Cosily located between France and Spain, and nestled in the snowy peaks of the Pyrenean Mountains, Andorra may be small but it is definitely worth a visit for those looking for premium skiing terrain, hiking opportunities, and lush scenery. The capital Andorra la Vella has a vibrant arts and food scene, as well the largest spa complex in Europe and much of the rest of Andorra is made up of scatterings of picture perfect villages and towns set amidst a backdrop of spectacular vistas. Architecture lovers also won’t feel out of place here, as there are medieval and Romanesque buildings in abundance, many set on imposing hilltops or hidden away at the end of mountain lanes. Perfect for exploring at your leisure in a bid to uncover as many hidden gems as possible long the way. Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Andorra!
Soldeu Ski Resort
One of Andorra’s best and most upmarket ski resorts is Soldeu, set on a steep slope and overlooking a wide valley. The resort features 200 km (124.27 mi) of pisted slopes, consisting of a good number of blue and green slopes for beginners, as well as more challenging red and black runs for advanced skiers, and even snow gardens for the kids. The resort is also home to the Sport Wellness Spa for relaxing the muscles after a day on the slopes.
Grandvalira Ski Area
The largest ski area in the Pyrenees is the Grandvalira Ski Area, home to 210 km (130.5 mi) of slopes, as well as ski schools, over 40 restaurants and cafés and even kindergartens. Partly covered by artificial snow, it has almost guaranteed ski conditions and is actually the only place where Alpine winter sports competitions can be held within the Pyrenees.
Encamp
In the geographical center of Andorra, the town of Encamp – home to nearly 12,000 people – makes for a good base no matter what time of year you choose to explore the country. Its downtown is also one of the prettiest, with the Valira d’Orient river running through it, and its fine old buildings now serving as shops, cafés, and restaurants. It also serves as a great place from which to hike thanks to the neighboring Pic dels Pessons mountain, at 2,865 meters (9,400 ft) the parish’s tallest peak. Come winter, the town is transformed into one of the country’s most important ski centers with a gondola linking it directly to the slopes of Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa.
Andorra la Vella
Perched high in the eastern Pyrenees, the capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella, is this small nation’s busiest tourist attraction. At an altitude of 1,029 meters, it’s one of the world’s highest capital cities (it’s also one of the smallest with a population of less than 25,000 people). Presiding over the Gran Valira river under the east side of the 2,317-meter Pic d’Enclar mountain, the city’s main street is lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to local arts and crafts, along with many galleries, cafés, and restaurants. Top attractions include Casa de la Vell, built in 1580 and now the seat of government. It’s notable for its ornate coat of arms and other historical emblems of the country’s former rulers. Highlights of a guided tour include the reception room with its 16th-century wall paintings and, in the Council Chamber (Sala de Sessions), the historic Cupboard of the Seven Keys, to which each of the country’s seven communes has a key (it contains the country’s archives, including documents dating from the time of Charlemagne). Other sites worth seeing are Plaça del Poble, a public square on the roof of the city’s administrative complex, which offers great views of the surrounding scenery, and the 12th-century Sant Esteve Church with its fine carved woodwork.
Vallnord
One of the most popular winter sports destinations in the Pyrenees, Vallnord draws skiers and snowboarders from across Europe to its many fine slopes. In the northern part of Andorra, Vallnord is really three unique ski resorts in one – Arcalis, Pal, and Arinsal – providing a vast amount of terrain to explore. Skiers and boarders of all levels are well catered to, with more experienced downhillers usually heading for the north-facing alpine slopes of Arcalis with its long lasting snows, while beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike are well catered to at Arinsal and Pal. Most slopes are connected to one another by cable car, while gondolas from the village of La Massana serve Pal. Vallnord is particularly popular for family ski vacations due to its first-rate ski schools and fun activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling, as well as paintball and laser tag. For the truly adventurous, activities such as speed riding (a mix of skiing and hang-gliding), heli-skiing, and ski-biking are available. Another popular ski area is Grandvalira between Andorra la Vella and Les Escaldes.
Centre Termolúdic Caldea
In the heart of Andorra la Vella, the huge Centre Termolúdic Caldea, Europe’s largest spa complex, dominates the capital’s skyline with its magnificent glass pyramid tower. Featuring more than 6,000 square meters of watery fun and treatment areas, guests can make full use of the facility’s numerous lagoons (both indoor and outdoor), its many saunas and jacuzzis, as well as its specialized spa areas featuring Indo-Roman baths, cascades, warm marble slates, and even a grapefruit pool. Due to its use of the mineral-rich warm waters that emerge from the city’s thermal source, a visit to this uniquely designed spa complex is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that is not soon forgotten.
La Cortinada and Sant Martí Church
The village of La Cortinada is one of the most attractive smaller communities in Andorra. Surrounded by meadows and rugged mountains, the village is home to the lovely 12th-century Sant Martí de la Cortinada church, notable for its Romanesque frescoes, its charnel-house, and a beautiful old dovecot. Later additions from the 17th and 18th centuries include locally made fine wrought iron railings, a brightly painted wooden altarpiece, numerous fine pieces of elaborate furniture, and a confessional.
The Town of Les Escaldes
The Andorran town of Les Escaldes, just a few minutes’ drive from Andorra la Vella, takes its name from the many hot springs dotted around the community. Known for their high sulphur and nitrogen content, the town’s waters range from a pleasant 22 °C to a scalding 66 °C and were well known as far back as Roman times for their medicinal qualities. Other highlights include the Viladomat Museum with its displays of works by Catalan sculptor Josep Viladomat, the ruins of the old fortress of Capilla Sant Roma, and the historic Pont dels Escalls bridge with its superb views of the old town.
The Santa Coloma Church
On the main road leading from Andorra to Spain in the little village of Santa Coloma is one of the country’s finest Romanesque churches, the Santa Coloma Church. Notable for its tall, rounded three-stage tower – very different from the more typical square design of other church towers in the country – this splendid old stone structure dates from the 9th century and contains a much venerated 12th-century statue of the Virgin of Coloma, a number of Mozarabic frescoes on its arched entrance, and a splendid medieval font. Afterwards, take the short hike up to the 12th-century castle of Sant Vicenç d’Enclar perched upon the commanding Roc d’Enclar just above the village.