The Ultimate Andorra Travel Guide | 16 Best Places to Visit and Things To Do in Andorra | Top 16 Tourist Attractions to See in Andorra on a Weekend Trip
Welcome to Andorra!
With rolling valleys, Romanesque cathedrals, and towering peaks nestled between France and Spain, the Principality of Andorra boasts the best ski slopes and resort amenities in the whole Pyrenees. With an area of 468 sq. km (181 sq. miles) and a population of 79,034, Andorra is the world's 16th-smallest country (and 6th-smallest European microstate) by area and 11th-smallest country by population. Andorra is divided into 7 administrative regions known as parishes namely Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, and Sant Julià de Lòria. At an elevation of 1,023 meters (3,356 feet) above sea level, its capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe. It has an area of 13 sq. km (5 sq. miles) and a population of 23,000.
Andorra’s independence is traditionally attributed to Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, who reclaimed the area from the Muslims in 803, and his son Louis I (the Pious), who gave the locals a charter of liberties. Charlemagne’s grandson, Charles II, granted Andorra to the counts of Urgell (in present-day Catalonia, Spain), who thereafter granted it to the Bishops of Urgell. In 1278, it became a co-principality headed by two co-princes namely, the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France. In 1993, the co-principality adopted a constitution and introduced a parliamentary democracy.
The Andorran people are a Romance ethnic group closely related to Catalans. Andorra is the only country in the world that has Catalan as its sole official language, but Spanish, Portuguese, and French are frequently spoken. Despite not being a part of the EU, Andorra has made the euro its de facto main currency, since 2002.
Today I’m going to take you along with me on a ride across the 16 best places to visit and things to do in this beautiful country that can be done over the weekend. Let the journey begin!
16 Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Andorra
1. Visit the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra (Santa Coloma)
Start with visiting the stone Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra, a cultural heritage site located in the picturesque town of Santa Coloma in the Andorra la Vella parish. It is Andorra's oldest church and one of the few examples of its kind in the Pyrenees. The church's nave was constructed in the 8th or 9th century, while the Lombard-style bell tower was added in the 12th century. There are evident traces of 12th-century murals inside the church created by Santa Coloma's master painter. The majority of the murals were removed in 1933 and remained in Berlin until 2007. Currently, the Andorran Government Exhibition Hall houses these murals. Inside the church, you will also find a polychrome wood figure of Our Lady of the Remedies (12th to 13th centuries) and a Baroque altarpiece (18th century) honoring the church's patron saint, Sant Coloma or Saint Columba.
2. Drive upto the Mirador Roc Del Quer Viewpoint to Meet the Ponderer (Ordino)
The Mirador del Quer viewpoint is a 20-meter-long viewing platform, of which 8 meters are on solid ground while the other 12 are on a platform that is suspended in mid-air over the valleys of Montaup and Valira d'Orient. At the end of the platform, a sculpture named ‘The Ponderer,’ by artist Miguel Ángel González sits calmly on a beam and ponders over the magnificent Pyrenees. Visiting the viewpoint is free during the winter. But in summer you must pre-book your visit. For more information on opening hours and ticket prices please visit ponttibetacanillo.com/en.
To us, the journey to the viewpoint was as stunningly scenic as the viewpoint itself. We got onto the Coll d'Ordino road (CS-240) and drove 6.5 km towards the port of Ordino to reach the vantage point located at Ctra. de Montaup, AD300 Ordino. We stopped by at several places en route to take some amazing pictures. Once we reached the spot, we found a large car park where we parked our car. The vantage point was a 10-minute descending walk from there. But remember during winter, the snowy descent can be very slippery. So be careful and wear hiking or snow boots. My son Ricky and I slipped and fell several times while reaching the spot since we wore normal sneakers. But once we reached the viewpoint and the wide vista of the Pyrenees opened up before us, it all made sense!
