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Andorra

Things to do in Andorra

Things to do in Andorra
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Andorra is a hidden paradise where you can enjoy breathtaking nature and all kinds of sports. It is an ideal destination for holidays in a post-coronavirus world, away from the crowds and typical urban summer escapades. Its valleys and 3,000-metre high mountains provide the perfect landscape for ecotourism. There is a wide variety of things to do in Andorra, such as cycling, fishing, motorcycling, horse riding and hiking.

Many hotels and lodges organise excursions for all types of travellers and are suitable for couples, families or solo getaways. Health and wellness experiences are also an attractive factor in the country, creating a good environment to disconnect and forget the past lockdowns. Andorra has some protected areas, such as the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, and the Valls del Comapedrosa Communal Nature Park. 

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.

Things to see and do in Andorra? 

Andorra la Vella

We recommend starting your trip by visiting Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra and probably the most important place to visit in the country. This city is the heart of Andorra, where you’ll find an impressive old town and a unique atmosphere.

We recommend a long stroll through the old town as you explore and get to know some of its most iconic buildings and landmarks. Among the best-known sites are the Plaça del Poble, the Casa de la Vall and the striking Casa Felipó. Andorra is also well known for being a commercial city, so you can’t miss a visit to the spectacular Avinguda Meritxell. Here you’ll find every store you can think of, shopping centres and more. It is truly spectacular.

Caldea

Andorra is well known, among other things, for its famous Caldea spa. This impressive spa centre is one of the largest and most modern in Europe, so make sure it is on your list of things to do in Andorra.

Before going inside, you will be impressed by its spectacular structure, with a 80 metre-tall pyramid. Inside, you can enjoy a wide range of services and facilities for relaxation, baths, spa treatments and everything else you can imagine. Don’t hesitate to book your tickets depending on the type of relaxation you are interested in. You’ll love it!

Estanys de Tristaina

The Tristaina Lakes are three lakes that flow high up in the mountains, creating one of the most symbolic and beautiful natural landscapes in Andorra. In fact, of all the excursions you can do in Andorra, the one to the lakes is usually the most popular.

You can enjoy a 4.4 kilometre circular route which is suitable even for less experienced hikers. You’ll discover lush nature, reaching a maximum altitude of 2,300 metres, passing the famous Més Amunt lake. This route is definitely one of the things you can’t miss on your trip to Andorra.

what to see in Andorra
Andorra @MireiaRabal

Route through the Romanesque Churches

Another of the most fun and symbolic activities you can do in Andorra is to take a tour of its Romanesque churches by car. You can find up to 44 of them, although we recommend visiting the most iconic ones.

These churches date back to the 8th and 13th centuries and have remained in good condition over the years. What most characterises these Romanesque churches is their architecture made of slate stone, as well as a fairly similar structure and ornamentation. Among the best known, we recommend the churches of Sant Romà in Les Bons, Sant Climent de Pal, Sant Joan de Caselles and Santa Coloma in Andorra la Vella. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Roc d’en Quer viewpoint

The Roc d’en Quer viewpoint is a favourite spot in Andorra, among locals and travellers alike. It was opened in 2016, and over the years it has become a highly popular spot, due to the spectacular views it offers.

Getting there is really quick and easy and there is a car park just 300 metres from the viewpoint. As well as being able to admire the views of the valley and the mountains, at the end of the walkway you can find the statue of a pensive man, made by Miguel Ángel González. Fall in love with the natural beauty of this place.

what to do in Andorra
Roc d’en Quer Viewpoint @jessycal

Meritxell Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of Meritxell, also known as Our Lady of Meritxell, is the most important religious temple in Andorra. It has not kept its original structure due to a fire in the 1970s, but it is still worth a visit to see its current style.

Ricado Bofill was the architect in charge of transforming this temple, giving it a more modern style and structure and, at the same time, making it fit in better with nature. This is why it is located in an incredible natural setting. Come and see it!

Where to eat in Andorra?

