10 reasons to book Mountain Hostel Tarter this summer.
Travelling this summer without crowds seems like mission impossible. People everywhere, hot and crowded cities, overcrowded beaches with no place to put your towel, hotels fully-booked, restaurants with no availability, exorbitant prices…
Our proposal: avoid mass tourism.
Our solution: come to Mountain Hostel Tarter.
Mountain Hostel Tarter is one of those few places in this globalised world where tourists do not arrive en masse. Where you can relax, rest, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature, the intense green, the pure air and the fresh mountain air during the summer.
Here are 10 reasons to book Mountain Hostel Tarter this summer:
1 We are in a small mountain village
We are in El Tarter, in Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees, in a small and quiet mountain village. Easily accessible by car or bus.
2 Few people and quiet atmosphere
Our hostel is small and family-friendly, and in summer there is room for everyone. You can choose the room you want. Also, the pace of the hostel in summer is very leisurely and we enjoyed the open-air hostel as much as possible.
3 You will enjoy our swimming pool, one of the most exclusive in Andorra.
You can enjoy our outdoor swimming pool, one of the most exclusive pools in Andorra, with panoramic mountain views. Open from 12h to 21h every day and only for you, for our guests. In addition, the pool terrace with sun loungers, table and chairs and umbrellas is an ideal place to take a nap, read, and let yourself go while listening to the birds sing.
4 “Sa Terrasseta” our beach bar in the middle of the mountains.
“Sa Terrasseta”, our open-air beach bar in the middle of the mountain will transport you to a real beach bar. Honouring our Balearic origins, we have been inspired by the beach bars of the islands to create “Sa Terrasseta”. Here you have all your meals covered, drinks and cocktails, also to take them to the pool,… come on, a real holiday!
5 Mountain walks and hikes
If you want a bit more action, you can sign up for our mountain bike tours. From the hostel. Easy. You will breathe fresh air and enjoy incredible mountain scenery. Maximum disconnection. Here are some hiking trails.
6 Mountain bike rides
If you want a bit more action, you can sign up for our mountain bike tours. To go further, to enjoy the bike, the landscapes, the forests and the trails and to have spectacular views over the Pyrenees from the top of the mountain. However, we strongly recommend renting an electric mountain bike. Here, in our trusted local shop near the hostel.
7 Road bike? Yes, of course!
Andorra is a paradise for road cycling lovers. So if you are one of them, from the hostel you have access to the iconic mountain passes of Andorra, on safe roads and with incredible views. And we have all the services for cyclists, free of charge, in the hostel: bike storage, basic tools, pressure washing, etc. and all free of charge.
8 Pure adrenaline, in the middle of the mountain
We offer you a thousand mountain activities to get your adrenaline pumping: via ferrata, canyoning, zip-lines, slides, etc. We put you in contact with the best mountain guides in Andorra to enjoy our mountains with more adrenaline and in total safety.
9 We are locals
We know our mountains like the back of our hand and we help you to organise your days with us. We will share with you our favourite places in Andorra and the experiences we are passionate about. Discover a bit of our DNA, we are sure we agree on many things.
10 A cool summer? Unbelievable but true
Although we live on an increasingly warmer planet, here, at an altitude of 1,700 metres, the summer is very mild. It is fresh and green. Although the sunny days are hot, we hardly get above 25ºC and the nights are cool, even for a little warmth. An absolutely privileged temperature.
If you’re wondering: Where to go this summer that isn’t overcrowded? You already have the answer: Mountain Hostel Tarter.
Practical guide to enjoy your ski Easter Holidays 2023 in Andorra. The 9 best things to do in Easter in Andorra
April in Andorra is synonymous with good weather, sun and good temperatures, but also snow. So here is our proposal for a ski Easter Holidays in Andorra.
1. Skiing and snowboarding in Grandvalira-Andorra during Easter 2023
Surely you’ve heard of Grandvalira-Andorra, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, with more than 210km of slopes at your feet, with modern, high-capacity ski lifts and high-quality facilities and services. Whether you are an expert skier or snowboarder, or it’s the first time you ski in your life, this is an experience you cannot miss if you come to Andorra in winter or Easter. At Mountain Hostel Tarter we have everything ready and we make it very easy for you. We are also right in front of Grandvalira, in the sector of El Tarter. A stone’s throw away.
