A winter sports Mecca
With a skiable area of 3,075 hectares and 301 km of slopes, Andorra is a destination of choice for enjoying the snow and its unmissable activities. Located in the parish of Encamp, Grandvalira, with its 210 km of runs, is considered one of the most important ski areas in Europe. So if you dream of skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing in the middle of winter, don't miss the chance to go to the town of Encamp and take the Funicamp. This spectacular and modern facility allows you to reach the resort in only 25 minutes. In addition to enjoying winter sports in record time, this beautiful 6 km long funitel offers you a trip in the air during which you can enjoy the spectacular scenery around the Enradort pass. If you have never had the opportunity to ski in the Pyrenees, you will see that Grandvalira is a resort that has all the assets to compete with the greatest European resorts.
Nature and heritage walks
If the mountain is beautiful in winter, what can we say about the summer period, a time of the year when the reliefs are a favorite terrain for all kinds of sportsmen: hikers, mountain bikers and other climbers. The funicamp can also be used on sunny days, and after a 25-minute ride in the heart of the Cortals valley, you will reach the starting point of several itineraries on foot or by mountain bike. One of the most important walks is the Route of the Orris. On this occasion you cross the valleys and are in complete harmony with nature. You will cross lakes, rivers, marshy areas and will have the pleasure to reach the incredible cirque of Pessons. On the way, you will also come across incredible orris, these pastoral stone constructions of the high pastures. Nature, ancestral architectural heritage, everything is there. The Route des Orris is composed of several itineraries, each with its own charm. Thus, the route of "Les Deveses", which follows the high part of the Cortals valley up to the Enredort pass, crosses meadows where you can meet marmots and observe the local flora. On the way, you will meet three old orris: the Orri Vell, the Orri d'Emportona and the Orri d'Enradort. The observation of the constructions allows to understand better how the ancient shepherds lived in expedition in the heights and to distinguish the parts reserved to the animals. The itinerary that leads to the Cubil lake also allows us to enjoy exceptional mountain views. Once you reach the water's edge, you will enjoy the rocky walls that surround you, the greenery and the Orri del Cubil, which offers the feeling of being alone in the world. On another itinerary, you will reach another exceptional lake: the one of Pessons. After crossing the beautiful meadows of Encenrera and reaching the edge of the lake, take the time to admire in detail the Pessons cirque, a glacial cirque where you can enjoy the largest lake complex in Andorra. Around it are the peaks of Pessons, Ríbuls or Montmalús, cuminants at 2800 m of altitude. Here, nature is grandiose, the water of the lakes crystal clear, and not far away is another beautiful group of buildings: the Orri de l'Estany Forcat. By the way, still on the subject of lakes, it is worth noting that the parish of Encamp has 21 of the 62 lakes in the country. A beautiful and easy walk to do with children is the one that leads to the lake of Engolasters. The itinerary is short, linear, without great differences in altitude, full of local vegetation and typical Andorran buildings. Another alternative is the circuit that leads to the peaks of Envalira and the banks of the lake of Abelletes. This lake is a delight for fishermen because it is rich in trout. An amusing anecdote is that this place, located at the top of the basin of the river Pas de la Case, is a natural border with France. Therefore, one part of the lake is in French territory, and the other in Andorra. As you can see, the parish of Encamp is an area suitable for many walking tours, and among the nine proposed, there are different levels. It is also possible to hike for several days, with the availability of four refuges. The area is also pleasant to cycle through, and you will not fail to take advantage of the cycle tourism circuits, such as the Les Pardines path. This natural trail offers impressive views, and you should stop along the way at the mirador with views of the peaks of Llevant, Torralleda and Pala Alta. Two other sites of interest are the Oratori de la Mare de Déu de l'Ecologia, a work by the Catalan artist Ramon Argilés dating from 1999, and the Carbonera del Confós, a place where pine wood is transformed into vegetable charcoal using a slow combustion technique. We should also mention the possibility of strolling through the exceptional Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, with its spectacular landscapes of jagged mountains and glaciers, as well as mountain pastures and deep wooded valleys. It is the only site in Andorra to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unmissable monuments
If the parish of Encamp immediately evokes breathtaking mountain views and natural landscapes in which to stroll and enjoy all kinds of sports activities in winter and summer, the territory is also rich, as we have seen with the orris, of an architectural heritage that is worth a look. You will take the time to walk through the streets and alleys of the city of Encamp, which combines modernity and tradition. You will see Romanesque churches alongside 21st century buildings. Le Pas de la Case, the first town you will meet after crossing the French-Andorran border, has an atypical architecture. We stop there above all because it is a door of access to Grandvalira to ski. It is equipped with superb ski lifts that lead to Coll Blanc, Grau Roig, Font Negra, Costa Redona and La Solana. It is also an important commercial center and has a multitude of stores, hotels and restaurants. On another day, you can't miss the magnificent historical site of Les Bons. This incredibly rich complex consists of the 12th-century church of Sant Romà, the remains of a building of civil architecture, an ancient four-story defense tower, two dovecotes and a water reservoir dug into the rock. It is a good place to stroll around and the view of the surrounding valley is just as beautiful. Another monument of interest is the church of Santa Eulàlia. How can one not marvel at the beauty of this parish church of Romanesque origin, which has preserved part of its original architecture, and whose bell tower is the highest tower in the Lombard Romanesque style in Andorra, at 23 m high? This is the richness of the parish of Encamp, which offers routes that combine the pleasures of observing nature with those of contemplating ancient monuments. The tourist office will tell you more about the four cultural routes offered in the area.
A trip to the museum
An interest in the history, art and heritage of the parish of Encamp also takes you to some of the most important museums. In Encamp, don't miss the Casa Cristo ethnographic museum, a house museum that offers a real journey through time. Take a trip back to the Andorra of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially to the most modest stratum of society. This three-story village house reveals the life of a humble family of the time, with objects, handicrafts and other clothing. On another occasion, visit the small Museum of Sacred Art, next to the parish church of Santa Eulàlia. Divided into three rooms, it has many liturgical objects from various churches in Andorra. You will discover in turn works of goldsmithery, textile pieces and parchments. One of the most outstanding objects is a bronze censer from the 14th century.
Sports, parties and gastronomy
In the magnificent landscapes of the parish of Encamp, you can of course enjoy winter sports, hiking, mountain biking. But you can also take the height during sessions of via ferratta. You can't miss an original activity: driving on ice at the Circuit Andorre - Pas de la Case, on the track where the famous Andros trophy takes place. With the snow drivng, strong sensations are guaranteed! In the sports centers of Encamp and Pas de la Case, you can also enjoy tennis, swimming pool, fitness and squash rooms to let off steam and relax.
As far as festivals are concerned, the Festa Major of Encamp and Pas de la Case are traditional festivals with a good-natured spirit where you can enjoy strolling during the summer. Not to be forgotten is Christmas and its Children's and Youth Fair, during which children participate in workshops, shows and enjoy a variety of activities, including video games and simulators. In February, one of the most festive moments of the year is the Encamp carnival. 5 days of traditions and rituals, sometimes surprising, where you can participate in the famous Ball de l'Óssa (Dance of the Bear), classified as intangible cultural heritage of Andorra. To regain your strength, you can go to the best restaurants and enjoy delicious mountain cuisine at any time. If you pass through the parish of Encamp in January, don't miss the popular festival of the Escudella de Sant Antoni, during which you will taste this very rich and typical Andorran soup.
