Christmas in Andorra: discover all the activities that are waiting for you

with children, Culture & Art in Andorra, events in Andorra 19 de December de 202219 de December de 2022

Discover all the Christmas activities that await you in Andorra at this time of year. From the typical Christmas markets, to the giant nativity scene in Canillo, the attractions and the decorations and lights that fill the streets. Everything is ready for the festive season and a host of family activities.

Christmas activities in Andorra la Vella

If you have already been to the country at this time of year, you will surely remember that Andorra la Vella hosts many Christmas activities in its streets.
In the Christmas village, located in the town square, you’ll find the traditional market with products from artisans from the principality, an artificial skating rink and the magic post office (ideal for the little ones to send their letter to Santa Claus). There is also a carousel and a little train for the little ones in the old fire station.
The Christmas village will be open until 31 December.

The life-size nativity scene in Canillo

Make the most of these days to stroll through the streets of Canillo and discover the life-size Nativity Scene that is displayed throughout the village. On the river walk you’ll find the Three Wise Men, the shepherds and animals await you, and in the church of Santa Creu you’ll be able to see the nativity scene. You will have more time to enjoy this Christmas activity as the figures will be installed until 15 January.

The Forest of the Menairons

In Les Fontetes square in La Massana you will find a space where the little ones will have fun with Christmas activities specially designed for them, as well as enjoying concerts and shows. There, they can play to find the 10 Menairons and Menaironas who have come down from their forest and are hiding all over La Massana. You can win prizes!
You can find more detailed information here.

Santa Claus parades

On the evening of 24th December Santa Claus will announce his arrival in the country with parades through all the parishes. The two parades closest to our apartaments are the one in Canillo and the one in Pas de la Casa. Following the Christmas customs, on Christmas Eve the main churches of the country celebrate the traditional midnight mass of the cockerel.

Start the year with music

Another tradition we don’t miss in Andorra is the famous New Year’s concert. It takes place in the National Auditorium in Ordino on 1 January at 7 pm. It is conducted by the ONCA, the Andorran National Classical Orchestra, which this year will revisit the history of the Vienna New Year’s Concert.

The Three Wise Men’s parade

And if you are one of the lucky ones who spend the Three Kings’ long weekend in the Principality, you will also be able to enjoy the traditional parades of their majesties. In Andorra it is traditional for a royal page to announce his arrival with a page boy on 4 January. And on 5 January, from 5 or 6 p.m. onwards, the carriages will fill the streets of the country’s seven parishes, so that young and old alike will be filled with magic. Check the timetables.

Enjoy the Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Epiphany festivities in Andorra and let yourself be enveloped by the halo of magic that fills the country and that can only be felt on these special dates. If you don’t want to miss any of these Christmas activities in Andorra and experience them with the whole family, book accommodation at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments.

Route through the museums of Andorra

with children, Culture & Art in Andorra 7 de October de 20227 de October de 2022

Today we take you on a tour around the museums of Andorra. Although there are more than 20, in this guide we suggest 5 varied and different ones so that you can get to know the Principality in an original way.

The newest: Bici Lab Andorra

You’ve probably heard it said that “Andorra is cycling territory”. Well, this month the interactive centre dedicated to cycling has opened. There are some 100 exhibits on display, ranging from 1817 to 2022. You will be able to observe the evolution of this means of transport, which is also one of the largest collections of bicycles in Europe.

To visit it, you’ll have to go down to the centre, right next to the Andorran government building.

If you’re a big fan of motoring, Andorra also has an automobile museum and a motorbike museum, where you can see some very old models that are well worth a visit.

A traditional Andorran house: La casa Cristo

On our route through the museums of Andorra we cannot miss an ethnographic visit to find out what life was like in times gone by. This time we take you to Casa Cristo, in the old quarter of Encamp, where you can see how a family of labourers lived in a rural house. All the rooms in the house are decorated as they were in the past, with original furniture and objects dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Principality has two more house museums, Casa Rull, located in Sispony, in the parish of La Massana, and Areny Plandolit, in Ordino.

An afternoon of art at the Carmen Thyssen Museum Andorra

This guide should not miss the Carmen Thyssen Museum in Andorra, where works of art from her private collection are on display. Each year it presents a different temporary exhibition, featuring paintings and sculptures with a common denominator, either in terms of the period of the artists or the artistic style. It is located in the village of Escaldes in the Valira hotel, an emblematic building due to its historical value and granite construction style.

