Captured on a recent road trip though Europe.

With its 468 sq km of tumbling valleys, Romanesque churches and sky-reaching peaks wedged between France and Spain, Andorra offers by far the best ski slopes and resort facilities in the entire Pyrenees. Once the snow melts, there's outstanding walking, ranging from easy strolls to demanding day hikes in the Principality's higher, more remote reaches, where you can wander for hours, almost alone.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Andorra, Andorra La Vella. Casa De La Vall - Government House.

Casa de la Vall

Andorra la Vella

Constructed in 1580 as a home for a wealthy family, this graceful stone mansion served as Andorra's parliament building from 1702 until as recently as…

Església de Santa Coloma

Església de Santa Coloma

Mentioned in documents from the 9th century, this elegant pre-Romanesque church is Andorra's oldest. The slender 12th-century Lombard bell tower still…

Museu Nacional de l'Automòbil

Museu Nacional de l'Automòbil

A trip to Andorra's National Automobile Museum will have classic revheads wishing they could take one of the 80 vintage cars or numerous antique…

Barri Antic

Barri Antic

The small Barri Antic (intrusively and artificially bisected by Avinguda del Príncep Benlloch) was the heart of Andorra la Vella back when the…

Església de Sant Esteve

Església de Sant Esteve

These days aligned north–south, Andorra la Vella's parish church dates from the 12th century. Apart from some wonderfully warm, glowing stained-glass…

Plaça del Poble

Plaça del Poble

Occupying the roof of a modern government office building, this square affords splendid views of the valley and mountains, and is a popular local…

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Andorra and beyond

Andorra, Andorra La Vella. Casa De La Vall - Government House.

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  • 2.1 History
  • 2.2 Economy
  • 2.3 Electricity
  • 2.4 Visitor information
  • 3.1 By plane
  • 3.2 By helicopter
  • 3.3 By train
  • 3.4.1 Car rental
  • 3.5.1 From France
  • 3.5.2 From Spain
  • 3.6.1 From Spain
  • 3.6.2 From France
  • 4.3 By taxi
  • 7.1 Ski resorts
  • 7.2 Hiking and trekking
  • 8.2 Shopping
  • 13 Stay safe
  • 14 Stay healthy
  • 16.1 Cellular service
  • 16.2 Internet
  • 16.3 Postal services

Andorra is a small, mountainous country in Western Europe , up in the Pyrenees between France and Spain . Full of beautiful mountains and charming old villages, the country thrives on tourism, mainly visitors from nearby countries who come for shopping, skiing, hiking, and banking.

Cities [ edit ]

andorra tourist info

  • 42.5 1.5 1 Andorra la Vella — capital of Andorra
  • 42.47 1.49 3 Sant Julia de Loria — south of Santa Coloma towards the border with Spain
  • 42.508889 1.540833 4 Escaldes-Engordany — this is really an eastern suburb parish of Andorra La Vella
  • 42.536111 1.582778 5 Encamp — parish to the NE of Andorra La Vella between Engordany and Canillo on the road to France
  • 42.544167 1.516389 6 La Massana — small town and parish about 5 miles north of Andorra La Vella . You can access Arinsal - Pal ski area from it directly
  • 42.555 1.533056 7 Ordino — northernmost and least populated parish but almost the largest by area
  • 42.566378 1.60094 8 Canillo — northeasternmost parish on the main road and border to France
  • 42.566667 1.483333 9 Arinsal — small village and ski resort in the north west
  • 42.55 1.483333 10 Pal
  • 42.543736 1.733736 11 Pas de la Casa — a town bordering with France
  • 42.576944 1.667222 12 Soldeu

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1994, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality ruled by the French head of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgell. In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the Andorra government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. The French claim goes back to the Counts of Foix, whose claim passed to the Kings of Navarre, who came to be French kings in the 16th century. France abandoned the claim during the First Republic, but has continually exercised the position since the days of Napoleon, even under Republican governments. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many migrant workers (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

Economy [ edit ]

Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 9 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage has eroded as the economies of neighbouring France and Spain have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited—only 2% of the land is arable—and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.

Electricity [ edit ]

Electricity is supplied at 220 to 230 V 50 Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types.

Visitor information [ edit ]

  • visitandorra.com (official tourism website)

Get in [ edit ]

andorra tourist info

Due mainly to the mountainous nature of Andorra, there is only one road entering Andorra from France , and only one widely-used road entering Andorra from Spain. Almost all entry into the country happens at one of these two points.

Andorra doesn't require a visa from any visitors, but because the country can only be entered from Spain or France, you'll need to enter the Schengen Area first in order to get to Andorra. See the Schengen Area entry requirements.

Visitors from outside the EU should note that Andorra is not a Schengen member, and exiting France or Spain into Andorra would theoretically terminate a single-entry visa. In practice, though, immigration does not enforce this.

By plane [ edit ]

The nearest larger airports are:

Perpignan ( PGF  IATA ) (France) 128 km (80 mi) to the east, no coach connections but you can take a Yellow train to La tour de Carol and further to l'Hospitalet.

Toulouse –Blagnac ( TLS  IATA ) (France) 196 km (122 mi) to the north. You can pre book a coach or a taxi from Toulouse Airport to all the resorts in Andorra with Sea-Lifts .

Barcelona El Prat ( BCN  IATA ) (Spain) 202 km (126 mi) to the south.

By helicopter [ edit ]

To Andorra la Vella, La Massana or Arinsal heliports, the journey from airports in Toulouse or Barcelona for a maximum of 5 passengers, takes less than an hour and costs €2500 .

See the Heliand website for more information (click "serveis particulars" when it appears).

By train [ edit ]

Andorra is the only sovereign non-island state in Europe to have never had a railway.

While there are no train lines or stations in Andorra, stations near the border can be accessed easily from Barcelona , Perpignan and Toulouse . There's also a direct sleeper from Paris .

As of 2017, the French Intercités de Nuit still serves both stations, but the network has been curtailed severely and this service could be axed in the foreseeable future, too. As with most long distance trains, early booking can net you very good deals indeed.

The French railway company, SNCF, used to operate one bus per day (TER Midi-Pyrénée, dep 09:35, 26 min, €3.20 , SNCF discounts apply) from the train station of L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre (also called Andorre-L'Hospitalet-SNCF or L'Hospitalet) to the first town after the Andorran border, the supposed shoppers' paradise of Pas de la Casa , from where it's possible to take frequent buses to Andorra-la-Vella ( €5.85 ) — every 30 min with Cooperativa Interurbana ( ☏ +376 806 556 , line 4) or cia Hispano-Andorrana [dead link] ( ☏ +376 807 000 ). Check!

Hispano-Andorrana [dead link] bus company runs services twice a day from the L'Hospitalet train station directly to Andorra-la-Vella, also calling at some other stops, for about €8 .

From France, getting to Andorra by train and onward bus costs around the same as the direct bus. It is very cost-effective for holders of SNCF discount cards such as Carte 12-25 or those coming with the sleeper train from Paris. Anyone under 26 years-old traveling at off-peak hours with SNCF is entitled a 25% discount (called "Découvert 12-25").

From Barcelona, the train-bus combination is much cheaper than the direct bus; however, it requires two changes: one in Latour de Carol and one in L'Hospitalet.

Caution : L'Hospitalet train station is in a deserted area, is often unmanned, and its rooms have restricted open hours, so in winter it's important to match connections well. If you need assistance, you may want to call the Toulouse train station at ☏ +33 8 91 67 76 77 .

By car [ edit ]

andorra tourist info

Roads in Andorra are generally of a good quality. Entering from the Spanish side is a relatively straightforward drive; however entering from France is a more stressful affair involving many hairpin bends. Border control officers at both sides are generally fine. Entering Andorra, you generally do not need to even stop, but you must slow down and be prepared to stop if requested. When leaving Andorra, you must stop and be prepared for delays during busy times. Fuel prices are usually lower in Andorra than France and Spain, so it's a good idea to fill up your tank before leaving the country.

Also beware of black ice and snow drifts as the temperature in Andorra can be much colder than at sea level. Be sure your car is in good condition.

The approach from the French side passes through the 2.9-km-long Tunel d'Envalira which requires a credit or debit card for payment of the fee. The amounts are: winter (remainder of year)

  • Cars €5.60 ( €4.80 )
  • Others €16.70 ( €10.70 )

Winter is from 1 December–31 March.

Occasionally the road through to France can be closed in winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risk. Weather and road conditions may be very different on the northern slope of the Pas de la Casa than to the south.

From November to April, it is necessary to have winter tyres or snow chains at hand in the car. In snowy road conditions, cars without winter tyres or snow chains fitted are not allowed to drive. This is often enforced by police checkpoints on access roads to the ski resorts and on mountain passes such as the CS-311 and the road above Pas de la Casa.

Car rental [ edit ]

The usual car hire companies operate from locations such as 'downtown'; the desks are sometimes quiet and unmanned so it may be a good idea to book in advance on-line, your rates should still be good value.

Taxi [ edit ]

Taxi Josep provides a Mercedes Benz car and speaks many languages ☏ +376 323 111 . Taxi Domènec Segura provides a van but does not speak English or French ☏ +34 636 490 685 (Spanish number) (Taxi Josep can arrange the ride). Payment must be in cash.

Andy runs private transfers from Barcelona city centre and El Prat airport. Price starts at €230 to Andorra la Vella for a 4-passenger sedan.

By bus [ edit ]

An overview of local buses can be found at bud.ad (in Catalan) international destinations are listed at busandorra.com .

Many coach routes serve Andorra, particularly from Spain , mainly Barcelona but also Girona , Madrid , Malaga , Lleida and Valencia .

From France [ edit ]

andorra tourist info

Toulouse is the main hub for accessing Andorra.

Andbus runs from Toulouse 's Matabiau bus station and Toulouse–Blagnac airport (both 3 hr, €35 ). The stop at Toulouse airport is outside Arrivals, Hall B in front of door B.

Other coach services operate via the French border towns L'Hospitalet (3 km from Andorra) and Latour-de-Carol (Spanish: La Tor de Querol, near the Spanish border, 20 km from Andorra). It is not recommended to take a train from Toulouse or Latour-de-Carol and connect to the public bus at the Gare d'Andorre-L'Hospitallet train station in the morning because the bus departs half an hour before the first SNCF train arrives at this station. The only suitable train-bus connection is the daily train from Toulouse that arrives at Gare d'Andorre-L'Hospitallet at 19:21 and the bus departs at 19:45. This bus service is catered towards Andorrans departing for France or Spain and connect to those trains towards Toulouse and Latour-de-Carol. An alternative option from the Gare d'Andorre-L'Hospitallet train station is to take a taxi to Pas de la Casa (~ €30 ).

From Spain [ edit ]

The trip from Barcelona takes 3 hr 15 min to 4 hr, depending on the number of stops.

Andbus connects Andorra to Barcelona 's airport ( €30 ); and Girona 's bus station and airport (both around 3 hr 30 min, €32 ).

Autocars Nadal also travels between Andorra and Barcelona and its airport.

Alsina Graells has eight trips a day from Barcelona ( €23 one-way and €40 round-trip).

ALSA has daily trips between Barcelona and Andorra. Bus leaves from Barcelona Nord. Tickets are ( €29 one-way and €55 round-trip).

By bicycle [ edit ]

From La Seu d'Urgell in Spain, a 10-kilometre (6.2 mi) ride with a moderate climb of some 150 m (490 ft) of elevation leads to the border of Andorra. There is no dedicated cycle path to the border. You'd ride on the wide shoulder of a somewhat busy highway with cars passing by at a respectful distance. From the border it's another 10 km (6.2 mi) and another 150 m (490 ft) climb to the capital Andorra La Vella.

While entering and leaving from Spain should be doable for most, the only connection with France goes across a true mountain pass. From the last village in France, L'Hospitalet près-l'Andorre (bikes can be brought on the train here from Toulouse) at 1,446 m (4,744 ft) elevation, you get to climb up to Port d'Envalira pass at 2,408 m (7,900 ft) before going back down to Andorra la Vella at 1,023 m (3,356 ft). While the pass seems to be open all year, it naturally can get extremely cold up there. Bicycles do not seem to be permitted on the Túnel d'Envalira which cuts through the mountain under the pass at about 2,000 m (6,600 ft) elevation.

For those who don't want to climb the mountain pass, the local L4 bus connects the capital Andorra la Vella and the border town El Pas de la Casa (2,080 m (6,820 ft) elevation) which is 15 km (9.3 mi) from L'Hospitalet près-l'Andorre. It's usually possible to lay the bikes in the luggage compartment of the bus without a requirement for further wrapping; note that this is not a specialised storage for a bicycle and the drivers naturally take no responsibility for any damages.

Get around [ edit ]

andorra tourist info

If you have a few days in Andorra, then you can easily visit most of the main villages by the local bus service operated by Cooperativa Interurbana Andorrana, S.A .

There are 7 main bus lines or 'línies', and all of these pass through Andorra La Vella. The fare is between €1.85 to €6.10 one-way depending on how far you are going. Drivers provide change. For the towns nearest to Andorra La Vella, the service is very regular, and as frequent as every 10 minutes during the day. If you are travelling to outlying rural places like Canolic, there are only 2 or 3 buses per day.

The lines are :

  • L1 Sant Julia de Loria - Andorra la Vella / Escaldes-Engordany
  • L2 Andorra la Vella - Encamp
  • LC Circular bus route within Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany
  • L4 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Soldeu - Pas de la Casa
  • L5 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Arinsal
  • L6 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Ordino
  • E (express) Sant Julia de Loria - Andorra la Vella/Escaldes-Engordany

There are also three night bus lines with sparse intervals:

  • Bn1 Andorra la Vella - Sant Julia de Loria (every 60 min)
  • Bn2 Canillo - Andorra la Vella - Canillo (every 120 min)
  • Bn3 Ordino - Arsinal - Andorra la Vella - Ordino (every 90 min)

The roadways in Andorra are winding, congested, and small. Despite the close distances indicated on the chart, it is worthwhile to take your time. Traffic moves slowly. Many locations have narrow streets. It is crowded, particularly in and around the city. Sometimes it's challenging to locate parking.

The 43-km-long main route runs through Andorra. Although the road is generally in good condition, it can get very crowded, particularly near the borders. Although the highway is wide in some areas, driving through Andorra takes a while because of the towns and villages it travels through.

In Andorra, the top speed restriction is 90 km/h. These stretches are few and far between, and even those that do occur are not very long. Numerous roundabouts are present. Watch your mirrors because on the inside of the roundabout, locals often past sluggish tourists.

For Andorran travelers, rest or picnic places are few and far between. They are lacking even in places where there is room to construct them. Later on in this guide, a number of locations are recommended.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxi Barras ☏ +376 323743 provides local service.

Talk [ edit ]

Andorra is the only country in the world that has Catalan as its sole official language. Street signs are in Catalan, and it doesn't hurt to learn a few words. But almost everyone speaks Spanish as well, and French and Portuguese are widely spoken too. If you plan to visit there, it would be advisable to have at least some basic skills in Spanish, since English is spoken very little, most of the time at hotels. Bus/taxi drivers, shop employees or other service personnel will hardly understand if you talk in English.

See [ edit ]

andorra tourist info

Threatened by seemingly unchecked development, the country's main draw is still its magnificent mountainous landscapes , offering spectacular vistas in every season. At these heights, summers are cool, making for excellent hiking conditions through the romantic green valleys. Challenging day long hikes can be had on even higher grounds, and will take you through truly memorable scenery. Don't overlook the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley , Andorra's only UNESCO World Heritage site . Only reachable on foot, this undeveloped area is an important wildlife sanctuary and consists of forest and fields, dotted with the odd shepherd's hut. In winter, snow covers large parts of the country, changing the Alpine character into an equally beautiful stage for various winter sports.

Yet, there is more to this tiny country. There are a number of lovely historic villages , home to centuries old houses and medieval Romanesque churches and shrines along cobblestoned streets. Good places to sample some culture are Ordino , Santa Coloma d'Andorra (home to the oldest building in the country, a 9th-century church) and Sant Julia de Loria . In between the village of Canillo and Encamp stands the shrine of the country's patroness, Our Lady of Meritxell . A 1972 fire ruined the original statue, but the excellent replica makes a fine stand-in. Les Escaldes is a good place to witness some traditional dance .

The country's capital, Andorra la Vella , may seem like a traffic- and shop-heavy place at first – and indeed it is. Look a little deeper, however, and you'll find the 11th-century Església de Sant Esteve , a Romanesque church dedicated to St. Stephen. A nice piazza and the historic parliament building make for other highlights in your city explorations.

Do [ edit ]

Ski resorts [ edit ].

Most of these resorts were once small mountain villages which have grown due to skiing. The resorts have joined together so that your ski pass covers neighbouring areas. As a result there are now two large alpine skiing areas known as Vallnord and Grandvalira .

Vallnord covers Arcalis and the Arinsal - Pal ski area. Arcalis is quite distant away from Arinsal-Pal but the latter have been joined up by a cable car connecting the two ski areas. The Arisnal-Pal ski area is directly accessible from La Massana right from the middle of the town. 93 km (58 mi) of trails.

