma and that were torn off in the 1930s. After a long journey, they have finally returned to Andorra and since only a few months can be visited in this space. So you will be among the first to admire them and know their history ?. The exhibition is completed with liturgical and Romanesque pieces from other churches in the country located in this space for conservation reasons. Next: art combined with new technologies After visiting the museum, you cannot miss the visit to the church. Santa Coloma is one of the oldest Romanesque chapels in the country, built between the 8th and 9th centuries. It is one of the few with the round bell tower and has one of the best-preserved baroque altarpieces in the country. Currently, you can enjoy a video mapping projection in which the twelfth century wall paintings are recreated, those ripped out in 1933 and that you have seen in the Columba space. Do not miss the projection; it is unique in the Principality! Discover the old town and have a break to lunch When you leave the church, take a walk through the old town, to see closely the typical Andorran architecture (stone and wood), and walk through its cobbled streets. Then stop to eat something. In Andorra they are many restaurants, and you will not have to walk much to savor the typical cuisine of the country, a la carte dishes or daily menu. Take the time to recover to resume the itinerary. Finish the route from a privileged point Now you have to go up to the medieval complex of San Vicenç de Enclar, where we will find one of the strategic points from where the entrance to the valley was controlled. It can only be reached on foot. You will have to walk about 30 minutes, among a little vegetation, but it is worth it for the magnificent views over the town of Santa Coloma. You will find the church of Sant Vicenç de Enclar, also one of the oldest in Andorra, restored in eighties, and the ruins of a fortification that did not see its construction finished. And after visiting all these places, nothing better than returning to the hotel for dinner and enjoying a restful night. Are you coming?

This summer, visit one of the natural treasures of Andorra: the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. It is a protected geographical area, occupying a fifth of the country’s territory, located between the parishes of Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra la Vella and Sant Juilà de Lòria. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site since July 1, 2004 in the category of cultural goods. It is a very rich natural territory that you have to visit at least once in your life. What to do in the Madriu Valley The most frequent access point is on the way to Engolasters, where you can arrive by car from Escaldes. But he’s not the only one. There are other starting points to follow endless hiking routes adapted to all levels: easy, moderate or difficult. You can climb mountains, make circular routes through the lakes and crown some of the most famous peaks in the country such as the Pic de Pessons. Or go through one of the 3 major roads the GR11, GR7 and GRP that pass through it. You can also practice climbing, in different areas and via ferrata. It is the ideal place to start but also for the more experienced climbers who can practice sport climbing and more difficult climbs. With prior reservation you can hire horseback excursions with a diploma guide. What to see in the Madriu Valley You will come across natural landscapes that are well preserved and cared for, with abundant vegetation and native fauna. The lowest point is 1056 meters and the highest is 2,905 meters, so there is a wide variety of terrains, vegetation and microclimates due to its large area and the 1,900 meters of altitude difference. Along the way you will also cross over traditional houses, shepherd’s cabins and dry stone walls… the footprint left by man in these lands. In addition, throughout the valley you will find signs that will help you situate yourself and interpret the environment. And also panoramic viewpoints, most natural, where to stop and admire the views. To discover this valley with more depth there is a website with information to the visitor: http://www.madriu-perafita-claror.ad/es/turismo-en-el-valle/informacion -util / el-portal-de-la-vall /. So choose the activity you want to do, equip yourself with the necessary and have a complete breakfast before leaving the hotel. ?

