For reservations during the months of August and July, New Year, Easter and long weekends, please contact us directly by phone at 696480351 or by e-mail at info@latorretadelllac.com.
For reservations during the months of August and July, New Year, Easter and long weekends, please contact us directly by phone at 696480351 or by e-mail at info@latorretadelllac.com.
In this guide you will find:
Cerdanya is known for being one of the valleys with the most hours of sunshine in Europe, with more than 2,400 hours of sunshine per year. Its open east-west orientation and altitude provide a very high direct solar radiation. It stands out for its open landscapes, the quiet pace, the wide gastronomic offer and its privileged location less than two hours drive from Barcelona.
If you are wondering what to do in Cerdanya or what to see during a getaway, this guide will help you discover the best places and plans to enjoy the valley throughout the year, either with family, as a couple or with friends.
Category
Activity
Recommended location
What to do in Cerdanya in winter
Alpine skiing
La Molina (63 km), La Masella (65 km), Font Romeu (55 km), Les Angles (55 km), Porte Puymorens (28 km), Grand Valira – Pas de la Casa (210 km)
Guided snowshoeing outings
Easy walking tours
Excursion to Prat de Cadi, hermitage of Bell-lloc (360° views)
Outdoor swimming pools
Municipalities: Alp, Bellver, Llívia, Bolvir, Ger, MartinetDas (at the airfield).
Centers: Puigcerdà Sports Complex, Espace Aqua-Ludique (Err), Drop-In Water Jump (Err)
Excursions to the best lakes
Route of the 3 lakes (Font Romeu), Malniu lake (Meranges), Passet lake (Porté-Puymorens)
Bicycle routes
In this link of the tourist office you will find all the information of the main routes of the area.
Family activities
Visiting farms and donkeys
Mas Cal Gintó (Mosoll), Formatgeria de Montmelús (Ger), Rucs i Aventures (Bolvir)
Parks and green areas
Parc de Sant Guillem (Llívia), Basses de Gallissà (Bellver), Rocaviva (Músser)
Activities for children
Summer activities in La Molina, Unic Parc (Llívia), Parc d’Activiats Cerdanya (Puigcerdà)
Culture
Cultural activities
Park of the bunkers (Martinet), Museu Municipal de Llívia, Museu Cerdà (Puigcerdà).
Visit the updated agenda of cultural activities in Cerdanya.
Puigcerdà
Around the lake
Visit the lake, climb the bell tower, walk to Rigolisa, Sunday market, viewpoint of the Town Hall square.
La Cerdanya is an ideal destination for skiing. Unlike other areas of the Pyrenees, it has very good road communications and a wide range of accommodation, gastronomy and plans to complete the weekend.
If you have to rent ski equipment, we recommend you to do it in Puigcerdà the day before: you will find it easier to park and less queues. You can go to: Esports Tubosa, Pertot o Esports Iris.
With 63 skiable km, it is located just 20 minutes from Puigcerdà. It has a beginners’ area in Pista Llarga, ideal for families, and black runs for experts. Its gondola lift goes up to 2,500 m, to the Niu de l’Àliga refuge, where meals and views of Montserrat are available.
It has 65 km of slopes 20 minutes from Puigcerdà. Its north orientation guarantees an excellent snow quality. It connects with the Niu de l’Àliga refuge by chairlift and has an area for beginners.
Family resort in the French Cerdanya with 55 km skiable. It is very sunny and has many slopes suitable for beginners just 30 minutes from Puigcerdà.
Located 45 minutes from Puigcerdà, it offers 55 km of slopes for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, in an environment of great beauty.
Small resort of 28 km skiable near the border with Andorra. Its ski pass is more economical, which makes it ideal for those looking for skiing without overcrowding.
With 210 km of slopes, it is one of the largest domains in Europe. The access from Pas de la Casa is 45 minutes from Puigcerdà, being the best option for skiing without limits.
