Andorra, a destination full of proposals to travel this summer

Andorra is the ideal destination for lovers of outdoor activities, enjoying high mountain gastronomy, learning about its history and culture, spending the day shopping or booking a wellness session.

Enjoying with friends and family, visiting museums, having a picnic in the open air, tasting the typical Andorran gastronomy in  ‘las bordas’ and finding yourself, after a whole year of routines, in a natural paradise is synonymous with summer. And what better place to practice it than a escape to Andorra We give you some tips:

Sports to practice this summer

Andorra is a country full of nature, with an area of 467 square kilometres and 90% of this is purely natural environment; 10% of this has been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site. And for this very reason, it has become one of the perfect destinations for all kinds of outdoor sports: travel the country by pedal stroke, perfect for fans of this sport, whether in the modalities of BTT, cycle tourism or e-bikes, can travel around the country without stopping pedalling with the different signposted routes. Trail running routes, which, thanks to the geographical situation, Andorra has 40 itineraries of different levels, difficulty and distance.

Horse riding and mindfulness paths to take care of your body and mind, for this reason Moments is born, these are two itineraries related to well-being, self-knowledge, teamwork and the responsibility we have to be increasingly sustainable and respectful with the environment.

The tourist offices of Sant Julià de Lòria y Andorra la Vella are the places where you can find out about the booking procedure for “Moments: paths of well-being”.

For the more adventurous, you can also practice canyoning, adventure circuits and even via ferrata.

There are also unparalleled experiences for those who want a few days to connect with nature and get to know the environment: the Coronallacs route, with this route you can cross the country in just five days or discover by bike the 21 mountain passes that Andorra has to offer, with the option of accommodation in unique mountain refuges for hikers.

Here are the sports events for this summer:

FIM Trial World Cup (outdoor) – 11th and 12th July
UCI MTB World Cup – 12th to 17th July
Volta als Ports Andorra – 24th July
Sky Race Comapedrosa – 31st July
Sky Race Comapedrosa – 31st July

Oh! Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is back!

This summer MŪV by Cirque du Soleil, an exclusive show in Andorra, will once again thrill all its fans. The most famous circus reprises the greatest music hits of recent times with the aim of driving us into a collective musical frenzy. It is a unifying and highly participative show that represents a visual metaphor about the desire to break down the barriers that separate us.

In addition, this performance combines acrobatic performances, dances, animation, music and… even a DJ! even a DJ! in a totally electrifying atmosphere that will invite the audience to participate first hand.

The long-awaited show will take place in Andorra from 2 to 31 July. There will be 26 performances and spectators will finally be able to enjoy the acrobatics, laughter and fantasy that characterise Cirque du Soleil.  The show will start at 22:00h, will last 60 minutes and will include animation before the show begins.

La Serenalla Market, sustainable leisure to enjoy all day long

This Market is a space where you can enjoy gastronomy, creative workshops, urban performances, music, relaxation areas, bike rides and activities for the whole family and friends, where you can learn, among other things, how to lead a more sustainable life, and at the same time, be creative. In the Agora space, there will be talks where the public can interact with professionals to exchange their experiences, ideas and knowledge.

The Market will have all kinds of stands with natural and handmade cosmetics, clothing and accessories, textile accessories for children, handmade jewellery and decorative objects, among others. You can enjoy workshops, such as the creation of soap bombs, 3D cardboard animals, exhibitions and yoga areas,  as well as musical performances and, at night, cine a la fresca.

This will take place from 21 to 24 July in the Prat Gran park, located in La Massana (Andorra)..

Outdoor activities to enjoy nature

The number and variety of activities aimed at children makes Andorra a family destination par excellence. From the Mont Magic, the family park located in Canillo, which offers Zip Line: the zip line with a 550-metre route that reaches up to 80 km/hour, or the Màgic Gliss, the park’s alpine slide, among many other activities.

Naturland, is the well-known outdoor adventure park which is divided into two levels: the 1.600 with activities such as the Airtrekk, the buggies, the segway or archery or the Tobotronc, the world’s longest alpine toboggan run with a 5.3 kilometre course and 400 metres
of vertical drop. At 2,000 metres above sea level there are activities for children such as Macarulla, which offers small magical trails to bring the little ones closer to nature.

These are circular itineraries, with little gradient and distance, that revolve around the game, with points where you can do activities or find hidden elements..

The  Bosc dels Meiarons is a fun activity for children, together with their families, where you will go into the nature  following the instructions of the guide booklet to help the menairons (very small and hard-working fantastic sprites) in the performance of their tasks. Once the route has been completed, on the Visitandorra website you can download the diploma that will certify the children as “macarulla”. The games played during the route are a perfect tool for children to interact with the natural environment in a fun and respectful way at the same time, which empowers their imagination..

And, for the more adventurous… it is essential to go in search of the “Tamarro”. These mischievous magical creatures are in charge of protecting the forests of Andorra, and there are seven of them scattered around the Principality, one per parish.

Tibetan Bridge in Canillo, vertigo-proof!

Andorra challenges heights with the construction of the Canillo Tibetan Bridge, a minimalist footbridge located at an altitude of 1,875 metres. It flies over one of the most impressive natural sites in the Pyrenees: The Riu Valley. The Tibetan Bridge has recently opened to the public and is the second longest bridge in the world with a length of 603 metres. The unique walkway, suspended in the air, connects the two ends of the Valley.