You will want to complete your visit with the CAEE (the Escaldes Engordany art centre), which hosts temporary exhibitions and also has a permanent display of sculptures by Josep Viladomat and models of Romanesque art.

A unique museum: the miniature museum

We continue our tour of Andorra’s museums in one of the most original in the country. You can see, sometimes through a microscope, the works of the artist Nicolai Siadristy, handmade creations made from noble materials such as gold and platinum or from paper, fruit seeds or rice grains.

To visit it you will have to go to Ordino, one of the most beautiful villages in Andorra, and you can also take the opportunity to stroll around.

Last stop on the route through the museums of Andorra

In the Comic Museum you will find authentic works of art. It contains a biographical collection dating from 1904 to the present day, with Spanish, European and American collections. It includes Tintin, Asterix and Obelix, and the different Marvel collections, among others. It also hosts temporary exhibitions and a themed fair held every year in spring.

You will have to go to La Massana to visit it.

We recommend that you do this route around the museums of Andorra on different days so that you can enjoy the area around them at your leisure. And don’t forget to book in our flats to rest and recover your strength. If you want to know more plans to do in Andorra, check out our article: 10 places in Andorra you can’t miss.

Gastronomic guide for a foodie autumn getaway

events in Andorra, Culture & Art in Andorra 21 de September de 202219 de September de 2022

Autumn starts today! To celebrate, we propose a gastronomic tour to discover Andorra’s restaurants. You’ll find a wide range of options to suit all budgets. It includes everything from traditional Andorran cuisine to a wide variety of quality international dishes. No matter what your motivation for visiting us is, don’t worry about where to eat, because you’ll find a good restaurant in every corner of the country.

Delight yourself with the best flavours of the Orient

Discover Chinese haute cuisine at Kao Soldeu, one of Andorra’s oriental restaurants that has gained renown and fame in just a few years. It is very close to Els Llacs Mountain Apartments and is located in the Park Piolets hotel in Soldeu, just 5 minutes away by car.
Try the restaurant’s best-known dishes, such as Peking duck, the star dish on the menu. Be sure to try their assortment of Dim Sums of all tastes (meat, vegetables or seafood), which you can choose steamed, crispy or boiled. Combine them with pasta and rice dishes to recover your energy after a day of activities in Andorra and leave room for dessert. Check the opening times here.

Traditional autumn gastronomy

In Andorra you can eat well all year round, but autumn is one of the seasons that gives us the most fruits of the earth with which to prepare delicious recipes. If you are a super foodie, don’t miss any of the succulent seasonal dishes based on mushrooms (such as chanterelles, boletus or perrechicos), stews based on game such as wild boar or chamois, or grilled meat or trout. The best way to enjoy traditional Andorran cuisine is in a Borda. Many of Andorra’s typical restaurants are located in these unique buildings where livestock used to be kept, and which have been exquisitely refurbished to become the perfect place to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. Combine these culinary delights with a hiking route, or you can even go mushroom hunting in the forest.

Made in Andorra

Delight yourself with Andorra’s products with designation of origin. Taste the cured meats made in the country, the different varieties of cheese, the 100% natural jams that do not lose their fruity flavour, honey harvested 100% in the country or the chocolate produced in Andorra’s only factory. You can also enjoy different varieties of beers and traditional liqueurs, among others. In addition, some local producers also offer the chance to visit the place where they produce these local delicacies. So don’t miss out on a visit as soon as possible.

An experience for all the senses

Andorra also boasts the production of high altitude wine. There are currently 4 wineries between 1,000 and 1,200 metres above sea level: Borda Sabaté, Casa Auvinyà, Casa Beal and Celler Mas Berenguer. Almost all the wineries offer guided tours of their facilities, which are very popular with wine lovers.

Restaurants in Andorra to suit all tastes

As we said at the beginning, in Andorra you will find a good number of restaurants, with the option of a daily menu or à la carte, market cuisine, international cuisine, tapas… And also options to suit all tastes, with vegan or gluten-free menus. Eating in Andorra is easy and you won’t have to travel far to find a good place to eat, whether you’re going to enjoy a day in the mountains, going shopping or going to one of the monuments you’re visiting.

So now you know… this autumn, liven up your getaway with culinary stops and try all kinds of dishes in Andorra’s restaurants.