Andorra is the ideal setting for major sporting events related to the mountain. Both in summer and winter the show is guaranteed. After vibrating with the alpine Ski World Cup finals in March, now it’s time to take the road bike to live closely La Vuelta a España. On September 1st we will have the opportunity to live a whole new stage of La Vuelta 2019 in the country of the Pyrenees. The stage It will be once again an intense stage, quite similar to the 2018 edition but shorter: 96 km instead of 105 km last year. Bikers will have to climb five mountain passes leaving from the town of Escaldes-Engordany until reaching Encamp. One of the toughest and second highest in the country is the Coll de Ordino listed as first class port at 1,980 m. The Coll de la Gallina, first class, reaches 1,905 meters. Then they will cross the hills of Comella, Engolasters and Els Cortals, where they will finally cross the finish line. They will tgo along the vast majority of the country’s geography, going through almost all parishes. The Stratto: the novelty The most outstanding novelty of this year, and that appears for the first time in the history of La Vuelta, is that there will be a section of the race that will riden on a flat gravel track, instead of the asphalt of the road. To make it more exciting, it will be in the last part of the stage. Called stratto, it will last four kilometers, from Engolasters Lake to Els Cortals. To enjoy La Vuelta, the ideal place is El Tarter hotel, where you will benefit of a good situation a few kilometers from the finish line, good temperatures to avoid the heat and very comfortable places to rest after a day of emotions. What are you waiting for to make your reservation?

Bike lovers are lucky since Andorra offers many possibilities for cycling. The country has a good number of cycle routes (ideal to enjoy the road bike), places where to practice the BTT and without forgetting the proposals for electric bikes which this year have entered with force. In addition, you can attend a lot of competitions and events throughout the summer, such as the Purito Andorra cycling tour. Do not miss the Purito Andorra 2019 Highly expected and international in scope, as it welcomes participants from 16 countries. It has 3 options of 145 km, 80 km and 28 km, with 5,200 m, 3,500 m and 1,700 meters of positive unevenness respectively. The 3 distances will leave from Sant Julià de Lòria and arrive at Els Cortals de Encamp on Sunday, August the 4th at 8 o’clock in the morning. The 3 routes will pass through three important ports that are familiar to tests such as La Vuelta: the Coll de la Gallina, the Rabassa or Alt de la Comella (however, the third has a route with fewer ports). To participate, you must be over 18 years old, although in the shortest route you can take part after 13 years old. Each year a different cyclist is honored and this is one the turn of Perico Delgado winner of a Tour de France and 2 editions of La Vuelta a España. This edition, the fifth one, is very special and we want to reward runners who have participated in all the marches with a special mallot and if they are also finishers they will be received on arrival with a corridor. In order to round off this total bike weekend, on Saturday the Purito Kids will be held in its 3rd edition, in Encamp and the Bicycle Fair in Sant Julià. Practice mountain biking in the best mountain landscapes If you like mountain bike more than road bike, you will also find your place in the Andorran mountains. Or if you prefer, you can train at the Vallnord Bike Park in La Massana. Ideal for fans of this discipline with 40 kilometers of terrain and 1000 meters of unevenness. It has 29 circuits of different levels that cover all the disciplines of the MBT: from the descent to the Cross County, the Four Cross and one of electric bikes. It also includes a practice area, an area for children and 1 pump track. You will also find rental shops, parking areas and bike maintenance. In August you have one more incentive to visit Andorra. Do not forget to make the room reservation and come to fully enjoy the bike.

Grandvalira is not only a ski resort to enjoy in winter. In summer it also offers a lot of activities for the whole family right in the middle of nature. In addition every year they add novelties to complete their leisure offer. Beekeeping: the novelty of this summer EOn June 22nd, the summer season began at Mon (t) Magic Family Park in Canillo and it will last until September 15th. They are offering multi-adventure attractions in the open air and more didactic activities to approach the knowledge of nature and the environment. Like beekeeping, the novelty of this season. Along with the experienced beekeepers of Grandvalira, there will be outings through the beehives to learn about their habitat and how honey is produced. It is an excursion of an hour and a half in the area of Forn de Canillo, ideal to become aware of the important role that bees play in nature and the environment. A 40-minute tour of the fauna and flora of the area can be combined perfectly with the Fortunatura activity. The Magic Gliss: the other great novelty of the season Released last winter, it will make you slide up to 40 km. / hour, by a descent of 555 meters (after climbing 180 meters in the wagon). Will you dare? It is suitable for both young and old. In the Family Park you will find much more: as the second longest zip line in the Pyrenees that overflies Forn Lake. Pedal boats and canoes to navigate the lake, children’s playground for the little ones, tubbing, arapahoe (skateboards pulled by dogs), electric car circuit, among others … When you get tired you can make a break to eat in the restaurant or take something on the terrace. To access you only have to go to the center of Canillo and take the cable car that will leave you in the same park. Tall golf and 4×4 routes In Grandvalira you can also play golf from June 29th to September 29th. In addition, you will enjoy the landscape and the stunning view as the field is 2,250 meters high, being the highest in Europe. It is accessed exclusively by cable car, from Soldeu. To finish, do not miss out on the excursions and routes with 4×4 vehicles departing from the Funicamp in Encamp, starting in July. You can buy tickets and passes for these activities from the hotel at the time of making your reservation or upon your arrival. Do not hesitate to contact us for any advice.