Grandvalira covers Soldeu and Pas de la Casa . The Soldeu ski area is also accessible from Encamp and Canillo . This quite cleverly has opened up these areas to cope with the influence of visitors without putting all the strain on Soldeu. It has 193 km of ski slopes between 1710–2640 m. The surface of grandvalira is about 1.926 H, and it's divided into 6 different areas:

  • Pas de la Casa —skiing resort right on the French border.
  • Soldeu —skiing resort
  • Arcalis —ski area at the head of the valley from El Serrat
  • Arinsal —skiing resort part of the Arinsal Pal ski area. Also known as Vallnord which means Valley North in English
  • Pal —skiing resort part of the Arinsal Pal ski area.
  • Arinsal-Pal -- which is two skiing areas connected by cable car. See Arinsal and Pal .

La Rabassa is a cross-country (Nordic) skiing area in southern Andorra above the town of Sant Julia de Loria.

Hiking and trekking [ edit ]

If you would like more information on the mountain huts in Andorra, go to this site . Be sure to bring something other than sandals for your feet and a purse for your cellphone.

andorra tourist info

Andorra is a great place for hiking. The point of departure is the town of Arinsal at the foot of the Coma Pedrosa (2,942 m/9,652 ft) and the Pic de Médécourbe (2,914 m/9,560 ft).

  • The 5-day Coronallacs hiking trail starts and finishes in Escaldes-Engordany.
  • Treks from Arinsal (1,500 m) - Pic de Sanfons (2,888 m/9,475 ft, 4hr 45min, climb 1,310 m/4,298 ft, medium until the hut, difficult on the ridge). View on the Coma Pedrosa, the valley of Tor, the lakes of Baiau in Spain as well as on the Pallars mountains. Mountain hut and lake on the way. Parking at Torrent Ribal 1,580 m (5,184 ft).
  • Pic de Médécourbe (2,914 m) (4hr 30min, climb 1,335 m/4,380 ft, medium until the hut increasing to difficult on the ridge). A classic! Mountain hut half-way up, lakes and a breathtaking view over the valley of Arinsal, Boet and Vicdessos (France). Parking at Torrent Ribal 1,580 m (5,184 ft). The peak is the western tripoint international boundary of Andorra, France, and Spain.
  • Pic de Coma Pedrosa (2,942 m) (4hr 30min, climb 1,370 m, medium until the lake, difficult on the ridge). The highest mountain in Andorra. Mountain hut half way up, lakes. Beautiful view of the surrounding summits, the valley of Arinsal and to the West, the Maladeta and Ecantats massifs. Parking at Torrent Ribal 1580 m.
  • Montmantell lakes and the Pic del Pla de l'Estany (2,859 m) (4hr 20min, climb 1,280 m, medium). Mountain hut half-way up, lakes, magnificent view over the Ariège mountains in France and over Andorra. Parking at Torrent Ribal 1580 m.
  • Arinsal - Percanela - les Fonts - Pla de l'Estany - Arinsal circuit (2,055 m) (4hr 30min, climb 670 m, medium) 2 mountain huts. Very pleasant circuit which one can do either way. Lovely views of Coma Pedrosa via the imposing natural amphitheatre of Les Fonts. A few bordas (farm houses) on the way, some renovated, some in ruins. Parking at Arinsal 1,466 m.
  • Camí del coll de les Cases (1,950 m) (1hr 40min, climb 490 m, medium) Panoramic view over the Ordino mountains and la Massana. Ideal picnic and meditation site. You can continue along the GR11 to Arans (parking at Mas de Ribafeta 1466 m) but transport back to Arinsal must be provided.

Spa [ edit ]

In Andorra La Vella there is the famous Caldea to visit which is a spa/swimming pool complex. This is very popular. It is at the top end of Andorra-la-Vella and you cannot miss it because it is the large glass spire structure which is quite an attraction on the skyline. In the case of Caldea, it is about thermal waters that emanate from the interior of the earth at a temperature of 70º C.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Andorra uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

Shopping [ edit ]

Andorra la Vella is a tax haven and thus typical duty free shopping goods, such as perfumes, cigarettes and alcohol, are popular purchases. On any given day the capital will have lots of people from Spain and France who've driven up for a shopping trip.

Eat [ edit ]

andorra tourist info

Escudella De Pages (Catalan peasant soup) or Escudella i Carn d'Ollais often considered the national dish. It is sometimes made with pilotas (giant spiced meatballs).

The Trinxat , based on cabbage, potato and bacon in loaches, is the other typical dish of the country's gastronomy and that can be tasted in most of Andorra's traditional cuisine restaurants, many of them rustic huts now transformed into restaurants.

Drink [ edit ]

You will find Estrella Damm, a beer from Barcelona, all over the country.

  • 42.575361 1.482856 1 Destil·leries Andorra ( Destil·leries El Serrat ), Urb. Els Camps, AD400, La Massana - Arinsal , ☏ +376 333 189 . Producing the country's "national spirit", Anis Andorrana, as well as some other liqueurs, this distillery located in Arinsal offers free tours and tastings to walk-in visitors and has a factory store. Its products can also be bought at other supermarkets and liquor stores around the country. ( updated Dec 2022 )
  • Wine – The main Andorran grape varietal is pinot noir.
  • Alpha Brewery – The country's only brewery that makes a couple different styles of beer is not sold in most stores. Small gift shops and our tourist-centric businesses may have some.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are no well known five-star international chain hotels, such as Four Seasons, Fairmont, Intercontinental or Marriott in Andorra. But there are several luxury hotels in Andorra with 5 stars and exclusive services such as the Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa, Andorra Park Hotel or the Hotel Plaza. All from Andorran hotel chains but an excellent option for those seeking luxury and 5 stars. Even three-star chains like Best Western are not here. The only well-known chain hotels are Holiday Inn and Ibis, in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany respectively (Escaldes-Engordany is just east of Andorra la Vella). The remaining hotels in Andorra are almost always independently operated; the quality and service provided by a four-star hotel, as classified by the local tourism board, is not as good as what you expect from other destinations.

Work [ edit ]

To work in Andorra you need to a work permit issued by the government. If you are on business for only a few days then this would not apply.

Stay safe [ edit ]

There is not much threat from other people in Andorra, but keep safe on mountains. Don't go too high without knowing what you are doing. See altitude sickness for more.

Drivers are warned to avoid crossing back into France if the Spanish side of the Pyrenees has enjoyed beautiful warm sunshine all day and the road temperatures drop considerably towards the evening - there is danger of black ice from ice melt. The weather in the French Pyrenees is frequently vastly different than that of Andorra and the Spanish Pyrenees. Stay overnight if necessary, as cold morning temperatures are more apparent and less treacherous than sudden evening icing. Driving can become dangerous especially in winter if you don't obey the speed limits or traffic signs due to its narrow roads, sharp turns and mountainous terrains. From November 1 to May 15, drivers are legally required to have winter tires or snow chains installed. Otherwise you will be fined €180 by the police.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

The main hospital in Andorra is the Meritxell (pronounced merichai) Hospital (+376 871 000).

Tap water is drinkable, though if you're coming from far away it's possible the local microbes and minerals may upset your stomach at first. As in many places, bottled water is safest.

Respect [ edit ]

Andorra is not part of Spain or France and people could be offended if you say that it is.

Connect [ edit ]

Cellular service [ edit ].

Andorra's telecom providers are not part of the EU roaming zone so turn off your cell phone if you want to avoid hefty roaming charges, unless your plan allows you to roam in Andorra. If you wish to purchase a local SIM for use during your time in Andorra, Andorra Telecom sells SIMs for €15 with €15 credit preloaded. This is enough to purchase 1.5 GB of data.

Internet [ edit ]

Andorra is a well-connected country and has accepted the Internet with open arms. Almost as many people subscribe to the Internet as landline phones. Free public WiFi is available in parts of major towns, and many restaurants have WiFi as well.

Postal services [ edit ]

andorra tourist info

Uniquely, Andorra does not have its own postal service and instead relies on both the Spanish and French postal systems. You'll frequently see buildings with two mailboxes, and if you look closely you'll notice that one is for Correos (Spain) and one for La Poste (France). The main offices for both are in Andorra La Vella.

The French post office ( Correus francesos ) is at Carrer de Bonaventura Armengol is usually open M-F 08:30-14:30, Sa 09:00-11:59 Tel: +376 820 408

The Spanish post office ( Correus espanyols ) is open M-F 08:30-14:30, Sa 09:00-12:59 Tel: +376 820 257.

Go next [ edit ]

  • Latour-de-Carol - first stop on the scenic descent for Perpignan with the open-top Yellow train (fr: Le train jaune) is reachable with the same TER train line 22 that serves L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre.

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10 Things to Know Before Visiting Andorra

Looking out across the mountains over Andorra

Andorra sits in the middle of the Pyrenees, a landlocked country tucked in between France and Spain. If you’re thinking of visiting, whether for winter sports or an alternative summer holiday destination, here are 10 things to know before visiting Andorra.

It has no airport.

Andorra sits in the middle of the Pyrenees and its landscape is so mountainous that it has no airport. The nearest airports are Perpignan, Carcassonne and Toulouse in France, and Girona , Barcelona , Lleida and Reus in Spain.

It has no train station

Again because of its mountainous terrain, Andorra has no rail network either. If you’re travelling to Andorra by train, the nearest station is L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre in France, just 11 kilometres (seven miles) from the border. If coming from Spain, you can take a train to hubs such as Lleida Pirineus or Barcelona, and then take a bus to Andorra.

It’s best to hire a car to explore it properly

Although there are some public buses around Andorra, it’s best to hire a car if you really want to explore the country properly, visit all the small charming villages and to be able to access remote hiking routes.

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It’s one of Europe’s best ski destinations

Because it’s located in the Pyrenees, Andorra is one of the best places for skiing in Europe. The country has four main ski resorts: Soldeu el Tarter, Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig, Vallnord Pal-Arinsal and Vallnord Arcalis, with great facilities, ski schools, challenging runs and snowboard parks. Read our guide to Andorra’s ski resorts for more information.

Visit Andorra to ski at the Vallnord Ski Area

It offers lots of activities in summer as well as in winter

Of course, the winter sports are what attract most people to Andorra, but there are plenty of things to do in summer, too. These include exploring its picturesque villages , visiting its museums and hiking through its mountainous landscapes.

It’s the only country in the world where Catalan is the only official language

Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, the northwest region of Spain, as well as in parts of southern France, but Andorra is the only country where this is the only official language.

Catalan flag

It’s small country

Andorra covers an area of just 469 square kilometres (181 square miles), which makes it the 17th smallest country in the world. This means that if you’re going on holiday here, it’s quite possible to see the whole country during your visit.

It’s a great wellness destination

Not only is Andorra an ideal skiing and hiking destination, but it makes for a perfect wellness holiday , too. The capital of Andorra la Vella is home to Europe’s largest spa complex, Caldea , filled with pools of varying temperatures, a kids’ spa area, hot tubs, steam rooms and massage booths.

Caldea spa complex, Andorra

It offers great duty-free shopping

Yes, one of the great things about Andorra is that items in the shops are duty free. It’s the ideal spot for getting your hands on everything from luxury perfumes to designer brands, and is home to lots of shopping complexes, particularly in and around Andorra la Vella.

It’s a great destination for history buffs

History buffs will love Andorra. It may not be obvious, but Andorra is filled with unusual museums and beautiful romanesque churches.

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Andorra Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

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Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is a charming microstate renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and unique blend of Catalan and European cultures. Despite its small size, this hidden gem offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing and hiking in the pristine mountains to exploring picturesque villages and Romanesque architecture. Shoppers can indulge in duty-free shopping, while history enthusiasts can visit ancient churches and museums. Andorra’s warm hospitality and safe environment make it an ideal destination for those seeking an alpine escape and a taste of Catalan culture in the heart of Europe.

What’s the Best Time to Visit? 📅

The best time to visit Andorra as a tourist largely depends on your interests and the activities you wish to pursue. Here are some considerations for different seasons:

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: If you’re into winter sports, this is the prime time to visit Andorra. Ski resorts like Grandvalira and Vallnord offer excellent conditions, with a peak season from late December to early March.
  • Snow and Festive Atmosphere: December is especially charming due to the holiday decorations and festive spirit.
  • Transitional Season: Spring offers milder weather as the snow begins to melt, making it a good time for those who prefer outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.
  • Fewer Crowds: It’s a quieter time for tourists compared to the peak winter season.
  • Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The summer months are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring Andorra’s natural beauty. The weather is generally warm and pleasant.
  • Festivals and Events: Andorra hosts various summer festivals and cultural events during this time.
  • Fall Foliage: Autumn brings stunning foliage as the leaves change colors, creating picturesque landscapes.
  • Outdoor Activities: It’s a great time for hiking and enjoying cooler weather.

The choice of the best time also depends on your tolerance for crowds. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. Keep in mind that Andorra’s climate can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check weather forecasts and pack accordingly, especially if you plan to visit the mountains or engage in outdoor activities. Ultimately, the best time to visit Andorra is when it aligns with your interests and desired experiences.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around? 🚌

Getting around Andorra as a tourist is relatively straightforward, and you have several options depending on your preferences and the places you want to visit. Here are the main ways to get around Andorra:

  • Renting a Car : Renting a car is one of the most convenient options for exploring Andorra, especially if you plan to visit remote areas or prefer flexibility in your itinerary. The road network is well-maintained, and driving is relatively easy. However, be prepared for winding mountain roads and consider the weather conditions if you visit in the winter.
  • Public Bus : Andorra has an efficient public bus system that connects major towns and tourist destinations. This is a cost-effective option, and buses are generally reliable. You can purchase tickets on board or at bus stations.
  • Taxis : Taxis are readily available in most towns and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. They are a convenient option for short trips within a town or for traveling to destinations not easily accessible by public transport.
  • Walking : Many towns in Andorra are compact and pedestrian-friendly. Walking is an excellent way to explore urban areas, enjoy the scenery, and visit local shops and restaurants.
  • Cycling : If you’re a cycling enthusiast, Andorra offers scenic routes and mountain biking trails. You can rent bicycles in some towns or bring your own.
  • Ski Resort Shuttles : If you’re visiting during the winter for skiing, most ski resorts in Andorra provide shuttle services to transport visitors between the towns and the slopes.
  • Hiking : For those exploring Andorra’s natural beauty and mountain trails, hiking is the way to go. There are well-marked hiking trails, and some areas can only be accessed on foot.
  • Cable Cars and Funiculars : To reach higher elevations and mountain viewpoints, you can use cable cars and funiculars in ski resorts and scenic areas.

Keep in mind that Andorra’s roadways can become congested during peak tourist seasons, so plan your travel times accordingly. Additionally, some areas may have limited parking, so it’s essential to check parking availability and fees in advance if you’re driving.

Ultimately, the best way to get around Andorra depends on your itinerary and preferences. Combining different modes of transportation can be a practical approach to make the most of your visit and enjoy the diverse landscapes and attractions Andorra has to offer.

What’s the Official Language?

The official language of Andorra is Catalan. Catalan is widely spoken and used in government, education, and daily life. While Catalan is the primary language, many people in Andorra also speak Spanish and French, and you’ll find that English is understood to some extent in tourist areas. Here are some useful Catalan words and phrases for tourists:

  • Hello – Hola
  • Good morning – Bon dia
  • Good afternoon – Bona tarda
  • Good evening – Bona nit
  • Please – Si us plau
  • Thank you – Gràcies
  • Yes – Sí
  • No – No
  • Excuse me / Sorry – Perdoni / Ho sento
  • Do you speak English? – Parla anglès?
  • I need help – Necessito ajuda
  • How much does this cost? – Quant val això?
  • Where is…? – On és…?
  • Restroom / Toilet – Bany / Lavabo
  • I would like… – Voldria…
  • Water – Aigua
  • Food – Menjar
  • Beer – Cervesa
  • Wine – Vi
  • Bill, please – El compte, si us plau
  • I’m lost – Estic perdut (male) / Estic perduda (female)
  • Help! – Ajuda!

Learning a few basic phrases in Catalan can enhance your travel experience in Andorra and demonstrate respect for the local culture and language. Most people in the tourism industry will appreciate your efforts to communicate in Catalan, even if you only know a few words.

Where to Stay? 🏨

Andorra offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Where you should stay as a tourist depends on your interests, the purpose of your visit, and the activities you plan to pursue. Here are some popular areas to consider for your stay in Andorra:

  • Andorra la Vella : The capital city is a hub for shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. It’s an excellent choice if you want easy access to shops, restaurants, and city life. There are various hotels, from luxury options to more budget-friendly ones.
  • Escaldes-Engordany : This town is contiguous with Andorra la Vella and is known for its upscale shopping, spa resorts, and wellness centers. If you’re looking for relaxation and pampering, consider staying here.
  • La Massana : Located in the Vallnord ski area, La Massana is an excellent choice for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers proximity to skiing and other mountain activities. There are hotels, chalets, and apartments available.
  • Ordino : A picturesque town in the mountains, Ordino is ideal for those seeking a more tranquil and traditional Andorran experience. It’s also close to nature and hiking trails.
  • Soldeu and El Tarter : These villages are part of the Grandvalira ski area and are perfect for winter sports lovers. You’ll find a range of hotels, chalets, and apartments here.
  • Canillo : This town is known for its historic church and proximity to Grandvalira ski slopes. It’s a family-friendly destination with various accommodation options.
  • Encamp : Encamp is another town in the Grandvalira ski area, offering good access to the slopes. It’s also a starting point for the Funicamp cable car to the Grandvalira ski resort.
  • Arinsal : Located in the Vallnord ski area, Arinsal is known for its vibrant nightlife during the winter season. It’s a popular choice for younger travelers and those looking for entertainment.
  • Villages and Rural Areas : If you seek a more secluded and immersive experience in Andorra’s countryside, consider staying in smaller villages or rural areas. These locations provide a serene atmosphere and a chance to connect with nature.