Discover Andorra through its Romanesque churches

Culture & Art in Andorra, with children 6 de July de 202222 de June de 2022

This time we take you on a tour of Andorra’s Romanesque churches, which are open from July to September for guided visits. So that you can get to know the whole country, we leave you with 7 Romanesque churches, one located in each parish. Some of them are located in authentic viewpoints from where you can discover landscapes and curious places.

Sant Joan de Caselles

We begin with Canillo, the first parish in protocol order and also where Els Llacs Mountain Apartments are located.

At the entrance to the village of Canillo (going down from the flats) you will find this beautiful church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Entrance is free. The most surprising feature is the preservation of the two original porticoes built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Also of note are the Romanesque mural scenes and the altarpiece with Renaissance influences inside the church.

Note for walkers: near the church you can take the Camí del Gall, a nature trail that will take you to Soldeu.

Sant Romà de les Bons

We continue downhill to reach Encamp. Sant Romà de les Bons is actually a historical site that conserves the 12th century church of Sant Romà, a 4-storey defence tower, the remains of a 13th century civil building, 2 dovecotes and a water tank excavated in the rock. The Romanesque paintings in the church are a reproduction, as most of the originals are in the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) in Barcelona.

It is built at the top of the village and has an incredible view over the whole valley.

Ordino: Sant Martí de La Cordinada

We go into the northern valley of Andorra to visit La Cortinada, a village in the parish of Ordino. Over the centuries Sant Martí has undergone a number of modifications, including a change of orientation. Inside it conserves mural paintings, a high altar, a polychrome wooden altarpiece and altarpieces from the Baroque period.

The surrounding area is also worth a visit, as it is home to a millstone and a sawmill, as well as the Cal Pal house-museum, testimonies to the life of yesteryear.

La Massana: Sant Cristòfol d’Anyós

From Ordino we go down to La Massana to reach the village of Anyós. The Romanesque church of Sant Cristòfol is located in such a way that you can see the entrance to the parish through Escaldes and also the villages of La Massana and Sispony. It dates from the 12th century, but it has also undergone transformations. Inside there are 16th century paintings that coexist with other more modern ones, as the original ones were removed in the 1930s.

Andorra la Vella: Santa Coloma and Colomba space

We arrive in the capital of the country to visit one of the oldest churches of pre-Romanesque origin. It was built between the 8th and 9th centuries and its circular bell tower is very unusual in pre-Romanesque times.

Nowadays, inside the church there is a video mapping of the original mural paintings, a spectacle that is well worth the visit. It must be visited with the Columba space, where you can see part of the original frescoes that the government of Andorra was able to recover in 2007. A visit to the old quarter of Santa Coloma is highly recommended.

Sant Julià de Lòria: Canòlich

We are about to finish this route. We arrive at the sixth parish in order of protocol: Sant Julià de Lòria, where we will visit its famous sanctuary of Canòlich, to which pilgrims used to climb on foot (at 1635 metres) to show their devotion to their virgin. Nowadays, on the first Saturday in June, the inhabitants of Sant Julià still gather to celebrate their patron saint, and quite a few of them go up on foot.

The building dates from the 20th century, although it was built on the foundations of an old Romanesque church. Inside it preserves an 18th century Baroque altarpiece and ceramic murals.

The views from here are spectacular and if you continue climbing you will reach Os de Civis, a Spanish village with access only from Andorra.

Escaldes-Engordany: Sant Miquel d’Engolasters

This is the last stop on our tour of some of Andorra’s Romanesque churches. To do so, we will go up to Engolasters to enjoy Sant Miquel, from the 12th century, whose architectural construction still conserves many original elements. The painting of the semicircular apse is an exact copy of the original, which is kept in the MNAC in Barcelona. As a curiosity that you won’t find in the rest of Andorran churches, you will see that there are sculpted heads at the top of the bell tower.

After visiting the church, you can walk along the Camí de les Fonts, a well-signposted and easily accessible mountain path, or go up to Engolasters lake, also a very pleasant walk in the surrounding area.

You can do these visits on the same day or over several days.

If you choose the latter option, we recommend that you book at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments to recover your strength.

An alternative autumn getaway in Andorra

with children, Andorra apartments offers, Culture & Art in Andorra, nature in Andorra, our apartments 15 de September de 202120 de September de 2021

Autumn is here! Still no plans to enjoy a well-deserved getaway? We suggest an alternative route around Andorra, ideal for getting away from the crowds and discovering the lesser-known corners of our 7 parishes.