Visitors who want to enjoy this experience must book their ticket through the website www.ponttibetacanillo.com or at the Tourist Office of the parish. The individual ticket to the footbridge of the Riu Valley will cost 12€ and the access to the viewpoint of Roc del Quer will cost 5€. A 50% discount will be applied if the Tibetan Bridge and Roc del Quer viewpoint package is purchased. There will be reduced rates for residents of Andorra, children, senior citizens and tourist agents.

There is always a time for culture

Andorra offers a wide variety of opportunities to learn about its past history, which is so important for understanding the present. The best way to understand these origins is to visit La Casa de la Vall, the country’s most symbolic monument. One of the seats of the Andorran Parliament, and located in the historic centre of Andorra la Vella, it is one of the oldest parliaments in Europe.

For those who are more artistic there is the possibility of visiting the Museo Carmen Thyssen Andorra, located in Escaldes-Engordany, is a marvel and a mustof the city. The museum is currently hosting the temporary exhibition “Made in Paris: The Generation of Matisse, Lagar and Foujita”, an exhibition that reflects the cultural magnet of Paris between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The museum is located at Avinguda Carlemany, 37, Escaldes-Engordany (Andorra). Apart from enjoying the visit, which requires prior booking, the museum also holds workshops, debates and educational activities.

The Romanesque and pre-Romanesque heritage of the country is also an opportunity to get to know its roots. A good example is the Church of Santa Coloma..

The church is located in Carrer Major, Santa Coloma (Andorra). The visit to the church, which requires an appointment, is made from the Espacio Columba. Although it is also worth visiting the town of Santa Coloma itself.

In its interior a small part of the original frescoes can be contemplated and completed by means of video mapping. video mapping.

The monument is visited together with the Espai Columba, where you can learn first-hand about the process of making these paintings.

And, of course… eating

The country’s location has always favoured both Spanish and French gastronomic influences, giving rise to a unique offer in this area. One of the most recognisable gastronomic spaces in Andorra are the bordas. Formerly used to store grain and protect livestock, today they are restaurants that host the most traditional dishes and atmosphere. In them you can find specialities such as salad of xicoies (dandelions) or the select cold meats of the country, among many others.

Thanks to the climate, four micro-producers make wines at more than 1,200 metres above sea level. The wineries Casa Beal, Casa Auvinyà, Mas Berenguer, Casus Belli and Borda Sabaté are among the highest vineyards in Europe, a unique experience. But it is also worth mentioning the production of craft beers, which use Andorran water in the brewing process, thus achieving a unique, local flavour.

 

5 alternative plans proposed by Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa to enjoy this summer

Andorra, although it is an important part of the country, is not only shopping and snow. When the temperatures rise, there is an infinite list of activities to do. Well, the Sport Hotel Herminatge & Spa, offers us some of them.

1-Hiking routes

The hotel also offers plans in which nature is the protagonist. It offers a wide range of hiking routes adapted to the experience and physical condition of the visitors. There are routes of 3 or 4 hours duration of low difficulty to some of more than 6 hours and of greater difficulty.

2-Helitrekking: flying over the Pyrenees and hiking down with a guide.

Another original plan is Helitrekking: yes, this activity, as its name suggests, combines a helicopter ride and trekking. It is the best option for enjoying the best views, especially of the Andorran valleys. Always with a professional guide, the hotel also offers the extra of enjoying a completely personalised picnic in an idyllic location.

3-4X4 Route

There are also activities for the more adventurous and adventurous. There are several 4WD itineraries to follow trails that lead to lakes or slopes of the famous Grandvalira.

The 3.30 hour walk consists of a swim in the Primer lake, the Meligar lake or the Les Fonts lake, until you reach the Pessons pass where you can contemplate the extraordinary group of lakes. The Montmalús route, which lasts about 5 hours, allows you to discover Andorran refuges and the small lake of Coma Estremera.

4-Practising golf on Europe’s highest course

And last but not least, the next proposal is to enjoy a unique experience that blends sport with endless nature. What in winter are blankets of snow, now begin to clear and give way to fields, grass, flowers and harmony to become the highest golf course  in Europe, at an altitude of 2250 metres. Golf Soldeu has been designed with perfect technical characteristics for both beginners and expert players. 

With 9 holes and a par 33, the course has been integrated maintaining complicity with the environment, taking advantage of the topography and natural elements. Guests staying at Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa, which opens its doors on 2 June, enjoy specific advantages such as an unlimited green fee from two nights’ stay, per person per night.

5-New: remodelling of a cabin in the Incles Valley to convert it into a suite.

In addition, the hotel is remodelling a borda in the dreamy surroundings of the Incles valley to convert it into a suite under its own signature, whose inauguration is scheduled for June. Next to the borda there is a small church, the perfect place to celebrate a wedding or christening in the middle of nature.

And as a novelty, the resort has a new programme of activities. This summer, guests can practice aquagym at the largest spa in Andorra or choose from a wide range of treatments to care for mind and body; awaken the five senses with “forest baths” (Shinrin-yoku) based on the Japanese technique of reconnecting with nature; adventure with activities such as trekking around the more than 60 lakes in Andorra, guided via ferratas and excursions by e-bike; or even take part in night-time stargazing outings..

Hotel Hermitage: Crta. General S/N – Soldeu AD100 – Principality of Andorra – Pyrenees