Here are details for three Andorra properties that have just become available.

To request the full availability click through to Andorra properties for sale at propertyandorra.com

Ordino. 80m2. 2 bedroom apartment. Quiet area but close to shops, restaurants and schools. Two large double bedrooms and full bathroom. Could do with re-decorating. Garage. 240,000 Euros ref: 1216 * 6 photographs available by email *

Escaldes. 77m2 . 2 bedroom apartment, 77m2 + 10m2 terrace with views over the capital of Andorra la Vella. Parking space. 290,000 Euros ref: 1213 * 6 photographs available by email *

El Serrat, La Massana. New 4 bedroom 3 bathroom 300m2 house. Top quality finishes. 3 car garage, garden and good size terrace. 950,000 Euros ref: 1110 * 4 photographs available by email *

Majorca

Often family holidays can centre around the beach, and finding a good one near to your hotel or villa is an important part of having a good time - and getting it wrong can mean the whole trip is a bad experience.

Majorca Blog

So where are the good beaches in destinations ideal for a family holiday?

For Majorca, the most popular European vacation island, the answer is Playa de Muro, according to a recent leading quality British newspaper’s travel section.

Playa de Muro is located in the north of the island when looking at a map of Majorca, and the closest holiday resort is Alcudia, popular with both German and British tourists.

The travel section reports that the goldensands are ‘never ending’ and that the beach has earned Blue Flag status, with a number of good hotels located along the beach, offering a good choice for those wanting to be near a beach and searching the internet for Majorca hotels.
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They advise that you can wade out quite a long way in the clear water before getting out of your depth, so this is a great option if you have small children. You can hire a pedalo, try all sorts of watersports or take a boat trip.

It’s often a bit breezy, so good for kiting too. If you need a bit of peace and quiet while enjoying the great weather in Majorca. Paths lead to the Albufera nature reserve, which is the largest wetland area on the island.

There is no shortage of bars and restaurants according to the report, whether you want paella, patatas bravas or pizza. If you walk along far enough, there are quieter parts of the beach with picnic areas in the shade of the trees by the dunes.

And for those about to go on their holidays in Majorca they even give some advice about how to find Playa de Muro:

From Alcudia, drive along the bay, past the S’Albufera Nature Park. There are lots of free places to park. You can also get there by bus.

Internet versions of national newspapers are a rich source of good information for tourists to read about destinations - The Daily Telegraph in the UK being one example of quality journalism. In Europe and North America travel journalists write about diverse but related travel topics, and subscribing to them is money well spent, but many are still freely available. Social media also has independent reviews, such as Yahoo Buzz.

More information about the islands and photographs of Playa de Muro are available at yourmajorca.net

Pal, La Massana. 82m2. One bedroom en suite apartment. Excellent condition throughout, guest wc and good size terrace and views. Parking space. 280,000 Euros ref: 1209 * 6 photographs available by email *

Pal, La Massana. 82m2. 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment. Good size bathroom and modern kitchen. Excellent views and an 18m2 terrace. Car parking space. 300,000 Euros ref: 1210 * 7 photographs available by email *

Anyos, La Massana. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with private 70m2 garden – ideal for those with children or pets and wanting some outside space. All three bedrooms are doubles and both bathrooms are full ones. South facing, includes a 24m2 storeroom and two large parking spaces. 650,000 Euros ref: 1207 * 8 photographs available by email *

Sispony, La Massana. 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom 115m2 apartment plus terrace. The four bedrooms are all doubles, main en suite and one bedroom is currently used as a home office. Excellent views over the La Massana valley. 695,000 Euros ref: 1208 * 10 photographs available by email *

For more details of Andorra property visit propertyandorra.com

Anyos. 121m2. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with excellent views over the La Massana Valley. Three good size bedrooms (main en suite), new kitchen units, fireplace and terrace. Large lock-up garage. 475,900 Euros * 9 photographs available by email * ref: 1205

Visit propertyandorra.com to rerquest full availability of Andorra properties for sale.

