Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees between France and Spain, the Principality of Andorra isa must-see destination for nature, culture and gastronomy enthusiasts. Every year, more and more French and Spanish visitors choose this high-altitude paradise for its high mountains, thousand-year-old history and countless outdoor activities, summer and winter alike. During your vacation you can discover the rich architectural heritage of Andorran parishes, with their traditional mountain houses, shepherd's huts and Romanesque churches. Neither French nor Spanish, Andorra thrives on snow and sun, offeringincredible panoramic views and wide open spaces. Discover the 15 must-sees in Andorra in this article.
Get your fill of fresh mountain air: Benvinguts a Andorra!
1. Visit Andorra la Vella, the capital
Andorra la Vella is the capital of the Principality of Andorra. Situated at an altitude of 1,013 meters, it is Europe's highest capital and occupies a privileged position at the heart of a magnificent and prosperous valley. The city also boasts charming corners, such as the central park and the Barri Antic, the most typical old quarter, as well as numerous architectural and cultural curiosities. Indeed, one of Andorra's most fascinating facets is its architectural and cultural heritage, which dates back over 1,000 years !
Book my guided tour of Andorra's old town
2. Ordino, one of Andorra's prettiest villages
Here you are in one of Andorra's most beautiful villages, perched at an altitude of 1,300 meters. Situated 8.5 kilometers from the Principality's capital, this harmonious little town, mistress of its parish, perfectly combines past and present, stone and vegetation, at the foot of an enchanting valley dominated by the Casamanya peak. Enigmatic and indefinable, this village of 5,000 inhabitants is animated throughout the year by renowned folk festivals and musical events. It's also a paradise for sports enthusiasts young and old, with activities such as climbing, canyoning, mountain biking and skiing.
3. Explore the magnificent Madriu Valley
Andorra is a concentrate of nature and pleasure, and the Madriu Valley has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 1, 2004. In this mountain valley, crossed by water, you'll see structures built by man in the Middle Ages that are still intact : terraces, shepherds' huts, dry stone walls, irrigation systems, forges and mining areas. The natural heritage is also exceptional: lichens, endangered vertebrate species, vegetation typical of marshy areas and post-Alpine plateaus.
4. The thousand-year-old sanctuary of Meritxell
Where to go in January? Andorra is one of our top destinations, and not for nothing. Don't miss the thousand-year-old sanctuary of Meritxell, often referred to as Andorra's Lourdes. It's the principality's most visited monument, especially since 2014, when Pope Francis awarded it the distinction of minor basilica. Dedicated to the Virgin Meritxell, the patron saint of all Andorran valleys, the sanctuary was originally a church, built in 1658 on the remains of a Romanesque edifice. Perhaps the most significant event in the shrine's history was the fire that destroyed the church on the night of September 8, 1972, the day of the patron saint (and national holiday), celebrated with great pomp every year.
5. Escaldes-Engordany, spa in Andorra
It was at Engordany that the first proven traces of human presence in Andorra were discovered, dating back to the 2nd century B.C. However, it was not until the 15th century that the hot, sulfurous waters gushing from the Roc del Metge made Escaldes famous. Today, Escaldes-Engordany exploits these waters at nearly 70°C, positioning itself as one of Andorra's leading spas. It's hard to distinguish Escaldes-Engordany from Andorra la Vella, as the two towns are perfectly linked by their main avenues, creating a seamless continuity.
6. Grandvalira, Andorra's skiers' paradise
When it comes to skiing, the Principality of Andorra, whose territory is situated at an average of 2,000 metres above sea level, has more than one trump card up its sleeve. Hit the slopes! Located between 1,710 and 2,640 meters above sea level, Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees. It comprises six sectors: Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas de la Case, all accessible along the RN2. In addition to skiing, Grandvalira offers a wide range of activities, including snowboarding, tobogganing, snowmobiling (2 circuits), snowshoeing (4 circuits) and mushing (2 circuits).
We particularly recommend booking this dog-sled ride: an unforgettable experience! This snowmobile excursion will also give you the opportunity to fill up on sensations.
With friends or family? Take advantage of this snowshoeing excursion to Grandvalira through impressive landscapes and snow-covered forests.
Discover our article dedicated to snow activities in Andorra under the snow and our Top 15 family ski resorts where you can ski with children.
7. Hiking in the sunshine of the Pla de l'Estany
When you're in Andorra, how can you resist breathing in the fresh air and taking advantage of its exceptional natural environment? We recommend a hike in the Pla de l'Estany. Starting from the village of Arinsal, you'll reach the Coma Pedrosa Valleys Nature Park, situated at an altitude of 2,050 meters. Here, you can simply marvel at the awe-inspiring natural surroundings, with verdant mountains, scattered flowers and small streams that invite you to let yourself be guided by the course of the water. And don't miss the Roc del Quer lookout near the village of Canillo, with its breathtaking views of the mountains as far as the eye can see.
