The 13 essential things to do in Andorra

Visit Andorra: what are the best things to do and see in the Principality nestled in the Pyrenees?

Andorra is the small piece of land between the France and Spain , in the heart of the Pyrenees. This tiny country usually crossed by tourists to search for products that are less expensive than those practised in the Hexagon. But does visit Andorra reduce to this?

The answer is of course not. His culture, influenced by France and Catalonia, left very beautiful things to see, just like its nature. So ready to discover the must-see in Andorra? Here we go!

1. Sant Joan de Caselles Church

Like Catalonia, Andorra is a reference of art roman especially for his churches. Discover the most beautiful of the Principality: the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles, built between the 11th and 12th century.

Located near Canillo, it appears as the most beautiful witness of the Andorran Romanesque style. When you arrive, raise your head well to admire its bell tower, inspired by lumbar art. Its apse in half circle and its rectangular nave are also beautiful.

Then enter the church to discover its interior, where a particular atmosphere reigns. This may come from the fact that a representation of Christ takes place before a fresco representation the crucifixion. The rest is more classic, with a real Renaissance touch.

Finally, if you have time, you can visit other churches, such as the Sant Miquel church of Engolasters.

2. Centre SPA Caldea

Enjoy the pure water of the Pyrenees and the idyllic setting to relax. For this, nothing is worth a good SPA. This falls well, the Caldea SPA Centre is the perfect place to fulfill your desire.

You will have the choice between two atmospheres:

• Thermoludic: to spend a good time with family;
• Inùu : To find yourself in love.

3. The village of Ordino

Among the places to visit in Andorra are the splendid village of Ordino. Being part of Andorra’s parish, it is located in the northwest of the valley, a few 1,300 metres above sea level. Take a walk in the streets of the city, lunch near the city hall and enjoy a sumptuous setting, where the stone is the best friend of Man.

4. Grandvalira ski resort

Even if it is a ski resort, Grandvalira is also to be discovered all year round, thanks to the many free sports activities such as archery, canoeing, trampoline, etc. By taking the cable car, you will be able to enjoy a view of the valley. Grandiose.

For powder lovers, you can enjoy 193 kilometers of trails, where all levels find their account. Perfect for groups of friends and families!

5. The historical ensemble of the Bons

The Principality of Andorra holds small corners where you feel like you’re out of time. However, the historical ensemble of the Bons, including the church of Sant Romà, is a little common: this church (Roman, you guessed it) of the 12th century offers a rectangular nave and a semicircular apse of lumbar style.

The interior of the church has preserved the table of the altar in stone but also the Romanesque pictorial reproductions of masters of Santa Coloma. Do not hesitate to walk out of the church in the Bons district, which has a plan to protect its architecture since 1997.

6. The sanctuary of Meritxell

The sanctuary of Meritxell bears the name of the patron saint of Andorra, to whom the place is dedicated. From the beginning, architecture puts our eyes on it, since it assumes both a very Catholic, monastic side, but also a avant-garde style of the most beautiful effect.

Inside, the main room is very bright. Uncommon fact for place of worship. But there too, the avant-garde side breaks the codes, with windows that replace the stone. The whole, for a successful result, mixing perfectly tradition and contemporary. Don't miss this unique place if you come to Andorra.

7. Hiking in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Inscribed to the Unesco World Patrimone, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is a true Andorran jewel. Therefore, to revive the heart this exceptional nature, where the ecosystem is a force, can only inspire.

The route starting Escaldes-Engordany is the most plebiscisive. Indeed, it allows visitors to enjoy gigantic spaces that lead to Fontverd, where a panorama of alpine pastures and glaciers await them.

Finally, gambader in the valley offers good in time, discovering the techniques used by the Pyrenean populations, to exploit local resources.

8. Le Pas de la Case (Pas de la Casa)

No way to visit Andorra without passing through the Pas de la Case. Originally, only a small house was on these lands. Hence its name, which means "Passover of the House". Today, the Pas de la Case has changed well. From now on, it is a recognized winter sports resort, with 200 kilometres of tracks.

But if the Pas de la Case is a must-see in Andorra, it is also for its small prices. Indeed, many tourists come to drink, gasoline and cigarettes, for a cash ticket far below what would be found in the Hexagon.

9. Canillo

However, Andorra is not necessarily synonymous with skiing or shopping. To discover a peaceful little village, away from the crowd of tourists, Canillo is the place to be.

Very pleasant to walk in the summer, you go to relax, but also to visit the church of San Serni, the hermitage of Sainte-Croix in which you will find an altar dedicated to Christ.

It is also an opportunity to discover the Harnero mill which, of course, does not work but remains extremely well preserved.

10. Soldeu

For those who love tranquility and walks in the middle of nature, the town of Soldeu is for you. Surrounded by a sumptuous Pyrenean landscape, you are sure to enjoy an ideal quality of life under very pleasant temperatures in the summer.

In winter, enjoy its trails, which enjoy both novices and confirmed ones.

11. Sant Climent de Pal

With its Romanesque church and picturesque decors, the Church of Sant Climent de Pal is one of the most beautiful visits to Andorra.

The place of worship is the true tourist attraction. Its slender tower, its lumbar influence and the association stone, wood, metal embodies the church in the lineage of the Andorran Romanesque churches. As for the village itself, it is perfect for walking and enjoying calm. A real postcard decor.

12. Areny-Plandolit Museum (or house)

Located in the city of Ordino, the Museu Casa d’Areny-Plandolit is in a 17th century mansion. It belonged to a rich aristocratic family who worked in the iron industry in Andorra. It is possible to admire many pieces of collection with objects and furniture of style that will bring you back to Andorra two centuries ago.

In the house, don't miss the main hall and library, two incredible rooms where sits an impressive collection of old books with their leather blankets.

13. Casa de la Vall (or Maison des Vallées)

Built in 1580, Casa de la Vall is used first as a home for a rich family, before serving at the seat of Andorra’s parliament (since 1702). On the ground floor, is El Tribunal de Corts (salle of justice), the only and only courtroom in the country.

La Sala del Consell , upstairs, must be one of the most comfortable chambers of parliament in the world. Inside it, the Armari de les Set Claus (the cabinet to the Seven Keys) contains the most important official documents of Andorra. Each of the keys is the property of Andorra’s parishes, allowing for security.

La Casa de la Vall can be visited. Free guided tours exist in several languages. However, if you come in the summer, think to book in advance.

How to get to Andorra?

Attention, here no port, no station, and even less airport! Only two means of transport allow you to reach the principality:

By car

By car, it is by the RN20 to the Andorran territory. Count about 2h30 car from Toulouse , 3:30 since Montpellier , 2h40 since Barcelona , or 2:15 since Perpignan .

By train

It is important to know that the nearest SNCF stations are “L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre” and “La Tour de Carol”. Then, to reach Andorra la Vella, you have to take the shuttle planned for this purpose.

Where to stay in Andorra?

To visit Andorra, the ideal is to stay in Andorra la Vella and to radiate from this city. Accommodation offer (hotels, lodgings or Airbnb ) and conveniences make things much easier. But there are other cities where to stay in Andorra, such as Canillo and Encamp. To find your happiness, don’t hesitate to help you with Compare hotels . It will sort all offers, according to your criteria and your prices.

In general, finding accommodation in Andorra will not be complicated. The principality is used to tourism and therefore offers many options.

You are ready to visit Andorra. All you need to do is pack!