In which city house in Andorra?

The Principality of Andorra, in the French-Spanish Pyrenees, is one of the smallest countries in Europe. This is in which city to stay in Andorra!

Andorra - Said Andorra and Principality of Andorra in Catalan – is a state of 468 km2 (two times the department of Seine-Saint-Denis), planted in the Pyrenees massif, with a population estimated at 85,458 inhabitants in 2014. Andorra la Vella, at 1,023 metres above sea level, is the highest capital in Europe. Because of its advantageous tax system, Andorra has become a great tourist destination. We go there to go for free shopping, but not only: almost ten million visitors each year come to buy alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics, perfumes, gourmets and clothing at reduced prices, but they also enjoy nature hiking and skiing trails. Despite this, the choice of accommodation is wide, and staying in Andorra will not be difficult and will be affordable: around € 30 per night for a hotel.

Andorra is divided into nine cities mainly: Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Endordany, Encamp, La Massana, Sant Julià de Lòria, Canillo, Ordino, Pas de la Case and Soldeu. Here is our presentation of the cities to sleep in Andorra.

Andorra la Vella and Les Escaldes

The highest capital of Europe, Andorra la Vella, is located at 1,013 metres above sea level and houses 22,615 inhabitants. Of course, Andorra’s city has the most hotels and accommodation solutions. Where to stay in Andorra la Vella? We recommend that you target the area near Central Park, south of the city: along Meritxell and Carlemany avenues, you will find the area of restaurants and bars, shopping centres, shops of all kinds, museums and of course hotels. Loging to Andorra la Vella allows you to discover a city rich in history perched in the middle of majestic mountain landscapes. On its south side, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley offers beautiful hikes.

Canillo

Canillo has 4,826 people, called Canillencs. Located at 1,530 meters above sea level and spread over 121 km2, Canillo is located in the north centre of Andorra. The city also attracts for its winter activities: 5 months of snow throughout the year; Although the climate of Canillo is more cold and dry than elsewhere in Andorra. We counted more than 20 hotels to sleep in Canillo, and many bars and restaurants are scattered on both sides of the main road, Sant Joan de Caselles Avenue.

In good weather, try Casal campsite, east of the city, or Santa Creu campsite on the south shore of the river. The city centre of Canillo leaves a charming city impression to the visitor. Don’t miss: the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Meritxell, the Palais de Glace d’Andorre, the church of Sant Joan de Caselles (a symbol of Catalan Romanesque art), the church of Sant Serni. Enjoy it to make some nice walks in the valley of Incles. To stay in Canillo, look where to book the accommodation because the town is very spread.

Encamp

With 1,521 inhabitants, Encamp is the third city in the country. By choosing to stay in the city centre, you can do everything on foot. The hotels are rather located along the river. Know that housing at home is also possible, with platforms such as Airbnb For example. Many sporting activities await visitors and you: climbing, hiking, walking to the high mountain lakes (Engolasters, Illa and Montmalús) and skiing, going to the slopes of Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig.

Also take the Funitel, one of the longest cable cars in Europe, with a length of more than 6200 metres. Historical Romanesque art buildings are to be visited in Encamp: the traditional Casa Cristo house or the Romanesque church of Les Bons. Finally, if you want to stay in Encamp, do not miss a tour at Del Prat Gran Park.

No Case

With a population of 2,996 inhabitants, Pas de la Case at 2,000-2,200 metres above sea level, is the only road crossing point in Andorra between France and Spain. Tourists come mainly to shop at low prices – compared to France and Spain – where the products are zero-taxed. The city will also seduce alpine ski lovers with the nearby Grandvalira station. If you like skiing, go for Grandvalira in fact: it is the largest resort in the Pyrenees and south of Europe, with 210 kilometers skiable, or 118 slopes for all levels.

If you read us, you can retort the fans of Courchevel, the Arcs or Megève in the Alps, claiming to ski on the biggest slopes, that you have to go to the Pyrenees to find the largest estate! Staying in the Pas de la Case allows you to go on a hike to the lake of the Abelletes – or the pond of Font-Negre – or to Grau Roig, including the promenade of the Lac des Pessons and its eponymous circus (6-7 hours of hiking!), with landscapes of nature at a loss of sight.

Main Photo Credit: Flickr – Miquel Fabre