When choosing where to stay in Andorra, consider your priorities, whether it’s easy access to skiing, a vibrant city atmosphere, or a peaceful mountain retreat. Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during the ski season or popular tourist periods, as Andorra can get quite busy.

What to Eat? 🍽️

Andorra offers a unique culinary experience that combines Catalan, Spanish, and French influences, creating a diverse and flavorful cuisine. As a tourist in Andorra, here are some must-try foods and dishes:

  • Trinxat : This traditional Andorran dish is made from mashed potatoes, cabbage, and bacon, all pan-fried together. It’s hearty and delicious, perfect for a winter meal.
  • Escudella i carn d’olla : A hearty Catalan stew, typically prepared during special occasions or holidays. It features a variety of meats, vegetables, and pasta or rice, making it a comforting and flavorful dish.
  • Xai a la brasa : Grilled lamb is a common and popular dish in Andorra. The lamb is usually marinated and seasoned before being grilled to perfection.
  • Truita de carreroles : A savory omelet made with wild mushrooms (carreroles) that are abundant in the Andorran forests. It’s a tasty and seasonal dish.
  • Borda : A traditional mountain dish, often featuring grilled meats, sausages, and other hearty ingredients. Many restaurants offer this rustic Andorran experience.
  • Fuet : A type of Catalan cured sausage, similar to Spanish chorizo. It’s often served as an appetizer or snack.
  • Coca : Andorran-style pizza, typically topped with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, cheese, and sometimes even rabbit or wild mushrooms.
  • Pa amb tomàquet : A simple but delicious Catalan dish consisting of toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil and garlic. It’s often served as a side or appetizer.
  • Tupí : A creamy cheese dip made from local cheeses, garlic, and olive oil. It’s perfect for dipping bread or vegetables.
  • Crema d’Andorra : A rich, creamy dessert similar to crème brûlée, often flavored with local herbs or spices like lavender or cinnamon.
  • Torró : A traditional Andorran nougat made with almonds and honey. It’s a popular sweet treat, especially during the Christmas season.
  • Carquinyolis : Andorran almond biscuits that are typically served with coffee or dessert wine.
  • Local Wines : Andorra produces its own wines, mainly white and red varieties. Don’t miss the chance to try local wines, which pair well with many Andorran dishes.
  • Craft Beers : Andorra has seen a rise in craft beer production, with several microbreweries offering a variety of interesting and flavorful beers.

When dining in Andorra, it’s also worth exploring the local tapas bars and restaurants to sample a variety of dishes and flavors. Additionally, keep an eye out for seasonal and regional specialties, as the cuisine in Andorra can vary throughout the year and across different regions of the country.

What to See? 🔍

Andorra may be a small country, but it’s packed with stunning natural landscapes, charming villages, and cultural attractions. Here are some must-see places for tourists visiting Andorra:

  • Andorra la Vella : The capital city offers a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Explore the historic old town, visit Casa de la Vall (the Andorran parliament building), and stroll along Avinguda Meritxell, a bustling shopping street.
  • Casa de la Vall : This historic building in Andorra la Vella is an architectural gem and the seat of the General Council of Andorra. You can take guided tours to explore its beautifully preserved rooms and chambers.
  • Caldea : Europe’s largest thermal spa, Caldea is located in Escaldes-Engordany. It features stunning modern architecture and a range of thermal pools, saunas, and relaxation areas. It’s a perfect place to unwind.
  • Vallnord and Grandvalira : Andorra is known for its ski resorts. Vallnord and Grandvalira offer excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and outdoor activities like mountain biking and hiking in the summer.
  • Vall de Sorteny Natural Park : A pristine natural park with lush green valleys, crystal-clear streams, and hiking trails. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
  • Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley : This UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtaking glacial valley with rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and hiking trails. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a unique cultural landscape.
  • Sant Joan de Caselles Church : Located in Canillo, this Romanesque church is known for its beautiful frescoes and historic significance.
  • La Cortinada : A picturesque village in Ordino parish known for its stunning mountain views and the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Meritxell Sanctuary : The sanctuary is dedicated to Our Lady of Meritxell, the patron saint of Andorra. It’s an architectural marvel with modern and traditional elements.
  • Santuario de Meritxell : This modern church in Meritxell houses a statue of Our Lady of Meritxell and is a place of pilgrimage and cultural significance.
  • Engolasters Lake and Church : Located near Escaldes-Engordany, this picturesque lake is surrounded by lush forests and features a charming Romanesque church nearby.
  • Roc del Quer Viewpoint : Offering panoramic views of Andorra’s mountainous landscape, this viewpoint is accessible by a short hike and provides excellent photo opportunities.
  • Ordino-Arcalís Ski Resort : If you’re visiting Andorra in the winter, this ski resort is known for its pristine slopes and stunning scenery.
  • Museums : Andorra has several museums, including the Postal Museum, Perfume Museum, and Comic Museum, where you can learn about the country’s history and culture.

These are just a few of the must-see places in Andorra. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or simply enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery, Andorra has something to offer every type of tourist.

What to Do? 📸

Andorra, with its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural blend, offers a range of exciting activities and experiences for tourists. Here are some must-do things when visiting Andorra:

  • Skiing and Snowboarding : Andorra is renowned for its ski resorts, including Grandvalira and Vallnord. Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter months amid picturesque mountain scenery.
  • Hiking and Outdoor Adventures : In the summer, explore Andorra’s extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging mountain treks. Don’t miss the beautiful Vall de Sorteny Natural Park and Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Shopping : Andorra is a shopping paradise due to its duty-free status. Find great deals on luxury brands, electronics, cosmetics, and more in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany.
  • Relax at Caldea : Visit Caldea, Europe’s largest thermal spa, for a day of relaxation in its thermal waters, saunas, and wellness facilities.
  • Cultural Exploration : Explore Andorra’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historic churches like the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles, the Church of Santa Coloma, and the Meritxell Sanctuary. Explore the old town in Andorra la Vella and its iconic Casa de la Vall.
  • Mountain Biking : Discover thrilling mountain biking trails in the summer, with opportunities for downhill biking and cross-country adventures.
  • Motorcycle Tours : Andorra’s winding mountain roads make it a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. Consider renting a motorcycle for scenic rides.
  • Wine and Gastronomy : Savor Andorran cuisine by trying traditional dishes like trinxat and escudella i carn d’olla. Pair your meals with local wines, and explore cozy mountain restaurants and rustic bordas.
  • Casa de la Vall Tour : Take a guided tour of Casa de la Vall, a historic building in Andorra la Vella, to learn about Andorra’s history and government.
  • Cultural Festivals : If your visit coincides with one of Andorra’s cultural festivals, such as the Escudella Festival or the Meritxell Festival, be sure to participate and experience the local traditions and celebrations.
  • Visit a Mountain Hut (Refugi) : Spend a night in a mountain hut to experience the natural beauty of Andorra up close. Huts like Refugi del Coma Pedrosa offer a unique and rustic mountain experience.
  • Adventure Sports : Try your hand at adventure sports like canyoning, zip-lining, and via ferrata in the stunning mountainous landscape.
  • Visit Encamp : Explore the town of Encamp and take the Funicamp cable car to access the Grandvalira ski area or enjoy panoramic views.
  • Enjoy Local Festivities : Keep an eye out for local festivities and cultural events that may be happening during your visit. These can provide a deeper insight into Andorran culture.

Remember to check the availability and opening hours of attractions and activities, especially if you are visiting during the off-season. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, Andorra has something to offer every type of traveler.

Culture and Safety 🦺

When traveling to Andorra as a tourist, it’s important to understand and respect the local culture while also ensuring your safety. Here are some key considerations for both aspects:

  • Language : The official language of Andorra is Catalan. While many people also speak Spanish and French, especially in tourist areas, it’s appreciated if you learn a few basic Catalan phrases to enhance your cultural experience.
  • Respect Local Customs : Andorra has a strong cultural connection to its Catalan heritage. Be respectful of local customs, traditions, and religious practices. For example, when visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly.
  • Hospitality : Andorrans are known for their warm hospitality. Engage with locals, ask for recommendations, and be polite and courteous in your interactions.
  • Punctuality : Punctuality is highly regarded in Andorra. If you have appointments or reservations, arrive on time.
  • Dining Etiquette : When dining out, it’s customary to greet with “Bon profit” (enjoy your meal) before eating. Tipping is generally included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving a small tip is appreciated.
  • General Safety : Andorra is considered a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and the country enjoys a low crime rate. However, it’s always wise to take basic precautions like safeguarding your belongings and avoiding poorly lit or secluded areas at night.
  • Road Safety : If you plan to drive in Andorra, be cautious on the mountainous roads, especially during winter when conditions can be challenging. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with proper tires and equipment.
  • Outdoor Activities : If you’re engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or skiing, follow safety guidelines, check weather conditions, and carry necessary equipment. Mountain rescue services are available in case of emergencies.
  • Altitude : Some areas in Andorra are at high altitudes. If you’re not acclimated to high altitudes, be aware of the potential for altitude sickness and take precautions like staying hydrated and ascending slowly.
  • Healthcare : Andorra has a modern healthcare system, and medical facilities are of high quality. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
  • Emergency Services : The emergency phone number in Andorra is 112, and operators typically speak multiple languages.
  • Weather Awareness : Be aware of the weather conditions, especially if you’re visiting during the winter months. Mountainous regions can experience rapid weather changes.
  • COVID-19 Considerations : As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the COVID-19 situation may affect travel plans. Check for the latest travel advisories, entry requirements, and safety protocols related to the pandemic before your trip.

Overall, Andorra is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. By being culturally respectful and staying informed about safety considerations, you can have a memorable and enjoyable experience in this picturesque country. Always stay updated on the latest travel information and guidelines, especially in light of any changes or developments that may have occurred since my last knowledge update.

In conclusion, a visit to Andorra promises a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil mountain getaway, Andorra’s welcoming atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit destination in the heart of the Pyrenees. With its unique charm and diverse offerings, Andorra leaves an indelible impression on every traveler fortunate enough to experience its wonders.

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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Andorra

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023

Located high in the eastern Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is a small country, boasting lovely mountain scenery, which is often overlooked on travel itineraries. But despite its size, Andorra is well-known as a winter destination in Europe for its superb ski hills, while popular things to do in summer include hiking and mountain biking.

Sant Esteve Church, Andorra

Made up of several small towns and villages tucked between tall mountain peaks, Andorra lies just three hour's drive from Barcelona to the south and Toulouse in France to the north, making it an ideal day trip if you're pressed for time.

For most visitors, the main attraction is the capital, Andorra La Vella . Small enough to traverse on foot, this delightful city offers a bustling main street boasting many shops and dining opportunities. It's also a nation of superb medieval churches, many of them untouched by time.

Skiers and snowboarders tend to flock to the small town of Encamp , a base for the Pas de la Casa and the Grau Roig Ski Area. Another popular ski area is Grandvalira, between Andorra la Vella and Les Escaldes. Other places of interest for sightseers are the picturesque villages of El Serrat, set high in the mountains, and La Cortinada, home to the church of Marti de la Cortinada. Both of these charming villages are found in the Valira del Nord Valley, northwest of the capital city.

Find out more about the best places to visit in this tiny country with our list of the top attractions in Andorra.

1. The Capital City: Andorra la Vella

2. la casa de la vall, 3. winter wonderland: vallnord, 4. sant joan de caselles church, 6. mirador roc del quer viewpoint, ordino, 7. ordino and casa d'areny-plandolit, 8. postal museum, ordino, 9. la cortinada and the church of sant martí, 10. el serrat, 11. the town of les escaldes, 12. touring the valira d'orient valley, 13. encamp and the national automobile museum, 14. the church of santa coloma, 15. madriu-perafita-claror valley, 16. our lady of meritxell, 17. the museum of miniature, map of tourist attractions in andorra.

Andorra la Vella

Perched high in the eastern Pyrenees , Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, is this small nation's busiest tourist attraction. At an altitude of 1,029 meters, it's one of the world's highest capital cities. It's also one of the smallest, too, with a population of fewer than 23,000 people.

Overlooking the Gran Valira River under the east side of the 2,317-meter Pic d'Enclar mountain, the city's main street is lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to local arts and crafts and luxury goods. The street also boasts many fine galleries, cafés, and restaurants, as well as a number of excellent hotels.

Other fun things to do in Andorra la Vella include strolling through Plaça del Poble , a public square on the roof of the city's administrative complex, which offers great views of the surrounding scenery. Be sure to also visit the 12th-century Sant Esteve Church , with its fine carved woodwork.

Andorra la Vella Center Map - Tourist Attractions

La Casa de la Vall is one of the top places to visit in Andorra la Vella. Originally built in 1580 as a manor house and fortification, it's now the seat of Andorra's government. Pay attention to the small turrets on either wing, which were designed to defend the building against possible attackers.

Other notable features include its ornate coat of arms and other historical emblems of the country's former rulers. You'll see these and other highlights of this historic building on a fun 30-minute-long guided tour that includes the reception room with its 16th-century wall paintings and the Council Chamber (Sala de Sessions).

Here, you'll also find the historic Cupboard of the Seven Keys, to which each of the country's seven communes has a key. This historic artifact also contains the country's oldest and most important archives, including documents dating from the time of Charlemagne.

Address: AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra

Vallnord ski resort

One of the most popular winter sports destinations in the Pyrenees, Vallnord draws skiers and snowboarders from across Europe to its many fine slopes. Located in the northern part of Andorra and boasting a peak altitude of 2,625 meters, Vallnord is really three unique ski resorts in one: Arcalis , Pal , and Arinsal . Together these three resorts provide a vast amount of terrain to explore.

Skiers and boarders of all levels are well catered to, with more experienced downhillers usually heading for the north-facing alpine slopes of Arcalis with its long-lasting snows. Beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike tend to head to Arinsal and Pal. Most slopes are connected to one another by cable car, while gondolas from the village of La Massana serve Pal.

Vallnord is particularly popular for family ski vacations due to its first-rate ski schools and fun activities such as snowshoeing and sledding. Snowmobiling is also available, as well as paintball and laser tag. For the truly adventurous, activities such as speed riding, an adrenalin-inducing mix of skiing and hang-gliding, as well as heli-skiing and ski-biking are available.

The arrival of warmer weather draws adventure seekers with the opening of the Vallnord Bikepark , a massive network of mountain biking trails. Vallnord is also well-served when it comes to accommodations, and offers a variety of hotel options from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Address: Av Través, 2 - Edf Casa Casa Ferré, Carretera de la Caubella, 1, AD400 La Massana

Sant Joan de Caselles Church

A little way north of the picturesque village of Canillo is the chapel of Sant Joan de Caselles (Església de Sant Joan de Caselles). Considered one of the country's finest Romanesque churches, this splendid old stone building dates from the 11th century and contains many interesting features.

Most notable among them is its fine interior decorated with excellent frescoes, as well as a fine devotional painting, or retablo, named St. John and the Apocalypse , dating from 1525. Other highlights of this well-preserved Catholic church are the choir grille with its Romanesque stucco figure of Christ on the Cross, and the unique polychrome painting that surrounds it.

Address: Av. Sant Joan de Caselles, S/n, 08784, Andorra

Caldea spa complex

Found in the heart of Andorra la Vella, the huge Caldea spa complex , one of Europe's largest such developments, dominates the capital's skyline with its magnificent glass pyramid tower. This sprawling facility features more than 6,000 square meters of watery fun and treatment areas.

Why visit? Well, for starters, you'll have unlimited access to the facility's numerous lagoons, both indoor and outdoor. You'll also be able to make use of its many saunas and Jacuzzis. Caldea also boasts many specialized spa areas featuring Indo-Roman baths, cascades, warm marble slates, and even a grapefruit pool.

Due to its use of the mineral-rich warm waters that emerge from the city's thermal source, a visit to this uniquely designed spa complex is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that's not soon forgotten. For those seeking an adults-only experience, be sure to visit the spa's Inúu facility.

Address: Parc de la Mola, 10, AD700, Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra

Mirador Roc del Quer viewpoint

If you enjoy superb views but mountain climbing's not your thing, you're in luck. Andorra's Mirador Roc del Quer viewpoint boasts spectacular views over the Pyrenees, and while it's not for the faint of heart when it comes to heights, it's a safe, fun way to enjoy some of Europe's most impressive mountain scenery from up high.

Jutting over a steep precipice, the viewpoint consists of a 20-meter-long walkway that literally seems to be suspended in mid-air. In fact, it's the last 12 meters that jut out, making you feel like you're literally walking on air. Opened in 2016, the attraction also features a number of interesting outdoor sculptures that make for great photos.

