nature in andorra - Hotel del Tarter

Change the beach for the mountains and extend the summer in Andorra

21 de August de 2024 by comunicacio

When summer holidays are over, it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to getaways. If you are looking for a way to extend those days of rest and relaxation with your partner, why not swap the beach for the mountains? Andorra offers you the freshness of the Pyrenees and a series of activities that will allow you to extend your summer a little longer. Mountain plans for late summer While temperatures are starting to drop in many beach destinations, Andorra offers the perfect weather to continue enjoying the outdoors without the sweltering heat. The mountains provide a fresh refuge where you can breathe fresh air and relax. The Principality is also a paradise for nature and sports lovers. From hikes for all levels to road cycling and mountain biking, the options are endless. As well as visiting the most emblematic viewpoints in the country, such as the Roc del Quer or the Mirador Solar de Arcalís, or crossing one of the longest Tibetan bridges in the world. Get back to the routine with a dose of wellness and relaxation After your holidays, it is essential to recharge your batteries to get ready for the return to your daily routine. Andorra is ideal for this, as it has numerous wellness experiences. An excellent option is to spend a few hours in the thermal waters of Caldea, which this summer has just had its large lagoon renovated. With white cladding and paving, a landscaped relaxation area and lighting that transforms the bottom of the lagoon into a starry sky. If you haven’t visited it yet, late summer is the perfect time to do so. Discover our hotel package with Classic ticket to Caldea. Cultural and historical tours Sightseeing in Andorra’s most beautiful villages is also a good idea to discover the most authentic Andorra. The country has a rich history and culture worth exploring. Visit the old town of Andorra la Vella, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, or discover the charm of small towns such as Ordino, Canillo or Pal, which offer an insight into the local heritage.In this article we leave you with a small guide to Andorra’s pretty villages so that you can start planning your getaway. A getaway to Andorra with mountain gastronomy Gastronomy is another reason to stretch out your summer here. Enjoy traditional dishes such as trinxat, escudella, river trout and mountain rice, among others. As well as local cured meats and cheeses, paired with a good wine, which can also be local. And if you would like to find out more about Andorra’s cuisine in autumn, Andorra Taste will be held from 18 to 22 September. This gastronomic event is open to the public on the last two days, with many of the country’s restaurateurs offering tastings of their dishes. Check all the information here. Shopping in Andorra A trip to Andorra is not the same if you don’t include shopping. Late summer is the best time, as the sales last until 1 September (this year) and are mixed with the arrival of the new autumn and winter trends. The offer is very varied: from fashion and electronics to gourmet products, you will find a wide variety of options. If you’re one of those who come to ski in Andorra in winter, don’t miss out on the new products or browse the outlets of sports shops where you’re sure to find something to add to your ski equipment. Extend the summer at the Tarter hotel Don’t let the end of summer get you down, swap the beach for the mountains and enjoy the refreshing coolness of the Pyrenees in Andorra! Here you will find a wide range of outdoor activities, wellness, culture, gastronomy and shopping.You choose how to boost your energy.We provide the room at the Hotel del Tarter for you to enjoy your getaway in Andorra until 31 October. After that, we’ll take a break until December, when we’ll be back for you to make the most of the ski season.

