An autumn tour to discover the cultural richness of Andorra

Culture & Art in Andorra, with children 8 de October de 20248 de October de 2024

The autumn in Andorra is a season that offers not only spectacular, colourful landscapes, but also an opportunity to discover its history and culture. With the cooler days and the autumnal atmosphere, there is no better time to go on a museum tour. From world-class art to local history, you’ll find a variety of museums in the Principality that will make you see the country from a whole new perspective.
Best of all, you can make Els Llacs Mountain Apartments your base camp on this tour. This is where your tour of Andorra’s museums begins.

La Casa de la Vall: a must-see

History and culture are kept alive in the walls of this house museum. For a long time it was the most important house in Andorra. It was built at the end of the 16th century and until 2011 was the seat of the Consell General (the Andorran parliament).

– Discover its secrets

Today, you can visit various rooms that explain part of the history and where some of the most important decisions for the country have been taken. You can visit the Room of the Lost Steps, a noble room decorated with original murals from the 16th century. As well as the session room, the kitchen and symbolic elements such as the bell used to summon the Plenary and the Cupboard of the Seven Keys, which houses key historical documents of Andorra. The exterior is also worth a visit for its architecture and its location in the heart of the old quarter of Andorra la Vella.

Discovering Andorra’s ancient crafts

The Rossell Forge is an interactive museum to discover how iron production worked between the 17th and 19th centuries. A real forge that operated from 1842 to 1876 has been reconstructed to show the whole process through an interactive experience with audiovisuals. You will also be able to witness live the use of the hammer, a key part of the old iron production. It is located on the outskirts of La Massana, in the northern valley of Andorra.

The history of electricity in Andorra

Andorra’s energy production is closely linked to the country’s economic growth in the 1930s. The MW electricity museum explores concepts such as energy, electric current and how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station, as well as showing the evolution of electrification in Andorra during the 20th century. The last room offers interactive experiments to understand electrical phenomena, and exhibits the two original generators of the power station, installed in 1934.

The Carmen Thyssen Museum is a must for art lovers.

Carmen Thyssen’s prestigious private collection is on display here. Through a carefully themed line, this museum offers a unique artistic experience, located in a historic building in the heart of the country.
Even if you have already visited it, it is worth coming back, as the exhibition changes every year, always offering new and surprising works to discover. On this occasion, the exhibition ‘Sons. Musical Analogies in Painting’ explores how sound is present in painting, with a multi-sensory experience.

Andorra Museum Tour

In order to make the most of your visit to Andorra’s museums, we recommend you purchase the PassMuseu, available at any of them. This pass offers you discounts at numerous museums and monuments in the country, allowing you to enjoy a complete cultural experience.
To make your tour even more special, we have selected some of the most outstanding museums, distributed throughout the country, so that as well as exploring the culture, you will discover unique corners of Andorra.

Autumn fills the mountains with vibrant colours and is also the perfect season to immerse yourself in our impressive cultural wealth. Book your accommodation in Andorra.

Andorra awaits you with the most original plans for autumn

Culture & Art in Andorra, nature in Andorra 19 de September de 202418 de September de 2024

With the arrival of the cooler months, Andorra transforms into a mosaic of ochre, red and gold tones, creating a visual spectacle that invites you to enjoy an autumn getaway. Els Llacs Mountain Apartments, located at the foot of the Grandvalira slopes, are the ideal place for those seeking peace and quiet and contact with nature. Although the slopes are now closed, the surroundings still offer activities and autumn plans perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature.

Original autumn plans: explore the most spectacular viewpoints

Andorra’s Tibetan Bridge, known for its appeal in summer, takes on an even more special charm in autumn. Open until the end of October, you can see first-hand how the warm colours of the mountains enhance the beauty of the surroundings. Visiting it at this time of year is a unique opportunity to enjoy an original plan that captures the essence of Andorra in autumn. It is located in Canillo, next to the Roc del Quer, another of Andorra’s iconic viewpoints not to be missed.
If you’re still hungry for more, check out the route of viewpoints we’ve prepared in this article, where you’ll be able to discover other points from which you’ll be able to enjoy unforgettable views.
Don’t forget to take your camera – every corner becomes a postcard!

Autumn in Andorra is a delight for all the senses.

Andorra’s restaurants make the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients to offer typical dishes that capture the essence of the country. Among the season’s specialities, warm, comforting stews such as escudella or trinxat stand out, ideal to combat the autumn chill. Mushrooms also play a starring role in many traditional recipes, providing intense flavours and aromas that evoke nature.
Complete the experience by tasting the local wines to accompany any meal. In autumn, several gastronomic events are held, such as Andorra Taste, which will take place at the end of September, and Andorra a Taula, which will be held in November. Without a doubt, autumn plans to put in the diary of a true foodie!