Address: Ctra. de Montaup, AD300 Ordino, Andorra

Ordino

The chief destination in Andorra's picturesque Valira del Nord Valley, the small town of Ordino is idyllically located at the base of the 2,740-meter-tall Casamanya mountain . Shutterbugs will find it's one of the most beautiful places to photograph in Andorra .

In addition to its quiet streets, quaint shops, elegant hotels, and old churches, the town is home to Casa d'Areny-Plandolit . This important historic structure was built in 1633 and later rebuilt in the mid-19th century by Baron de Senaller, a man famous for instigating reforms in 1866 that gave heads of households voting rights.

Now open to the public, this splendid old house boasts a magnificent wrought-iron balcony from 1843 along with a reproduction of the country's original Cupboard of the Seven Keys. On the ground floor are storerooms and a blacksmith's shop, while on the upper level is the old armory with its large barrel-organ.

Also here is the dining room in which the Baron's Limoges and Sèvres dinner services, the latter a gift from the Austrian Emperor, are displayed.

Other interesting rooms are the library with its coats of arms of related families, and the music room with a copy of the original version of the Andorran national anthem. Also worth a visit are the private chapel and a bakery.

Address: AD300 Ordino, Andorra

Andorran stamp

Also worth visiting while in Ordino is the Postal Museum (Museo Postal de Andorra). Highlights of a visit include audio-visual displays outlining the growth and development of the country's postal service, including the delivery by mail of the country's first pair of skis.

Other exhibits deal with how stamps are made. There's also a rare collection of more than 50,000 Andorran stamps. English language tours are available, and last 30 minutes.

 The Church of Sant Martí, La Cortinada

The village of La Cortinada is one of the most attractive smaller communities in Andorra. Surrounded by meadows and rugged mountains, this picturesque village is home to the lovely 12th-century Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada (Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada).

This well-preserved medieval place of worship is notable for its Romanesque frescoes, its charnel house holding numerous human skeletal remains, and a beautiful old dovecote bird shelter. Later additions from the 17th and 18th centuries include locally made fine wrought-iron railings, a brightly painted wooden altarpiece, numerous fine pieces of elaborate furniture, and a confessional.

Address: AD300 La Cortinada, Andorra

El Serrat

Another village worth visiting is tiny El Serrat . Located at the end of the road running through the Valira del Nord Valley, this extremely pretty small mountain village sits in a magnificent location and is a great base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

It's equally popular among bird-watchers and hikers, as well as those with an interest in alpine flora. Come winter, activities switch to downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Les Escaldes

The Andorran town of Les Escaldes, just a few minutes' drive from Andorra la Vella , takes its name from the many hot springs dotted around the community. Known for their high sulphur and nitrogen content, the town's waters range from a pleasant 22 degrees Celsius to a scalding 66 degrees Celsius and were well known as far back as Roman times for their medicinal qualities.

Other highlights include the Viladomat Museum , with its displays of works by Catalan sculptor Josep Viladomat, and the ruins of the old fortress of Capilla Sant Rom. Be sure to include the historic Pont dels Escalls bridge, with its superb views of the old town, in your itinerary.

Also well worth a visit is the Thyssen Museum (Museo Carmen Thyssen Andorra), an art gallery centered around a large private collection, including works by 19th- and 20th-century Masters such as Monet, Matisse, and Gauguin. The country's newest major attraction, the museum also offers visiting exhibits.

Another art-related attraction is the Centre d'Art d'Escaldes-Engordany . This interesting gallery houses a good collection of sculptures and artworks in a historic heritage building.

Sant Miquel Engolasters in the Valira d'Orient Valley

A highlight of a visit to Andorra is the chance to explore this small mountain nation's stunning scenery from the comfort of a car. One of the best routes is along the Valira d'Orient Valley.

Starting in Les Escaldes north of the capital Andorra la Vella, head along the narrow, winding road leading up to the 12th-century Sant Miquel Engolasters , a typical example of the country's many Pyrenean churches in Lombard Romanesque style.

From here, it's possible to walk to Lake Engolasters , an artificial lake created by a dam, which is popular for fishing and sightseeing.

Encamp, Andorra

In the geographical center of Andorra, the town of Encamp, home to nearly 12,000 people, makes for a good base no matter what time of year you choose to explore the country. Its downtown is also one of the prettiest, with the Valira d'Orient river running through it, and its fine old buildings now serve as shops, cafés, and restaurants.

It's also a great place from which to embark on hiking and biking adventures thanks to the neighboring Pic dels Pessons mountain which, at 2,865 meters, is the parish's tallest peak. Come winter, the town is transformed into one of the country's most important ski centers with a gondola linking it directly to the slopes of Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa .

Encamp, Andorra

The city is also home to the excellent National Automobile Museum with its numerous displays of classic vintage cars. This impressive collection also includes a steam-driven machine dating from 1885, along with antique motorcycles and bicycles, all in mint condition.

Address: Avenida Príncep Episcopal 64

The Santa Coloma Church

On the main road leading from Andorra to Spain in the little village of Santa Coloma is one of the country's finest Romanesque places of worship. The Santa Coloma Church , the oldest church in the country, is notable for its tall, rounded three-stage tower, which is very different from the more typical square design of other church towers in the country.

This splendid old stone structure dates from the 9th century and contains a much venerated 12th-century statue of the Virgin of Coloma, a number of Mozarabic frescoes on its arched entrance, and a splendid medieval font. Afterward, take the short hike up to the 12th-century castle of Sant Vicenç d'Enclar perched upon the commanding Roc d'Enclar just above the village.

Address: Carrer Major, AD500 Santa Coloma, Andorra

Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Despite being only 42 square kilometers, Andorra's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley occupies nearly 10 percent of the country's total area. Regarded as the "spiritual heart" of this tiny nation, it looks like something out of a picture book as it's so attractive and unspoiled.

This remote glacial valley is also a refuge for a variety of endangered and rare species of wildlife, and boasts spectacular vistas over mountain pastures, rugged crags, and thickly forested valleys. Part of the fun is getting here. Given its remoteness, the valley is only accessible by walking trails, resulting in a surprisingly peaceful and tranquil hiking experience.

Along the way, you'll come across a variety of reminders of the region's prior human habitation (no one lives here now), stretching back some 700 or more years. These include two small villages, which are fun to explore. The dwellings here, along with some of the surviving mountainside huts, now serve as accommodations for hikers.

Our Lady of Meritxell

Andorra's patron saint, Our Lady of Meritxell (Mare de Déu de Meritxell), is famous as the country's spiritual guide. She's also the subject of a major festival held each September 8th since 1873, the same day as the Andorran National Holiday.

This Roman Catholic saint is associated with the Meritxell Chapel and is represented by a statue of the Virgin Mary with the baby Christ in her lap; the original statue, made in the 12th century, was destroyed in a fire. The replica, carved of wood and standing just 33 inches high, is said to be close to identical to the original and can be viewed, along with other relics, in the church's sanctuary.

Be sure to also take in the splendid courtyard with its impressive arches. This church is also a part of the Marian Route , an important itinerary of pilgrimages that includes sanctuaries in Montserrat and Lourdes, among others.

Address: AD100 Meritxell, Andorra

The Museum of Miniature (Museo de la Miniatura) is a great way for young and old alike to spend an hour when in Ordino. And these really are miniature artworks.

Crafted by Nicolai Siadristy, a Ukranian artist who's widely regarded as the best in his field, these tiny masterpieces are so small that many have to be viewed through a magnifying glass or microscope to be appreciated.

Crafted from metals such as gold and platinum, as well as everyday materials including paper and wood, even grains of rice, the museum's huge micro-miniature collection features everything from minuscule Russian Dolls to religious artifacts such as crucifixes. The exhibits are augmented by an interesting audio-visual display, which also features details of the artist's life and craft.

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Explore Toulouse and the French Pyrenees : Thanks to its location in the very heart of the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra serves as a perfect jumping-off point to a variety of top attractions in the French Pyrenees . Of these, the top-most visited points of interest include the town of Lourdes, famous the world over as a place of pilgrimage, and the spectacular Cirque de Gavarnie, a huge circular ring of mountain cliffs, which many suggest resembles a giant church nave.

Another great French destination to visit from Andorra is Toulouse , just a two-hour drive north and full of must-see attractions and famous for its many rose-colored brick buildings.

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A Day Trip to Barcelona : Just two-and-a-half hours' drive to the south is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Spain: Barcelona . Whether stopping by for a day trip or an extended visit, must-see attractions include the iconic Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, a spectacular cathedral, which has been in the making since 1883 and is still not finished; and Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) , famous for its well-preserved historic architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. While visiting Barcelona, be sure to set time aside for a walk around the hilltop neighborhood of Montjuïc , a popular jaunt for its lovely parks and gardens, museums and art galleries, and superb views over the Mediterranean Sea.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Andorra

Cosily located between France and Spain , and nestled in the snowy peaks of the Pyrenean Mountains, Andorra may be small but it is definitely worth a visit for those looking for premium skiing terrain, hiking opportunities, and lush scenery.

The capital Andorra la Vella has a vibrant arts and food scene, as well the largest spa complex in Europe and much of the rest of Andorra is made up of scatterings of picture perfect villages and towns set amidst a backdrop of spectacular vistas.

Architecture lovers also won’t feel out of place here, as there are medieval and Romanesque buildings in abundance, many set on imposing hilltops or hidden away at the end of mountain lanes. Perfect for exploring at your leisure in a bid to uncover as many hidden gems as possible long the way.

Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Andorra!

1. Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella

The capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella sits in the Pyrenees. The city has a population of just over 20,000 people meaning that it is small and compact and yet there is much to see here for discerning tourists.

With a lively bar and cafe culture, Andorra la Vella has a vibrant main artery in the form of the main street that has galleries showcasing local art, handicraft shops, and restaurants. For those looking to get a glimpse of the history of Andorra, there are guided tours of Casa de la Vall, a historic building dating from the 16th century famed for its period artwork and historically significant documents.

Also of note in Andorra la Vella is the Sant Esteve Church, built in the 12th century that features ornate wooden decorations. To enjoy all that Andorra la Vella has to offer, head over to Plaça del Poble, the main square of the city that sits atop the roof of an administrative complex, and visitors can ascend to the square and take in the unspoilt views over the city and beyond.

Encamp

Head over to the town of Encamp to enjoy this picturesque spot that is bisected by the Valira d’Orient River. The town has a wealth of pretty historical buildings for visitor to explore, as well as quaint cafes, restaurants serving local fare, and boutiques selling art and crafts.

One of the big draws in Encamp is its National Automobile Museum that has a vast collection of vintage automobiles including steam powered cars and motorcycles. The town is also the starting point for several key locations in Andorra, such as the Pic dels Pessons Mountain, and those who enjoy hiking and rambling can explore the area easily in a day from Encamp.

Come ski season, there is a ski lift that takes visitors to Grau Roig or Pas de la Casa in order to hit the slopes in style.

3. Pas de la Casa

Pas de la Casa

Nestled on the border with France , Pas de la Casa is one of Andorra’s top ski resorts, and now features 31 ski lifts to allow visitors access to all areas below the Pic d’Envalira. Unlike some of the other ski resorts in Andorra, Pas de la Casa better serves intermediate or advanced skiers as there are a number of red pistes that span the surrounding terrain.

There is also a focus on nightlife and après-ski here, making Pas de la Casa popular with younger travellers looking for some lively venues to relax in after a long day of skiing.

If you want to do some shopping then there are a number of warehouses along the pass between France and Andorra that sell duty free products.

4. Meritxell

Meritxell

Come to the town of Meritxell for the stunning Basilica Sanctuary of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell. The sanctuary is Romanesque in style and originally dates from the 17th century, and has been lovingly preserved and restored after a fire in the 1970s.

The basilica is known for its ornate statues of patron saints (one for each parish in Andorra) as well as its cloisters and a spectacular mirror room.

Part of the ancient chapel now houses a museum that features historic objects and artwork that celebrates the basilica and the Virgin of Meritxell.

Church of Saint Christopher, Anyós

The dinky village of Anyós sits in the La Massana parish and provides an enjoyable afternoon of sightseeing about one kilometre outside of La Massana proper. If you happen to visit Anyós in July you may witness the village’s annual carnival which features the blessing of a carriage in the village square.

Also worth a visit is the Church of Saint Christopher that dates from medieval times in homage to the patron saint of the village.

Popular pastimes in the surrounding areas of Anyós include bird watching and fishing, and this is the perfect place to go for a stroll and take in the local Alpine flora and fauna.

6. El Serrat

El Serrat

If you want to get out of the city of Andorra la Vella and really want to get away from it all then look no further that El Serrat, a tiny little village in a quiet corner of the Valira del Nord Valley.

The village is located up in the mountains which means that whatever direction you look in you will find stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and nature lovers should definitely not miss the opportunity to ramble in the region, particularly for those who love Alpine scenery.

Popular activities in and around El Serrat include bird watching, hiking, and in the winter months the area is blanketed in snow and you can indulge in cross country skiing or snowboarding in the downhill areas.

7. La Cortinada

La Cortinada

Famed for being a place of almost unparallel natural beauty in Andorra, the delightful village of La Cortinada sits amongst flower meadows, fields, and imposing mountains, and is known for its ornate historical buildings.

For an example of Romanesque architecture in La Cortinada, walk over to the Sant Martí de la Cortinada church and enjoy the vibrant frescoes and a dovecot. There is also a carved wooden alter that dates from the 18th century as well as a sculpted confessional and elaborate carved wooden decorations throughout.

After visiting the town proper, there are a number of walking trails that encircle the village if you want to check out the views and the local plant and wildlife.

8. Vallnord

Vallnord

Andorra is well known as a prime skiing location, and no more so than at Vallnord, and visitors from all over Europe flock here for the crisp snow and pristine skiing conditions.

Vallnord, part of the Pyrenees, caters for skiers of all levels of ability, so whether you just want to try one of the beginner trails or take to the professional slopes, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.

Families also head to Vallnord to take advantage of the ski schools and family activities such as tobogganing and snowshoeing, or you can even whizz around the area on a snowmobile if you are so inclined.

9. Les Escaldes

Les Escaldes

Located just outside of the city of Andorra la Vella, Les Escaldes is the place to come if you enjoy hot springs and soothing thermal waters. The springs here are known for being rich in sulphur and nitrogen that can be used to treat a range of health issues, and are naturally heated underground.

Back in the day, the waters were discovered and used by the Romans who believed in their healing properties, so don’t miss the chance to soak in a Roman bath in Les Escaldes.

Aside from the waters, visitors can also check out Les Escaldes fortress named Capilla Sant Roma, as well as take in the views over the town from the Pont dels Escalls Bridge, a place of historical significance that makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

10. Valira D’Orient Valley

Sant Miquel Engolasters

Due to its size and compact geography, Andorra is easily visited by car, and tours are common here to allow guests the chance to explore different areas of the region. As you move through the Valira d’Orient Valley you will find charming little towns and villages scattered over the region, as well as period buildings that seem to emerge out of nowhere.

These include the Sant Miquel Engolasters, a Pyrenean church that is yet another stunning example of the Romanesque style.

Located nearby the church is Lake Engolasters, an artificial lake that offers fishing and boating opportunities, and the surrounding scenery makes this the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and a picnic.

11. Santa Coloma

Santa Coloma

As you drive from Andorra in the direction of the border with Spain , you will find the sleepy yet dainty village of Santa Coloma, which is known for the Santa Coloma church, another Romanesque building in Andorra that’s unusual due to its circular rather than square shape.

The church dates from the 9th century, and visitors travel here for its ornate features such as a statue, said to date from the 12th century, of the Virgin of Coloma. There are also some splendid frescoes on display as well as ornate arches, and a font said to date from medieval times.

Also in Santa Coloma is the Sant Vicenç d’Enclar Castle, built in the 12th century, and just a short walk from Santa Coloma Church. The location of the castle is stunning, as it sits atop the Roc d’Enclar, and stands guard over the village below.

12. Centre Termolúdic Caldea

Centre Termolúdic Caldea

When you visit Andorra la Vella it probably won’t take you long to find the Centre Termolúdic Caldea, a towering pyramid made from glass that easily pierces the city’s skyline. The centre is also notable for being the largest spa complex in the whole of Europe, and stretches over 6,000 square metres so that guests have plenty of room to enjoy all that the spa has to offer.

There are both indoor and outdoor lagoon areas for guests to swim and float in, as well as sauna, hot tubs, and a range of in-house features that provide unique treatments. Some of these include mini-waterfalls to massage tired muscles, marble treatment rooms that are said to have healing properties, and Roman style baths.

The waters in the spa are packed with minerals and originate from a thermal source under the city.

13. Canillo

Sant Joan de Caselles Chapel, Canillo

If you are looking to get back to Andorra’s roots then make for the charming village of Canillo. To the north of the village you will find the Sant Joan de Caselles Chapel, built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style.

Constructed from local stone, the chapel has made its mark due to its exquisite craftsmanship that includes a range of preserved frescoes and sculptures including one of Jesus Christ made from stucco.

A visit to the chapel also combines well with a walk in the countryside to take in the spectacular scenery that Andorra is famous for, as well as an opportunity to try the local fare in one of the rustic local restaurants that dot the area.