8. La Cortinada, a pretty village to see in Andorra
Just 2.5 km north of Ordino, La Cortinada (population just over 800) is a charming, quiet village in this valley. In addition to a fun and educational exhibition center dedicated to the area's geology and ecosystems, the village is home to architectural treasures such as seigniorial houses, a millstone and a sawmill, as well as the Sant Martí de la Cortinada church. Built in the 12th century, this church is considered one of the principality's most important Romanesque buildings. La Cortinada is also one of the few places in Andorra where you can play golf.
9. The small village of El Serrat
In the past, the small village of El Serrat, at the northern end of the Principality, lived mainly from livestock farming and the mining industry. Today, its strategic location at the gateway to the estate means it is poised for further development. On the other side, the Pyrenean landscape of the Sorteny and Rialp glacial valleys is breathtakingly beautiful. Along the road to Arcalis, you'll also come acrossshepherds' huts, some still equipped with rudimentary dairies. The heritage tour continues with the 16th-century church of Sant Pere, and ends with the Arcalis 91 sculpture by Italian artist Mauro Staccioli, located at Coma del Forat.
10. Sispony and its bordas, traditional houses of the region
At the entrance to the northern valley, Sispony is a small hamlet of around 800 inhabitants, overlooking the La Massana gorge. Sispony is home to bordas, the traditional houses of the region, the most famous of which is undoubtedly Casa Rull. Heading down into the valley to the south-west of the village, you come to Cortals de Sispony, a starting point for hiking. The GRP hiking trail, a 120 km loop, passes through Sispony.
11. Canillo, a peaceful family town
Canillo is a small town situated at an altitude of 1,526 meters on the main road, halfway between the French and Spanish borders. Living here means you're just 20 minutes from Pas de la Casa and Sant Julià de Lòria. Canillo is a peaceful, family-friendly town with a wide range of leisure facilities, including a skating rink, a sports complex and a climbing wall on the outskirts of town. To enjoy the peace and quiet of Canillo, stroll away from Avenida Sant Joan de Caselles through the historic district, from Plaça Montaup to the Sant Serni church, or along Valira de l'Orient.
Discover Canillo on foot by booking this walking tour of Canillo's best spots.
You can also book this snowshoe excursion near Canillo.
12. The village of Pal: a real enchantment
Nestled in the heart of a hundred-year-old forest, the hamlet of Pal seems to be asleep, clinging to its magnificent Romanesque Sant Climent church. Discovering this mountain village with its rustic charm is truly enchanting: its perfectly preserved narrow streets evoke bygone days, before the major hotel development of neighboring Arinsal. From Pal, you can climb up to the Col de la Botella along the road that leads to the ski slopes in this area. The panorama is unique and breathtaking! This is also an opportunity to discover the sculpture "Tempête dans une tasse de thé" (Storm in a Cup of Tea) by American artist Dennis Oppenheim.
13. The vallon d'Incles, a timeless jewel
Nestled in this active valley, the vallon d'Incles is a timeless jewel. Accessible via route CS 270, which branches off from CG 2, this narrow, winding road plunges into the mountains. The landscape is idyllic, with a stream winding its way through plots demarcated by low stone walls. The place is peaceful, charming and almost poetic. After 3 km, the road ends, inviting you to continue on foot to explore what lies behind these rounded mountains. Don't miss the pretty little church that stands in this unspoilt landscape.
14. Fresh air at Parc Natural De La Vallée De Sorteny
The Sorteny Valley, with its 1,080 hectares of mountains, serves as the natural border between Andorra and France. Declared a nature park in 1999, it is of multiple interest:scientific, educational and environmental. The flora, divided into three levels (montane, subalpine and alpine), is extremely rich, with over 700 species, more than 50 of which are endemic to the Pyrenees. To explore this mountainous landscape, trails of varying levels criss-cross the territory. As you walk, the species reveal themselves in a tranquility interrupted only by birdsong.
15. Shopping at Pas De La Casa
Pas de la Casa, or Pas de la Case in French, is the first town you come to after crossing the Franco-Andorran border. Situated at an altitude of 2,100 metres, Le Pas is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts , thanks to its proximity to the Grandvalira ski area. But Le Pas is also a prime shopping destination. It's a major shopping area, especially for the French, who come here all year round to do their tax-free shopping. The Festa Major (end of June), Carnival, Christmas Eve and the Festival of the Three Wise Men are all great opportunities to visit Le Pas and enjoy a feast.
What to do in Andorra in summer
In summer, Andorra offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your summer holiday in the mountains.
Outdoor activities
- Hiking: Explore the many hiking trails that criss-cross the Andorran mountains. The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must.
- Mountain biking and cycling: Mountain bike trails and roads offer a variety of routes for cycling enthusiasts.
- Climbing: Discover the numerous climbing sites, such as those around Canillo and Ordino.
Cultural activities
- Village visits: Explore charming villages like Ordino, Pal, and La Cortinada, with their Romanesque churches and traditional houses.
