nature in andorra

The start of spring invites you to take mountain routes and excursions. Some are more accessible, and others require a certain level of difficulty, like the circular route in Canillo that we told you about in our last post. But this time, we bring you an easy and entertaining route that’s perfect for families, the Camí del Gall, which will delight both young and old alike. The Camí del Gall in Canillo It’s an easy-level route with little elevation that passes through different terrains, such as forests, meadows, and bridges. It’s perfect for families with children, as it’s well-marked with signs that explain the points along the way. It starts near the Canillo cable car at 1535 meters and goes up to Soldeu at 1830 meters of altitude. It’s a 7-kilometer route with 285 meters of elevation gain. This mountain trail is named after the native capercaillie of these Pyrenean regions. In fact, the signs are accompanied by a red rooster that will guide you and ensure that you’re on the right path. 😉 Panoramic Views As we said, it’s an easy excursion to do with your family, and it’s well-marked. It’s ideal to reserve a morning or an afternoon for it. The first stop on the trail is a small natural viewpoint with views of the Bordas del Vilar and the Seig river. Continuing on, you’ll find a bridge that crosses the river and another viewpoint to see the waterfall in the Vall del Riu. 500 meters away is the Mandurana forest and another set of Bordas (these are typical mountain houses in Andorra and the Pyrenees). From here, you’ll have to climb up to the area known as Las Marradas, where there’s a dry stone wall and a small Tibetan bridge. After reaching the Ransol dam, you’ll need to zigzag up the Tarter ski slopes until you reach a picnic area. It’s a well-deserved moment to stop and have a snack. Once you’ve recharged your energy, it’s time to climb and cross the Avetar river and the Collart bridge that crosses the Valira de Orient river. Finally, you’ll arrive in the village of Soldeu. The bus stop to return to the hotel is 200 meters from the end of the route, and buses usually run every hour. Flora and Fauna on the Camí del Gall The signs also mark the different species of flora and fauna along the route. Mainly, the forests and meadows are composed of red pine, rhododendrons, bearberry, chicory, or blue buttons. The animals that are part of this environment are usually foxes, squirrels, crows, or as we said before, the capercaillie that gives its name to the trail. You’ll likely see signs of their presence, but it’ll be very difficult to spot them during the hike. Family hiking in spring and summer It’s an ideal excursion to do in spring when the thaw arrives and all the vegetation and nature start to bloom after winter. But you can also reserve it in the months when the heat is more intense, as it passes through many points inside the forest and areas where there’s more shade that are cooler. Although it’s an easy route and close to the hotel, we recommend that you go well-equipped with good footwear and that you bring water and something to eat. We’ll provide you with comfort and rest after this wonderful circuit. You can now book your summer vacation room on our website.

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. For water lovers, the Palau de Gel also has a swimming pool with a solarium open in summer. Water fun in Canillo with Splash An activity that both kids and adults love! At the Palau de Gel swimming pool, you can enjoy the Splash activity, a 1-hour experience on water slides located in Canillo. The facility features 3 slides set at 7 meters high, with a 53-meter run, designed to offer fun and adrenaline in the pool. 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. Book your hotel in El Tarter 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 we open on July 10 and kick off the summer season. We’re waiting for you!

One of the top activities in Andorra when the winter season ends is, without a doubt, hiking in Andorra. With the arrival of warmer weather, the mountains transform into the perfect setting to enjoy nature, fresh air and unique landscapes. In addition, it is an activity you can practice with complete safety, as mountain trails are perfectly marked and signposted. Whether you are a beginner or traveling with family, you will find routes adapted to all levels, many of them available in trekking guides in paper or digital format. An easy route to do with the family: El Camí del Gall If you stay at Hotel del Tarter, at the foot of Grandvalira, you have access to some of the best hiking routes in Andorra without the need for long journeys. This privileged location allows you to combine comfort and nature, enjoying high mountain landscapes just minutes from your accommodation. Whether you are planning an active getaway or a family holiday, being close to Grandvalira is a great advantage for discovering routes adapted to all levels.One of the most recommended is El Camí del Gall, a simple route of approximately two hours that stands out for its accessibility and charm. It is ideal for those looking for a relaxed experience, without the need for great physical preparation, while still enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. In fact, it is a perfect option for family hiking in Andorra, as even the youngest can complete the route without difficulty. A red rooster shows you the way To make the most of this route, it is best to start in Soldeu and finish in Canillo. This way, the elevation gain is practically non-existent or even downhill, making the walk even easier. From the hotel, you can take a bus that will comfortably take you to Soldeu, the starting point of the route. The path begins next to the village’s riding center and is perfectly marked with red rooster-shaped paint signs, making it very easy to follow. This detail turns the route into an entertaining experience, especially for children, who can look for the signs along the way. Suspension bridges and stone steps Along El Camí del Gall, you will discover that hiking in Andorra is much more than just walking. The route is full of small surprises that make the experience even more special: wooden suspension bridges crossing streams, stone-carved steps and even a small tunnel. You will also find several information points where you can learn more about the flora, fauna and characteristics of the natural environment. These spaces are ideal for taking a break, resting and connecting with nature. Without a doubt, it is one of the most complete routes for those looking for a simple yet enriching experience near a hotel in Grandvalira. A mountain route with postcard views Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone, because the views along this route are spectacular. The landscape combines forests, mountains and traditional buildings that look like something out of a postcard. During the route, you can admire emblematic places such as the bordas of Vilar, the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles or the Seig river. El Camí del Gall, a unique hiking route to enjoy in summerIf you love the mountains, El Camí del Gall is just one of the many options you will find near our hotel close to Grandvalira. Take advantage of spring and summer, when the colors of the landscape are even more vibrant, to discover this route and many more.Come and enjoy the best hiking in Andorra, disconnect from routine and live a unique experience in the heart of nature. And when you return, tell us what you thought!