14. La Massana

La Massana

Come to La Massana in the winter months if you want to experience some outdoor premium sports and enjoy some fun in the snow.

La Massana is larger in size than most other ski resorts in Andorra, and is found at an elevation of 1500 metres, although its slopes continue up to 2500 metres. There are 89 kilometres of downhill ski trails including 41 pistes, and 26 ski lifts. The resort is also joined via ski lifts to other ski areas such as Arisanal.

Depending on your fitness levels and enthusiasm, you can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even try your hand at a combination of skiing and paragliding!

  • 15.  Ordino

Ordino

For those who want to explore more of the Valira del Nord Valley, the town of Ordino is an essential stop off point. The town lies at the base of the Casamanya Mountain and has a laid back atmosphere and a rustic charm.

One of the top draws in Ordino is the Casa Plairal d’Areny de Plandolit, the former home of Baron de Senaller, that originally dates from the 17th century. Visitors can tour the house and enjoy the period touches such as an ornate iron balcony, and even a former armoury that includes a barrel-organ.

As you move through the home you will also find a historic blacksmith’s studio, a library that features coats of arms of famous families in Andorra, a private chapel, and even a period bakery.

Other things to look out for are original copies of the national anthem of Andorra in the music room, as well as the decorated private chapel.

15 Best Places to Visit in Andorra:

  • Andorra la Vella
  • Pas de la Casa
  • La Cortinada
  • Les Escaldes
  • Valira D’Orient Valley
  • Santa Coloma
  • Centre Termolúdic Caldea
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Andorra, the Pyrenean country

A Principality made up of stunning valleys that have shaped its culture and traditions for a thousand years. Valleys which continue to surprise, generation after generation…

andorra tourist info

The essence of the Pyrenees, together with the culture and traditions of its neighbours, have made Andorra a country with its own unique character. With a history stretching back over a thousand years, its legacy over the centuries is the basis for the rich cultural heritage that we see today in its towns, villages and countryside.

andorra tourist info

Do you want to come to Andorra but don't know where we are? Not sure about the weather or the time zone? Don't worry, we can answer your questions even before you've asked them. 

andorra tourist info

Andorra, that tiny country in the heart of the Pyrenees… An idyllic spot, right? But we’re sure that you won’t have heard all of the interesting facts that we’re about to tell you…

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PREPARE YOUR GETAWAY… AND PACK YOUR BAGS!

Check the suggestions and services that most interest you and plan the perfect getaway.

Hotels, mountain refuges, apartments… A wide range of accommodation options are available to you.

Find out the best way to get here, whether by car, train or plane…

Find out all the key information you need to prepare your trip. Travel with absolute peace of mind!

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33 Travel Tips

33 Cool Things to Do in Andorra

  • Post author: Svet
  • Post category: Country Guides
  • Post published: January 26, 2022

Things to Do in Andorra Pin 6

Looking for the best things to do in Andorra?

With a population of just 86,000, Andorra is one of the smallest countries in the world.

However, the principality sandwiched between Spain and France welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

And the reason for that is it teems with great activities.

On this list, you’ll find 33 cool things to do in Andorra.

From exploring its striking churches to marveling at jaw-dropping crags, and from spa treatments to endless shopping tours, let’s see what to do in Andorra!

Start Planning Your Trip to Andorra with Our BEST Recommendations:

⭐ Top Tours in Andorra ⭐

📍 3 Countries in 1 Day – the best day trip from Barcelona to Andorra.

📍 Andorra Helicopter Tour – the most exhilarating aerial views of Andorra.

⭐ Best Accommodations in Andorra ⭐

🏨 Andorra Park Hotel – spoil yourself with a lux spa stay in the capital’s center.

🏨 Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness – relaxing spa and delectable gourmet offers.

⭐ Easiest Transportation Options in Andorra ⭐

🚍 Omio – check out the available buses and trains to and from Andorra la Vella.

🚍 Discover Cars – compare and find the best rates for car rentals in any destination.

Note : This article contains affiliate links . In case you purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep creating the free content on this website!

Explore Andorra’s Enchanting Landmarks

Caldea Spa Complex Andorra

Among the best things to do in Andorra is discovering its captivating attractions . The following section will walk you around the most fascinating.

  • Rejuvenate at the Caldea Spa Complex . With its 18 floors, Caldea is the tallest building in Andorra and Europe’s largest thermal spa complex. Plus, it has one of the most breathtaking designs in the world. The spa complex has numerous indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, swimming pools, and hydrotherapy sections. More than 400,000 people visit the spa each year. We don’t know about you, but to us soaking in this gigantic spa complex is one of the top reasons to visit Andorra .
  • Check out La Casa de la Vall . One of the top landmarks in Andorra la Vella, the country’s capital, is La Casa de la Vall . The historical house was erected in 1580 as a manor. From 1702 until 2011, it served as the headquarters of the General Council of Andorra. The Casa’s first floor houses the spectacular Criminal Court with wooden decorations and furniture. The second floor is home to the Hall of Lost Steps – a noble room where you can marvel at 16 th -century paintings.
  • Cross the Tibetan Bridge of Canillo . Pont Tibetà de Canillo is a mind-boggling hanging bridge. Its length is 1,978 ft. (603 m) and its maximum height – 518 ft. (158 m). If you’re not afraid of heights and shaking knees, the spectacular views of the Pyrenees will reward you for your bravery of crossing the impressive steel structure.
  • Explore the country’s national parks . Madriu-Perafita-Claror , Valls del Comapedrosa , and Valle de Sorteny cover a big portion of the territory of Andorra. The largest park – Madriu-Perafita-Claror – is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While trekking them, expect to see boars, eagles, roe deer, and bearded vultures.
  • Walk the Sola Irrigation Canal Trail . The trail is paved with rock and meanders along the canal. Heart-stopping views of the city and the valley await you on the Sola Irrigation Canal Trail . The hike is very pleasant and takes less than 1:30 hours.
  • Admire the buildings in Centro Historico . Andorra la Vella’s Historical Center is a small neighborhood that prides itself on a few striking historical buildings. These include La Casa de la Vall, Casa Guillemó, Casa Felipó, and the old Vilanoca clinic. Most edifices date from the 16 th  and 17 th  centuries, so be prepared for gorgeous architecture.

La Noblesse du Temps Andorra

  • Marvel at La Noblesse du Temps . Weighing 1.4 tons and rising 16 ft. (4.9 m) above the ground, La Noblesse du Temps is a monumental bronze sculpture. The legendary artist Salvador Dalí constructed the monument that symbolizes the passing time (La Noblesse du Temps translates to The Nobility of Time).  An interesting fact about Andorra  is that Dalí made La Noblesse by hand.
  • Stop at Puente de Paris.  This small yet picturesque bridge is a wonderful backdrop to the gorgeous Andorra la Vella.  Puente de Paris  has an attractive design and eye-catching architecture that blossoms at night as it’s fully lit up. So, if your time allows it, visit it after sunset.
  • Satiate your shopping desires at the Shopping Mile . Since the country is a tax free haven, one of the best things to do in Andorra is to go on a shopping spree. The best place to meet your shopping needs is the  Shopping Mile  that cuts through Andorra la Vella. Countless outlets, hypermarkets, and boutiques will try to seduce you with their irresistible offers.
  • Tour the Valira D’Orient Valley . Andorra’s  Valira D’Orient Valley  will charm you with its gorgeous little towns and villages, as well as edifices that seem to emerge out of nowhere. One of the most interesting is  San Miquel Engloasters  – a striking Pyrenean church erected in the Romanesque style. Near the church, you can explore  Lake   Engloasters . The lake might be artificial, but it offers various fishing and boating opportunities.
  • Explore Casa Felipó’s granite architecture . Built in 1948,  Casa Felipó  is part of the Cultural Heritage of Andorra. The edifice uses granite stone and consists of seven floors. It has a conical roof and its façade peculiarly combines symmetrical and irregular elements.
  • Splash in hot springs at Les Escaldes . Just outside of Andorra la Vella,  Les Escaldes  is your spot if you love hot springs and thermal waters. The springs teem in nitrogen and sulphur, which can help heal a variety of health issues. The ancient Romans discovered the waters and built a bath that’s worth exploring. In the vicinity, you can also find Roman ruins,  Capilla Sant Roma   Fortress,  and the  Pont dels Escalls Bridge .

Get Lost in Andorra’s Picturesque Towns and Villages

Sun over Andorra de Vella

The country might be tiny, but it teems with gorgeous settlements. In this section, you’ll find the best places to visit in Andorra .

  • Andorra la Vella . Andorra’s capital – Andorra la Vella – is a captivating little town. Sitting at 3,356 ft. (1,023 m), it’s the highest capital in Europe and one of the highest in the world. The city’s population is just over 22,000 people, but there are tons of things to do there. It is a popular duty-free retail hub, and you’ll find the main artery of stores along Meritxell Avenue. Next to shops, there are also galleries, restaurants, and handicraft stores. Don’t miss the 12 th -century Sant Esteve Church , which has eye-catching wooden decorations.
  • Encamp . The city will stun you with its picturesque views of the Valira d’Orient River. Pretty historical buildings, quaint cafés, boutiques, and restaurants that serve local fare dot the town. Encamp is home to the peculiar National Automobile Museum. Inside, you can discover a large collection of vintage vehicles, including motorcycles and steam-powered cars. If you’re visiting in winter, take the lift to Grau Roig or Pas de la Casa to hit the ski slopes.
  •  La Cortinada . The pleasant village of La Cortinada sits among a drop-dead gorgeous combination of fields, flower meadows, and imposing mountain crags. Numerous ornate historical buildings further accentuate the town’s beauty. If you’re a fan of Romanesque architecture, head to Sant Martí de la Cortinada church to marvel at the vibrant frescos and impressive dovecot. Pay special attention to the wooden altar that dates from the 18 th century.
  • Ordino . If you’re looking to discover more of the Valira del Nord Valley, a must-stop is the town of Ordino . It lies at the foot of Casamanya Mountain and welcomes you with a rustic charm and a laid-back atmosphere. One of Ordino’s top attractions is a 17 th -century house that belonged to Baron de Senaller. Inside, you can admire a former armory with a barrel organ, an elaborate library, and a lavish iron balcony.

Sant Joan de Caselles Church Andorra

  • Canillo . Want to explore Andorra’s roots? Head to the quaint village of Canillo where you can marvel at the Sant Joan de Caselles Chapel . The temple was erected in the 11 th century in Romanesque style. You can combine the visit to the chapel with a stroll in the countryside to admire the spectacular scenery Andorra is famous for. The best views are from the breathtaking viewpoint Roc Del Quer .
  • Santa Coloma . The sleepy yet graceful village of Santa Coloma is known for its church. Also built in Romanesque style, the edifice is quite unusual as it’s circular, not square in shape. The 9 th -century church attracts visitors with its resplendent features, including a 12 th -century statue of the Virgin of Coloma. Just a short walk from the church, you can discover the Sant Vicenç d’Enclar Castle which dates back to medieval times.
  • Anyós . The small village of Anyós offers great opportunities for a delightful afternoon of sightseeing. If you’re visiting Andorra in July, you might witness the annual carnival of Anyós during which locals bless a carriage on the village square. The Church of Saint Christopher is also worth exploring. Venturing out in nature, bird watching, and fishing are the other activities you can do in the area around the village.
  • Meritxell . The crown in the jewel of attractions of Meritxell is the striking Basilica Sanctuary of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell . Built in Romanesque style in the 17 th century, it will seduce you with its lavish statues of patron saints and a jaw-dropping mirror room. The old chapel also hosts a museum that displays artwork and historic objects.

Test Your Skills With Andorra’s Winter Activities

Grandvalira Andorra Day Trip from Barcelona

This list will show you the top spots to engage in winter sports . Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are among the best things to do in Andorra in winter.

  • Pas de la Casa . Right at the border with France, Pas de la Casa is one of Andorra’s best ski resorts. Today, it has more than 30 ski lifts taking visitors to the areas below Pic d’Envalira. If you’re an advanced skier, this is your spot to be as Pas de la Casa has several red pistes that span the surroundings. Nightlife is booming here as well, which makes the resort a popular place for young travelers.
  • Vallnord . Tourists from Europe and beyond flock to Vallnord for its crisp snow and unmatched skiing conditions. As a prime winter resort, it caters to all kinds of skiers – from complete beginners to seasoned pros. Traveling with family? You can benefit from the resort’s ski school and various family activities like snowshoeing, tobogganing, or even driving a snowmobile.
  • La Massana . Top-notch outdoor sports and fun in the snow expect you in La Massana in the winter months. The resort is at an elevation of over 4,920 ft. (1,500 m), and its slopes reach up to 8,200 ft. (2,500 m). More than 55 mi (89 km) of downhill ski trails – including 41 marked pistes and 26 ski lifts – are there to keep you busy. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even paragliding are all available at La Massana.
  • Soldeu . The small village of Soldeu has a large appeal to skiers, snowboarders, and winter fans. Fantastic 4*- and 5*-star hotels will pamper you with their chic facilities and exquisite mountain spas. Here, you can find every ski slope imaginable – from the novice green and blue to the more advanced red and the expert black ones.
  • Grandvalira . 129 ski pistes, including 20 green, 49 blue, 41 red, and 19 black keep skiers challenged at Grandvalira . The total length of the pistes is 130 mi (210 km), with a maximum vertical drop of 2,800 ft. (850 m). If you’re a fan of higher adrenaline and fewer crowds, you’ll be delighted to hear that night skiing is possible here as well.

Check Out the Most Peculiar Museums of Andorra

Andorra de Vella

When you’ve had enough of hiking and Romanesque architecture, how about touring Andorra’s unusual museums ? The quirkiest ones include:

  • The Postal Museum . Discover how stamps were made and printed in the Postal Museum . The collection features over 50,000 stamps. The tour takes around 30 minutes, but you can also explore the museum on your own with an audio guide. The opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, the museum is open only in the morning.
  • The Museum of Miniatures . The Museo de la Miniatura showcases a large diversity of works by Nicolai Siadristy, a Ukrainian who is widely regarded as one of the world’s best miniature artists. Siadristy has created miniatures out of fine materials like gold and platinum, as well as common materials such as paper, grains of rice, or fruit seeds.
  • The Perfume Museum . This truly unique museum proves Andorra’s special connection to scents. Inside the Perfume Museum , you’ll discover 39,000+ units and thousands of fragrances in five different rooms. Don’t miss the Olfactory Station area where you can experiment with mixing various scents with the help of two machines. Prices start at €3 ($3.25), and you can check the opening hours here .
  • The Comic Museum . If you’re a fan of cartoons and caricatures, you’ll love discovering the colorful Comic Museum . It hosts over 1,000 copies, and the oldest piece is Little Nemo in Slumberland which dates from 1904. VHS and DVD movies, as well as art books, are also on display in the museum’s archive. Exploring this quirky collection is definitely one of the best things to do in Andorra.
  • The Electricity Museum . The MW Museum of Electricity is open all year round. From May till September, you can also observe the Engolasters hydroelectric route. The tour takes you to the dam on Engolasters Lake where you can unveil the secrets of electricity production. Plan around an hour for the museum and another for the hydroelectric route.

Charge Your Palate with the Mouthwatering Andorran Cuisine

Trinxat Traditional Andorran Dish

One of the best things to do in Andorra is quenching your hunger with scrumptious local dishes. Similar to neighboring France and Spain, Andorrans like escargots . Some of the mountain game delicacies you can expect to taste in the country include boar and hare . In this section, you’ll find the most typical foods in Andorra .

  • Escudella . Andorra’s national dish consists of meat and veggies that join forces in a soup or a stew. Escudella combines meat (chicken, veal, or sausage), pasta shells, and different seasonal vegetables, including celery, carrots, and cabbage.
  • Trinxat . Similar to the British Bubble and Squeak, Trinxat consists of leek, cabbage, potatoes, and pork meat. Fresh parsley and garlic cloves add a fragrant touch to the dish. Sometimes, locals serve it topped with a poached egg or chicory leaves.
  • Trucha a la Andorrana . Due to Andorra’s location away from seashores, seafood isn’t common in the country’s cuisine. But the country has many rivers full of freshwater trout. Trucha a la Andorrana is Andorran-style trout, which is grilled and wrapped in ham. Delectable!

Which Are Your Favorite Things to Do in Andorra?

Day Trip from Barcelona to Andorra Header

If you’ve thought Andorra is worth just a day trip from Barcelona , we hope this guide convinced you otherwise.

Armed with these 33 cool things to do in Andorra , we’re sure you’ll have a ton to explore in one of the smallest countries in the world.

From captivating landmarks to dainty towns and villages, and from breathtaking ski slopes to unusual museums, we bet you’ll have a blast in Andorra.

Now, we’d love to hear:

What would be the first thing you’d do when you visit Andorra?

Leave a comment below to share it with us.

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The best things to do in Andorra and why you should visit

Best things to do in Andorra feature

This article was first published on December 4, 2014 and updated regularly, last in June 2020.

There is a tiny country between Spain and France most people, even well-traveled Europeans, don’t know about. Can you guess which one it is? Have you ever heard of it before? That’s right, in this article we will explore all the best things to do in Andorra.