The region is an excellent destination for cross-country skiing, with resorts offering privileged views over the valley:
The closest to Puigcerdà, with 20 km of slopes. Next to it is the refuge of La Freixa, ideal for organic meals (reservation required).
Quiet resort with 25 km of marked slopes for all levels in a well-groomed natural environment.
One of the most complete resorts in the region, with a total of 30 km of slopes for the practice of Nordic skiing.
An accessible activity to enjoy the black pine forests and silent trails without previous experience. Advance reservations are recommended:
Located in the French Cerdagne, they are the best option to recover after the mountain:
Complex with 5 swimming pools, sauna, hammam and jacuzzis. It offers body treatments and the possibility of renting or buying a bathing suit and towel.
Raclette or fondue dinner
Zero kilometer gastronomy is an authentic experience in winter. We recommend these specialized restaurants:
La Cerdanya is a valley that can be enjoyed during the four seasons of the year:
All this makes the region a perfect destination to disconnect and connect with nature, whatever the time you visit us.
Balloon flights over Cerdanya
One of the most spectacular experiences in the region is to fly over the valley in a hot air balloon. These companies offer tourist flights with regular departures from the Das aerodrome, allowing you to enjoy unparalleled views of the Pyrenees.
La Cerdanya offers spectacular routes suitable for all ages. Here are two of the most iconic:
A classic of the region. The path is accessible and without much slope, achievable in just over two hours. The arrival at the meadow, with the impressive walls of Cadi in front, offers one of the most photographed landscapes of the Pyrenees. It is ideal for spring, summer and autumn, or with snowshoes in winter.
Located at 1,685 meters, this Romanesque jewel offers one of the best 360-degree panoramic views over the Lower and Upper Cerdanya. Access is recommended from Brangolí (Enveig) as it is a less crowded and very pleasant route.
Outdoor swimming pools in the Cerdanya region
For the summer months, the region has excellent options for cooling off:
You can find swimming pools in the municipalities of: Alp, Bellver de Cerdanya, Llívia, Bolvir, Ger, Martinet and Das (at the aerodrome).
Discovering mountain lakes is a must-do activity. These routes are ideal for families with children:
Circular walk through forests to visit the lakes of Pradella, Negro and Largo. It is about 2 hours of walking with only 130 meters of unevenness.
Near Porté-Puymorens, it is a very photogenic route of 7 km (loop). Note: in summer the road access has a small toll of 5 €.
A must from Meranges. In just 30 minutes on an easy trail you reach the main lake. You can extend the route to the ponds of Prat Fondal.
The most comfortable option, since it is accessible by car. It has a picnic area, bar and a park with zip lines over the water.
La Cerdanya is a paradise for bicycle touring, whether mountain biking, road or electric.
In this link of the tourist office you will find all the information of the main routes of the area.
You can rent equipment at the following establishments: Esports Iris, Pertot, Punt Alpí, Top Bikes and Bici Ski.
Puigcerdà is the capital of the region and an essential stop for any visitor to Cerdanya.
It is one of the best known icons of the area. A walk around the lake is a must; during the tour you can see the summer villas built between 1875 and 1910, which retain their stately character.
Next to the lake is Parc Schierbeck, which has a children’s playground, landscaped esplanades, a cafeteria and an outdoor library available during the summer months.
With 184 steps, it is one of the best points to contemplate the valley from the heights and understand the real dimension of the region. It is recommended to consult the schedules in advance, since it is usually open mainly during the summer season.
Web | Phone: 972 880 542
A very pleasant and practically flat itinerary that lasts about an hour. It consists of going around the lake of Puigcerdà, continue to the church of Rigolisa and continue to the small lake of Torniquet, returning by the Hospital Transfronterizo. It is ideal for all types of public.
Every Sunday morning, Passeig 10 d’Abril is full of life with the municipal market. It is the perfect place to buy sausages, fruit, vegetables, olives, clothes or antiques, while enjoying the local atmosphere.