News from The Barcelona Reporter that La Seu d’Urgell airport will be open again soon - there is a possibilty that some small commercial aircraft might start running a service - and being just a fifteen minute drive from Andorra this could potentially be good news for Andorra property owners:

The airport in La Seu d’Urgell will reopen before the summer, once the work being carried out on the runway and terminal building and control tower have been completed, confirmed the mayor of the town and the CiU candidate for Lleida, Albert Batalla.

In an interview with Europa Press, he said the aim is “to bring back the installation on the flight map” of Catalonia, and work in developing the long term plan, which should determine the feasibility of converting the airfield in the airport and define the actions that need to be implemented medium to long term.

It was October 2009 when the Regional Department of Territorial Policy and Public Works awarded 1.9 million for works to condition the bed of the runway, 1,340 meters long and 28 wide, the service building, signalling and improving management centres.

The airfield was opened in 1982 and operated until 1984 when the last commercial flight operated. Then it was used for sport and general aviation until it closed for security reasons. According to Battle, the installation will not aspire to be a major airport, but a reference airfield to enable them to trade and can be complementary to the recently opened Lleida-Alguaire airport.

“The flights arriving in La Seu may be fewer but will provide more quality,” said Battle.
In particular, the airport is to house small-format commercial flights, flights for safety - for emergencies and fire fighting - and sport.

In his view, Catalunya could also seek partnerships with Andorra, however if Barcelona wins the bid to host the Winter Olympics 2022 he recalled that it is impossible that Andorra can be co-organizer of the event because they impede the rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

However, he recalled that La Seu has a close link with Nordic skiing - it has the presidency of the pooling of cross-country trails and the National Centre for modernization of this specialty - and Olympic experience and the major organizer for competitions. “It’s a great opportunity to put the Pyrenees on the map” said Battle, who stressed that the Games would improve the infrastructure for the area, in roads, rail and in relation to digital communications.

For information about 2011 ski holidays for Andorra plus French ski holidays visit yourandorra.com

For details of full availability for Andorra property for sale visit propertyandorra.com

Erts, La Massana. 110m2. 3 bedroom 1st floor apartment in a good peaceful area, with excellent views. The apartment has been recently refurbished and is in excellent decorative order throughout. Spacious living/dining room with large terrace, with semi open kitchen with bar front. Three double bedrooms and a full bathroom, plus guest wc. 380,000 Euros ref: 1201 * 9 photographs available by email *

Ordino. 140m2. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom duplex penthouse apartment. Rustic wood finishes and polished wood floors. 3 spacious bedrooms on the upper floor with gabled ceilings, the master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with hydromassage bath. The living area is spacious with a 12m2 terrace which receives direct sunlight throughout the day. Includes undercover car parking space. 395,000 Euros ref: 979 * 5 photographs available by email *

Anyos. 270m2. 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom semi detached house. Excellent decorative order throughout. Large 50m2 living room. Office space. Superb views and terraces. 850,000 Euros ref: 1126 * 3 photographs available by email *

El Serrat, Ordino. 245m2. South facing 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house with excellent views on a plot of land of 493m2. The house is stone faced and constructed to a high specification and sheltered from neighbours by mature trees. The accommodation comprises entrance and access on the ground floor to three double bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom and there is a second full bathroom. Staircase access to upper floor with large kitchen/breakfast room, with fitted units. Large living/dining room with south aspect and access to a terrace. Garage of 50m2 for three cars. Double glazing. Re-decoration recommended. 900,000 Euros ref: 1202 * 14 photographs available by email *

Sispony. 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house 436m2 + 188m2 of terraces. Built 1996. Immaculate throughout. Lower ground floor includes utility room, 3 car garage, store room and wine cellar. Ground floor includes both a large living room and a large fully equipped kitchen with top quality brands. Bedroom currently uses as an office (broadband). Upper floor has a master en suite bathroom with dressing area. Two further double bedrooms and all with views and a full bathroom. 1,500,000 Euros ref: 2100 * 8 photographs available by email *

Aldosa, La Massana. 315m2. 5 bedroom 3 bathroom family home located in the quiet village of Aldosa de La Massana. A rare offering in the village, a family home with private road access and good views. Ample space for a large family, with a 2 bedroom annex section for house guests or staff. Large rustic kitchen, large living room and dining room with a large wood burning fireplace on a feature natural stone wall. There is a lovely garden which receives ample sunlight and excellent south facing views. Ample storage and a garage for 3 cars, this home is the ideal property for anybody looking for peace and quiet within easy reach of La Massana and the capital La Vella. 1,919,000 Euros ref: 1200 * 9 photographs available by email *

Skirebel report that Crystal Ski have launched their 2011 brochure, and one new product is Freeski camps - they report:

Crystal Ski is also introducing ‘Freeski Gromcamps’ in selected European resorts. These camps are for all ages and standards of skiers, from first time freestylers to pro riders, expertly taught by the UK’s top riders and coaches including Pat Sharples, a former England freestyle ski team captain.

