Canillo, Andorra
The small Andorran village of Canillo was “absorbed” a few years ago by the nearby resorts of Pas de la Casa and Soldeu. All together they were combined into a single ski area Grandvalira, which has become one of the largest in Europe.
The proximity to the capital of Andorra and the presence of 112 slopes of varying difficulty made Grandvalira, and with it Canillo, the famous resorts of the Pyrenees mountain ranges.
How to get there
This cozy Andorran resort is located just 6 km from Soldeu. Buses from Andorra la Vella to Soldeu stop every hour from 7 am to 10 pm in Canillo. The ticket will cost 2.5 EUR. By car, the journey takes about 20 minutes.
In winter, a skibus bus runs every 20 minutes, taking tourists to Canillo from Andorra la Vella and Pas de la Casa. The ride is free for ski pass holders.
The nearest airports to the resort are in Spanish Barcelona (200 km) and French Carcassonne (176 km).
Weather in Canillo
The ski season starts in December and closes by mid-April. Most of the winter months the temperature here is between +2°C and -2°C, although it often snows. At the same time, thanks to the surrounding mountains, Canillo is protected from the northern icy wind. Sunny days here are 250 out of 365 possible, so sunglasses are indispensable. See Citypopulationreview for weather in the capital of Andorra.
Hotels
Despite the small size of the village, there are plenty of hotels in Canillo for every taste!
Tracks
Since Canillo is connected to nearby resorts by the Grandvalira unified ski area (GrandValira), the route of its lift passes through Soldeu – El Tarter (the best slopes of medium difficulty), El Font (with a restaurant, ski school and kindergarten) and goes up to Peak de la Porteia (2450 m). At the last peak point, one black and two blue ski slopes start. Another peak of Grandvalira with black slopes is Encampadana (2500 m).
There are a total of 112 pistes in the Grandvalira area, including Canillo, of which:
- 19 tracks – green
- 39 tracks – blue
- 30 tracks – red
- 24 tracks are black.
The nearest area from Canillo – Pas de la Casa – Grau Roig is concentrated around the red slopes and is intended for amateurs with a professional level of skiing. At the foot of Pas de la Cala, the slalom track begins. For beginner skiers, the Espiolets area is best, and for children there are two Mickey Snow Club ski slopes. The “informals” of skiing go down the steep slope of De La Llosada – this slope is not among the official ski slopes.
Attractions and attractions in Canillo
Canillo is a very small town and truly a resort. The only local architectural landmark is a picturesque stone church built at the end of the 11th century. The tower with the bell tower is made in the Lombard style. You can get into the church or climb the tower only by prior call or appointment. Near the architectural monument is a medieval cemetery.
The main area for entertainment in Canillo is the Palau de Gel ice sports palace, where all local ice competitions take place, and in the evenings a disco “for everyone” opens.
Palau de Gel is considered the main area for entertainment in Canillo. There is a small indoor skating rink with two daytime sessions and one evening session. There is a salon for renting skates and special hockey equipment. If necessary, you can contact the instructors for help. If necessary, you can contact the instructors for help. All local competitions on ice are held in this “palace”, and in the evenings a disco “for everyone” opens. Even at Palau de Gel there is a swimming pool, a solarium, a sauna, a medical office, billiard tables, a shop and a restaurant.
2 things to do in Canillo
- Arrange a skating master class in the ice palace. Perhaps it will be possible to “surpass” one of those present!
- Soberly evaluate your skiing skills and try to go down from one of the “black” slopes, if the “skills” allow it. A portion of adrenaline as a reward will be provided!
And in Canillo there is an interesting motorcycle museum, which presents more than a century of motorcycle history, dating back to the invention in 1885 by Gottlieb Daimler of the first vehicle on two wheels, capable of moving at a speed of 18 km / h. Opening hours: Wed.-Thu. 10:00-13:30, 15:00-19:00, Fri. 10:00-13:30, 15:00-19:30, Sat-Sun 10:00-13:30, 15:00-20:00; ticket price 3 EUR. In general, people usually go to Andorra la Vella for an active, entertaining and noteworthy life.
: it is only 40 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by car from Canillo. It is also worth going (or rather going) to the thermal springs in Soldeu, which are located 8 km from Canillo.