3. Stroll by the Sant Joan de Caselles Church (Canillo)
The Church of Sant Joan de Caselles, which was built between the 11th and 12th centuries, is located next to an old road on the route from Canillo to France. The architectural design of Sant Joan de Caselles is characteristic of Andorran Romanesque churches - a semi-circular apse, a rectangular nave with a wooden roof, and a bell tower in the Lombardian style.
The ruins of a 12th-century stucco Romanesque Majesty can be found inside, encircled by a mural depicting the crucifixion of Christ with Longinus and Stephanus alongside the Sun and Moon. Behind the rood screen is a 16th-century altarpiece by Miquel Ramells and Gui de Borgonyó that is of excellent artistic quality and features elements of the Italian and German Renaissance. It depicts events from the life and martyrdom of Saint John, the church's patron saint and author of the Apocalypse.
4. Check out the Cascada de Les Moles Waterfall (Canillo)
Situated on the main road between Canillo and Encamp, Cascada de Les Moles is a breathtaking waterfall with a small free parking right at the foot of the waterfall and permanent concrete tables and chairs at the base. It is ideal for a picnic meal with stunning views of the rugged mountainous terrain and the serene sound of cascading water. The short and easy climb to the top yields rewarding views.
5. Go Skiing at the Grandvalira Ski Resort (Canillo)
Andorra has 4 world-class ski resorts namely Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalis, Vallnord Pal Arinsal, and Naturland. All of them provide the best snow, terrain, and services to meet the needs of even the pickiest skiers. Skiing is feasible on several of Andorra's slopes from as early as November, under typical weather conditions.
Among the ski resorts mentioned above, Grandvalira is the biggest one in Andorra, the Pyrenees, and all of Southern Europe. It has more than 210 km of slopes and is distributed across 7 different sectors namely Canillo, Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, Encamp, El Tarter, Peretol, and Grau Roig, with 6 access points along the road towards France. From the more conventional skiing and snowboarding to freeskiing, off-piste skiing, and even heli-skiing, which enables you to navigate through untamed terrain and arrive at the summits via helicopter, the range of activities available is astounding. I would like to especially call out the kid-friendly slopes, which are populated with cute animals and fairytale characters to help kids feel safe during their first skiing experiences. The names of these slopes are Kids Forest (divided among three sectors Grau Roig, Encamp, Pas de la Casa), Bababoom Circus (El Tarter), and Yokai (Soldeu).
6. Explore the Santuari de Meritxell (Meritxell)
The Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica is Andorra's most significant religious site. But in addition to its spiritual significance, this house of worship in the Canillo parish is also noteworthy for its artwork and natural setting. On September 8, 1972, a devastating fire destroyed the Sanctuary of Meritxell along with the statue and other valuable items within. The current sanctuary is a recreation of the original Romanesque style by the well-known Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. Inside, the basilica houses a polychrome statue of the nation's patron saint, ‘Our Lady of Meritxell,’ modeled after the original Romanesque piece, which was destroyed in the fire of 1972. The basilica also houses statues of other Andorran saints namely Sant Serni de Canillo, Santa Eulalia de Encamp, Sant Corneli de Ordino, Sant Iscle de La Massana, Sant Esteve de Andorra la Vella, Sant Pere Màrtir de Escaldes-Engordany, y Sant Julià y Sant Germà de Sant Julià de Sant Julià de Lòria, sculpted by Sergi Mas, an Andorran sculptor.
Because of its significance, Pope Francis designated the sanctuary a minor basilica in 2014, making it the sole place of worship of that kind in the Principality. Since then, Meritxell has been a part of the so-called Marian Route, which links Montserrat, El Pilar, Torreciudad, and Lourdes, four other significant sanctuaries in France and Spain. As a result, the sanctuary has developed into a hub for drawing tourists driven by spirituality and faith.
To know more about Montserrat in Spain, and how to visit it, please read our article Complete Guide to Visiting Montserrat Monastery, Spain | Day Trip from Barcelona to Montserrat Monastery | Everything You Need to Know to Visit Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona.
