Andorra: we discover all the must-see areas of interest
INDEX
- Introduction
- Fine-tuning
- Local essentials for the traveller
- Andorra at a glance
- Routes and walks for travellers
- Ascents and routes
- Other park activities
- Additional information
Introduction
Andorra is undoubtedly one of the most important tourist centres in Europe. It receives a large number of visitors, mainly interested in shopping, due to the low prices of taxes and products of the country, as well as in the practice of winter and mountain sports, or to make excursions and routes to discover the whole country.
In Andorra you can experience nature to the full thanks to its mountains and trails at an altitude of over a thousand metres. This country offers tranquillity and relaxation for all tastes, as it has an extensive network of spas and health resorts for visitors to enjoy.
Another of the country's strong points is its gastronomy, which you can enjoy in its hotels and restaurants. And the best and most popular are its ski slopes, such as Vallnord, Grandvalira and Naturlandia. Andorra is a paradise for all lovers of snow activities.
Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality divided into seven parishes and has a Mediterranean and oceanic high mountain climate, with cold temperatures during the winter months and mild temperatures during the summer. Andorra has a high percentage of sunny days per year and the climate is humid.
This country is characterised by its Palaeozoic coarse peaks, which rise above 2600 masl and reach a maximum of 2946 masl at the Pico de Coma Pedrosa, near the Pla de l'Estany on the border with France.
The activity is centred on the north-east to south-west transversal valley, which descends from the Envalira pass, where the Valira river reaches Spain.
Andorra has three major rivers and more than sixty lakes, the most representative of which is Lake Juclar, the largest in the country.
Andorra's official language is Catalan and it has about 80,000 inhabitants. Andorra has no official currency. Before the arrival of the euro, French francs and pesetas could be used interchangeably.
They now have domestically minted euros and have always used coins known as "diners" which are minted for collectors' purposes.
Every year Andorra attracts thousands of tourists interested in enjoying nature or winter sports.
Fine-tuning
When to go
Generally the best time to travel is in winter, as this is the time when we are able to skiing in Andorra. Spring is also an excellent time for those interested in hiking.
The Principality of Andorra has a large number of sunny days a year and a dry climate. The rainy days are usually concentrated in the evenings between October and May, except in winter, when they come in the form of snow.
How to get there
The Principality of Andorra is close to several major urban centres in France and Spain, which facilitates access to the country through an extensive communications network.
The means of transport used to go to Andorra from Spain, France or Portugal are by bus and car. The most common is to travel by train or take a flight to some of the nearest towns to Andorra, and from there take a bus or hire a car to get to the principality.
It is also possible to go directly by bus from many Spanish, French and Portuguese cities, but it is often a bit uncomfortable.
The best option is to take a flight to Barcelona or Girona airport, and from there to Andorra by bus or car. The bus journey from the nearest airports usually takes between three and four hours.
What to see
The Principality of Andorra is a fairly small country, but it has a monumental artistic and cultural heritage. It also has a natural environment worthy of admiration for its spectacular beauty. Spending a weekend in Andorra will allow you to enjoy many routes in the Pyrenees.
Romanesque art is widely represented in Andorra, with some forty religious sites and Romanesque churches. Among them, we recommend you visit the sanctuary of Meritxell.
Romanesque architecture is one of the best ways to discover the heart and history of the Principality of Andorra. That's why we recommend you visit some of the best landmarks, such as the church of Sant Joan de Caselles, the historical complex of Sant Romà de les Bons, the church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada, the church of Sant Climent de Pal, the church of Santa Coloma, the church of Sant Cerni de Nagol and the church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters.
The Caldea thermal water centre is the largest spa and health and beauty centre in the Pyrenees. If you want to enjoy nature while recovering from daily stress, this is the place for you.
But there is not only nature in the principality. The country has a large number of museums. The most important are the National Automobile Museum, the Motorcycle Museum and the Museum of Sacred Art.
Andorra is completely surrounded by an impressive natural environment, such as the Engolasters Lake in Vall d'Incles or the Margineda Bridge.
Where to sleep
Andorra has a wide variety of hotels that adapt to all kinds of needs and budgets. In general, the accommodation in Andorra is of good quality and, thanks to its comfort, you will feel right at home.
For family travellers
If you are travelling with your family and want to enjoy a good atmosphere, some hotels offer the possibility of having themed rooms, designed for the enjoyment of the little ones. These hotels are usually located next to the main leisure centres in Andorra.
With an urban atmosphere
Andorra is home to more than 200 hotels of all categories and with good quality services. The hotels usually have very good facilities. Moreover, they can be found in the main leisure and shopping areas of the most populated urban areas.