The hidden secrets of Canillo

The parish of Canillo is where the Els Llacs tourist flats are located. The first route is to discover the Toll Bullidor, a natural waterfall near Meritxell, along an easily accessible hiking route.

Another interesting place to discover during an autumn long weekend is the motorbike museum, located in the Canillo cable car. It has a permanent exhibition of more than 120 pieces, some of which are unique and the oldest is from 1896. Without a doubt, two activities you can do with your children.

Shopping in Encamp

We continue on to the next parish: Encamp. Here we suggest you go shopping in Pas de la Casa. If you don’t know it because you always stay in the centre, the location of our holiday flats is a good excuse to visit this village on the border with France. It is closer than Escaldes and Andorra la Vella and it is an open-air shopping centre with all the products you can imagine at the foot of the slopes.

What’s more, if you access Pas de la Casa via the Envalira pass, you’ll enjoy incredible views and landscapes.

Ordino in autumn is even more beautiful

You probably already know the Ordino iron route, but we can’t fail to recommend it because it is especially beautiful in autumn. In addition to the sculptures, the borda and the Romanesque bridge along the route, it’s worth it for the scenery, from where you can admire the changing colours of the season to perfection. The itinerary is very accessible, so set aside an afternoon to visit it.

A very sweet visit to La Massana

In La Massana you will find the only chocolate factory in Andorra: Xocland, where this delicious food is produced and processed in the factory located in the centre of the village. This is a visit not to be missed for lovers of chocolate in all its forms, as you’ll see the entire production process from bean to finished product up close. Of course, it is also a great place to go with the little ones in the house.

Autumn is ideal for rediscovering the capital city

We are now heading down towards the central parishes of the Principality. We suggest a very simple panoramic route on the Rec del Solà, an itinerary at the foot of the Carroi peak from where you can see the whole of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. At the end of the route you can go down to the historic centre of the capital to have a drink and get your strength back.

Sant Julià de Lòria, the lesser-known one

In this parish you will find the Juberri gardens, a peculiar space where you will see a multitude of giant sculptures. Mostly of animals, but you will also see fountains and miniature models of Romanesque churches in the country. It is very well kept and the views over the valley are spectacular.

The Escaldes hot springs

We’re sure you’ve heard of Caldea many times: but do you know about its Private Spa? It is a space for private use with a maximum capacity for 4 people with a jacuzzi, sauna, contrast showers and relaxation areas, where you can also enjoy a couple’s massage. This plan is only for couples and we recommend that you make a reservation beforehand.

These different and original things to do in Andorra in autumn are ideal to combine with the peace and quiet of staying at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments. Check the flat you like the most and book it with the 3×2 offer, which is also available for the long weekends in October, you stay 3 nights and only pay for 2!

This summer enjoy the best events programme in Andorra

Culture & Art in Andorra, events in Andorra, hiking, mountain and summer sports, nature in Andorra, our apartments, with children 2 de June de 202131 de May de 2021

Make a note in your diary of the sporting activities taking place in Andorra this summer. After a year in which most of the open-air events were cancelled, they are now back with all the safety guarantees.

Here are the most important ones so that you don’t forget any of them.

Cycling competitions are back

With 21 mountain passes, the Principality is the perfect setting for lovers of two wheels and top-level sporting activities are already planned.

– The Tour de France: Andorra will be the last part of a stage on 11 July. It will enter via Pas de la Casa and descend via Port d’Envalira. When they arrive at Bordes d’Envalira you will be able to see the riders pass in front of the door of the appartments. Then they will head for the other valley, passing first through Soldeu, Canillo and Encamp. They will go up the Beixalís pass and back down through Anyós until they reach the finish line in Andorra la Vella. After a rest day, they will resume the competition from Pas de la Casa towards France.

– Andorra 21 ports: if you are a fan of road cycling, you will have the opportunity to take part in this new competition, from 22 to 26 June. It is divided into 3 stages and is a good way to get to know the landscapes of Andorra.

– The Multissegur Volta als Ports: this is one of the most eagerly awaited sporting activities for cycling enthusiasts and has been held for more than 40 years. This year it has different routes starting from La Massana and finishing in Andorra la Vella.

– The Andorra MTB Classic-Pyrenees: this is a mountain bike competition in pairs which will be divided into 4 stages and will take place from 30/06 to 03/07.