Hiking in Andorra: trail to Lake Siscaró in the Incles Valley

7 de August de 2024 by comunicacio

Andorra has around 80 lakes scattered throughout the country, which stand out for their beauty and surroundings. If you are looking for a hiking route to discover unknown natural areas, we recommend an excursion to one of the lakes in the Incles Valley: the Estanys de Siscaró. Here we tell you first-hand how to get to Siscaró lake. Technical details of the hike to Lake Siscaró We begin by providing you with a summary of the most important details of the route, so that you can get an idea and prepare yourself thoroughly before putting on your hiking boots. – Difficulty level It is classified as moderate, meaning that it does not require much previous experience, but you must be used to walking. The total distance is 3.58 kilometres. In total there are about 7 km, out and back with 500 metres of difference in altitude, with two climbs that are a little steeper. Don’t forget that the distances in the mountains have nothing to do with the equivalent walking in the city or on the beach. Here, every kilometre is more demanding, so you should anticipate about 2 hours uphill and about 1h30 downhill. – Where the route to Lake Siscaró begins Lake Siscaró is located at 2305 metres above sea level in the Incles Valley, very close to the Tarter hotel. The hike starts at the bottom of the valley past the Baladosa bridge at 1835 metres. In summer, the 3 km road in the valley is closed to vehicles from 10 am to 6 pm. If you arrive early in the morning you can go by car. Otherwise you can take the tourist train (for a fee, about €3 each way) or walk. How to get to Lake Siscaró From the bridge, walk along a forest track for about 15 minutes until you reach the Travenc crossroads. Take the path on the right and here begins the first steep climb over rocks. Halfway up you will find a waterfall, where you can make your first stop to take photos or have a snack. Then the path runs alongside a stream with crystal-clear water and some smaller waterfalls, until you reach the Basses de Siscaró, a flat and more open area. Take the path on the right, at the end of which a steeper climb awaits you. At the end of this climb, take the path to the left and it won’t take you more than 10 minutes to reach the Siscaró Baix lake. Once there: enjoy!The Siscaró ponds are named after the “Siscall” plant that grows in the waters of these lakes and the surrounding area. Recommendations before going to the mountains Bear in mind these tips for safe mountain activities. Although spring and summer are the recommended seasons for hiking, check the weather forecast before starting your route, as the weather in the mountains is changeable. Plan your route well before setting off and find out about the terrain. Carry a map of the route. Your phone’s GPS can do the job. Carry a charged mobile phone battery. Wear suitable footwear and clothing for the mountains. Trekking poles will be a great help to give you a boost on the climbs and support you on the descents. It is very important to stay hydrated, so take plenty of water. Take food to regain strength such as fruit, nuts, energy bars, sandwiches or biscuits. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Take care of the environment, and have a bag in your backpack to return with your waste and dispose of it in the most appropriate container. It is best to do the route in company. If you are not sure of the route, it is always a good option to hire a mountain guide. They will show you the route and complement the excursion with their knowledge of the country’s flora and fauna and other curiosities that may arise along the way. Your rest in Andorra After this beautiful excursion, return to the hotel where your room awaits you. Enjoy a comfortable and spacious stay to recover after a day of hiking in the mountains. Book your room here and start planning your route.

Shooting stars shower, a show you can’t miss

24 de July de 2024 by charles

If there’s one thing we especially like in summer, it’s the evenings. As well as enjoying festivals, terraces, going out until the early hours of the morning… one of the most popular activities are walks under the stars. The skies are usually clearer, due to the more pleasant weather and because we are usually on holiday in places like the beach or the mountains, where there is usually less light pollution than in the cities.August is one of the most eagerly awaited astronomical events: the Perseids star shower. Undoubtedly, Andorra offers an unbeatable position for observing them. If you are also waiting for them, here we tell you all about it. What are the Perseids? The Perseids is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the month of August. Every year around this time, the comet Swift-Tuttle passes very close to the Earth, ejecting tiny dust particles. When they enter into combustion with the atmosphere they shoot out as a shower of shooting stars and are visible from all over the northern hemisphere. The most eagerly awaited star shower in AugustWe will be able to see this magnificent spectacle from 17 July to 24 August, but this year they will be seen at their best on 12 August. Enjoy the star shower in the mountains Take advantage of our location to choose a good place to see the Perseids. The Hotel del Tarter, which is located at an altitude of approximately 1,700 metres, is far from large cities. This makes it ideal, as there is little light pollution in the surrounding area. You also don’t need any technical equipment such as binoculars or a telescope. All you need is a good dark place and to lie down on the grass and watch the sky. It is an original activity to do with the whole family, without crowds, surrounded by nature and with pleasant temperatures, and your children are sure to remember this experience forever! Where can you see the Perseids from? – Andorra is a Starlight destination The Comapedrosa Natural Park and other natural areas in La Massana offer one of the darkest and starlit skies in the Pyrenees, ideal for astronomical observation. The low light pollution, combined with the low population density and the territorial organisation in small and medium-sized towns, has led to the recognition of these areas as a Starlight Reserve and Destination. This prestigious international seal, endorsed by UNESCO and the WTO, is awarded to places that meet strict night sky quality criteria, thus highlighting this area as an astronomical destination of excellence. – Other places to see the Perseids In Andorra there are many places to observe the stars, some accessible ones are the Engoslasters lake, where even the electricity museum organises a special night. You can also go to the Sorteny valley in Ordino, or, close to the hotel, the Roc del Quer, which, although closed at night, has a good option for viewing them from its parking area, with spectacular views of the Montaup Valley and, above all, the open sky. – Some recommendations Don’t go into the mountain if you don’t know the trail. Take binoculars with you to see the spectacle. And lastly, dress warmly, as the nights are cool in Andorra. You can book your room now to enjoy one of the most magical nights of the summer in peace and quiet, and don’t forget to make a wish every time you see a shooting star!