Mushroom hunting in Andorra, the autumn activity par excellence

During this season, you can find a wide variety of edible mushrooms, such as chanterelles, boletus and chanterelles. Get a basket and a knife, and head into the forest to collect gastronomic treasures. As well as being a way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the forest, this activity allows you to learn more about the local flora and culinary traditions of the region. However, it is important to follow the harvesting rules and make sure you correctly identify the species to ensure a safe experience for your health and respectful of the natural environment. This is just one of the many options that form part of the best autumn plans in Andorra.

Route of charming villages in Andorra

Visiting places like Ordino, Pal or Sispony will allow you to get to know Andorran history and culture, while strolling through cobbled streets, discovering Romanesque churches and enjoying traditional architecture.
Each village has its own personality and unique charm with the mountainous landscapes that surround them or their small squares and narrow streets where time seems to have stood still. This is one of those autumn plans that will allow you to discover the essence of Andorra.

Andorra is an exceptional destination for autumn plans. Coming to Els Llacs Mountain Apartments means choosing comfortable accommodation from which to explore all that this small country has to offer. If you are looking for ideas for a getaway, these autumn plans in Andorra guarantee you an unforgettable experience.

Everything you can do in the parish of Canillo in summer

hiking, mountain and summer sports, Culture & Art in Andorra, nature in Andorra, with children 7 de June de 20242 de June de 2024

Canillo is the parish where Els Llacs Mountain Apartments is located. It is the largest in Andorra and this is reflected in the large number of activities it offers in winter, but also in summer. With the mountains close at hand, it has a lot to offer. Today we tell you what you can do for fun this summer in Canillo. With proposals for all tastes and close to the flats, you won’t get bored!

Splash: the new summer sensation

The Palau de Gel is located in the centre of Canillo, about 10 minutes by car from our flats. It has recently launched a new attraction, ideal for cooling off in summer (and all year round). The Splash activity includes 3 giant water slides where the whole family will have a great time. Plus the chance to skate on Andorra’s only ice rink. As we were saying, this is a very refreshing activity for summer afternoons, after spending the day in the mountains.

Hiking routes in Canillo

This is the ideal parish if you want to go hiking, with many routes and excursions for all levels.
If you go with the family, we suggest the Camí del Gall route, which goes from the town of Canillo to Soldeu (although you can also start the other way round, going all the way down and going up by bus to Soldeu). This is an accessible trail for children, well signposted and with indications explaining the flora and fauna you will encounter along the way.
Not forgetting the well-known Vall d’Incles, where you can go on countless excursions to lakes, such as Juclar, the largest in Andorra, Siscaró or Cabana Sorda.

Soldeu Golf

Did you know that Andorra has the highest golf course in Europe? It is located in the Soldeu sector of Grandvalira at an altitude of 2,250 metres. It has 9 holes, a par 33, 16 hectares and a length of 2,590 metres. It also has a school with professional instructors, equipment hire and a restaurant. It is usually open from the end of June to September.
This time you don’t have to go very far, just to the 8-seater cable car in Soldeu, which is the only place to access the course.

Cycling routes in Canillo

If you are a fan of cycling, you are in the right place. Andorra has routes for road cyclists and mountain bikers.
We suggest a moderate route that leaves from the centre of Canillo to El Forn, where the Grandvalira Family Park activity centre is located. The route is about 5 kilometres long, with a difference in altitude of 388 metres.
You’ll also find mountain bike and e-bike circuits in the Grandvalira sectors.

Family activities to enjoy the mountains

In summer there are many ways to enjoy the mountain.

Grandvalira’s Family Park is the ideal place to enjoy an unforgettable day out with your children. It offers outdoor activities for the whole family.

Discover Andorra’s adventure parks.

Eating well in Canillo

Gastronomy is another must on a trip, especially if you come to Andorra. In Canillo it is easy to sample the local gastronomy in some of the typical restaurants such as the bordas. But you can also sample international cuisine. Don’t miss the two restaurants at the Park Piolets hotel: Kao Soldeu and the new Trattoria by Andrea Tumbarello. In the former you will savour the delights of Italian haute cuisine and in the latter you will travel to the most authentic Italy thanks to its dishes.

Tibetan bridge and the Roc del Quer

You’ve probably already heard that one of the longest Tibetan bridges in the world is in Andorra. And we also have it in Canillo and next to the Roc del Quer viewpoint. Undoubtedly two of the most emblematic spots to enjoy the views of Andorra.