More of the popular Crystal Ski Plus all-inclusive packages will be offered including flights, transfers, local lift pass, ski/board hire or ski carriage, self-catering and in-resort service from £389 (€436) per person for a five night stay. They’re valid for departures during non-peak times to the top resorts including Les Arcs and La Plagne in the Paradiski and availability is limited so booking a year ahead at a fixed price is a good way to budget. To read the full article click here

For more details of Crystal Ski visit http://www.yourandorra.com/crystal - ski holidays in Andorra are available, plus French ski holiday information.

Here are details of two more properties that have become available to buy in Andorra - to request details of the full current availability of Andorra property for sale and information about Andorra residency visit http://www.propertyandorra.com

La Massana.  110m2.  2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, walking distance of the town centre.  Good views and sunshine.  Wood burning fireplace, terrace, storage space and a car parking space.  441,500 Euros  ref: 2101  10 photographs available by email *

Sispony.  4 bedroom 2 bathroom house 436m2 + 188m2 of terraces.  Built 1996.  Immaculate throughout.  Lower ground floor includes utility room, 3 car garage, store room and wine cellar.  Ground floor includes both a large living room and a large fully equipped kitchen with top quality brands.  Bedroom currently uses as an office (broadband).  Upper floor has a master en suite bathroom with dressing area.  Two further double bedrooms and all with views and a full bathroom.  1,500,000 Euros  ref: 2100  * 8 photographs available by email *

Visitors for Andorra who are considering buying a property and taking residency often stop off in Barcelona if their flight arrival is late in the evening, and the Independent Newspaper in the UK recently reviewed one of the new hotels in Barcelona - here’s an extract:

There is a flavour of the city as soon as you enter the seven-story lobby: two marble sculptures, reminiscent of Gaudí’s contorted Casa Milà roof statues, stand sentry to one side of the door.

The lobby stretches skywards, but laterally too, into the lounge and bar, the Wave restaurant, and beyond the glass doors on to the “Wet Deck” or pool area. Here you’ll find scattered white parasols, cabañas and loungers set around a bracingly cool pool, with a bar at one end and the beach just below.

Bofill’s aim was for the Mediterranean to be the primary focus of his building. Up on the 26th-floor Eclipse bar, the sea views are bewitching.

The hotel’s interiors create the sensation of being underwater. Neutral tones give the appearance of sand, and there are meandering giant seaweeds preserved in frosted glass walls. The Bliss spa, meanwhile, is bright and white, with the brand’s signature touch of a sushi-style conveyor belt at the nail bar.

To read the full article click here

For details of Andorra property for sale and residency visit propertyandorra.com

The number of people taking ski holidays last year dropped by 6 per cent last year.

breakingtravelnews reports:

The UK snowsports market fell by 6% across all sectors in 2008/9 according to the Ski Club of Great Britain’s annual Snowsports Analysis report. The total UK snowsports market is now reported at 1.27 million people.

The decline in overall numbers can be attributed to the economic climate and the weak pound, although the report suggests that the excellent snow conditions may have influenced more people not to forego their wintersports holiday. Additionally the report discusses a returning confidence to the industry and last season’s great snow acting as a catalyst for more people to start skiing again or go for the first time.

A 2% rise in the tour operator market means it now makes up 79% of the overall market. This increase is at the expense of the independent sector, which now sits at 21%. It seems more skiers favoured a package holiday as this enabled them to know the upfront cost of their holiday. The increased cost of flying at peak times with no-frills airlines, and ski carriage charges, may also have impacted the independent market. To read the report click here

For more information about ski holidays including with Crystal Ski visit yourandorra.com