7. Go for a Wellness Retreat at Caldea Thermal Spa (Les Escaldes)
Caldea Thermal Spa allows you to escape into the 70°C warm waters from the natural springs in the Escaldes-Engordany parish, float in the 37°C expansive lagoon, unwind with a spa treatment, or indulge in delectable cuisine. It has grown to be one of the Principality's primary draws for the past thirty years.
8. Take a Stroll along the Gran Valira River (Les Escaldes)
Gran Valira is the largest river in Andorra which is a tributary of the river Segre which in turn is a tributary of Ebro. It passes through Andorra la Vella, the capital, and leaves the country in the south close to the border crossing between Spain and Andorra. The Valira d'Orient, Valira del Nord, and Madriu are the principal tributaries of Gran Valira. The length of the Valira river system is 35 km or 22 miles.
9. Marvel at Dali’s La Noblesse du Temps (Andorra la Vella)
Located in the center of Andorra Vella in Plaça de la Rotonda, this 5-meter tall and 1,400 kg heavy magnificent bronze monument named ‘La Noblesse du Temps (The Nobility of Time)’ created by Salvador Dalí, a well-known surrealist Catalan artist, depicts a melting clock which is a well-known feature in Dalí's masterpiece series ‘The Persistence of Memory.’ The clock's softness symbolizes how time seems to be influenced by human perspective.
The statue has other figures in addition to the melting clock. The clock is set on a massive tree that possibly represents Thanatos, the god of death in Greek mythology. The trunk represents time as a remembrance of the past because it maintains its roots by blending with the stone that supports it. Dalí's art consistently explores this topic of death and rebirth. To one side, an angel sits, lost in contemplation or possibly in grief. A woman emerges from a bath on the opposite side, gazing optimistically at the coming day. The sculpture gets a more tangible meaning because of this contrast between hope and uncertainty.
Before being permanently erected in the city plaza in 2010, the sculpture, which had been cast by Dali between 1977 and 1984, traveled to several other towns. Enric Sabater, who served as Dalí's representative from 1968 to 1982, gave it to the Andorran government. It is currently among Andorra la Vella's most recognizable landmarks.
10. See the Pont de Paris (Andorra la Vella)
Situated in the center of Andorra la Vella, the Pont de Paris is a remarkable architectural treasure. This bridge is the ideal illustration of how human engineering can coexist peacefully with nature because of its exquisite design and gorgeous setting. As you cross the bridge over the lovely Gran Valira River, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the bustling city below.
11. Explore the Barri Antic on Foot (Historic Town Center of Andorra la Vella)
Barri Antic is the old town of Andorra la Vella characterized by small cobblestone streets and charming squares. This neighborhood is home to major attractions of Andorra la Vella like the Casa de la Vall and the Church of Sant Esteve and a plethora of restaurants and cafes. Stroll aimlessly through the old town and get lost in the small streets imagining life here during the medieval times.
12. Take a Stroll along the Plaça dels Set Poetes (Andorra la Vella)
As you make your walk from Barri Antic and cross Rotonda de Govern, a prominent roundabout, you’ll come to the Plaça dels Set Poetes where Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa’s fiberglass ‘Set Poetes (Seven Poets)’ sculptures sitting in “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” poses on 10-meter-high masts in front of the Consell General (Parliament of Andorra) building of Andorra represents the 7 parishes of Andorra. This art installation is even more vibrant at night when the statues light up from within in different colors.
13. Walk up to Sant Esteve d'Andorra la Vella (Andorra la Vella)
The church of Sant Esteve d'Andorra la Vella is a cultural heritage site located on Plaça del Príncep Benlloch in Andorra la Vella. It has Romanesque roots from the 11th century but was significantly altered in the 20th century. Inside the church, you can find two baroque altarpieces and a multicolored wooden beam from the same era along with the 18th-century painting named ‘Painting of the Souls.’ Outside, you can see the Romanesque bell tower and the largest semi-circular apse in the principality that still has its original Lombardian artwork. The bell tower and the current side entrance were the main focus of the 1940 restoration, which was carried out by modernist architects Josep Puig and Cadafalch.