For those who want to relax
Andorra is home to hotels and aparthotels with excellent spas and thermal centres, where you can enjoy countless personalised body treatments. The establishments with the best facilities have been awarded the Wellness and Well-being seal of quality.
Here you can recharge your batteries and leave behind the stress of a hectic everyday life, and at the same time enjoy the tranquillity of a natural environment.
If you want something else, search for "cabins for rent in Andorra"and let yourself go.
Local essentials for the traveller
Places not to be missed. Andorra places of interest.
Caldea
Sanctuary of Meritxel
Church of Santa Coloma
National Automobile Museum
Casa Cristo Ethnographic Museum
Museum of Sacred Art
Motorbike Museum
Nicolai Siadristyi Museum of Miniatures
Interesting places
Church of Sant Joan de Caselles
Church of Sant Romà and the historic complex of Les Bons
Sant Martí de la Cortinada Church
Church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters
Church of Sant Cerni de Nagol
Church of Sant Climent de Pal
Sanctuary of Canòlich
Tobacco Museum
Romanesque Andorra Interpretation Centre
Casa Rull de Sispony Museum
La Farga Rosell Museum and the Iron Interpretation Centre
Other places to see in Andorra
Church of Sant Serni de Canillo
Church of Santa Eulàlia in Encamp
Church of Sant Corneli and Sant Cebrià
Church of Sant Cristòfol d'Anyós
Church of Sant Esteve
Casa de la Vall
Church of Sant Pere Màrtir
Margineda Bridge
Bridge of Sant Antoni de la Grella
Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre
Perfume Museum
Comic Strip Museum
Iconographic Museum of Saint George and Christianity
Areny Plandolit House Museum
La Cortinada Nature Centre
Postal Museum
Pal Lime Mill and Sawmill
Electricity Museum
Water and Madriu Interpretation Centre (CIAM)
Andorra at a glance.
Andorra la Vella and surroundings
Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra and this is where all the important activity takes place. Here you will find the largest shopping area and you can also enjoy the wide variety of gastronomy.
The Camino del Prat Primer or the Valle del Madrieu are located in this town, and offer a perfect route for hikers and nature lovers.
We recommend you visit the impressive church of Santa Coloma and the Margineda bridge. Both are fine examples of the Romanesque and pre-Romanesque art so present in this part of the Pyrenees.
Another of the most famous buildings in Andorra La Vella is the Casa de la Vall, which was built in the 16th century. Here you will find the headquarters of the Consell General. We also recommend a visit to the church of Sant Esteve, a 12th-century Romanesque church located in the Plaça Princep Benlloch.
You can also visit the ruins of Enclar Castle, the church of Sant Vicent d'Enclar, and the church of Sant Andreu.
In Andorra la Vella you won't have any problems finding accommodation, as there are all kinds of hotels and flats for you to enjoy your stay. It also has a large number of restaurants and cafés for you to enjoy the typical gastronomy of the area.
La Massana
La Massana occupies the western flank of the Principality of Andorra. This high mountain parish is home to the highest peak in the whole country, the Alto de Comapedrosa, at 2,943 metres above sea level. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the Parc Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa.
In La Massana you won't find the attractive monuments of other places in Andorra. But what you will find is one of the best hotels and restaurants, as well as numerous commercial establishments where you can buy high quality products at very good prices.
Must-see places in Massana are the bridge of Sant Antoni de la Grella, the town centre and Sispony, which has the church of Sant Joan and the Rull house. We also recommend you visit Escàs and Anyòs, where the church of Sant Cristòfol L'Aldosa is located.
La Massana is at its best mainly during the winter, when the ski resort of La Massana is at its best. Vallnord receives thousands of visitors. Its extraordinary facilities are designed for the whole family.
The main sport here is skiing, although it is also possible to do other activities, such as excursions with snowshoessnow bike rides, mountain skiing and much more.
Summer is perfect for a variety of sports, such as mountain biking, 4×4 routes, horse riding, hiking or even canyoning.
Of its cultural life we can highlight the Rull de Sispony museum and house, the Iron Interpretation Centre or Rosell Forge Museum and the Comic Museum.
As for its nightlife, this town has a wide variety of nightclubs, discotheques and very popular bars, guaranteeing nights with a great atmosphere and a lively atmosphere.
For all these reasons, La Massana is the perfect holiday destination to enjoy a few days combining gastronomy, shopping, sporting activities, culture and leisure.
Arinsal
This small village is located in the valley of the Arinsal river at an altitude of 1,500 metres. Within its territory are the well-known peaks of Coma Pedrosa, Medecorba and Pla de l'Estany, which are the highest in Andorra. The Arinsal peak borders the parishes of La Massana and Ordino.
Its population is only 800 inhabitants, but it receives a large number of tourists all year round, especially in the high season, from November to the end of April.