We know you like to come to Andorra in summer to enjoy the wide range of activities in the country. That is why, we want to present to you one proposal in Caldea that you cannot miss. Caldea at night: in August, enjoy nightly shows As usual, Caldea surprises with a new show every year that can only be seen on specific calendar dates. In August, do not miss one of these appointments, and enjoy Aküa. Released last Christmas, it is a live music show, dance and acrobatics combined with games of light and water jets. On this occasion, Javi Lin – one of the finalists of the 2016 edition of the famous Spanish Tele5 TV program, Got Talent Spain – will delight us with the sounds of his electronic violin with which he will cover familiar songs. Those in charge of the dance performance will be the Iron Skulls Co, 7 dancers that will brighten the summer nights with their impressive dance and pirouette passes. Write down the information of interest, so you do not miss anything! You can enjoy the show, every day from August the 3rd to the 24th, at 21.40 h, in the indoor lagoon of the Caldea thermal spa. You can choose among several admission tickets, so you can select the one that best suits you: The 3-hour night in the Thermoludic, which is ideal if you come with children over 5 years or with the idea of continuing to have fun in the hot springs. The 2-hour night with dinner at the Mediterranean or aquatic restaurant. Or the 4 hours night at Inúu, the space for adults only, ideal if you want a moment to relax. Attending the thermal spa during its last opening will be the icing on the cake of a spectacular day in Andorra. Now you have one more incentive to visit us in summer. Do not hesitate and make your reservation here.

The best MTB riders in the world meet once again at the Vallnord BikePark La Massana from July 2nd to 7th, with 3 qualifying races for the MTB World Cup. Keep reading and do not miss any of this great sporting event in its seventh edition in Andorra. Mtb-world-cup-andorra The Bikepark is located in the ski resort of Vallnord in Pal and Arinsal tracks, located in the parish of La Massana. From June to September, it is transformed to host outdoor adventure activities such as karting, zip-line and BTT descent among others, in the Mountain Park and Pal’s Bike Park. This is where the finals of the 3 races that are part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will take place. It will offer visitors 29 circuits, 21 of which are downhill, 2 are enduro, 4 are cross-country, 1 is for electric bicycles and 1 for four cross. There is also 1 kids bike park for the little ones to start with mountain bike accompanied by their parents and mothers. It has a total of 40 km. dedicated exclusively to mountain biking and a drop of 1,000 meters. Schedule of the 3 competitions: The downhill (DHI) is a 2.5 km race. The first qualifying round will take place on Friday, July the 5th from 12.15 pm to 2:00 pm, with departures in 15-minute slots by category. The finals will be on Saturday at 9.45 am, for the Junior category and at 12.30 pm for the Elite category. In addition you can also watch them training, from Thursday to Saturday. The cross-country (XCO) final, with 3.8 km of ride, will take place on Sunday July the 7th from 8.30 h and the training phases from Thursday at 12 h, and Friday and Saturday from 9.30 h . Both training and short-track (XCC) tests will be on Friday, July the 5th from 15.45. In this case the track is only 1.1 km. In this race, with a limited time, only the best bikers of the XCO discipline can participate, so do not miss it! Do not let people explain it to you and live the emotions of this big sporting events by yourself. Make your reservation here!