Andorra in summer has plans for all tastes. Because, without a doubt, talking about the Principality leads quickly as lightning to think of Grandvalira and snow ; but whoever takes advantage of the heat to surrender to the pleasures of its green landscapes well knows that plans are not lacking either.
With an extension of 468 km, 90% of the Andorran territory is a natural environment.
A mountain paradise that can be practiced all year round, the characteristics of its landscape, marked by mountains and lakes of great beauty, make it the perfect destination to practice outdoor sports , hiking or horseback riding when white gives way to green.
They are not missing either via ferrata, canyoning and adventure circuits that will delight those daring who travel to Andorra in summer.
In fact, lovers of cycle tourism will well know that many of these ports have been protagonists of mythical stages of the Tour de France , which will visit the country again this year from July 11 to 13.
It is ideal, for example, the Coronallacs route , which allows you to tour the country in just five days with the option of staying in refuges for hikers; or discover by bike the 21 mountain passes.
Lake Tristaina, Andorra.
ODE TO NATURE
Those who seek to practice sport in a less demanding way and surrender to the pleasure of walking, in the Sorteny valley there are more than 700 species of flowers and plants in the smallest of the three natural spaces protected from Andorra.
More than 60 signposted mountain itineraries and more than 70 lakes where you can stop, without a doubt Tristaina Ponds make up one of the most emblematic sets of lakes in the Principality.
Emblematic are also landscapes such as the one offered by the incles Valley, the Llac d'Engolasters or the Estanys de Juclà.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
To understand the history and origins of the country it is advisable to visit The House of the Valley , the most symbolic monument in Andorra and one of the oldest parliaments in Europe. But they don't beat seniority the more than 40 Romanesque churches that are scattered throughout the Principality.
Meritxell Sanctuary, work of Ricardo Bofill.
A good example is the Church of Santa Coloma , inside which part of the original frescoes can be seen. San Miguel de Engolasters, San Román de les Bons or San Clemente de Pal are other excellent examples of this journey to stone and the past.
Dated from the 11th and 12th centuries, of small dimensions, little ornamented and simple, one of the most identifying and important signs of these temples are its bell towers or belfry, used as a method of communication between towns and as a defensive element against attacks.
Looking for them is a perfect plan for a morning. But in addition, lovers of contemporary architecture will find one more incentive: the sanctuary of Meritxell, the work of the deceased icon Ricardo Bofill.
For art lovers, the summer visit to Andorra cannot forget the Carmen Thyssen Museum Andorra , located in Escaldes-Engordany. Indispensable.
Interior House of the Vall, Andorra.
LEISURE, LEISURE AND MORE LEISURE
Here they know hedonism for a while and their shopping offer proves it. There are more than 2,000 stores , nothing less. Of course, the capital is the culmination.
Also, if you travel in this month of July you can complement your shopping afternoon with a perfect finishing touch: enjoy the Cirque du Soleil. Under the name of MV , from July 2 to 31, and for the first time in two years, the Canadian company will exclusively offer a show led by an innovative character, a DJ.
FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
In addition, there are no shortage of plans to carry out in family . A good option is Mon(t) Magic, the family park located in Canillo, or Naturland, the well-known adventure park.
Likewise, Macarulla offers small magical trails to bring the little ones closer to nature. These are circular itineraries, with little slope and distance, that revolve around the game, with points where you can do activities or find hidden items.
Macarulla, Andorra.
BETWEEN BORDAS AND STARS
Finally, we cannot leave the gastronomy . Whether in one rail (former sites used to store grain and protect livestock where today the most traditional dishes and atmosphere await) or in the last (and first) Michelin star of the Principality, the delight is served.
It is in Grandvalira where Ibaya presumes, for the moment, to be the only name in Andorra with a star . This gastronomic space of the spectacular Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa is protected by a more than well-known name among foodies: chef Francis Paniego, a benchmark of Spanish cuisine that shines in its restaurant The Portal of Echaurren (two Michelin stars, Ezcaray).
His Andorran proposal is based on two tasting menus (Tierra 7 ideas, €110, or Tierra 11 ideas, €145) that bring the most modern Riojan cuisine to Andorra to blend in with the landscape.
Kao Soldeu, Chinese haute cuisine.
Another more than interesting option awaits in the neighbor Kao Soldeu, top Chinese cuisine. Betting on handmade cooking techniques, local products and a very interesting wine list with local proposals, this restaurant invites you to enjoy from traditional dim sums to one of the most emblematic dishes of the Kao family, Peking Duck.
AND DO NOT MISS THE WINE
Thanks to the weather four micro-producers produce wines at more than 1,200 meters of altitude . The Casa Beal, Casa Auvinyà, Mas Berenguer, Casus Belli and Borda Sabaté wineries are among the highest vineyards in Europe.
Also noteworthy is the production of craft beers , which use water from Andorra in its production process, thus achieving a unique and local flavour. What more could you want?
Vineyards in Andorra.