Ordino
Ordino is a region at a fairly high altitude. It is an area with a lot of trees, occupying a large part of the area. If you like leafy forests, this area is ideal for a walk.
The parish of Ordino is made up of eight villages that are well worth a visit: Ordino, El Serrat, Llorts, La Cortinada, Arans, Ansalonga, Sornàs and Segudet. In all of them, the tourist offer has been able to mix the everyday with the comforts of modern life. There is complete respect between the most ancestral traditions and the demands of the modern world.
As in all this area of the Pyrenees, we can enjoy beautiful buildings from the Romanesque period. The most outstanding are the church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada and the church of Sant Corneli and Sant Cebrià.
In Ordino you will also find museums that are well worth a visit. Amongst all those present, the Areny-Plandolit house museum, the Sant Jordi Iconographic and Christianity Museum, the Nicolai Siadristy Museum of Miniatures in Andorra, and the Postal Museum stand out.
The Muela and Sawmill of Cal Pal and the Nature Centre of La Cortinada are also very interesting.
Other places worth visiting are the Natural Park of Vall de Sorteny, the Botanical Garden, and the National Music Auditorium of Andorra.
Ordino offers two of the best-known attractions in the principality. In winter you can enjoy the Vallnord ski slopes. Here you can practise classic skiing, snowboarding and freeride y freestyle.
If you are visiting the area in summer, we recommend that you take the iron route. You will learn a lot about the local culture.
Encamp
The comú of Encamp is located in the heart of the Principality, just ten kilometres from the capital, but nevertheless far from the noise. This parish has two main towns: Encamp, which is the capital of the comú, and Pas de la Casa.
Encamp is a modern town, which grew out of the crowds of small villages that were located just a couple of kilometres down the road.
Encamp has managed to combine modernity and tradition to perfection in its old quarter. And here you can discover Romanesque buildings alongside modern-day buildings.
This town enjoys an enviable location, as it is literally right next to the ski slopes. This has allowed Encamp to be considered an outstanding centre for activities and sports in both summer and winter.
In the parish of Encamp you will enjoy very intense days, but quiet nights, ideal for recharging your energy.
This parish has some must-see places that you should not miss. The church of Santa Eulàlia, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, is one of the most outstanding. But there are also very interesting places such as the church of Sant Romà with the historical complex of Les Bons, the Bosc de les Allaus viewpoint and the Museum of Sacred Art.
Grandvalira
Grandvalira is a ski resort dedicated almost exclusively to alpine skiing. In fact, this region occupies a large part of Andorra, almost right up to the border with France.
Grandvalira has more than two hundred kilometres dedicated exclusively to alpine skiing. The area is very well signposted and you can access the slopes from up to six different areas.
Canillo
Canillo is considered the highest peak in Andorra. Moreover, Canillo is a contemporary mountain resort that offers excellence and tranquillity to all its visitors. Its location is blessed with beautiful landscapes that invite you to enjoy nature with a wide range of active tourism.
Canillo, El Tarter and Soldeu are the entrance to Grandvalira, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees. Here you'll find a wide range of snow-related activities, and it's hardly surprising, as Andorra enjoys around five months of snow every year.
If you visit Canillo at Christmas time, you must visit the Nativity Scene, where more than two hundred life-size figures transform the streets of the town and provide a unique Christmas atmosphere.
Soldeu and El Tarter
El Tarter is located a few kilometres from Soldeu and is a quieter and more relaxed area for a holiday than Soldeu. El Tarter is a favourite destination for family holidays, as it has all the basic services for enjoying winter sports.
Pas de la Casa
It is part of the parish of Encamps and is located on the border with France. It is the only part of Andorra that faces the Atlantic side. Its main activity is commerce. Here is the Envalira pass, the highest point in the Pyrenees. The Grandvalira winter sports resort is located here.
Routes and walks for travellers
Lakes of Tristania (El Serrat)
The Estanys de Tristaina route, in Andorra, is an excursion of moderate difficulty, suitable for hikers of all levels.
The three high mountain lakes that give their name to this route are undoubtedly the highlights of the Estanys de Tristaina route. The first one that the hiker will come across is the Primer lake, the smallest but the one with the bluest waters.
The next to come into view is the Mig lake, surrounded by cliffs and hills. And the last one is the largest. We are talking about the lake of Més Amunt, circular in shape and located in a peculiar high mountain glacial environment on the slopes of the Tristaina peak.
Engolasters Lake- Les Pardines Path (Encamp)
We will start the route in the town of Encamp, and follow the signs that will guide us to the Engolasters lake and the river Blanc.
The route follows a paved path at altitude, which we will have to ascend following a southerly direction. Along the way we will have to follow the signs that will take us along the GR11 path. Shortly afterwards you will come to the lake area. Here you can go fishing if you like, it is an area with good fishing. And if you like adventure, the lake has an adventure park with four different sections to explore.