– La Mussara Andorra: this is also a MTB race that will take place in Naturlandia on 1 August.

More sports activities in Andorra

The environment, the mountains and nature are the ideal setting for all kinds of outdoor events.

– Spartan Race: the obstacle race returns to Andorra on 12 and 13 June. It has 4 courses of 5, 10, 21 and 50 kilometres and different levels of difficulty. There will also be a circuit for children.

– Trail 100 Andorra-Pyrenees: this is the perfect mountain race for trail running lovers. There are 4 different distances starting and finishing in Ordino. There is also an easy 7.5 km course so that everyone can take part. From 24th to 27th June.

– Iron Man 70.3: this summer a prestigious triathlon is added to the calendar of sporting activities in Andorra. The swimming race will take place in the Engolasters lake, the road bike race will cover 90.1 km from the lake to Andorra la Vella where the 21.1 km foot race will take place. It is scheduled for Sunday 4 July.

– The Comapedrosa Skyrace: this is one of the most emblematic races that runs through incredible landscapes until it reaches the top of the country at 2,942 metres. This year it will be held on 25 July.

Don’t let the culture stop!

Combine sporting activities in Andorra with concerts, festivals, exhibitions and everything in the open air, surrounded by nature.

– Very close to the Els Llacs apartaments, in Soldeu, you will be able to enjoy the best music in the Andorra Mountain Music. A festival that offers open-air concerts every Saturday from 26 June to 31 July. Discover it here!

– Don’t miss the L’Andart biennial. On the lake of Engolasters and the surrounding area, in the heart of nature, there is an exhibition of works of art during the months of July and August.

– In June you will also enjoy the Jambo Street Music in the streets of the capital.

This summer you will once again be thrilled by the great sporting and cultural events that await you in Andorra. Book your accommodation at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments and you’ll have the perfect getaway.

This summer, it’s time to enjoy the Andorra Mountain Music

Andorra apartments offers, Culture & Art in Andorra, events in Andorra 19 de May de 202121 de July de 2021

This summer you’ll be able to go to concerts and listen to live music again! We introduce you the Andorra Mountain Music: an open-air music festival in a unique setting with some of the biggest stars on the current music scene. Find out about it here!

Andorra Mountain Music in the heart of nature

This festival will be special for many reasons.

Firstly, because we will be jumping, dancing and singing again, after a year in which we have had to cut back on all the social events.

Secondly, because of the location of the event, at more than 1,800 metres above sea level, surrounded by nature and mountains. From where you can enjoy good live music and sessions with the best dj’s but also spectacular sunsets and starry skies. The Andorra Mountain Music will be held in Soldeu, just 2 minutes by car from the Els Llacs flats.

And of course, the third, because it will be an open-air music festival, where all health and safety measures will be respected.

An exclusive line-up with great artists

Let’s get down to the important stuff: the artists!

Headlining Andorra Mountain Music are Armin Van Buuren and David Guetta, who will open and close the event respectively.

Here are the dates and performances:

– 26/06/21: Armin Van Buuren, one of the leading DJs in electronic music, comes to play his most famous tracks.

– 03/07/21: Mónica Naranjo will delight the audience with a more intimate concert accompanied only by a piano.

– 10/07/21: Bob Sinclar, the French DJ who will be in charge of the music on the third Saturday of the festival.

– 17/07/21: Don Diablo will be playing dance music.

– 24/07/21: DJ Snake [Update: CONCERT CANCELLED]

– 31/07/21: David Guetta who has worked for and produced top bands and stars with whom he has created great hits that will also be present at this open-air festival.

The venue will open its doors at 6pm to avoid last minute queues and crowds. You will be able to enjoy pre-show performances until 9pm, when the concerts will begin. There will also be a restaurant area so that you don’t have to think about anything but having a great time.

Offer with entrance and night in Els Llacs Apartments

This summer, Andorra is the perfect destination to combine music and tourism. During the day you will have time to visit the country, explore the nature around the flats, discover its wonderful gastronomy, go shopping or take a bath in the spa. And from 18h onwards, you can go to the festival, which is only a 2-minute drive away from the flats.

So that you can enjoy a complete festival getaway, we suggest you an offer that includes entrance to Andorra Mountain Music and the night at Els LLacs Moutain Apartments. All you have to do is choose the date and make your reservation! But make up your mind soon because places are limited 😉.

