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This summer enjoy the best events programme in Andorra

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.

Andorra Mountain Music

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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Christmas in Andorra: discover all the activities for this holiday

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?