Hopefully this article will help you understand where Andorra is and make you want to visit.

As the “ country in the mountains” (this used to be their slogan when I was a kid: “El Pais dels Pirineus”), Andorra’s tourism was always focused on its beautiful nature but there are certainly many other things to do in Andorra and I promise you, it is well worth a visit despite its tiny size.

Where is Andorra

andorra tourist info

As you can se from the map of Andorra above, the Principality of Andorra is a landlocked country, a microstate to be precise, located in the Pyrenees mountain range surrounded by Spain and France.

With only 85,000 inhabitants, one third of which are residents, Andorra is one of the smallest countries in the world. Its political system is a peculiar co-headed model with shared powers between the Bishop of La Seu d’Urgell and the French President, officially turning him into a Prince.

History of Andorra

Andorra scenery

Legend has it that Andorra was created in 805 by Charlemagne as a recognition to the locals for their protection and fighting against the Moors but official documents show Andorra being created by Charles the Bald as a donation to the Count of Urgell. 

It is not until the middle of the 13th century that, after fighting for control by two Medieval Counts, a pariage agreement  was signed between them giving birth to the Principality of Andorra as a shared government, format which has endured until today.

From 1789 until 1806 Napoleon rejected France’s ties with Andorra because of their feudal origins and left Andorra to its full independence . And in 1806 these rights were recognised again.

andorra tourist info

As a small and isolated country without an army, Andorra remained neutral throughout all the wars of the 20th century including the Spanish Civil War and the two World Wars.

Because of its strategic position in the middle of the two countries of Spain and France, Andorra was a transit zone for merchandise and items between them during all wars, and in particular during the Spanish Civil War and the dictatorship that followed.

The country’s constitution was only signed in 1993, maintaining the co-principality establishment, and expanding significantly on all other civil and human rights. This was also the year in which Andorra was admitted to the UN.

Today, Andorra is an underrated destination beyond the Spanish and French borders. You may be surprised to hear that Andorra receives over 10 million visitors, but they mostly come from the neighbouring countries, so it remains largely unknown to the rest of the European Union.

Andorra tourism is synonymous with skiing, hiking and mountains as its average elevation in 2,000m above sea level. Because of its small size and string ties with Spain and France, Andorra uses the euro as a de facto currency and previously accepted Spanish Pessetas and French Francs.

Although it is not part of the EU it enjoys a special relationship, which is why its historical tax haven status has been eroded as a result of mounting pressure. Both Catalan and French are official languages and spoken by the population although Spanish is spoken by almost everyone too.

Best time to visit Andorra

Andorra is an all-year-round destination , for real. Visit in the winter months and you will be able to ski and enjoy snow sports whereas in the summer time it is a great mountain, adventure and nature destination. 

Although snowfall can’t be predicted and changes every year, the ski season in Andorra usually starts around the first weekend of December when Spaniards have a long holiday on the 6th and the 8th of the month and take the opportunity to open the season.

Christmas is usually a very busy time in Andorra with lots of visitors coming to spend some time between Christmas and New Year or for the weekend in between.

Usually, snow lasts until March and spring is a lovely time to visit and enjoy nature’s awakening as is Autumn, when the changing of the leaves gives the country a warm hue.

Is Andorra worth visiting on a day-trip from Barcelona?

Mountain in Andorra

Short answer: Yes, absolutely !

And I say this after visiting literally dozens of times through the years, many many times, in winter, in summer, in spring, in autumn, I have been to Andorra more than 50 times, and at all times of the year and I would highly recommend you do the same, but I would not go to Andorra as a day trip from Barcelona , in my opinion, this would be a real shame.

Why should you not visit Andorra on a day trip from Barcelona?

Because what you get to see in Andorra on an organised day trip after a really long drive will not do justice to this tiny country and you will leave thinking it was not worth the time and the money.

Andorra is a place that deserves a couple of days, your own car and an openness of mind, so you have enough time to visit the churches and heritage, explore the stunning mountains and get to know a bit more about this intriguing and unique micro-state . And I say this after many many day trips myself!

When I read all the people who tell you they wasted their time on a day trip to Andorra I feel sad and sorry for them but I also strongly feel it is unfair.

Would you go to Saint Moritz for a day trip? Would you visit any of the small Swiss Alpine villages on a day trip that would require you to spend 5h driving? Would it be a fair assessment to say they were not worth it?

I think you know where I am going.

Trust me on this one, give Andorra a weekend and it will show you what it’s got !

One day in Andorra : If you only have one day and want to make it there, or if you are counting countries, then there is a day trip to Andorra from Barcelona you can book on Get Your Guide here . Or better yet, make it a day of nature with hiking in the mountains followed by a glamping night, you will see so many stars! Book it here .

And if you are combining your trip to Andorra with a stay in Barcelona, then you should save my articles on the city, like this  4 day itinerary to Barcelona , my guide to one day in Barcelona , this travel guide to Sitges near Barcelona, my complete guide to Sagrada Familia , or the best wineries near Barcelona . 

Best things to do in Andorra 

When we were kids, Andorra was a popular weekend road trip . At only a couple of hours from Barcelona it made for a refreshing getaway between nature and mountains and it was a place where we could buy goods that were not yet available in 80s and 90s Spain, just out of a 40 year dictatorship.

I am talking about Nutella and other non-essential items which were widely available in France, and hence Andorra. But Nutella and Hello Kitty are not the only reasons why Andorra was, and still is, a very appealing destination.

In the past, its duty-free and tax haven status made it the perfect destination for wealthy Spaniards looking to hide away their hard earned cash.

Most people would drive their cars for the weekend, or even just for the day, and come back home with groceries at a significantly cheaper price which more than compensated for the cost of the trip, or simply make a bank run.

For such a small country, Andorra packs in a lot of interesting sights and activities .

Wondering what to do in Andorra?

Here is a list of the best activities and some very convincing reasons to visit Andorra for your next vacation.

Go shopping

andorra tourist info

Drawing in from its historical lack of VAT Andorra used to be a shopping paradise . Designer shops were all available, even when they were still not present in the Spanish market, making it a great destination for Christmas shopping. Large hypermarkets lined the road out of the country and into Spain which were always busy with visitors doing their grocery shopping. 

But things have changed quite a bit and now the city center of Escaldes, along Avinguda Carlemany, is mostly pedestrian, with shops and restaurants at either side. In Andorra La Vella, stop by the legendary Pyrenees department store where you can find all the major brands and continue along Avinguda Meritxell, which is the main artery which eventually merges into Carlemany after crossing the River Valira. 

However, don’t come expecting Prada, Gucci or Hermes, Andorra is about high street shopping at a slightly reduced price, not a haven for fashionistas.

Apart from groceries and apparel, Andorra used to produce tobacco and this was one of the items visitors would stock up on. Tobacco fields can still be seen and there is a tobacco museum you can visit too, more on that later.

Relax at the Caldea Spa Complex

andorra tourist info

Located in the municipality of Escaldes Engordany, Caldea is a large natural spring complex with various indoor and outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis and hydrotherapy sections spread over 18 floors in the highest building in Andorra and the largest thermal spa complex in Europe.

The complex has a separate section for adults called Inuu , and one for families and children, so it is a perfect place for everyone. No visit to Andorra would be complete without some time in Caldea. You can ask the  400,000 visitors who go every year.

andorra tourist info

The spa area is made of glass so you can see outside and even watch the stars as the center is open until midnight. No better way to relax those sore muscles after all that skiing than spending some time in Caldea . There are also shows and performances including water and lights throughout the day and night and an outdoor jacuzzi.

You can enjoy a massage, visit the Turkish baths or simply relax after a long day of shopping or exercise at its many trails or ski resorts. The complex is in town and provides great views over the city and the valley. You can buy a 3h pass, a day pass or a multi-day pass and several hotels have packages including access.

Don’t let the flashiness of the place deter you, the thermal properties and natural springs are real . The spa is located above thermal waters and in a location where there was once a church, which is why it has this shape that resembles a church bell tower. 

The architect also wanted the structure to reflect the beauty of the valley it is in so it is covered in mirror glass that further amplified the location.

Winter sports and skiing in Andorra

Grandvalira map

Andorra lies at an average of 2,000 meters above sea level reaching 3,000 at its highest point, so it is basically a country in the mountains like Bhutan or Switzerland . In total, Andorra has 110 lifts able to carry 156,000 skiers per hour down the 303 km of runs.

Being so mountainous, winter sport opportunities abound. No doubt the ski resorts and snow are one of the main points of interest for most winter visitors. And the evenings by the fireplace too!

You can take the ski raquettes, a dog sledge, snowboard or simply ski. Because of its moderate elevation it is a popular destination for those looking to learn the sport.

About 10 years ago, two of the main resorts in the country merged to create Gran Valira , one of the largest ski resorts in the world with 118 slopes and 210 kilometers of ski pistes.

andorra tourist info

You can even hire a helicopter and pilot for the day if you’re looking to really splurge on a bespoke ski or snowboard trip in the mountains.

The professional guide will take you on 2 downhills of approximately 1000 meters of descent each. Whether you’re new to heli-skiing or a veteran, there is surely no better way to experience the slopes of Andorra. You can book your heli-ski adventure online here .

Learn more about Romanesque architecture

andorra tourist info

Romanesque art and architecture is part of the country’s past and visiting its many churches is one of the best things to do in Andorra.

Over 40 churches dating back to Medieval times can be explored on a simple road trip around the country. Andorra’s tradition and heritage is very present today and with such a small size, these can be visited on a day. However, be sure to plan accordingly using my map because the roads in Andorra are windy and distances take longer than expected.

Tip : It is best to visit the churches in the summer when some of them are open. In winter, almost all the small ones will be closed to tourists. Visit the tourism office as soon as you arrive in Andorra to find out opening times and possible tour. 

These are the churches I would recommend putting in your Andorra itinerary. 

Church of Sant Climent de Pal

andorra tourist info

This is one of the oldest churches in Andorra and you can visit it as you also pay a visit to the  Romanesque Andorra Interpretation Centre  which is nearby.

The church dates back from the 11th or early 12th century and it has a three-storey bell tower with coloured glass windows. The altarpiece was dedicated to Pope Saint Clement of Rome and made in 1709.

Church of Sant Miquel d’Engolasters

andorra tourist info

This church is right by the side of the road and is one of the most authentic Romanesque churches in Andorra, well known for its paintings and sculptural decorations and for having the original floor plan of the Romanesque churches in the country.

The most impressive element is the replica mural (the original is in the MNAC Museum in Barcelona), by the Master of Santa Coloma made in the 12th century.

The mural depicts a Maiestas Domini surrounded by a tetramorph in which the Archangel Michael, patron of the church, merges with the symbol of Saint Matthew. After or before visiting the church you can also explore the UNESCO-listed Madriu-Perafita-Claror Nature Park (more info further down).

Church of Sant Antoni de la Grella

Bridge leading to the Church of Sant Antoni de la Grella

A truly stunning location for this small church sandwiched between the mountain wall and the Valira d’Orient river and dedicated to Sant Antoni Abat who is the patron saint of muleteers.

The church seems to grow from the rock and is located where the rivers meet by the side of the main road. It was restored in the 20th century. 

Church of Santa Eulàlia d’Encamp

Church of Santa Eulàlia d’Encamp

The church’s colourful windows give it a great look and you can also visit The Holy Art Museum in an annexe building. The church still enjoys mass service and was refurbished in 1989.

Sant Marti de Nagol

andorra tourist info

This tiny stone church precariously perched by the side of a hill as if growing from within is a feat of engineering. You can visit the church by climbing up the stairs that start by the main road in the village of Nagol in the parish of Sant Julia de Lloria, though it is probably about an hour’s steep hike. 

The church is very small and rectangular with a semicircular apse, as was typical of Romanesque architecture. It is believed that it dates back from the beginning of the 11th century but was restored in 1981 when excavation effort also uncovered a necropolis. Usually, the church is closed to visitors but you can still get u and close with its magnificent architecture and stunning location.

The church of Sant Serni de Nagol

The church of Sant Serni de Nagol

Small building with some paintings and the possibility to climb upstairs. There is a small cemetery by the church and wooden furniture is still there.

Savour rustic mountain food

andorra tourist info

Andorra is well known for its rustic and incredibly tasty mountain cuisine and no trip to Andorra is complete without a stop at a “borda” for lunch . Bordas are old mountain barns cum restaurants and architectural masterpieces common of the Northern part of Catalunya and Andorra where winters are cold and the thick stone walls help protect from the snow and wind.

In a borda, you can expect meat based meals following traditional recipes, and filling portions. Food is prepared usually in an open fire and grilled meats are served with a generous amount of vegetables, potatoes and garlic allioli.

You can also order other delicacies such as stews, garlic snails “a la llauna” cooked in a tin tray in the oven which my father always used to order or horse meat, a traditional meat eaten in Andorra.

There are many bordas in worth a try and you definitely don’t want to leave without tasting some amazing food as this is indeed one of the best things to do in Andorra. Some that are recommended by my local friends and which I have tried and enjoyed are La Borda de l’Avi and Can Manel Restaurant .

Be one with nature while hiking or trekking 

andorra tourist info

When the coastal parts of Barcelona where I am from become too hot to handle, the Pyrenees are the perfect getaway to the higher and cooler mountains and Andorra makes for a perfect escape.

The country offers untouched nature, mountain scenery and lakes some of which are easily accessible and attract many tourists who come here to enjoy the best thing to do in Andorra: hiking.

There are many hiking trails, most of which are properly marked with maps and signs. I will be talking about hiking at the UNESCO-listed Madriu Perafita Claroro Valley further down, but let’s have a look at other hiking trails in Andorra here.

Via Ferrata of Sant Vicenc d’Enclar

andorra tourist info

This hiking path goes up hill to the top of the valley and offers incredible views that stretch towards Andorra La Vella. There is a quaint church at the top devoted to Sant Vicenc d’Enclar that is very scenic and adds a touch of magic. You can climb via the Via ferrata or take the regular hiking trail.

The trail is of medium difficulty and takes about 1,5h to 2h and ascends some 270m to reach 1,190m above sea level. You can park your car at the very bottom and then start the hike. There is a handy sign that points at the entrance and reminds you of all the emergency numbers. 

Incles Valley hiking

There are lots of hiking trails around Canillo and Incles Valley, a beautiful spot in the mountains. One of the highest peaks here are Siscaro and Escobes and a popular hike takes you to the lake of Juclar, the largest in Andorra.

Get Your Guide offers this hike with a guide plus lunch before and dinner after and a night at a borda making it a 2 day 1 night hike experience with plenty of free time on the morning after for exploring Andorra on foot. Book it here .

Sorteny Natural Park with snowshoes

andorra tourist info

Have fun while hiking in the mountains in snowshoes! Get Your Guide has an afternoon hiking in the snow experience followed by a night at a borda or mountain cabin.

If you have never done it before, there is instruction at the beginning and a rewarding hearty meal, Andorran style, at the end. Book it here.  

Stay at an Iglu hotel

andorra tourist info

Andorra, also has its own ice hotel . Built every year entirely from snow it can accommodate up to 30 guests in 5 rooms.

You are sleeping at 0 degree temperature so bring warm clothes. The hotel provides sleeping bags but I can’t imagine anyone would want to change into their pyjamas at any point.

Hike Andorra’s only UNESCO site

andorra tourist info

Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is Andorra’s only UNESCO site. It is a glacial valley that serves as haven for many endemic species and is considered a spiritual place to the locals, without much development taking place.

The valley covers 9% of Andorra and is made of an upper glacial part with glacier lakes and sharp cliffs and a lower valley area. Most of the valley is protected and is a great example of human and nature living in harmony, which is why UNESCO considers the area a great example of this symbiosis.

There are many hiking trails in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley but the easiest takes about 2h on a relatively steep well marked stone path, at times the path becomes stone steps. These paths were originally used by shepherds, later by smuggler and today by hikers. 

There are marked spots with panels and signs along the way which tell you more about what you see. You will also cross streams and stone bridges, beautiful scenery and well-kept forests.

'Stone bridges on the way to Bordes at Madriu Pedrafita Claror Valley

This path will take you up to the heart of the valley where you can see the former bordes, or stone houses, still in use today. These stone houses are located at 1,468m above sea level and it is believed that they date back to the 18th or 19th century, although there is no archeological find that confirms this.

The area has several dry stone walls that were used to contain the soil and create flat surfaces for agriculture. The stone path you will take to the get to the valley is also made of dry stone. The use of dry stone is an example of human-nature coexistence as no materials were used to put them together other than nature’s own resources.

Be suspended mid-air at the Viewpoint Roc del Quer

'Viewpoint Roc del Quer

Roc del Qur is a mountain range in Andorra that was foemed 85 million years ago when the Eurasian and the Iberian plates collided and created the Pyrenees and this peak. At the bottom of Roc del Quer lies the small parish of Canillo and at the top, a viewpoint.

Coming to this scenic point is one of the best things to do in Andorra. Not only will you get fantastic views but will also be able to learn about the country and its formation through the panels located under the viewpoint. There is also a cute frame for Instagram photos.

andorra tourist info

The viewpoint is part on the mountain side and 12m of it are suspended over the valley below and gives breathtaking views of Andorra’s beautiful nature both from the edge as well as through the bottom glass openings. Yep, you heard it right, there is a small part of the bridge which has a glass bottom openings.