Health and safety measures are still in place

We want you to have a good time, but we are also concerned about your safety. That’s why at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments we have up-to-date anti-virus measures that we have adopted following the recommendations of the country’s health authorities.

The Andorra Mountain Music will also implement a series of health and safety regulations to prevent covid-19 infections. You can read them here.

This summer is coming full of emotions and great experiences. You are just one click away from living them again.

Book now your offer with Els Llacs flats and entrance to the festival.

10 Spots you can’t miss in Andorra (Part 2)

Culture & Art in Andorra, nature in Andorra, with children 7 de April de 20216 de April de 2021

The second part of our ranking of the 10 places in Andorra that you have to see on some of your visits is here. Take note: you can visit them at any time of the year and combine them as you like.

We leave you the link to the first article with the first part of these wonderful places so that you have them all.

6) Ordino

We’ re cheating a bit here… because we suggest a whole town and the other mountain villages that form part of this parish. We recommend that you take the whole afternoon to visit Ordino first, its old quarter and the Casa de Areny Plandolit museum. Afterwards, get in the car and continue on to Arcalís, passing through Arans, La Cortinada and Llorts. On the way, don’t forget to take a walk along the Route of Iron and through the Sorteny Valley Nature Reserve. Two ideal spots in Andorra for getting to know nature at close quarters and going on beautiful excursions.

7) The Meritxell Sanctuary (Canillo)

Both the new sanctuary and the first hermitage are a must-see. It is one of those places in Andorra that has it all: architecture, history and an exceptional natural enclave are intermingled in this unique “must see”. And no wonder, as the Virgin of Meritxell (patron saint of the country) is to be found in this sanctuary.

It is located between Canillo and Encamp, in the village of the same name. In summer you can take a guided tour of the entire architectural complex to discover its secrets and its legend.

8) Engolasters Lake (Escaldes)

Enjoy what Andorra has to offer in its fullness: nature and fresh air. Engolasters Lake is in Escaldes and is easily accessible by car, making it ideal for families. If you want, you can get to Els Cortals de Encamp along the Pardines path, an easy mountain trail with incredible views of the valley. It is also the starting point for many high mountain hikes, if you’re up for it. But if you prefer, you can spend the day by the lake and have a picnic in the middle of nature.

9) La Casa de la Vall (Andorra la Vella)

Until 2011 it housed the Andorran parliament. The Casa de la Vall is a typical Andorran family building dating from 1580 and was inhabited until the 18th century, when it became the seat of the Consell General. It is interesting for its architecture, as it preserves a large part of the original building and rooms, but also for the history it treasures within its walls. You can visit it all year round. You’ll find it in the historic centre of the capital, now a bohemian neighbourhood with restaurants and terraces where you can stop to get your strength back.

10) Les Bons (Encamp)

This is an architectural complex from the medieval period located in a strategic point in Encamp, from where you can admire the views over the village. The complex is made up of the remains of a four-storey defence tower, two dovecotes and a Romanesque church. Although guided tours are only available in summer, we recommend you visit this place the rest of the year, to get to know a little of the history and Romanesque art.

In Andorra we are open!

These 10 spots are ideal to combine with the other great activities the country has to offer: skiing, gastronomy and shopping.

Since 1 April, Spanish citizens have been able to travel to Andorra without restrictions, in compliance with the safety and hygiene measures imposed to prevent Covid infection. In addition, restaurants and shops are open and there is no curfew.

Which of these 10 places in Andorra will you visit first? Tell us in the comments, we’ll read you!

10 places you can’t miss in Andorra (Part 1)

Culture & Art in Andorra, nature in Andorra, with children 5 de March de 20215 de March de 2021

Let’s take a look at our ranking of 10 places you can’t miss on your next trip to Andorra. The order does not alter the product, in other words, we haven’t put them in any particular order: we’re just giving you some ideas so you can make the most of your next visit to the country. There are many more, but these are some of the most representative. What they have in common is that you can do them whether you come with your family, your partner or your friends.

1) The Roc del Quer (Canillo)

This is undoubtedly one of the attractions that has generated most interest in recent years. I’m sure you’ve heard of it on Instagram or Tik Tok. It is a viewpoint with a 20-metre footbridge that flies over the valley, with a sculpture of a thinker at the end and impressive views of the mountain.