- Museums and exhibitions: Visit the National Automobile Museum, the Perfume Museum, or the Miniature Museum in Ordino.
- Festivals and events: Take part in the many festivals and cultural events that enliven the principality in summer.
Shopping and relaxation
- Thermal spas: Relax in the thermal spas of Caldea or Inúu, which offer hot baths and wellness treatments.
- Shopping: Take advantage of the many boutiques and shopping centers, particularly in Andorra la Vella and Pas de la Casa, for tax-free shopping.
Family activities
- Parc Naturlandia: This park offers activities for the whole family, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and the Tobotronc, the world's longest alpine toboggan.
Family activities in Andorra
Andorra is an ideal family destination.
The Grandvalira ski resort is ideal for youngsters, with six snow gardens in the Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas-de-la-Case areas, catering for children aged 3 to 6. Each area is equipped with fun inflatable modules and a ski school, the Sky and Mountain Academy, run by specialized instructors who teach skiing and snowboarding in private or group lessons, adapted to each child's level. The Cortals snow garden (Encamp sector) even has an indoor gymnasium, GymSki, where children can learn the rudiments of skiing in complete safety before hitting the slopes.
Another must for a family vacation in Andorra is the Naturlandia park , which offers a range of activities suitable for the very young, such as cross-country skiing (or Nordic skiing). Under the guidance of instructors or with the whole family, you can cover over 15 km of trails through the magnificent Rabassa forest, situated at an altitude of around 2,000 m.
Naturlandia is more than just a great Nordic ski area; it 's a wildlife park that combines adventure and learning, to the delight of children and parents alike. Unlike a zoo, only native species can be found in their natural habitat. While the brown bear is the park's largest mammal, there are also fallow deer, red deer, marmots, chamois and even the boreal lynx, the largest on the Iberian peninsula. But it's the wolf that's sure to impress children the most: you can learn all about its astonishing habits and way of life, while being fascinated by its wild beauty.
The Naturlandia ecopark is also home to an attraction that's sure to entertain children: the vertiginous Tobotronc, the world's longest alpine toboggan. Mounted on a steel rail, the two-seater machines, equipped with a brake lever, hurtle down the 5.3 km-long slide in just under 10 minutes. The total difference in altitude, in the middle of the beautiful Rabassa forest and with the Andorran mountains in the background, is 400m. So much for the adrenaline rush!
In a different register, still at Naturlandia, the youngest visitors can valiantly take on the vast structure of the Airtrekk. This is a tangle of wooden platforms soaring 13.5 m into the air. The aerial structure, 17 m wide, is packed with obstacles (54 to be exact, grouped into three levels of difficulty) and puts the balance of young acrobats to the test.
Where to go on family vacations? Discover our 15 favourite destinations!
What to do in Andorra for two?
Andorra offers an idyllic setting for couples in search of romantic and memorable moments. Here are a few suggestions for a romantic break in the principality:
Romantic activities
- Mountain walks: Take a hike through the magnificent mountain scenery of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley and enjoy breathtaking panoramas.
- Open-air picnics: Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot with a breathtaking view for a moment of relaxation for two.
- Horseback riding: Take a horseback ride through Andorra's picturesque landscapes for a soothing, romantic experience.
Relaxation and well-being
- Thermal spas: Spend a relaxing day in the thermal spas of Caldea or Inúu, where you can enjoy hot baths, massages and wellness treatments.
- Spas and massages: Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in one of the principality's many spas, with duo massages for a shared moment of relaxation.
Cultural activities
- Visit picturesque villages: Explore charming villages like Ordino, Pal, and La Cortinada, with their Romanesque churches and traditional houses, for a romantic getaway.
- Museums and exhibitions: Visit museums like the National Automobile Museum or the Perfume Museum for a cultural outing as a couple.
Where to shop in Andorra?
The Principality of Andorra is an exceptional shopping destination in Europe, with a value-added tax (VAT) of just 4.5%, the lowest on the continent. Add to this a well-thought-out organization of shopping areas, with extensive opening hours. No matter when you visit, you're sure to find a bargain.
Aware of this advantage, Andorra has structured its commercial activity to make it easily accessible, both geographically and temporally. Fashion, accessories, perfumery, electronics, sports, optical and other stores are grouped together in a dozen or so shopping zones with parking facilities, so that travelers can concentrate their shopping days in a few specific areas.
Among the most noteworthy shopping zones is the new semi-pedestrian axis called The Shopping Mile, which stretches for almost 2 km and brings together numerous shopping areas, straddling Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. The area includes Avenue Meritxell, Avenue Carlemany (Vivand) and the area adjacent to Fener Boulevard.
Depending on the season and the day of the week, stores stay open until 8pm, 9pm or even 10pm. What's more, there are only four public holidays on which stores are closed: January 1 (New Year), March 14 (Constitution Day), September 8 (Our Lady of Meritxell, patron saint of Andorra) and December 25 (Christmas). That leaves 361 potential shopping days!