Next to the bridge is a bronze statue of a thinking man, Greek style, called The Ponderer by Miguel Ángel González. This statue symbolises the role of man, observer, who comes to the viewpoint to see the world below.

Make sure to walk down below for the panels I was mentioning above which are located on the wall and tell you about the formation of the mountain range and the origins of the Earth.

Visit museums

Yes, Andorra is not all just nature and churches, there are also a few worthy museums you can visit to learn more about some of the. things that make Andorra what it is. Also, museums are a great place to come if the weather suddenly turns sour and you want to stay indoors while also learning something you didn’t know.

Here is a list of the best museums to visit in Andorra.

Arenys Plandolit House

The Areny Plandolit family was one of the most prominent in Andorra’s history between the 17th and 20th century and the house where they resided is an emblematic building in the country.

The house was turned into an ethnographic museum of sorts in 1986 to display not only what is inside, which has been kept from the time when the family lived there including furniture and artefacts, but also because of its heritage value.

During your visit, you can lean about Andorran history and how the wealthy used to live. The house once housed the Natural Sciences Museum and is today an auditorium. You can also explore the beautiful gardens.

Tobacco Museum

The Tobacco Museum is one of the best places to see in Andorra and a fantastic place to come in winter if it gets too cold outside. It might sound unexpected, but Andorra has a long tradition of growing tobacco, and still does, and here you can learn all about it.

The museum is housed in the former Reig tobacco factory which closed down in 1957 and shows the process of tobacco making through a multimedia display. There is also a nice outdoors terrace for when the weather is good, and a souvenir shop. Don’t miss the chance to get to know the major source of income for the country before tourism.

Romanesque Interpretation Center

I mentioned it above, but if you are planning to visit the many Romanesque churches and chapels that dot the landscape it is best to start off at the Interpretation Center where you will get background on information on this architectural style so you can appreciate it better.

The museum also display objects from some of the churches and will tell you about the evolution of Romanesque in Andorra. With the 5 euro entry ticket you get a guided tour of the museum and the Church of Sant Climent de Pal which is next door. Bookings in advance are required with the reservation center. 

Opening times vary by month but the museum is closed from November to April. In May, June, September and October it opens from 10am to 2pm and from 3pm to 6pm. In July and August it closes at 7pm instead of 6pm

Museum Carmen Thyssen Andorra

The Thyssen Museum is the country’s only contemporary art museum and it is a great place to see in winter because it is still open. The museum showcases the private collection of Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza which she amassed over the years with the help of her husband. Her collection is exhibited at some of the Thyssen spaces around Spain and Andorra and keeps changing.

The entry ticket includes an audio guide that tells you about each work. 

Go glamping and hiking (possible transfer from Barcelona)

While Andorra is all about rustic stone houses and beautiful settings, you can also have your dose of nature with a side of glamping, or glamurous camping. Borda Jaume, in the parish of Ordino, has a few glamping tents at 1,800m with all the comforts of a hotel but with a cozy setting. In winter, they are heated by a wooden fire. 

You can book a package which includes dinner and breakfast as well as an afternoon hiking in the Llorts area. You will cross streams, see lakes and observe the traditional way of life of mountain shepherds. You can also spot some of the local wildlife including eagles.

The package can be booked on Get Your Guide and you can opt to get your transfer from Andorra, if you are staying longer, or from Barcelona if you want to make this an escape into the mountains. Book it here.

Explore quaint towns and villages

Andorra is all about quaint tows, tiny villages and pretty hamlets. It is a small country and it is very dispersed, with small urban nucleus perched on the side of hills and mountains with barely any residents, sometimes non living full time. One of my most favorite things to do in Andorra is exploring these corners. It is likely you will be on your own.

Santa Coloma

'Santa Coloma Church

Santa Coloma is not necessarily a small town though it is not a city either. Start with its church which has a round Lombard Romanesque bell tower and is prominently located at the entrance to the town by the parking lot. The building has a pre-Romanesque structure and inside there is a wooden Romanesque image of Our Lady of Good Remedy.

Stroll the village on foot, and realise that most of its old looking streets date back to the 18th century. You can also follow the path towards Roureda de la Margineda archeological site, where you can find the rock shelter where Andorra’s first inhabitants lived 12,000 years ago. Look out for the Torre dels Russos, or Russian Tower.

Visit the church from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm and from 3pm to 6pm for a peak into a mapping video projection on its origins.

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Known for the ski resort of the same name, the Parish of Ordino is another pretty little town on the way to the mountains. One of the highlights is Arenys Plandolit House but also its pretty church dedicated to Sant Cornelius and Sant Cebrià which is open to the public and houses a 12th century image of the Virgin of Remedy. The church was originally built in Medieval times but refurbished and remodelled in the 17th and 19th centuries.

The majority of the streets of Ordino are still made of stone, in particular Major Street with its bars and terraces open in the summer with outdoor seating. Make sure to stroll along the river which crosses the town and get lost in its tiny alleys. 

At the Major Square, look out for a stone column that was used to tie prisoners and those who had committed a crime so everyone could see them.

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This tiny little village on top of a mountain is the quintessential mountain village with just a handful of houses perched by the side of the mountain and barely any people or cars, it does not get any more idyllic than this.

The stone and wood houses with the typical Andorran design are so pretty. Look out for one with the facade covered in iron keys. This is the oldest house in the village and was built in 875. Legend has it that this house was inhabited by a priest who would mediate between neighbourhood disputes. He is said to have given the keys to Haven to those who were able to resolve them

Visit an old hydroelectric power plant

andorra tourist info

Did you ever wonder how electricity is made? Are you interested to learn how hydroelectric power works?

Engolastres has a former hydroelectric plant built in at 1,600m above sea level in 1934 along with a Dam of the same name that was used in the past to generate power. While the plant is not in use anymore, you can still see the old guard house and the funicular and in the summer months, the Museum of Electricity is open to the public and offers 1.5h guided tours.

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If you are visiting Andorra during the colder months, it is still worth it to come here because the dam is surrounded by towering pine trees and you can walk around it and see he funicular which is in the open behind the guard house. There are paths to have a stroll and a restaurant with facilities. In winter, the top layer of the dam freezes over.

Tour cost 5 euro and are available May, June, September and October on Saturday at 11am and 3pm. In July on Saturdays at 10am, 12pm, 3pm and 5pm and on Sundays at 10am, 12pm and 3pm. From the fourth week of July until the end of August, tours run from Tuesday to Sunday at 10am, 12pm, 3pm and 5pm and Saturday at 11am and 3pm. There is parking available by the museum.

Have fun at Naturlandia

andorra tourist info

Naturlandia is Andorra’s response to a theme park. Instead of rides and roller coasters, the park offers active adventures, hiking and trekking, restaurants and all sorts of activities making it one of the most fun things to do in Andorra.

Split into two sections, one at 1600m above sea level and one at 2,000m and connected by road, the park is in Sant Julia de Lloria, about 15min from Andorra La Vella. It is open all year round, though the activities vary by season.

You can go on hiking, Segway, bicycle, snowmobile or buggy tours around, all come in child and adult sizes. There are trampolines, zip lines, bouncy castles, tobotronics and tubbing. Little ones have children workshops and other activities and adults can go on night snowmobile adventures.

The animal enclosures are located at 2,000m and host species that are typical of the Pyrenees area including wild goats, bears, lynx, deer, wolfs, etc. Animals can be observed from specific points by following a path. During the winter time, snow rackets are required to walk the perimeter of the enclosure. There is also a farm area with domestic animals like pigs. 

Beware, although the area meet the EU standards, they still showcase animals in an enclosure, instead of in the wild, so think if that is what you want to do. Some of these animals would have a huge territory in the wild whereas here they are constrained to a smaller space.

Some of the activities are included in the price while others need to be booked. The park opens from and you can see what activities are available live on the website, along with webcam images.

Explore Andorra La Vella

The capital of Andorra, Andorra La Vella, has a few quaint spots to take in and is well worth a couple of hours. Here are the places you need to visit.

Casa de la Vall

andorra tourist info

La Casa de la Vall translating to the House of the valley in Catalan, is the home of the former Andorran government. Dating back to the 16th century (the date is engraved on top of the main door), the building is open to visits and offers guided tours where you can learn more not just about the building but also about the country as this is the closest you will get to a national history museum.

La Casa de la Vall was built by a vicar from La Seu d’Urgell in 1580 and their shield is on top of the main gate, and was acquired by the government in 1701 who started to use it as the home of the government until 2011 when it moved to a new building. 

Don’t miss a visit where you can see the original and intricate Criminal Court, the building is quite impressive inside.

More information here .

Take a photo with the Andorra sign

andorra tourist info

Along Avinguda Carlemany you can shop to your heart’s content from perfume to clothing, from tobacco to alcohol, from jewelry to toys, but there is also a funky looking fushia pink sign spelling Andorrawhere you can take fun photos alone or with friends and family.

Admire the stained glass at Esglesia de Sant Esteve

andorra tourist info

This old-looking church in the downtown of Andorra La Vella makes for picturesque photos but is mostly new except for the original Romanesque apse and the stained glass which lets in beautiful light. Located near the Placa del poble and the Casa de la Vall, this is a working church with regular service.

See the views from Placa del poble

andorra tourist info

This square is the main meeting point for festivals and celebrations in the country and gives panoramic views over the city. In December, you can enjoy a fun and cozy Chritstman market with handmade products, sweets and artisan foods on sale that makes for a great evening.

Tip : There is a lift that goes from the top of the square to the bottom street below by the government building.

Spot La noblesse du temps

andorra tourist info

You will recognise this well known piece of art as soon as you see it. Placed by the river, in the bridge that connects Avinguda Meritxell in Andorra la Vella with Escaldes, La noblesse du temps is a sculpture by famous Dali that involves his usual melting clocks.

How to get to Andorra

Andorra has no airport and is only accessible by road . It is one of the few countries in the world which is landlocked and only accessible via roads through other countries. In fact, the other four countries without airports are also in Europe and are also micro-states, Monaco , The Vatican, Liechtenstein and San Marino. So you can get here on an epic road trip across Europe .

There are four international airports within 200km from Andorra so you can pick: Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS), Carcassonne (CCF), Girona -Costa Brava (GRO), Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) and Reus (REU).

I would then suggest to rent a car from any of these and drive. The drive should be easy with good roads. The easiest airport is probably Barcelona, and you can easily combine it with some time in the city .

Getting from Barcelona to Andorra is really easy as the roads are pretty straightforward. Here is a Google map showing the route.

Bear in mind you have two options , either a paid tunnel road which will cut your time down, or the regular national road which will save you the toll. As kids we always took the regular road as the tunnel was not built until later, but the tunnel makes a lot of sense so the drive is more comfortable.

On the way, I highly recommend you stop for food. I always drove to Andorra very early in the morning and we stopped on the way for breakfast at one of the roadside restaurants serving hearty breakfast meals including omelets, sausages and even wine with rustic bread from the local bakery and great produce.

If you have a valid visa for Spain and France you will be able to visit Andorra as there are free movement agreements in place. Most times, you may no even have to stop and show your passport.

Best Hotels in Andorra

Tourism, especially during winter, is one of the most important revenue sources for Andorra, so it should come as no surprise that the hospitality industry has years of experience welcoming guests and that there are a fair amount of ski hotels in Andorra.

However, like all other mountain countries such as Switzerland or Austria, Andorra is also a great destination in the summer months where basing yourself in the city center might make more sense.

So I decided to split this list between Andorra La Vella hotels, which includes other urban centers like Escaldes-Engordany, and hotels in Andorra ski resorts which are particularly convenient if you do not want to be stuck in traffic in and out of the slopes on the narrow one-lane mountain roads.

Hotels in the city center of Andorra

Staying in town is a great alternative to explore all the things to do in Andorra. This will give you the chance to try lots of restaurants and enjoy the happening nightlife as well, although Andorra is not big the roads are winding and 15 kms can take half an hour or more to drive. 

Roc De Caldes

andorra tourist info

Roc De Caldes is probably slightly below in category than the other hotels here, despite having the same 5 star rating.

The hotel is traditional in design , reminiscent of what Andorra was like when I was a kid and their website is rather hard to navigate with little information, so you are definitively better off using a booking site. But it is probably this that makes it a warm and charming option.

Its location, slightly off the main city center and by greenery, makes it a great option when you are coming in the summer time and makes it quieter although still relatively close to the center of Escaldes-Engordany (where Caldea is), not Andorra La Vella.

The hotel’s restaurant is a good option to try some of the more local dishes.

Book your stay on Booking.com | Agoda

Eurostars Andorra

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Perfectly located in the middle of Andorra La Vella very near Pyrenees on Avinguda Meritxell, the Eurostars Andorra is as good as a hotel location can be. Once you park the car, you can walk everywhere in town, which comes in handy since parking and traffic can be pretty bad.

The hotel is 4 stars and offers good value for money. Rooms are comfortable and convenient, breakfast is quite decent and abundant. Suites come with a separate living room with a sofa bed for the kids and there is a public parking within meters that is 20 euros per day. You can pay by the hour. 

Andorra Park Hotel

Andorra Park Hotel eating area

Located in a residential area, Andorra Park Hotel is one of the best Andorra La Vella hotels . Andorra Park hotel is surrounded by 15,000 square meters of gardens and greenery giving guests the feeling of being among nature.

The hotel is modern and luxurious and, like other hotels in this category in Andorra, comes with in-room jacuzzi and some of them have balconies facing the gardens or the pool.

Despite being more of an “uban” hotel, there is a free shuttle to Granvalira for guests and a stunning outdoor pool surrounded by a grassy and tree-filled area that will make you feel far away from civilisation.

Dining in is a good option as the hotel’s restaurant, Es Andorra , comes highly recommended for trying out the local cuisine.

Hotel Plaza

Hotel Plaza Andorra bar

Classic English design in this luxury hotel in the downtown of Andorra La Vella that is consistently rated as one of the best hotels in Andorra . Its location is one of the best if you want to be able to walk around the city or go for dinner without having to drive.

The rooms have a more convenitonal mountain retreat feel and some of the the deluxe ones have a jacuzzi bathtub.

The facilities include a wellness area with Hammam, Sauna, Jacuzzi, crystal fountain and thermal facilities and a fully equipped spa.

Ski hotels in Andorra

Most people will go to Andorra to enjoy winter sports and with good reason since Granvalira is the largest ski resort in Europe, so there is plenty for everyone. As expected, there are also a couple of luxury hotels in Andorra’s ski resorts and I listed the top two below.

Hotel Ski Plaza & Wellness

Ski Plaza Hotel foyer

Part of the same hospitality group as The Plaza in Andorra La Vella, the Ski Plaza & Wellness is a mountain retreat located in the traditional parish of Canillo , 100m from the cablecar to Granvalira.

The hotel is warm, cozy and designed for the winter months with fireplaces and sun-in leather sofas. The restaurant has a wall mural depicting rural scenes of life in Andorra, vintage cuckoo clocks and all the details to make you feel like you are high in the mountains when it is cold outside.

Rooms are comfortable and traditional and the family rooms come with fun bunk beds for children.

The hotel is perfect for kids, with many details throughout the property targeted at making them feel loved and cared for including separate dining areas in the restaurant.

Sport Hotel Hermitage and Spa

andorra tourist info

Sport Hotel Hermitage and Spa is located at 1,800m above sea level in the village of Soldeu , very near the Grandvalira ski slopes . This is the country’s only member of the Leading Hotels of the World  brand and one of the most luxurious ski resorts, equally interesting if you like summer sports and mountains.

The resort is also made of a 4 and 3 star hotel sharing facilities and a 5,000 square meter spa and wellness resort. All 143 rooms have their own hot tub and free access to the spa for 3h a day. The resort features the Hermitage Mountain Residences that can accommodate groups of up to 16 guests together in a 5 floor villa.

Expect the design to be mountain chic with lots of wood, sleek lines and warm interiors reminiscent of The Chedi Andermatt or other luxury Swiss Accommodation. The resort features two restaurants with Michelin-awarded chefs, the Catalan Nandu Jubany and the Japanese Hideki Matsuhisa .

This would be a great addition to any of your #travel Pinterest boards

Things to do in Andorra Pin 01

  • Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa .
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  • I find all of my flights on KAYAK . Check their Deals section too.
  • Search for all your transportation between destinations on the trusted travel booking platform Bookaway .
  • I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide , they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
  • Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb .
  • Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com .
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WHAT TO DO IN ANDORRA?

So much more than adventure...

Whether you are looking for a new adventure or if your purpose is to live a more relaxed activity, Andorra is your place. The country offers different monuments and emblematic buildings to visit, numerous shops where you can buy what you want, great restaurants and establishments where you can taste the best gastronomy of the Pyrenees and different natural spaces and points of interest where you can have a good time. You will also find top accommodations to spend an unforgettable night and a wide variety of leisure places to make the most of your stay in the country.

Discover the most emblematic monuments, sculptures and churches in the country.

Go to Meritxell and Carlemany avenues, the commercial area by excellence.

Be captivated by the most traditional flavors and aromas of the Pyrenees.