Museums in Andorra and cultural activities

Finally, if your trip must include a cultural visit, we recommend the church of Sant Joan de Caselles, a fine example of Romanesque architecture in Andorra, which is open in summer.
Without leaving Canillo, you can enjoy the motorbike museum, where you will find a collection that reviews its evolution since 1896 with iconic pieces.
And to round off the cultural visits, don’t miss the Meritxell sanctuary, dedicated to the patron saint of Andorra and part of the Marian Route.

These are just some of the activities and visits you can do in Canillo.
After a day of emotions, we are waiting for you at Els Llacs Mountain Apartment, where you will enjoy your well-deserved rest, in holiday flats with everything you need.

Andorra is a destination to visit all year round

nature in Andorra, Andorra apartments offers, Culture & Art in Andorra, events in Andorra, hiking, mountain and summer sports, ski and winter sports 10 de April de 20249 de April de 2024

Andorra is a country to be experienced 365 days a year, and each season has its own special charm! In spring, nature awakens, in summer the sun and the good weather invite you to extend your days in the mountains, and autumn is ideal to escape from routine after your holidays. And the first snowfalls are the first sign that winter is approaching, marking the start of the ski season.
Each season offers different experiences to enjoy in your own way and with whoever you want, whether you are travelling as a couple, with your family or with friends.
Here we tell you all about it!

Spring bursts out in all its splendour

It is the favourite time of the year for many. Temperatures are more pleasant when it comes to taking advantage of the last of the snow to go skiing before the resorts close, ski touring or snowshoeing. But it is also a perfect time for cycling without getting cold or going for a walk or run in the city or the mountains when the snow is gone.
In May and June, the first sporting events and open-air music festivals begin in Andorra and continue until the beginning of autumn.

The quietest season

Another reason to be a fan of this season is that it is less crowded compared to summer or winter. After Easter and before July, there are fewer visitors to Andorra. You’ll be able to stroll and go shopping at your leisure, and you won’t have to stress about booking a table in one of the country’s busiest restaurants. But what’s more, if you get away in spring, you’ll enjoy better prices . Book your spring break on our website and benefit from an extra 10% discount.

In summer you won’t stop!

Parties, festivals and outdoor activities, as well as trail running, road cycling and mountain biking competitions are always on the agenda – check out the events calendar to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
The word that best defines summer in Andorra is: active. These are the days to pack your backpack and go hiking. It doesn’t matter if you climb a peak or reach a lake: nothing compares to having breakfast or lunch surrounded by the sounds of nature. In Andorra, you’ll find hiking trails available for all levels and with durations that are affordable for everyone.

Much more than hiking

You can also set aside a day for the endless activities in the heart of nature offered by the ski resorts during the summer months, perfect for children, without forgetting to make time for culture! Summer gives you the chance to visit the Romanesque churches that are only open at this time of year, or to attend museum nights with small concerts, performances and cultural routes.
And to round off the summer season: an essential part of your visit is a sunset over the mountains from one of Andorra’s viewpoints, an impressive souvenir to take home with you!

Autumn is all about colours, flavours and lots of shopping

During this time of year, getaways to make the most of the weekends and long weekends in autumn are commonplace. Temperatures are still pleasant and there are enough daylight hours to stroll through the streets of the country and have a drink on the terraces.
At the end of September, nature begins its transformation and changes its colour palette from green to ochre, orange and reddish tones. Undoubtedly, a visual spectacle that captivates everyone who sees it.

The shopping festival

In November, the Andorra Shopping Festival is held, a festival for shopping lovers. During the weekends, in the country’s shopping centre you can attend live performances, travelling shows, as well as take advantage of discounts and special promotions. This is the time to get ready for the coming winter season and renew your ski equipment.
For foodies, Andorra Taula is also here, the country’s culinary days whose proposals will delight you .

And then comes the star season of the year: winter.

Skiing, snowboarding and snow activities are the things to look forward to in December in Andorra. This season is synonymous not only with snow sports, but also with celebrations. Christmas, New Year and Epiphany festivities fill the streets with a festive spirit. Lights, Christmas markets and decorations create a magical atmosphere, ideal for enjoying with family or friends. In winter Andorra also celebrates Carnival, a great opportunity to discover local traditions and the much-desired Valentine’s Day.

The après-ski in Andorra

Of course, no snow day is complete without après-ski. A tradition that turns afternoons and evenings into moments of relaxation and entertainment. Andorra offers a wide variety of options.

Plans to do 365 days a year

In Andorra you’ll find activities to enjoy all year round. From shopping in its commercial hubs, to visiting museums that tell the story of the country’s history and culture, to relaxing or having fun in Caldea. Ice skating is an option at any time of year, while visiting the picturesque Andorran villages allows you to discover the rustic charm of the Pyrenees. Each activity offers a unique experience, making Andorra the perfect place for those looking for variety and charm all year round.