The image of the Engolasters lake in winter is spectacular.
Incles Valley (Incles)
It is an easy and familiar walk on an unfrequented route to the campsite. Followed by a medium level hike to Juclar lake and the refuge.
It is a very nice excursion as it is in one of the most beautiful valleys of the country, ideal for admiring the incredible flora during spring.
Via Ferrata Roc del Quer (Canillo)
The via ferrata Roc del Quer is at the entrance to Canillo from Escaldes-Engordany. It is five hundred metres long and has a drop of three hundred and fifty metres. The difficulty is quite high.
The Roc de Quer is like a great stone wall. This via ferrata has an aerial component and ascends through the very centre of the wall. It is important to note that there is no escape route. In the middle of the via there is a huge flank. It is a via ferrata that can be accessed freely and with a southeast orientation.
Vall del Madriu
It is located in the southeast of the Principality of Andorra and occupies 10% of the country's territory.
The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley extends through the parishes of Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, Encamp and Sant Julià de Lòria. One of the most popular accesses to the valley is on the Engolasters road.
This valley is the largest secondary river basin in Andorra, and measures some twelve kilometres from one side to the other, with a great difference in altitude. Its highest point is the well-known Pico de la Portelleta (2,905 m).
The network of hiking trails and high mountain refuges allows for a wide range of excursions, and the local flora and fauna can be seen in great detail. During the summer months, thematic guided excursions known as ecotourism routes are organised.
Ascents and routes".
La Font Blanca
The hiking route will take us to one of the five highest peaks in Andorra, at an altitude of 2,903 metres.
We will start on the Pleta del Castellar path, where there is a path towards the Comís Vell river. During the route, of high difficulty, we will cross forests, groups of huts and abundant fauna, until we reach the peak of Font Blanca, a solitary and spectacular spot. From the summit, if the day is clear, you can enjoy spectacular views over the Sorteny valley and France.
Pic de la Serrera
The Serrera peak is one of the six highest peaks in Andorra.
This path was very popular during the 17th-19th centuries, when the iron mines of the Principality were explored.
The path to the Serrera peak starts on the Coma de Ransol road.
Comapedrosa
The ascent to the highest peak in Andorra is a demanding route, and should be done accompanied. The ascent takes about seven hours and is considered to be very difficult.
The best time to climb Comapedrosa peak is from May to October, both for the access and for the spring and autumn colour contrasts produced by the surroundings. Comapedrosa is a real viewpoint, surrounded by a lot of vegetation and with beautiful views of the Pyrenees. The route starts on foot along the Prats Sobirans forest track, following the GR11 (Comapedrosa path).
Medacorba
Impressive north face over the Soulcelm valley in the Arieja. The peak of Medacorba offers an excellent panoramic view over the nearby Pica d'Estats and the Baiau lakes. Medacorba is also the vertex between the Principality of Andorra, Catalonia and France.
GR11
The GR11 is a long-distance hiking route that crosses the Pyrenees on the southern side, between the Cantabrian Sea and the Mediterranean. It is the best known major route in the Pyrenees.
Camí de L`Òssa
This is a two-day circular route that runs through the parishes of Encamp and Escaldes-Engordany. You have to sleep in a free refuge.
The scenery along the route is very beautiful and varied. In addition to the countless lakes, you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views. If you want to enjoy the trip, you should bring everything you need to spend a couple of days and a night in the mountains.
Other park activities
In Andorra you can also go mountain biking in the summer months, mainly. All the necessary equipment is available for hire if you can't bring your own. There are clubs with routes accessible to everyone.
Additional information
The mobile application "Active Tourism"has all the routes, ski resorts and outdoor activities available in the principality. It is an indispensable tool for your trip. It is available on IOS and Android.
The website Visit Andorra offers you all the information you need for your stay in the country. From hotels to ski resorts and all the useful telephone numbers.
Services
Tourist officesAll the main towns have their own tourist office.
PoliceThere are a total of seven police stations for each parish.
Fire station: Andorra has four fire stations.
Medical centreYou have a total of twelve medical centres at your disposal. They will attend you for any service or emergency you may have.
PharmaciesAndorra has an extensive network of pharmacies.
WI-FI PointsWI-FI service is available to the public in all ski resorts and ski resorts.
EmailYou will find Spanish post offices and La Poste de France.
Transport
The bus service or taxi service works very well in Andorra. All the public transport companies in Andorra can be seen here. online at www.transportpublic.ad.
You can also rent a car to get around the country without having to stick to a timetable. You can also rent a bicycle in the country.
We hope this guide has helped you and that you can enjoy your next trip to Andorra without any stress.