Mountain Hostel Tarter, 500 meters far away from Grandvalira- El Tarter
If you are an expert, you can choose any of our ski packages at Grandvalira, which include accommodation and ski pass at Grandvalira, also in Easter. It’s our star package: SLEEP & RIDE, which includes accommodation at Mountain Hostel Tarter and Grandvalira ski pass for as many days you want. If you are new with this matter, don’t worry, we will prepare a customized Grandvalira ski pack to make it all very easy and you can enjoy it to the fullest: accommodation at Mountain Hostel Tarter, ski pass at Grandvalira, ski or snowboard lessons with private instructor or group classes, lunch on slopes, ski equipment rental … everything you want, we have it. We love to ski in Grandvalira…and don’t miss your ski Easter Holidays in Andorra.
2. Snowshoeing through the Vall d’Incles in Andorra
It is not the adrenaline, but it’s the majesty of the landscape that makes this an unforgettable experience. You do not need to have experience or a great physical form. It is only a walk, but through a splendid, monumental valley, and beautiful in winter. It’s a must be.
Vall d’Incles in winter
The Incles Valley is a few meters far away from the Mountain Hostel Tarter, very easy access from the hostel. If you want to go your way, you only have to rent snowshoes for € 10 a day. Or if you prefer to sign up for one of our outings, with a guide, you can do it from € 45 per day. + INFO HERE
3. Cross-country skiing or splitboarding in Andorra
If snowshoeing is a small thing for you, and if you have a medium-high level of skiing or snowboarding, then yes or yes you have to try cross-country skiing in Andorra, or go for a walk with the splitboard.
Cross-country skiing in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter
If you do not have much knowledge about snow, types of snow, and the risk of avalanches, or do not know the area, we recommend going out with a guide. And we know the best guides in Andorra. Just tell us and we’ll arrange it. To reach the highest peaks of Andorra and to run by virgin faces, is a gem. + INFO HERE
4. “Sa Terrasseta”, the best terrace in Andorra
After an exahusting day in the mountains, we recommend you stop by “Sa Terrasseta”, the hostel’s terrace.
Our food truck serves the best hamburgers in ttown. The best place to get your strength back and have a drink, in the open air, in the middle of the mountain with wonderful views of Grandvalira and the mountains.
In addition, this Easter 2023, coincides with the “closing” of the winter season in Sa Terrasseta, with some special events and live music. Here is our Insta to keep you updated; Sa Terrasseta
It’s an important part of a ski Easter Holidays in Andorra.
5. Whirlpool session in the outdoor hot tub of Mountain Hostel Tarter, with hot water and mountain views.
A picture is worth a thousand words:
Outdoor swim spa at Mountain Hostel Tarter with mountain views
It sounds good, right? Well, it will be better when you explain to your friends that you have taken a whirlpool bath in our outdoor hot tub in the mountains. Yes, as you hear it. At Mountain Hostel Tarter we have an outdoor pool-hot tub, on the upper terrace, with spectacular views of the mountain and the Grandvalira ski slopes. And of course with hot water, to enjoy it even on snowy and cold days. But beware! We warn you: it will be easy to enter, but not to leave, you will want to stay-in there all day …
And the jewel in the crown is the new Finnish sauna with real wood fire. A unique experience.
6. The best après-ski party in Andorra, in L’Abarset
L’Abarset and its large terrace is undoubtedly the best après-ski of Grandvalira and Andorra. Every Saturday, starting at 4pm, the party begins in L’Abarset, on the outdoor terrace, with artists and DJs of international renown throughout the season. An appointment that cannot be missed. The best way to end a good day on the slopes, and among friends. And this 2 minutes’ walk from the Mountain Hostel Tarter …
The best Après-ski in Andorra, in L’Abarset
7. Afternoon relaxing in the warmth of the fireplace in the chill area of Mountain Hostel Tarter..
We understand very well if you want avoid parties and shopping. Because as at home, nowhere. And in our chill area, in Mountain Hostel Tarter, with comfortable bean bags and sofas, television, reading, board games,… it is very easy to be enchanted with the fire and the heat of our fireplace that we light every evening during the winter. After an intense day on the mountains, after a swim in our outdoor pool-hot tub and a good hot shower, relax in one of our bean bags, chatting with friends or reading a book, the warmth of the fireplace is more than recommended. It is food for the soul.
Fireplace al Mountain Hostel Tarter
8. An afternoon of shopping in Andorra, and have a drink in the old town of Andorra la Vella
It’s the topic! Go to Andorra for shopping. The truth is that it does not hurt to take a walk through the main commercial axis of the country. In a single street, you will find everything: fashion, sports, technology, perfumery, pharmacy … whatever you want, you will surely find it. The best? Take a walk through the old town of Andorra la Vella, with pedestrian alleyways, old houses with stone walls and slate roof, historic buildings, etc … It is a neighborhood where new bars and restaurants are opening with a lot of charm to snack and drink
Urban center of Andorra La Vella and Escaldes-Engordany
9. Lunch or dinner at NØR RESTAURANT
Our meeting point, both in the evenings for drinks and snacks and for dinner. Next to the Mountain Hostel Tarter. It’s our favourite. You can tell, can’t you?
