Places To Visit In El Tarter: Explore The Tiny Village Of Andorra In Europe

Pine trees lined along the snow-covered slope in El Tarter with snow-covered peaks

El Tarter is in the parish of Canillo, Andorra, and is known for its astounding natural beauty. Snow-capped peaks and lush green flora provide the perfect diversity. This contrast also enables visitors to enjoy the various places to visit in El Tarter that are connected by road and accessible by private and public transport. El Tarter is at an altitude of 1,700 meters and is blessed with epic views of the Pyrenees mountains. With each season, El Tarter is dressed differently. Since it is a relatively low-budget option, it is the perfect gateway to live in the enthralling charm of Andorra’s pastoral life.

Best Places To Visit In And Around El Tarter

Have a look at the top ten places to visit in El Tarter, each distinct and replete with its ubiquitous charm.

1. Grandvalira Ski Resort

The ski resort of Grandvalira, with snow covering the entire landscape and pine trees jutting out

Photo: Christof Damian / Wikimedia Commons

One of the largest ski resorts in the Alps, it is one of the favourite places to visit in El Tarter for skiers and snowboarders belonging to various levels. The ski resort is located in the Pyrenees; Grandvalira has 2154 kilometres of slopes in total: 00 km of blue slopes, 82 km of red slopes, and 33 km of black slopes. This ensures an inclusive environment for everyone visiting the place. A visit to this place warrants indulging in freestyle skiing and taking in the sweeping views of scenic beauty. The slopes are lined with trees, while some are open alpine regions.

Location: El Tarter, AD100 Canillo, Andorra
Major Attraction: Skiing and Snowboarding

2. Sorteny Valley Natural Park

A snow-covered park with a lone empty bench in the middle and trees in the distance

Photo: scott tennant / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sorteny Valley Natural Park is in Ordino, amidst rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The park spans 1,080 hectares of area and features approximately 800 species of flora, with 70 species being endemic to the Pyrenees. In its fauna, visitors get to see deer, marmots, chamois, and wild boars. The alpine meadows and mountain lakes, such as Estany de l’Estanyó, make it one of the incredible places near El Tarter. At the park, guided tours and themed hiking trails are also accessible to fully immerse in its natural beauty. Today, the park is at the helm of conservation and environmental education. It offers workshops and tours to increase awareness about biodiversity conservation.

Location: AD300 Ordino, Andorra
Major Attraction: Hiking, snowshoeing, themed trails

3. Sant Pere Del Tarter Church

The medieval church of Sant Pere del Tarter with an arched roof and bell on top

Photo: Simonjoan / Wikimedia Commons

The Church of Sant Pere Màrtir was constructed in 1956. It was made with granite stone and designed by architect Josep Danés. The church is a perfect amalgamation of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of El Tarter. It is one of the important places to visit in El Tarter for it boasts of Romanesque architecture and is a crucial part of Andorra’s Cultural Heritage. It has traces of Andorra’s cultural tradition. The church is accessible on foot, which is also an opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the route. Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains, the church is the perfect place to pause and contemplate after a hectic day at El Tarter.

Location: Canillo, AD100, AD
Major Attraction: Architecture

4. Museo De La Moto

A museum showcases vintage motorcycles in different colours and exhibits in rows

Photo: Nheyob / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The museum allocated 900 m² space for exhibition and showcases about 121 motorcycles dating to the 19th century and contemporary times. The Motorcycle Museum offers a rich and comprehensive repository of knowledge on motorcycles. It shelters some iconic vintage models, such as steam-powered Henry Capel Loft Holden and a 1900 Diamant, that cannot be found anywhere in the exhibit. At the museum, guided tours are also available in four different languages: English, Catalan, Spanish, and French. Each tour continues for approximately 45 minutes. These days, the museum holds a permanent exhibition focusing on the design and distinct features of each spending motorcycle model.

Location: Canillo, Andorra
Major Attraction: Motorcycle exhibition, guided tours

5. Tibetan Bridge

A wooden bridge connecting from one place to the other mountain and a stream flowing below

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Tibetan Bridge, one of the must-visit places to visit in El Tarter, is the perfect harmony of visual beauty and thrill to experience. The bridge is well-connected by road and accessible by bus from the village of Cannillo. At an elevation of 1,875 meters, the bridge offers stunning views of vistas sprawling in front. Visitors are required to walk about 900 metres to reach the bridge, which runs 603 metres long and lies 158 metres above the ground. The bridge is a significant landmark, and in the vicinity are different options for thrilling activities to partake in, like mountain biking and hiking. Visitors are allured to this place by the anticipated contrast of thrill and relaxation.