  • Our first recommendation is Les Closes Restaurant, a place where you can enjoy hearty homemade dishes at unbeatable prices. The lunch menu is just €10.50 – come and try it!
  • Another equally appetising option is Minim’s Restaurant, located in the heart of the old town of Andorra la Vella. Here you can enjoy a variety of traditional Andorran dishes with a spectacular menu for only €12.50. You’ll love it!
  • At La Tapeta de la Vall, located in the old part of Andorra la Vella, you can try a wide range of traditional Andorran tapas, as well as different speciality dishes and incredible desserts. And all for a price of around €16 per diner.
  • If you want to enjoy a more intimate dinner, we definitely recommend the Borda de Les Pubilles. You can enjoy excellent value for money with many traditional Andorran and Mediterranean dishes. The price of the menu is around €15 – €25.
  • At the Borda Vella restaurant you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes prepared with local ingredients. It is in a traditional 17th century Andorran borda. You’ll be delighted with its traditional, high-quality dishes. Prices are around €30 per diner.

Where to stay in Andorra?

Andorra la Vella

As it is the capital of Andorra, you will find many accommodation options here. This area is ideal if you are not travelling to Andorra with the sole intention of skiing. Despite not being in directly on the slopes, you can easily get to the GrandValira and Vallnord resorts. It is also the cheapest option.

  • One of the first places we recommend trying is the Andorra Park Hotel, located right in the centre of Andorra la Vella, where you can enjoy all the comforts of a movie-like setting surrounded by mountains. This luxury hotel costs approximately €150/night.
  • Another place to stay if you prefer something more budget-friendly is the Hotel Metropolis, close to the commercial area of Caldea and Andorra. It has comfortable rooms and many services, including a breakfast buffet. A night can cost around €80 for two people.

Encamp

Encamp is the ideal place to stay if you want to enjoy both skiing and the more urban magic of Andorra. With direct access to the GrandValira resort and just a short distance from Andorra la Vella, you will get the best of both worlds.

  • We recommend staying at Apartaments Del Meligar, especially if you are travelling with your family. Excellently located and providing exceptional comfort, they have a very good score due to their varied services and prices. The price per night is around €40.
  • Another place you are sure to love is Hotel Mila, where you can enjoy spacious rooms with spectacular views of the valley and the mountains. What’s more, this accommodation is located at the foot of the slopes if you want to enjoy skiing in comfort. A night’s stay costs around €60.

Soldeu

If you prefer to hike and enjoy Andorra’s nature, we recommend staying in the Soldeu area. You’ll be able to enjoy many trails and dreamy landscapes while staying in comfortable and affordable places. And if that wasn’t enough, you also have direct access to the GrandValira slopes.

  • The first place we recommend is the Fontargent Apartment, located in the village of Soldeu. These flats are ideal if you are travelling to Andorra in a group, as they have a capacity for up to 6 people, with a host of facilities and incredible views. The price per night is around €370.
  • Another equally recommendable option is the Hotel Himalaia Soldeu, located right in the centre of GrandValira. With a characteristic Tibetan décor, this hotel offers incredible comfort and luxury, as well as several organised activities. The price per night can vary between €40 and €80, depending on the season.

Things to do in Andorra with children?

Naturlandia

One of the things you can’t miss if you’re travelling to Andorra with children is a trip to the incredible Naturlandia theme park. It is in Sant Julià de Lòria, and is the ideal place to spend a fun family day out.

In this park you can enjoy an endless number of activities and attractions, from zip lines to trampolines and bouncy castles. The star attraction of this park is the famous Tobotronc, a kind of wooden slide that goes 5 kilometres down the mountain and reaches a spectacular speed. You’ll want to go again and again!

things to see in Andorra
Anillo de Ordino @mariaibzr

Best places to ski in Andorra

GrandValira

GrandValira is certainly the most impressive and well-known ski resort to visit in Andorra. With a total of 139 slopes, this resort is a favourite among lovers of this thrilling sport, with varying levels of difficulty.

Not only is it the largest resort in the Pyrenees, but it is also one of the largest in Europe. It is divided into six different sectors, which you can choose from depending on your interests: Canillo, mainly recommended for beginners in the sport; Encamp, the closest to the capital of Andorra; Soldeu, which has some of the most impressive slopes; Pas de la Casa, probably the most visited and with the greatest variety of levels; and finally El Tarter, more dedicated to professionals or advanced skiers.