The NØR RESTAURANT is a new restaurant in Andorra where they cook with wood and smoke. A restaurant concept that combines innovation and tradition in equal parts, where smoke and fire give a unique identity to all the dishes. All the dishes, including the smoked meats, are homemade, with top quality ingredients and meat from the Pyrenees. And let’s not forget the excellent wine pairing they offer, with carefully selected wines to accompany each dish. It is an explosion for the senses, where the most important thing is the quality of each dish and enjoying them in good company and with good music! Attention to their playlist!
New restaurant NØR RESTAURANT in Andorra, cuisine based on fire and smoke with top quality ingredients and Pyrenean meat. Here you have their instagram to get you started: NØR RESTAURANT
At Mountain Hostel Tarter, your health and the
health of our staff comes first. These are the steps we
take to fulfill our commitment to you in preventing Covid-19.
On Friday the 3rd July 2020 we re-open our hostel, after the forced stop because of Covid-19. Finally, the to meet you again has come and we are already excited. So this is our covid-19 prevention commitment to you.
Although the essence of our hostel is the same,
something has changed in these months, and we want to tell you about it.
At Mountain Hostel Tarter, your health, well-being and safety come first, as does that of our staff. Here, we explain the measures we have taken to fulfill our commitment to cleanliness and well-being in our hostel.
HOW WILL THE HOSTEL WORK NOW?
All the
spaces and services of the hostel will be in operation, except the sauna, for
the moment, following the recommendation of the Ministry of Health of
the Andorra Government.
In addition, we will have a limited maximum capacity, in order to ensure the recommended distance of 1.5 meters between guests who are not from the same travel group. Even so, be sure to bring your mask, since its use is mandatory inside the hostel.
We also ask you,
as far as possible, to make a prior reservation. This way
we can better organize ourselves to apply all the protocols that we introduced
for the prevention of Covid-19. So, when you book, once
the reservation is confirmed, we will send you the instructions for check-in,
so that when you arrive at the hostel we have to exchange as few items as
possible at the reception.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Every day we start our working days remembering
how important cleanliness is to our health and that of our guests.
So we have prepared ourselves in a very
demanding way on cleaning and hygiene protocols for all our spaces. We were
already tough before with cleaning … imagine now! And we continue doing it
day by day, very aware of the covid-19, coordinated with local authorities and
following the guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Andorra
Government and the World Health Organization.
Our commitment to you in the prevention of Covid-19 is very important to us.
In the rooms
In the rooms, we use effective cleaning and
disinfection products against the virus, and we have developed an even more
exhaustive cleaning and disinfection protocol, if possible, to clean the rooms.
Especially when a guest leaves and before the next one arrives, paying special
attention to frequent contact elements and spraying disinfectant on all
surfaces.
Furthermore, disinfection of bedding is
guaranteed. All bedding is washed above 60ºC and tumble dried at temperatures
close to 100ºC.
Of course, the room key is also disinfected
every time we give it to you, or you return it to us.
In common areas
In common areas we have increased the frequency
of cleaning and use special disinfection products (viricide), especially in the
living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and terrace, paying special
attention to surfaces and elements of frequent contact.
We have also installed disinfection stations,
equipped with disinfecting gel for hands, paper and a disinfecting spray for
surfaces. Even suitable for surfaces and food items such as kitchenware. The
idea is that you can disinfect the furniture, surfaces and utensils that you
use, before and after use, for your own peace of mind.
In our workspaces
Our back office is also important, and we have been stepped up the cleaning and disinfection in our spaces and in our work tools, as part of our covid-19 prevention commitment to you.
WHAT WILL YOU HAVE TO
DO?
Very easy, just 4 things! DISTANCE | HANDS | MASK | DISINFECTION
DISTANCE
Try to keep the minimum distance of 1.5 meters
between hostel guests who are not in your travel group. Especially in the
common areas of the hostel.
HANDS
Remember to wash your hands frequently, between
30 and 40 seconds, all parts of the hand, with hot water and soap. In addition,
we provide hand sanitizing gel at various points within the hostel.
MASK
Remember to bring your own mask, since its use
is mandatory in the common areas of the hostel.