This square is one of the most spectacular balconies of the capital. From here there are unobstructed views over the meadows of the Cerdanya plain and the most emblematic peaks that surround the region.
Gastronomy is an essential part of any visit to Cerdanya. The local cuisine is based on local products (km0) and traditional mountain recipes.
Representative dishes of the Cerdano cuisine
For those looking for a more technical and refined culinary experience:
Ideal proposals for the day to day or to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere:
One of the combinations most valued by couples staying around the lake of Puigcerdà is to enjoy a wellness session and then walk around the lake at sunset, watching the colors of the sky reflected in the water and the tranquility of the surroundings.
There is no better way to discover Cerdanya than with a bird’s eye view. It is a unique experience at any time of the year: in winter the valley is dyed white, in spring the fields bloom, in summer the meadows are green and in autumn the ocher colors transform everything.
The following companies offer balloon flights in the region departing from the Cerdanya (Das-Fontanals) aerodrome:
Preparing an intimate dinner with artisan products from the region is another very special way to experience Cerdanya. The cheeses of Molí de Ger and the wines of Llivins are the perfect companions to turn a dinner into an unforgettable moment.
The thermal baths of Dorres and Llo are one of the most requested plans. With its sulfurous waters gushing at temperatures of up to 41 degrees and its spectacular views over the valley, they offer an experience of absolute disconnection in the middle of nature.
La Cerdanya is an ideal destination for traveling with children, offering a wide variety of leisure activities and a wide range of accommodation including apartments, aparthotels, hotels and rural houses.
One of the most authentic experiences for the little ones. It is recommended to call and reserve in advance at all facilities:
Perfect spaces for outdoor play and relaxation:
Located next to the lake, it has a garden area, children’s area and cafeteria.
Large green area with river and a very popular barbecue area.
Mountain area next to the Nordic ski resort, very pleasant in summer and with a spectacular viewpoint over the valley.
Wetland next to the Segre River with an itinerary adapted for strollers, wooden walkways and wildlife observatory.
Guided tour through a magical labyrinth among sculpted rocks. Reservation required.
This park allows you to observe Pyrenean wildlife in semi-freedom, including deer, bears and wolves. It is essential to confirm schedules before going.
In summer, the resort is transformed into a family leisure center:
Various activities: pedal karts, mountain biking, archery, horseback riding, climbing wall and inflatables.
Adventure circuits with zip lines for ages, Fly Jump, children’s paintball and chill-out area.
The region has a rich historical heritage and a cultural offer that allows to know in depth the identity of the Pyrenees:
It is one of the most historically interesting areas of the region. It consists of a set of fortifications of the twentieth century that were part of the defensive line of the Pyrenees. The visit is accessible and very educational, ideal for understanding this key period while enjoying a privileged natural environment.
Through its exhibitions, this museum allows visitors to discover the evolution of Cerdanya, from the first settlers to the present day, with an entertaining and educational approach for all audiences.
This center offers a varied program throughout the year that includes temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops and concerts in a close and welcoming environment.
The cultural life of the region is very active. You can consult the updated agenda with music, theater, cinema, markets, exhibitions and popular festivals in the following official link.
Choosing the right accommodation is key to make the most of any getaway to Cerdanya. The region offers a wide variety of options for all tastes and budgets.
Located next to the lake of Puigcerdà, they offer a privileged location for easy access to all ski resorts, stroll along the lake and enjoy the commercial and gastronomic center on foot.
As an exclusive detail, in the apartment you will find a book about the history of La Torreta and the lake that explains the origins of the summer in the region.
This boutique hotel is located in front of the lake and is renowned for its excellent Wellness & Relax area, which includes a swimming pool, water circuit and personalized treatments. It is an ideal option for couples seeking comfort and total relaxation.
There is a wide range of charming farmhouses in villages such as Llívia, Bolvir, Meranges or Ger. They are the perfect alternative for families or groups that prefer an intimate, rustic atmosphere in direct contact with nature.