If you are experienced in this sport, we definitely recommend visiting GrandValira, where you will have a great time with more than 200 kilometres of slopes!

Things to do in Andorra
GrandValira @nuel_sea

Vallnord Pal Arinsal

Another of the most visited resorts in Andorra is Vallnord Pal Arinsal, with 93 kilometres of slopes. Located just 5 kilometres from Andorra la Vella, in this resort you will find numerous slopes adapted to all levels.

Thanks to its wide variety of slopes and varying difficulties, Vallnord is the ideal place to spend a fun weekend with friends or family. As well as skiing, you can try other activities such as ski mountaineering, snowboarding, snowbiking and even alpine skiing. In this resort you’ll also find all kinds of services and restaurants, many of them located at high altitude so you can enjoy excellent dinners with stunning views of the slopes. And if you visit Andorra in summer, you’ll have the chance to take part in some fun mountain activities at this resort. Come and discover Vallnord Pal Arinsal!

Ordino Arcalís

Finally, we suggest visiting the Ordino Arcalís resort, with more than 30 kilometres of slopes combining green, blue, red and black, as well as various mountain circuits, freeride areas, a slalom area and even a woodpark. Without a doubt one of the best resorts to visit in Andorra.

In Ordino Arcalís, as in its neighbouring Vallnord Pal Arinsal, you can enjoy a host of activities that go beyond skiing, with a choice of snowmobile rides, several snowbiking routes and even a ride on the well-known caterpillar track vehicle. It is the ideal destination to fully enjoy snow sports and, at the same time, enjoy many amenities for all ages. Come and discover Ordino Arcalís!

Why travel to Andorra during Covid?

There is no doubt that in general tourists will be more reluctant to travel to far-flung destinations, and that domestic tourism will be the most attractive option for many. Andorra’s geography makes it the perfect country for Spaniards and Europeans who want to travel. Being one of the European countries least affected by the virus, the safety of the destination as much as its beauty gives it the edge as a popular destination. In addition, it has a great variety of tourism, from hiking trails and fishing, to motorcycling and high quality local cuisine. 

What are you waiting for? Create your travel plan now with Passporter, and enjoy the freedom of Andorra this year! 

If you’re planning to go, here’s a tip that will save you a lot of money: your mobile data plan doesn’t work in Andorra and if you want to use it, you’ll pay a lot for roaming. We recommend you to buy a Sim with holafly data, the cheapest one is valid for 7 days, it will be perfect for your itinerary. Use the code PASSFLY to get a 5% discount.

trip to Andorra
Vall de Sorteny National Park @MireiaRabal

How to organise what to see on your trip to Andorra?

  • Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
  • Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
  • Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
  • Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
  • Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
  • Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
  • Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.

If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Andorra

How much does the GrandValira ski pass cost?

Generally, the adult day pass costs €52, while the pass for children between 6 and 11 years old costs €35.50. A beginner’s pass costs €33 for both adults and children.

Where to eat in Andorra?

Restaurante Les Closes
Restaurante Minim’s
La Tapeta de la Vall
Borda de Les Pubilles
Borda Vella

When is the best time to travel to Andorra?

Depending on the type of trip you want to do, we suggest visiting Andorra at different times. If you intend to go skiing and want cold weather, visit Andorra in December, January and February, when the mountains are fully snowed in and skiing is possible.

On the other hand, if you would prefer to enjoy Andorra la Vella and a trip more focused on hiking, we recommend going during the months of June, July, August and September to enjoy a much warmer and more pleasant climate.

Where to stay in Andorra?

Andorra Park Hotel (Andorra la Vella)
Hotel Metropolis (Andorra la Vella)
Apartaments del Meligar (Encamp)
Hotel Mila (Encamp)
Apartament del Fortangent (Soldeu)
Hotel Himalaia Soldeu (Soldeu)

Andorra travel
Serrat Font de Canyar Andorra @mariaibzr

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