DISINFECTION
For your safety and your own peace of mind, at
the disinfection station we provide you, 24 hours a day, the necessary products
so that you can disinfect yourself the furniture or utensils in common use,
before and after using them.
Easy, right? In this way, we will guarantee
everyone’s health while we stay together in the hostel. Count on us to prevent
Covid-19. And we are sure that we count on your collaboration for the safety
and well-being of all in the hostel. True?
Welcome home again! Welcome to Mountain Hostel
Tarter!
You can follow the recommendations and advice of the Andorra Government on how to prevent Covid-19, on the official website https://www.govern.ad/recomanacions
The best hiking routes in Andorra, from Mountain Hostel Tarter, the cutting-edge mountain refuge in Andorra
Hiking in Andorra: wild and spectacular mountain landscapes in Andorra.
In summer, Andorra is a paradise for hiking and trekking.
Being a small country, covering 468 km2, Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees, offers a great variety of hiking routes for all tastes, from family outings with children, medium-mountain hikes for enthusiasts and mountain lovers with no difficulty, to routes for the most demanding trailrunning training.
Moreover, Andorra has 3 natural parks: Sorteny Natural Park, Comapedrosa Natural Park, and Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley Natural Park, the latter being UNESCO World Heritage.
In short, Andorra is the paradise for hiking, trekking, and trailrunning. This is evidenced by the annual success of the legendary Andorra Ultratrail mountain race and the numerous mountain races held each year in Andorra, some even within the global mountain racing calendar.
At Mountain Hostel Tarter, we want to bring you the best of Andorra for us: discovering Andorra from the mountains, and enjoying extraordinary landscapes that you won’t be able to erase from your memory after your time in the mountains of Andorra.
Hiking routes near Mountain Hostel Tarter, the perfect base camp for your trekking routes in Andorra.
Mountain Hostel Tarter is the perfect mountain refuge in Andorra, in El Tarter, in the heart of the Principality of Andorra, where you can have the base camp, from which to start or finish the best hiking routes in Andorra.
Summer terrace, with barbecue at Mountain Hostel Tarter
For hikers following the GR, from Spain to France or vice versa and undertaking multi-day treks, Mountain Hostel Tarter is the perfect refuge in Andorra for a night (or more! If you want to rest) from which to connect with the Refuge de Ruhle in France.
Mountain Hostel Tarter is located right halfway between 2 spectacular valleys in Andorra: the Valley of Incles, which connects with France and Grau Roig, and the Valley of Ransol which connects with other valleys like La Vall del Riu, Montaup, and Sorteny.
To the east of Mountain Hostel Tarter, we have the splendid Valley of Incles, where just a 10-minute walk begins amazing hiking routes leading to the lakes of Juclar, Pic d’Escobes, the lake and Pico de Siscaró, Pic de la Cabaneta, the lakes of Fontargent, and the lake of Cabana Sorda… among others.
To the west of Mountain Hostel Tarter, lies the Valley of Ransol from where you can ascend the legendary Pic de la Serrera and Pic del Estanyó and even reach the Vall del Riu or the Valley of Sorteny.
Mountain Hostel Tarter: the cutting-edge mountain refuge in Andorra
Dormitories for 4 people at Mountain Hostel Tarter
Mountain Hostel Tarter is a cutting-edge mountain hostel, located in a borda over 200 years old, a mountain house with typical Andorran and Pyrenean architecture. A fully renovated house, in the style of a mountain refuge, but with all the amenities for a warm and comfortable stay after a tough day in the mountains. A mountain refuge in Andorra perfect for a good hot shower, eating to your liking, resting, and sleeping well after spending the day in the Andorran mountains. Although you can’t leave without trying our swim spa, our outdoor pool with jacuzzi and hot water. It’s the recovery you deserve after a day in the mountains. Here you can see the hostel, our rooms, and services.
From Mountain Hostel Tarter, we recommend our favorite routes. Hiking routes in Andorraby difficulty and time, near Mountain Hostel Tarter or with a start or end at Mountain Hostel Tarter.
Easy hiking routes in Andorra, Valley of Incles and Gall de Bosc Path:
Ideal for going out with children or for those who like to go running or take a walk, without excesses. We recommend 2 paths. The first is the Valley of Incles, with a trail that includes explanatory panels about the flora, fauna, and biodiversity in the Valley of Incles, as well as explanations about typical mountain constructions.
The second is the Gall de Bosc Path that goes from Soldeu to Canillo. A very entertaining path, with a wooden bridge and interesting views of the mountains ofthe Valley of Canillo. With a bit of luck, you might see the Gall de Bosc, an endangered protected species that very few have the privilege of seeing.