Spread throughout Puigcerdà and surroundings, the tourist apartments offer flexibility and excellent value for money, being especially recommended for long stays or large groups during the mid-season.
If you visit the region during the cold months, the star options are alpine skiing in resorts such as La Molina, Masella, Font Romeu or Grand Valira, and Nordic skiing in the circuits of Aransa, Guils Fontanera or Lles. If you prefer something quieter, we recommend a snowshoeing route or treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the outdoor thermal baths of Dorres or Llo.
The location is strategic. Just 20 to 30 minutes by car you have the domains of La Molina, Masella, Porte Puymorens and Font Romeu. If you don’t mind driving a little longer (about 45 minutes), you can discover the slopes of Les Angles or the Pas de la Casa sector in Grand Valira.
The mountain gastronomy here is a fundamental pillar, always betting on local products. If you are looking for a sure hit, we suggest you to book in classics of the area such as Trumfes, Can Ventura, La Cava Taberna, the traditional cuisine of La Borda del Ceretà or the meats of Cal Cofa.
Do not leave without tasting the authentic trinxat of the Cerdanya, the sausages and artisan cheeses of proximity or its amazing wines of height.
Puigcerdà is the epicenter of the region, so it is the most convenient option if you are looking to have stores, restaurants and services at hand. The area surrounding the lake has boutique hotels and apartments with lots of charm. On the other hand, if your plan is to disconnect and you are looking for a more rural environment, the small surrounding villages are full of traditional stone houses.
During long weekends and vacation periods, the historic center tends to fill up fast. A good trick to avoid circling is to head straight to the soccer field area; there’s plenty of space and you’re only a 10-minute walk from the shopping area.
By car: The fastest alternative from Barcelona is to take the C-16 crossing the Cadi Tunnel (the toll is around 14 €) and it takes about 1h 45 min. If you prefer to save the toll and enjoy the scenery, you can go up the N-260 crossing the Collada de Toses, although it is a curvy road that in winter is often complicated by snow.
| Origin | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | 1h 45 min (per tunnel) |
| Girona | 1h 30 min |
| Toulouse | 1h 30 min |
| Andorra | 45 min |
Traffic note: On Friday afternoons (operation exit) and Sunday afternoons and evenings, traffic jams of up to one hour can occur in the tunnel. If you can, travel before 15:00 or after 20:00.
By train: The Rodalies line R3 connects Barcelona Sants with Puigcerdà station in about 3 hours. It is a long trip, but ideal to forget the chains if temperatures drop. You can check the updated timetables at rodalies.gencat.cat.
By bus: The company Alsa offers regular routes from Barcelona’s Estació del Nord that take about 2h 30 min. and is usually the most economical public transport option.
Essential in winter: Always check the state of the road network at transit.gencat.cat before leaving and carry chains in the trunk.
With more than 2,400 hours of sunshine a year, the region is a perfect destination for all four seasons, depending entirely on the type of getaway you are looking for:
| Type of trip expected | Recommended months |
|---|---|
| Skiing and snow | December to March |
| Family vacations | July and August |
| Quiet getaways / Low prices | March, April and October |
If you want to avoid overcrowding and enjoy a more local experience, try to avoid key dates such as Christmas, Easter or the big long weekends in December, when the occupancy of the region is close to 100%.
We have personally prepared this complete guide on what to see and do in Cerdanya, both in summer and winter, based on the activities that we like the most and that we are convinced that our visitors will love.
Our goal is to offer quality recommendations so that you can enjoy the region to the fullest, making the most of every moment of your stay.
La Cerdanya is a unique natural space that we must all take care of. It offers a wide variety of experiences throughout the year: nature, sport, relaxation and gastronomy. If you plan your stay well, you can combine a multitude of plans without having to travel far.
As local hosts, we are passionate about our environment. To preserve the valley and its nature, we ask you to be respectful of the environment and the locals who live in Cerdanya all year round, helping us to keep this special place alive.