Year-round accommodation

Els Llacs Mountain Apartments are also for year-round enjoyment and the pace of the plans Andorra has to offer. They are located in Bordes de Envalira, just 2 minutes from Soldeu by car and opposite the Grandvalira ski resort. Here you will feel at home, in holiday flats that stand out for their uniqueness and are fully equipped with all the comforts you can imagine. We also have a children’s mini-club and a spa, so that everyone can make the most of their holidays in Andorra, whether in summer or winter.
Get ready for adventure and book your flat in Andorra!

Make the most of the last long weekend of the year and start 2024 in Andorra

with children, Culture & Art in Andorra, events in Andorra 1 de December de 20234 de December de 2023

Are you ready for a unique experience to end the year? Andorra is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and friendly atmosphere. And of course, during the festive season it is the ideal destination. If you want to know why; read on and we’ll reveal the best plans to spend the New Year’s long weekend in Andorra. We propose a getaway to start 2024 in the snow in the best way possible.

Start the year on the slopes

Wake up in a mountain apartment with views to the slopes and just a few metres from the access to Grandvalira. Prepare yourself a delicious breakfast, load your boards, boots and the rest of your ski equipment in the car, get to the resort quickly and ski – it’s as easy as that! On the first day of the year 2024, your first act will be skiing in Grandvalira.
But to make sure everything is ready, don’t forget to buy your ski pass beforehand. Book your flat with ski pass in advance and don’t let anything ruin your big day.

Eat your grapes with a view of the snow-capped mountains.

Or celebrate it your way! Do you know what the advantage of staying in a flat is? You won’t be tied to a pre-established menu or restrictive schedules. You will be able to prepare whatever you feel like during the whole New Year’s Eve long weekend and New Year’s Eve as well. In addition, you will only be surrounded by your loved ones.
However, we have just one small recommendation: don’t forget to buy chocolate with churros to start the year in the sweetest way!

The New Year’s long weekend is also a time for shopping

Unlike in Spain, where the sales start after Christmas, in Andorra they start on the first Friday before Christmas. So from 22 December you can go shopping and buy whatever you like at the best price. From electronics to prestigious fashion brands, sports clothing and equipment, cosmetics and perfumery. In all the shops you will see signs with discounts and promotions. However, remember that 1 January is one of the few days when shops do not open their doors, and on 31 December they will close their shutters a little earlier. So you will have to leave this activity for the days before.
But don’t worry, there are more proposals for the 1st of January.

Après-ski activities for the long weekend at the end of the year

Over the long weekend, you’ll be able to enjoy activities and events designed to make the most of the long weekend, especially on Saturday and Sunday.

– Christmas activities

In Andorra la Vella you can stroll through the Christmas village, ideal if you’re going with young children, as there you’ll find a skating rink, a carousel and travelling shows in the evenings. La Massana has a brand new experience: the Estelàrium. A space with a temporary planetarium where you can see the moon and the solar system through immersive films, and where you can also enjoy food trucks, concerts, shows and workshops. In Canillo you can’t miss the giant nativity scene, with life-size figures distributed all over the town.

– I just want to relax

If you’re still here on 1 January, the best suggestion, of course, is to go skiing in Grandvalira. But afterwards, to complete the day, you can recover your strength in the spa of the flats (included in the price). Or go to Caldea, which also opens on 1 January (we recommend you book in advance).

– The New Year’s concert

Framed under the theme “The colours of Strauss”, the Orquestra Nacional de Cambra d’Andorra (ONCA), conducted by Albert Gumí, will be the star of the New Year’s concert, with the aim of discovering the greatness of Johann Strauss Jr. It will take place on 1 January 2024 at 7 pm in the National Auditorium in Ordino.

Gastronomic plans for the last night of the year

Of course, an excellent way to spend New Year’s Eve is to go out for dinner with family and friends. Andorra’s restaurants offer special menus and, although you’ll find a wide variety of options all over the country, Soldeu is the closest place. The best way to make sure you don’t run out of tables is to choose where you want to go and get in touch to make a reservation beforehand, otherwise you run the risk of being left without a table.

Nightlife

Soldeu also has a good range of bars, restaurants and nightlife, both during the winter season and over the long weekend.

From skiing in the largest resort in the Pyrenees, to relaxing in spas and enjoying the delicious local gastronomy, Andorra has everything you need for a great New Year’s Eve weekend. To make your stay even more special, we suggest you stay at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments, where you can rest and recharge your batteries after a day in the snow.
We assure you that this getaway in Andorra will be a unique gift for you and your family.

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

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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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!

Culture & Art in Andorra