Canillo is a charming parish in Andorra. It is an ideal destination if you’re in search of peace and quiet, a wide range of tourist attractions and a magical landscape nestled in the mountains.
With an extension of 120 square kilometres, it is the largest municipality in the Principality of Andorra, made up of natural landscapes and several population centres. It is considered the summit of the country, as its altitude varies between 1,400 and almost 3,000 metres, so you can imagine the views!
The easiest and most convenient way to get there is by car, although there is a network of public buses that you can take as well. It takes less than an hour to get to Canillo from the Spanish border, but bear in mind that these are single-lane roads with traffic moving in both directions.
What to see in Canillo?
There are many tourist attractions in this town, including both natural and cultural features that you can’t miss.
We recommend that you start in the natural landscape, which is bound to leave you open-mouthed - and give you plenty of good ideas for what to do with the kids. One of the best activities for all ages is hiking, which allows you to discover the magic of the area on foot.
Your first stop should be the Mirador de la Roca del Quer, a perfect lookout to take in the views from up on high. You can reach the car park by car and walk from there. The trail has a spectacular footbridge suspended at an altitude of 500 metres and leads you to the sculpture of the Pensador del Quer, an impressive sight not to be missed.
The Sanctuary of Meritxell is located in the village of the same name. It is a religious monument dating from 1972, built on the remains of the old church that was destroyed in a fire. The reconstruction project was undertaken by Ricardo Bofill who created a completely modernist space.
Canillo is a village that receives many visitors in the winter season, as it is very close to the Grandvalira ski resort. Here, you can enjoy snowboarding on the high mountain slopes. In summer, the milder climate makes it an ideal destination for enjoying nature.
As for tourism in the town centre, there are many points of interest to highlight. Strolling through the streets of Canillo, you will come across the river of Montagup whose waters will carry your cares away with the current.
From the Plaza de Montagup square you can enjoy the other attractions that the village has to offer, such as the 12th-century church of Sant Serni, which has the highest bell tower in Andorra. Other points of interest are the Molí Fariner, the Palau de Gel d'Andorra and the church of Sant Joan de Caselles, a jewel of Romanesque architecture.
If you decide to stay a few days in Canillo, we recommend that you rent one of the holiday homes in this area of Andorra. There are many flats and cottages that can be booked immediately, meaning that organising your trip couldn’t be easier.