Location: Canillo, Andorra
Major Attraction: Bungee jumping, hiking, trekking

6. Snowpark El Tarter

A landscape covered in sheets of white snow and a blue, clear sky stretches above

Photo: Coldstreamer20 / Wikimedia Commons

Among the places to visit in El Tarter is Snowpark– Coliflor Freestyle is an appealing place for the freestyle skiing and snowboarding opportunities it offers. The park features whopping jump ranges, scaling from 3 to 20 metres. This allows varying degrees of expertise to contribute their bit and enjoy here. Be it amateurs, intermediaries, or professionals, all can partake in the fun here. The park hosts international competitions, such as Grandvalira Total Fight, where top freestyle athletes sign up. It is an amazing place to vibe with; to soak in some adrenaline rush. It is considered to be one of the best-equipped snowparks in Southern Europe.

Location: Ensisa, El Tarter, AD100 Canillo, Andorra
Major Attraction: Freestyle skiing and snowboarding, night skiing

7. Sunrise Park Xavi

A ski track and trees covered in intense snow with dark shadows falling on the ground

Photo: Ximeg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sunrise Park Xavi is located in the Grau Roig sector of Grandvalira and is one of the awe-inspiring places to visit in El Tarter. The park has three lines demarcated for beginners, intermediate, and advanced athletes. Tourists love this place for the panoramic views of the Pyrenees it offers, which form a picturesque backdrop against skiing and snowboarding. Skii lovers are attracted to the diversity of landscapes offered for snowboarding, from open slopes to forested trails. The park has a pavilion at the fag end of the park that opens to the sea.

Location: Grau Roig, AD200 Canillo, Andorra
Major Attraction: Skiing, snowboarding, chairlift access

8. TC10 EL Tarter

A ski track and mountains stretching in the distance covered in snow with skiers zig-zagging

Photo: reddangelo16 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

TC10 El Tarter gondola is all about appreciating all the wonders of adventure and the charisma of nature’s beauty. The place is tucked away in the picturesque setting of the Canillo region within the Grandvalira ski resort. Both by car and public transportation, the gondola is easily accessible. To soak in the most mesmerising views of the Pyrenees mountains, this place is ideal. An interactive skiing area is located at the very top of this gondola, known as Baba Boom Circus Route. TC10 El Tarter gondola is pertinent throughout the year, for it has a plethora of winter and summer activities in stock.

Location: El Tarter, Andorra
Major Attraction: Mountain biking, snowboarding, snowshoeing

9. Sant Joan De Caselles Church

Saint Joan de Caselles surrounded by hills and trees in different shades, with a blue sky above

Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Saint Joan de Caselles is one of the beautiful testimonies to the architectural splendour of Romanesque architecture and its legacy in El Tarter. It is registered under Andorra’s Cultural Heritage, which reflects the majesty of Lombard Bell Towers and overlapping stone layers. It is a 12th-century church, and the architecture has a stucco image of Christ in Majesty. Inside the church, visitors are drawn to the altarpiece from the 16th century that infuses Italian and Germanic Renaissance styles. The altarpiece depicts the important scenes from the life of Saint John the Evangelist.

Location: Av. Sant Joan de Caselles, s/n, Canillo,
Major Attraction: Romanesque architecture, Renaissance style

10. Soldeu Ski Resort

A ski resort with fluffs of white snow eclipsing the entire scenery and cable cars hanging by

Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One of the legendary places to visit in El Tarter is Soldeu Ski Resort in the parish of Canillo, Soldeu, at an altitude of 1800m. The ski resort forms a part of Grandvalira Ski Resort. For skiing and skyboarding, visitors are enchanted with the 210 kilometres of slopes designed to accommodate both beginners and professionals. One of the most challenging slopes is the Avet slope, which hosted the FIS Ski World Cup Finals. The resort has luxury accommodations at the Sport Hotel Hermitage and ski schools equipped with English-speaking instructors.

Location: Estació Esquí, AD100 El Tarter, Andorra
Major Attraction: Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding

In essence, El Tarter is a quaint Andorran village with an unmatchable allure and warm hospitality. Be it a destination wedding, a nomad’s life, a laid-back holiday, a plush vacay, or a budgeted family trip, El Taratera has it all. The village has robust transportation and accommodation options. An important part of Andorra, El Tarter has incredible terrains and cuisines to enjoy. Plan your Andorran vacation with TripXL to avail some of the best deals on travel, food, and accommodation. .

Cover Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Perfumery, ski equipment, and gourmet products are widely purchased in El Tarter and across Andorra.
El Tarter has renowned snowparks and diverse terrains for skiing and snowboarding.
Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) is the closest option, about 200 kilometres from El Tarter. From here, public transport and private rentals to El Tarter are easily available.
The culinary delights are a separate expedition itself. Trinxat de la Cerdanya, Formatge de tupí, Raclette and Fondue, and local sausages are some of the highly recommended dishes to try.
If you are going skiing and other such snow-related activities, December to April is the optimal time. For non-skiing activities, September is a pleasant time to bask in the serene beauty of the Pyrenees.

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