Choosing a vacation spot can be a challenging decision, but La Cerdanya is one of the most welcoming places to visit. It is a perfect destination for families looking for a place where both children and adults can have fun. It offers beautiful nature, adventure, history, and good cuisine. Everyone can truly make the most of it here.
La Cerdanya is an area divided into two parts, Upper Cerdanya in France and Lower Cerdanya in the Pyrenees of Catalonia, Spain. It has been shared by the two countries since 1659. The original meaning and quotes have been preserved while improving clarity, conciseness, and formality without altering the core message. Due to historical reasons, a trip to a single place can be classified as a multi-destination.
Given its proximity to the Principality of Andorra, it is possible to visit three countries in a day, which is virtually impossible elsewhere in the world. This can be done almost entirely on foot.
After spending a few days visiting the area, I agree with David, our guide, that La Cerdanya is an excellent destination for family tourism. It is situated in the largest and sunniest valley in Europe, a vast plain at 1,000 to 1,200 meters above sea level, and is crowned by peaks about 3,000 meters high.
Its main attraction is its exceptional connectivity, being just 150 km from Barcelona. The spectacular landscapes, including the immensity of the valley and mountains such as the Sierra del Cadí, make it perfect for hiking.
La Cerdanya has natural spaces that are not well-known to foreign tourists, such as the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park and the glacial valleys and lakes. These areas have become somewhat forgotten due to the fame of the Aigüestortes National Park and Lake San Mauricio, which have captured the attention of tourist guides and are just an hour and a half away by car. It is important to note that the quoted material has been repeated verbatim.
Day 1
If you ask me what struck me the most, it was undoubtedly the geographical and cultural unity. Despite the land being divided into two countries, France and Spain, and touching Andorra to the north, it is possible to be in three states in a few kilometers and yet hear the inhabitants speak the same language, Catalan, and share the same culture. David suggested that the best way to comprehend the origins of these artificial borders is to visit the CAT Center in Puigcerdà and the Interpretation Center’ of the Pyrenees Treaty, both located in the same place. I followed his recommendation, and it was definitely worth it!
I learned that tourism in La Cerdanya began in the late 19th century. Catalan bourgeois settled in large villas around Lake Puigcerdà, attracted by the region’s excellent climate and numerous possibilities for family activities. Some even considered the climate to be miraculous for certain types of diseases. During my time there, I observed many French and Spanish families spending extended periods in the area. It appears that this trend continues.
After visiting the CAT Center in Puigcerdà, the capital of La Cerdanya, we took a stroll around the village lake in small boats. We ended the morning by climbing the bell tower of the center and enjoying one of the best views of the Pyrenees.
Since it was our first day of the visit, we decided to do some sightseeing in nearby villages and experience their culture. We chose the village of Llívia, a small Spanish enclave surrounded by French territory. This area is historically interesting for visitors. During my visit, I went to the Pharmacy Museum of Llívia, which is the oldest in Europe. Later, I hiked to the old castle, which offers a unique 360º view of the Cerdanya Valley from its highest point.
Day 2
On the second day, we went on excursions that the children loved. We visited the Malniu lakes in Meranges and the Pera lakes in Lles. We also took some short walks around the waterfalls of the Llosa valley, starting from the town of Prullans. Additionally, we went on an excursion to the viewpoints of Pla de l’Àliga in Estana. It was a great opportunity for the whole family to experience nature firsthand with all its vividness, as David said.
According to the locals and the guide, Lles, Aransa, and Guils offer numerous opportunities for winter sports such as snowshoeing, mushing, and Nordic skiing. La Cerdanya’s central location provides easy access to many ski resorts in the Pyrenees, including Masella and Molina, which are among the closest resorts in the area. Is a hub for mountain sports year-round. In the summer, the cable car offers adventure sports such as a park, bowling, and tubing. The area also boasts a wide range of activities in the heart of nature that are easily accessible by car.
While agricultural and livestock activity remains important, pastures and meadows are also popular spots to see cows, horses, and sheep. Visiting farms and enjoying natural products is a popular excursion with children in the area. During my visit to Meranges, I toured a sheep farm and a traditional shepherd’s cheese dairy. At the recommendation of Marc and Lidia, owners of a rural house for tourists in Montellà, I spent the night there and visited an ecological cow farm.
Day 3
On my third day, I visited Prullans and went to the activity park and educational farm. The park offers more than 15 games, including archery, a skills circuit, and trampolines, all located in the adventure sports complex. I started with an electric bike (ebike) route and ended with a horse ride through the entire valley.
La Cerdanya is renowned for its gastronomy, featuring high-quality local ingredients and modern cuisine. The area boasts numerous restaurants that showcase these ingredients.
However, I was advised to have a picnic in the countryside at one of the natural parks located in the mountains (around Guils-Fontanera or Gallissà) or the parks of the villages around Lake Puigcerà, or the Sant Guillem Park in Llívia, and enjoy some local products. I chose a spot near Prullans, and it was an indescribable and highly recommended experience. In the afternoon, time seems to stand still, and tranquility takes over everyone and everything.
By the end of the day, my body and family were in need of a refreshing bath. The most relaxing option was to visit one of the largest spas in the area, located at the Cerdanya Resort & Wellness.
Day 4
La Cerdanya is known for having the most hours of sunshine in all of Europe. Even on a rainy day, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as caving or exploring the Anas de Prullans Caves, skating at the sports center in Puigcerdà, or playing at the Miniclub in Prullans while parents relax at the Wellness Center.
I concluded my visit with one of the most remarkable attractions: the Yellow Train, which embarks on its mountain journey in the French part of the Valley. Its route boasts the highest elevation gain in all of France and connects two walled towns named UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mont-Louis and Villefranche de Conflent.
As the afternoon approached, it was time to return to Barcelona. The overwhelming feeling we all share is peculiar: we have traveled through three countries, yet the environment remains the same. We have also had wonderful family experiences. As my daughter Rivka said while packing, these experiences can only be lived together and in La Cerdanya.
The Route provides ample opportunities for family activities. Due to its proximity to France and Andorra, as well as its easy access from Barcelona and Girona, this beautiful landscape is one of the most complete and welcoming places for all ages. Additionally, the proximity to the Pyrenees adds to its charm.
How to Get There
From the Estació del Nord bus tation in Barcelona, daily buses depart to the town of Puigcerdà. The bus company is Alsa. The fare is 20.40 euros, and the journey takes 3 hours. However, once in Puigcerdà, to continue the route, it is necessary to travel by car since there is no frequent public transportation.
There is a regular train service between Barcelona and Puigcerdà. The journey takes 3 hours, and the ticket price is 12 euros. Check the schedules on Renfe’s website.
Another popular option, especially for families or groups, is to rent a car. From Barcelona, take the E-9 freeway to Puigcerdà. It is a two-and-a-half-hour journey, and the toll costs around 16 euros.