The Valley of Incles is just a 10-minute walk from Mountain Hostel Tarter, and the Gall de Bosc Path starts in Tarter, 5 minutes on foot from Mountain Hostel Tarter.
Vall d’Incles, 10 minutes from Mountain Hostel Tarter
Moderate Hiking Routes in Andorra, for a half-day or a relaxing day in the mountains:
As a medium-level route, from Mountain Hostel Tarter we recommend:
The Five Lakes Route in the Valley of Incles (Andorra): a circular route, starting from Mountain Hostel Tarter towards Entor, you follow the trail that takes you to the Querol Lake, Ibones de las Salamandres, Cabana Sorda Lake, Anrodat Lake, and Isla Lake. For those who want more, (!!!much more!!!) this route can continue to the Fontargent Lakes (France) and return to the Valley of Incles by passing through the Port de l’Alba and the Juclar Lakes and continue the descent to the Valley of Incles to return to Mountain Hostel Tarter.
For the more daring and those not afraid of heights, we suggest the Pic d’Escobes, a very airy peak near the Juclar Lakes, which can be accessed by climbing directly via the Juclar path from the Valley of Incles.
For more aerial views, we recommend starting from the Port d’Envalira towards the Pic Maià and traversing the ridges to the Pas de les Vaques. After that, descend towards the Sicaró Lake and the Valley of Incles, a route of little difficulty but with magnificent views from the ridges of the Andorran mountains.
Long Hiking Routes in Andorra, Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
Our favorite long-distance hiking route in Andorra is the one that traverses the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a Natural Park that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Starting from Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra la Vella, or Escaldes-Engordany, this route reaches the Pessons Glacial Cirque in Grau Roig.
There are no words to describe the majesty of the various landscapes on this route, from high mountains, valley floors, rivers, lakes, and even a glacial cirque. A journey often accompanied by marmots or horses and cows grazing in the meadows.
A perfect route for trailrunners.
Consult us for availability to drop you off at the starting point or pick you up at the finishing point, or to go get your car at the starting point.
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>
Peaks of Andorra: Serrera, Estanyó, and Comapedrosa
Andorra has 65 peaks over 2,500 m in altitude. Incredible, right?
The highest mountain is the Pic de Comapedrosa which, with an altitude of 2,942 m, is a must for summit collectors.
But our favorite peaks in Andorra, accessible from Mountain Hostel Tarter, are the Pic de la Serrera at 2,912 m and the Pic de l’Estanyó at 2,915 m.
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>
GR of Andorra: Long-Distance Trails
Up to 5 long-distance trails (GR) traverse the mountains of Andorra.
GR-11: the great Pyrenees route that crosses the Pyrenees from the southern side between the Cantabrian and the Mediterranean. Mountain Hostel Tarter is located at the base of this trail in its 8A to 11A section connecting La Coma de Ransol with the Valley of Incles.
GR-7: the long-distance hiking trail that crosses the Pyrenees from east to south.
GRP: the tour around a country. The GRP of Andorra is a circular hiking route around Andorra with a length of about 120 km, passing through the Valley of Incles, just a few meters from Mountain Hostel Tarter, the ideal place to shower, cook comfortably, rest, and recover for the next stages.
Cross-border GR 1: The 3 Nations Route, is a circular itinerary of almost 24 hours of walking that starts and ends in El Serrat (Ordino) and passes through Andorra, Spain, and France.
Cross-border GR 2: The Lakes Tour is a circular route of almost 14 hours of walking, which develops through Andorra and France itineraries, passing through the Port d’Incles, an ideal moment to descend to the Valley of Incles and spend the night at Mountain Hostel Tarter.
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>
For stays of 7 nights or more, a 10% discount is applied until November 30.
Transport: If you stay at Mountain Hostel Tarter, consult our availability to assist you to the start of the trail or to pick you up at the end.
Mountain Guide Booking: If you are interested in having a mountain guide in Andorra for yourself or your group, send your inquiry to info@mountainhosteltarter.com. Otherwise, we can also advise you on hiking routes in Andorra, their duration and difficulty, as well as provide you with a map of Andorra’s trails (extra cost).
Alpify: The safety app that allows, in case of emergency, the user to send their exact location to rescue teams. Download Alpify here.
Andorra Trails Guide:official guide from the Government of the Principality of Andorra, where most of the hiking trails in Andorra are listed and analyzed in convenient sheets to carry in your backpack. Download the Andorra Trails Guide here.
Mountain Guide:detailed official guide from the Government of Andorra with all activities in Andorra’s natural environment. Download the Andorra Mountain Guide.
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>