Located in Canillo, in the heart of the Montaup Valley, it is accessible by car from both Canillo and Coll de Ordino. The scenery of this mountain pass is stunning and you will find that it is very popular among cyclists. So if you are a regular of this sport, we challenge you to climb it on your bike. The prize is the magnificent views from this strategic point.

2) The Xocland chocolate factory (La Massana)

In La Massana you will find the only chocolate factory in Andorra. Although we are not cocoa producers, we do have the ideal climatic conditions for processing it. You will discover how the best chocolate is produced from cocoa beans coming from tropical countries such as Venezuela and Colombia. You will attend the entire roasting and production process and discover the machinery needed to process and make bars, chocolates and nougats, among other things. An ideal sensory activity for the whole family.

3) The Juberri gardens (Sant Julià)

To visit the third of the TOP 10 places on our list in Andorra, you have to go almost to the border with Spain, in Juberri, towards Naturlandia.

Once you get there, you’ll fall in love with this curious and beautiful spot. Find all the animal-inspired sculptures scattered around this contemporary garden, perfectly in harmony with nature.

4) Caldea (Escaldes)

Depending on the time of year you come to Andorra, you’ll be able to do some activities or others. But you can always take a dip in the thermal waters of Caldea whether you come in summer or winter.

The Thermoludic is your spa if you are travelling as a family with children over 5 years old.

If you come as a couple and want a more intimate experience, we suggest you Inúu, Caldea’s spa for adults only, with entrance from 16 years of age. You can also complete your visit with relaxing massages or beauty treatments, as well as lunch or dinner at the thermal centre.

5) Santa Coloma

Among the top 10 places in Andorra, you can’t miss a visit to one of the jewels of Romanesque architecture: the church of Santa Coloma. It has the particularity of being one of the oldest in the country and the only one with a round bell tower. You can also see the video-mapping recreation of the frescoes that were torn from the apse of the central nave of the church. Now, after a long journey, the original paintings have returned to the country and are on display in the Columba Centre next door.

We are sure you will love these sites and they will make your next visit a top experience. Remember that Els Llacs Apartments are open all year round and you can stay with us. For now we leave you with 5 of the 10 must-see places in Andorra, in the next post we will tell you more.

Christmas in Andorra: discover all the activities for this holiday

Culture & Art in Andorra, events in Andorra, with children 16 de December de 202016 de December de 2020

We tell you how Christmas is celebrated in Andorra because, although the situation is not ideal, magic and tradition cannot be missing at this time of year. During this month of December and the beginning of January you will find different Christmas activities, discover them here!

Walk through the illuminated streets

The streets become open stages with different decorations and lights in each parish. Walk around and discover all its hidden corners. In Escaldes there are the imaginary worlds of Christmas, a free walk through the streets of the parish where you will come across fun Christmas scenes. The little ones will like them, but the older ones will feel like children again. And the best thing of all: there is no curfew in Andorra, so as long as you wear your mask and respect the stipulated prevention measures, nobody will set a time for you to return to your appartment.

There is no Christmas… without a traditional market

In Andorra la Vella the giant Waterwheel, travelling shows or attractions for children are part of the activities planned to make these dates more enjoyable. In addition, at the Christmas market you can enjoy typical products and other “made in Andorra” products such as sausages, cheese or honey. You will also be able to drink hot wine and accompany it with something to eat while you make a stop after shopping.

The Nativity scene in Canillo: a Christmas attraction in Andorra

It is worth to go through it and discover scenes from the Nativity composed of life-size figures. There are more than 200 and they are spread all over the village. Here you can breathe Christmas all over the place 😉.

The most awaited visit

This year, due to the circumstances we are experiencing, Father Christmas and the Three Wise Men will arrive at all the parishes, but they will not make great parades. They will receive the little ones although they have prepared magic mailboxes in which to leave letters and the help of magic Elves and pages a few days before.

We start the year with music and theatre

Another tradition that cannot be missed is the New Year’s concert that takes place in the national auditorium in Ordino. Also very typical of this time of year is the play “Els Pastorets” which takes place in Sant Julià de Lòria.

During the holidays it is also a time to rest

After a tour through the colourful and lively Christmas return to your appartment to regain your strength. Find your little oasis of peace surrounded by mountains and stop by the spa’s jacuzzi while the kids continue to burn off energy in the children’s playground.

Like the rest of the year this holiday will also be different, but here you will find everything you need to spend the Christmas holidays in Andorra. Are you joining us?

Culture & Art in Andorra