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

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 majority of people who visit Andorra access via Barcelona.

If you have time on your hands a day or two in Barcelona can be good if you haven’t been before.

Barcelona has once again been chosen as the site for a well known British travel agent conference (ABTA), so if travel agents choose Barcelona there’s got to be something going for the city…

It will be the fourth time the event has taken place in the city. Regularly held over three days in October, it is an important event in the world of travel. Event organisers say that smaller, more localised travel agent conferences will be held for this organization for those who cannot attend due to the recent decline in the economy and the lower conversion rates of the British pound to the euro.

Barcelona offers weekend getaways for those attending travel agent conferences and for others who are merely seeking a weekend away from their daily routines. It is a locale for famous conventions and great holidays alike.

Barcelona History

Barcelona, Spain is an ideal place to escape for a great weekend. Visitors can take in the best of the ancient city without needing to plan holidays time away from work and other responsibilities.

The local climate is moderate throughout the year. The atmosphere offers a friendly welcome to all who visit the area. It is an ideal place to escape the clutches of the harsh winter of other areas around the globe.

The fascinating combination of old and new brings the ancient treasures of Barcelona’s rich history into the modern age as it intermingles with the mysteries of the future. An ideal way to enjoy a great trip is to weave through the maze of narrow streets in the older part of the city for a day. Then, visit the more modern parts of the city that have been brought into the present times.

Old winding streets boast ancient stone fountains and masterpieces created on the ceilings of ancient churches by artistic giants like Picasso. Newer parts of the city boast the effects of the modernist movement that began during the 19th century. Modernistic masterpieces in the form of statues and buildings inspire awe in visitors. Shady parks and calm shorelines of the local beaches offer a quiet escape from the busy city. Marinas are packed with bars and restaurants that feature artistic cocktails and tantalising dishes made with fresh seafood.

Travel to Barcelona

Whether attending the latest travel agent conference or enjoying a great weekend destination, flights to Barcelona are generally easy to obtain at a relatively inexpensive rate and  hotels in Barcelona are plentiful. The summer months tend to bring the heaviest travel season, so planning ahead may be necessary during this time.

Regulations tend to change frequently, so it is recommended that you obtain the latest information concerning visa and passport travel regulations if you live outisde the EU. It is relatively easy for most tourists to obtain the proper travel papers in order to visit Spain.

Barcelona Attractions

It may not be possible to see everything you want to in a single weekend visit to Barcelona. However, you will surely be able to tap into the culture that is the basis for such a great vacation destination. The best method of visiting and enjoying the sites is to determine which areas and places you most want to experience. Enjoy these attractions first. Then fill the rest of your time, if any, with other interests you may come across in your travels and conversations with the local citizens.

Be sure to avoided wearing yourself out too early in the day. The Barcelona night life is an exceptional element of making this a great vacation destination. The magical nights of the city bring the local flavour to life. Flamenco dancers, street concerts and sidewalk theaters abound all over the city. It is said that Barcelona vibrates with enthusiastic life and the city never sleeps.

You will likely be planning a return visit long before the excitement of your most recent experience has waned. For travel agents seeking a memorable conference experience and visitors wanting to plan a great vacation for even a weekend, Barcelona, Spain offers the best of the ancient and modern worlds for you to discover and cherish at your own pace, however long you are visiting for.

The Novatel bus runs from Barcelona Airport to Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra

See http://www.yourandorra.com/airport for more details.