Live a different day full of leisure in several natural and outdoor spaces.

ACCOMMODATION

Sleep in unique accommodations and live a complete experience.

OF INTEREST

Interesting numbers in Andorra, real-time meteorology...

Keep up to date with the news and current articles that GUIAND offers to you

Enjoy a very varied leisure offer adapted to everything you are looking for.

BOOK YOUR ACTIVITIES

Choose your next adventure with GUIAND

From our activities page you can book tickets for Grandvalira, Vallnord, Ordino-Arcalís, Caldea, Naturlandia, the Ice Palace, Extrem 360, Cinemes illa Carlemany... and many more places! Click on the button below and get the best opportunities to live a different and fun-filled adventure.

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A NEIGHBORHOOD FULL OF LIFE AND HISTORY

Everything you need to know about the Historic Center of Andorra la Vella

Enter the old town of the capital of Andorra and enjoy its restaurants, shops, monuments and corners full of magic.

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OUR WHITE GOLD

Mountains full of personality and strength

Snow is part of the personality and strength of Andorra. During the winter months, the country's mountains are filled with this wonderful white gold that opens the door to dozens of extraordinary activities and experiences. If you are a snow sports lover, the Andorran valleys are made for you. Skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, snowshoeing, ice driving, mushing...

THE BEST VIEWS

Key points to take the perfect picture

The most impressive viewpoints of Andorra. Immortalize the landscapes and the Andorran mountains through the photographic points that we propose.

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THE COUNTRY OF THE PYRENEES

Andorra is synonym of nature, adventure and fun. The Andorran valleys are full of outdoor activities and places to discover. There is no better place to get to know the Pyrenees and live unforgettable adventures. The country offers a very varied tourism where having fun and enjoying is in the order of the day. Leisure, shopping, nature, sports...

Everything has a place! In addition, you can not miss the cuisine of the area, festivals and popular traditions or the native fauna and flora that give life to the mountains and green spaces of the country. But, above all, you cannot visit Andorra without paying attention to the Romanesque art that enriches the heritage and culture of the Principality.

Shopping en Andorra la vella

On the way to the Estany of Meligar

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The story of Our Mother of Meritxell, the Patron Saint of Andorra

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Liver anemone

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Andorra launches a new via ferrata, and it is adapted to all levels

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Estany Negre

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The Truites pond

DAILY ANDORRA

Stay informed with the latest news in the country

Browse through the news and the articles that you will find in our current section and follow the country's news in terms of culture, leisure, business, nature and heritage.

Easter with an artisan flavour at Cigne & Delicious

Easter with an artisan flavour at Cigne & Delicious

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TU Cosmètics By Roser Miró, skincare line with natural ingredients

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Ifoc, design chimneys and personalised service in Andorra

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Ramilo Construccions: stone artisans in Andorra

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Instalfred introduces the ICombi Pro: a smart and efficient cooker

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Restaurant Can Andreu, a charming borda in Andorra la Vella

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Bingo Stars, gambling in Andorra la Vella

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Hotel Festa Brava, central accommodation in Andorra la Vella

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Daniela Santos Araújo

1 Day In Andorra La Vella: The Perfect Andorra La Vella Itinerary

Andorra la Vella is the capital of the Principality of Andorra (in Catalan, Principat d’Andorra), a microstate situated between France and Spain , right in the heart of the Pyrenees. Due to its location at an altitude of 1023 meters, the city is known as “the highest capital in Europe”.

Interestingly, the name “la Vella” means “the Town” and not “the Old”, having been added to distinguish the city from the homonymous country, as well as to reinforce the fact that it’s its capital. On this Andorra la Vella itinerary, you’ll discover tourist attractions and cultural activities, including the best things to do in Andorra la Vella!

So, do you want to know more about 1 Day In Andorra La Vella: The Perfect Andorra La Vella Itinerary? Keep reading!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Please read my  disclosure & privacy policy  for more information.

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Andorra la Vella Itinerary

Parc Central

Brief history of andorra la vella.

Legend has it that Andorra was founded by the Roman Emperor Charlemagne in the year 805 AD. But written documents suggest that, in the mid-9th century, the parishes of Andorra belonged to the County of Urgel (one of the historic counties of Catalonia).

Whether you believe in popular legends or historical references, the truth is that the Andorran territory was highly disputed during much of the Middle Ages – which is why there are so many forts, towers, and churches from that period (especially in the Romanesque style).

andorra tourist info

The most important of these conflicts for dominance and power was fought between the Bishops of Urgel and the Counts of Foix from the 13th century onwards. However, the two parties signed a peace agreement on September 8th, 1278 – the “Pariatge d’Andorra” – which is the genesis of the country as a co-principality and Andorra la Vella as its capital.

Not everyone knows, but even today, Andorra is ruled by two co-princes: the Bishop of Urgel and the President of the French Republic!

Visiting Andorra la Vella

Did you know that you can visit Andorra la Vella on a day trip from  Barcelona ? Although the bus trip takes between 3 and 4 hours, the connection is direct and the landscapes are breathtaking! And if you arrive in Andorra la Vella relatively early, you’ll still have time to explore the Les Escaldes area, in the neighboring parish of Escaldes-Engordany !

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Andorra la Vella Itinerary

“7 poetes”.

This Andorra la Vella itinerary starts at Plaça Lidia Armengol (also called Plaça dels 7 Poetes), a square about 250 meters from the Estació Nacional d’Autobusos de Andorra . This is where you can admire “7 Poets” (in Catalan, “7 Poetes”), a sculptural ensemble created by the renowned Catalan artist Jaume Plensa .

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Inspired by the stylites of the Byzantine Empire, these seven human figures are, at the same time, a tribute to the seven Parishes of Andorra (in Catalan, Parròquies d’Andorra): Canillo, Encamp, Ordino, La Massana, Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià de Lòria, and Escaldes-Engordany !

Casa de la Vall

The  Casa de la Vall  (House of the Valley, in English) is one of the most important buildings in Andorran civil architecture and one of the most symbolic and characteristic monuments of the Principality. Constructed in 1580, this old manor house served as a residence for the Busquets family until 1702 – the year in which it became the seat of the General Council of Andorra.

andorra tourist info

In 2011 and after more than three centuries, the Parliament of Andorra moved to a new building and the Casa de la Vall opened to the public as a history museum. Even so, this historic property continues to host the most formal events in the small European country!

Read my complete guide to the  Casa de la Vall , a must-see tourist attraction on any Andorra la Vella itinerary!

Església de Sant Esteve

The next stop on this Andorra la Vella itinerary is probably the most famous tourist attraction in the city. I’m talking about the Church of Saint Esteve (in Catalan, Església de Sant Esteve), located in Plaça del Príncep Benlloch and that appears on most postcards from Andorra la Vella!

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Constructed in the 12th century, this Romanesque-style church was expanded and modified on different occasions. One of the most notable changes took place about a century later and culminated in the Romanesque semicircular apse, decorated in the Lombard style and considered the largest in the country. The last major intervention was carried out in the 1940s, by the architect Josep Puig i Cadalfach (one of the greatest exponents of Catalan Modernism)!

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After entering the Church of Saint Esteve to contemplate elements such as the two Baroque altarpieces or the Romanesque polychrome wooden beam, I suggest you head to Rambla Molines, the small high street that gives access to Plaça del Poble (the best viewpoint in Andorra la Vella)! From here you’ll have privileged views of the Catholic temple and unique opportunities for panoramic photographs of the surrounding mountainous landscape.

Pyrénées Andorra

Despite having less than 20 thousand inhabitants, the city of Andorra la Vella receives more than 10 million tourists. And it’s no secret that a large part goes to the ski resorts, as Andorra is one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

Nevertheless, many also visit Andorra la Vella for shopping. After all, international brands are tax-free in Andorra!

andorra tourist info

Since tourism and commerce are the main economic activities in Andorra, it’s natural that you’ll find dozens of shops selling clothes, footwear, make-up, perfumes, jewelry, technology, decoration, etc. The best known are concentrated on Avinguda Meritxell, especially in large department stores such as the Pyrènèes Andorra !

“La Noblesse du Temps”

Andorra la Vella is a very small capital – when compared to other European capitals – but it has an impressive number of contemporary sculptures, wall paintings, and art installations, scattered throughout different tourist spots in the city.

Besides the “7 Poets”, the most famous sculpture in Andorra la Vella is “La Noblesse du Temps” (or “The Nobility of Time”, in English), created by the Catalan surrealist artist Salvador Dalí in 1977.

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This monumental bronze work symbolizes the passage of time and its dominion over mankind. After being ceded to the Government of Andorra in 1999, “The Nobility of Time” was placed in the Plaça de la Rotonda in 2010, where it now has permanent residence.

Pont de París

The Paris Bridge (in Catalan, Pont de París) is a suspension bridge that crosses the Valira River and connects the Avinguda Doctor Mitjavila with the Avinguda Consell d’Europa.

Designed in 2005 by Spanish civil engineers Leonardo Fernández Troyano and Guillermo Ayuso Calle, the Paris Bridge is an avant-garde work with a straight branch (45 meters) and a semicircular branch (27 meters).

andorra tourist info

Other architectural details that stand out in this modern construction are the two triangular structures, crowned by two steel spheres measuring 2.20 meters in diameter.

Take advantage of your stop at the Plaça de la Rotonda to also photograph the letters of Andorra la Vella on the Paris Bridge, which lights up at night!

Avinguda Meritxell

Meritxell Avenue (in Catalan, Avinguda Meritxell) is the main avenue in the Andorran capital and has already been mentioned in this Andorra la Vella itinerary. Named in honor of the Virgin of Meritxell (the patron saint of Andorra), Meritxell Avenue is home to a vast number of hotels, shops, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and supermarkets.

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Just over 1 km long, the Meritxell Avenue starts at the Plaça Rebés (next to the historic center of Andorra la Vella) and ends at the Avinguda de Carlemany – the latter already located in the parish of Escaldes-Engordany . The last 400 meters, between the Plaça de la Rotonda and the Carrer de la Unió, are a pedestrian-only area.

The last point of interest on this Andorra la Vella itinerary is Central Park (in Catalan, Parc Central), the city’s green park. I choose to leave it for the end of this “1 Day in Andorra” because it’s just 300 meters from the National Bus Station of Andorra!

andorra tourist info

Developed on the south bank of the Valira River, the Central Park of Andorra la Vella has an artificial lake with ducks, a large playground, and a restaurant bar called La Petite Fôret , as well as a series of trails perfect for hiking and jogging.

Map of the Andorra la Vella Itinerary

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What photography gear do i use.

  • Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless
  • Camera Lens: Fujinon XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
  • Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action
  • Small Tripod: Manfrotto PIXI Mini
  • Smartphone Adaptor: Manfrotto PIXI Clamp
  • Memory Card: SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC

2 thoughts on “1 Day In Andorra La Vella: The Perfect Andorra La Vella Itinerary”

andorra tourist info

I recently visited Andorra and had an incredible time! The country is absolutely stunning, with gorgeous alpine scenery and top-notch ski resorts. The food was delicious and the shopping was unbeatable. I would highly recommend Andorra to anyone looking for a beautiful and unique vacation spot.

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Hi Alice, I’m so glad you agree with me! I had the best time in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, both cities are GORGEOUS! 🙂

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All PYRENEES · France, Spain, Andorra

Andorra tourism

andorra tourist info

Full travel guide

How to get to andorra, hotels, excursions, museums, sightseeing,, cuisine and restaurants, resorts, shopping, skiing….

Andorra: main facts

Transport and logistics

Airport and roads

Bus schedules and prices

Traffic rules (BAC, toll roads, etc)

Police radar map

Helicopter rent

Infrastructure and important information

Visa and embassies

Governmental and public organizations of Andorra

Useful telephones

Hotels. Direct weblinks for cheapest booking

Cuisine, restaurants, pubs, cafe

Hospitals, doctors, pharmacies

Banks, offices, ATM

Yellow pages

Custom rules

Hairdress and beauty saloons

Tourism news

Weather. Snow report and ski conditions

Holidays and day offs

Main cities

Capital Andorra la Vella

Escaldes-Engordany

San Julia de Loria

Pas de la Casa

Resorts and sightseeing

Best ski resorts

Naturlandia family park

Thermal SPA Caldea & INUU

MTB and cycling

Ice skating. Olympic rink in Canillo

Museums & art galleries

Architecture & monuments

Horseback riding

Via ferrata

See also  Pyrenees travel guide

See also  France travel guide

See also  Spain travel guide

See also  Moscow travel guide

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Flora and fauna of Andorra

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Andorra climate

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Festival of Sant Joan

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Shopping in Andorra

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Government & public services

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Triple Michelin-starred French chef Dominique Crenn has created twelve original dishes For Air France

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  1. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Andorra

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  3. 15 Best Places to Visit in Andorra

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  4. Web oficial Turismo de Andorra la Vella

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COMMENTS

  1. Visitandorra, the official Andorra tourism website

    The Andorra Tourism website offers all sorts of plans that you can do in winter in the Principality. Of course, a good part of the website is devoted to offering information about our ski resorts: Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís for alpine skiing and Naturland for Nordic skiing. Skiing is the most fundamental activity in our ...

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    Everything you need to know about Andorra. Visiting us in Andorra is easier than you think! Let us advise you and make recommendations to better organise your visit in the blink of an eye. Welcome to Andorra! Welcome to Andorra! A country with over a thousand years of history that covers 180 square miles and receives eight million visitors a year.

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    An excursion in Andorra is the best way to see the most beautiful, natural spots in the Pyrenees. There are routes for all experience levels. THIS IS FOR ME. Skiing down the best slopes. Skiing in Andorra is the perfect plan for snow lovers. Grandvalira and Pal Arinsal are among the top ski resorts worldwide!

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    The information contained in these guides is both practical and specific, as they provide phone numbers and addresses for hotels, restaurants, spas, shops and any other kind of tourist facilities you might need. Andorra's Tourist Offices also afford visitors the possibility of booking tourist services or of purchasing tickets for events taking ...

  5. Andorra la Vella Tourist Office, detailed information

    The Tourist Bus, which operates from June through October, can also be hired at our office. As well as showing you the different routes that you case choose from, we also offer you the possibility of purchasing the tickets directly at the Tourist Office. Come and visit the Tourist Office in Andorra la Vella and receive personalised information!

  6. Official Website of Andorra la Vella Tourism

    For more information about Andorra la Vella and Andorra as a whole, pay a visit to the Tourist Office: Plaça de la Rotonda, s/n (+376) 750 100; [email protected]; Opening times. Opening times. Monday to Friday: from 8 am to 9 pm. Saturday: from 9 am to 9 pm.

  7. Find out about us in the Andorra Travel Guides

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    Europe. With its 468 sq km of tumbling valleys, Romanesque churches and sky-reaching peaks wedged between France and Spain, Andorra offers by far the best ski slopes and resort facilities in the entire Pyrenees. Once the snow melts, there's outstanding walking, ranging from easy strolls to demanding day hikes in the Principality's higher, more ...

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    Andorra offers a unique culinary experience that combines Catalan, Spanish, and French influences, creating a diverse and flavorful cuisine. As a tourist in Andorra, here are some must-try foods and dishes: Trinxat: This traditional Andorran dish is made from mashed potatoes, cabbage, and bacon, all pan-fried together. It's hearty and ...

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    1. The Capital City: Andorra la Vella. Andorra la Vella. Perched high in the eastern Pyrenees, Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, is this small nation's busiest tourist attraction. At an altitude of 1,029 meters, it's one of the world's highest capital cities. It's also one of the smallest, too, with a population of fewer than 23,000 people.

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  16. Get to know the country before you come

    The essence of the Pyrenees, together with the culture and traditions of its neighbours, have made Andorra a country with its own unique character. With a history stretching back over a thousand years, its legacy over the centuries is the basis for the rich cultural heritage that we see today in its towns, villages and countryside. WANT TO KNOW ...

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    Lagos de Tristania. 258. Bodies of Water. El Serrat, Andorra. Engolasters Lake-Les Pardines Path. 286. Biking Trails. Encamp, Andorra. Andorra Tourism: Tripadvisor has 173,020 reviews of Andorra Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Andorra resource.

  20. The best things to do in Andorra and why you should visit

    Via Ferrata of Sant Vicenc d'Enclar. Sant Vicenc d'Enclar Church. This hiking path goes up hill to the top of the valley and offers incredible views that stretch towards Andorra La Vella. There is a quaint church at the top devoted to Sant Vicenc d'Enclar that is very scenic and adds a touch of magic.

  21. Andorra 360º

    THE COUNTRY OF THEPYRENEES. Andorra is synonym of nature, adventure and fun. The Andorran valleys are full of outdoor activities and places to discover. There is no better place to get to know the Pyrenees and live unforgettable adventures. The country offers a very varied tourism where having fun and enjoying is in the order of the day.

  22. 1 Day In Andorra La Vella: The Perfect Andorra La Vella Itinerary

    Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra, a microstate situated between France and Spain, in the heart of the Pyrenees. Due to its location at an altitude of 1023 meters, the city is the highest capital in Europe. The name "Vella" means "Town" and not "Old", serving to distinguish the city from the country and to reinforce the fact that it's the capital.

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