The long weekend in August is approaching and if you still don’t know what to do, here are a few ideas to make the most of it. Combine two activities that go hand in hand in Andorra: mountains and shopping.
Read on and discover three routes to do with the family and suggestions for shopping in Andorra.
Mountain hikes near the hotel
The Tarter hotel is very well located for hiking and enjoying places of great beauty. We suggest an excursion for each day of the long weekend of 15 August.
– Incles Valley
Very close, between El Tarter and Canillo, you have to visit the Vall d’Incles.
It is the starting point for many mountain routes, which can take you to the Cabana Sorda lake, the Siscaró lakes or the Juclà lakes. In order to preserve the valley, in summer, road access is not allowed. If you don’t want to go on foot, you will have to take a little train available from 10 am to 6 pm (you can buy a ticket at the information booth in the valley).
– Primer de Pessons Lake
Another excursion you will love is the one to the Pessons lakes. It starts at the Cubil car park in the Grau Roig sector of Grandvalira. Reaching the first lake is relatively easy and the climb takes an hour through a forest that will allow you to observe the local flora and fauna.
– Cóms de Jan cottage in Ransol
One last excursion that we recommend you do on foot is to the Cabana de Cóms de Jan hut at an altitude of 2215 metres. To start it, you will have to go by car to Coma de Ransol and from there follow the indications of the route, which is accessible and of medium level. It will take you about 1 hour to get there, and next to the refuge you will find a fountain to refresh yourself after the walk.
And remember, before hiking in the mountains, you should check the weather conditions and equip yourself properly.
Shopping in Andorra
Summer sales are on!
Sales start at the end of June and last until 5 September. You’ll find shops selling almost all products: clothing, perfumery and cosmetics, electronics, computers, car and motorbike accessories… everything you need, and at a much lower price because the equivalent of English VAT (IGI in Andorra) is much lower here (only 4.5%). In addition, for the long weekend of 15 August, the fashion shops are already starting to receive items for the new season, so you can discover the new trends at the best price.
Visit the main shopping areas of the capital and Escaldes-Engordany, the large supermarkets, shopping centres and outlets, or change of scenery and go up to Pas de la Casa for a day. In summer, most shops are usually open until 9 p.m., and between shops you can stop for a drink in a bar or café.