14. Visit La Casa de la Vall (Andorra la Vella)
Casa de la Vall is one of the most symbolic monuments located in the heart of the old town of Andorra la Vella. Built in the late 16th century as a manor house for the Busquets family, it served as the House of the Consell General (Parliament of Andorra) from 1702 to 2011, until the Consell General moved to a new building (the building behind the Seven Poets statue as mentioned above).
The interiors of Casa de la Vall comprises the ground floor and two upper floors. The magnificent Criminal Court is located on the ground floor. The Hall of Lost Steps, a stately chamber with 16th-century wall paintings, is located on the first floor. Along with the kitchen, this floor also houses the Consell General's primary session chamber. You can find an interesting bell there that was used to summon lawmakers to session, and the enigmatic Cabinet of Seven Keys housed significant records pertaining to the Principality's history, including the Manual Digestion, which describes the history, governance, and traditions of Andorra in the middle of the eighteenth century. The former attic space on the second floor has been transformed into a multipurpose hall.
15. View the Sunset from Vista a la Vall Viewpoint (Andorra la Vella)
Right across the Casa de la Vall, you will find the Vista a la Vall viewpoint. This picturesque vantage point is ideally located to offer stunning views of the Valira d'Orient valley, making it a great place for leisure and photography. Don't miss the opportunity to see the breathtaking sunset colors as they transform the valley and the mountains, creating a mystical ambiance!
16. Go Duty-Free Shopping in ‘The Shopping Mile’ post Sunset (Andorra la Vella)
Running from Avinguda Meritxell to Vivand, passing through Fener Boulevard, ‘The Shopping Mile’ is the main duty-free shopping district that has made Andorra a shopping paradise. Leading international brands of apparel, accessories, perfumes, the newest technologies and consumer electronics, and gear for your favorite sports along with a wide assortment of restaurants can all be found on The Shopping Mile. My wife Jayeeta ended up spending an entire evening and ‘almost’ a fortune shopping here!
Visiting Andorra
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Andorra is during the winter (December to March) for skiing and snowboarding, during summer (June to September) for hiking and mountain biking, and during spring and fall for relaxation and exploring Andorra’s culture and shopping without peak-season crowds. We visited Andorra during Christmas.
Number of Days to Stay:
Plan to spend 2 to 4 days in Andorra. Set aside 2 days to explore Andorra la Vella and nearby attractions like Caldea Spa or Naturland, and keep a couple of spare days for visiting the attractions outside Andorra la Vella along with outdoor activities like hiking or skiing.
Best Place to Stay:
In my opinion, Andorra la Vella is the best base for shopping, dining, and easy access to other parts of the country. Soldeu/Encamp could be ideal if you are in for a skiing holiday. You could also stay in Ordino or La Massana if you are looking for a tranquil atmosphere with a charming village vibe.
Best Way to Arrive:
Andorra doesn’t have its own airport, so the closest ones are Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain or Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France both around 3 hours away by bus or car. Closest train stations are in Spain (Lleida or Puigcerdà) or France (L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre). From there, buses connect to Andorra. Direct buses also operate from Barcelona, Toulouse, and other regional Spanish and French cities to Andorra. However, we recommend driving which is the most scenic option, with well-maintained roads from both Spain and France. We drove to Andorra from the Netherlands in our own car.
Best Local Mode of Conveyance:
Andorra la Vella and smaller towns are walkable, and hiking trails are plentiful for outdoor exploration. Andorra has a reliable local bus network connecting the capital to ski resorts and towns. Taxis are available but can be expensive for long distances. However, according to me, the most convenient way to explore the countryside and mountain villages is by renting a car. Parking is available in most towns.
Epilogue
So that brings us to the end of our Ultimate Andorra Travel Guide. Please let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this article. And until we meet next time, I wish you merry traveling and happy shooting!
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