Despite being one of the world’s tiniest countries, the nation of Andorra sure has a big wow factor.
Tucked between northern Spain and southern France in the breathtakingly-beautiful Pyrenees mountains, this small-but-mighty spot is often overlooked—or completely forgotten altogether—which makes it even more of a treat for those who make the drive in.
Home to only about 85-thousand people, this four seasons destination has jaw-dropping scenery thanks to its soaring peaks and deep valleys, postcard-perfect towns, fantastic ski resorts, renowned wellness offerings and even the world’s longest alpine slide.
When our family arrived in Andorra during our summer Europe trip, we were immediately impressed: essentially, it’s as stunning as Switzerland, but a fraction of the price. The capital is incredibly walkable, orderly and clean (the street sweepers are out constantly, and it shows), it’s possible to drive to most of Andorra’s must-see spots in less than half an hour, and very peaceful which makes the country a dream to explore—especially when you have a baby in tow like we did.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Andorra during the warmer months including where to stay, how to get around, and the best things to do in Andorra.
Best things to do in Andorra (in summer)
Your experience while visiting Andorra will vary wildly depending on the season: winter brings outdoor adventures like skiing, dog mushing and snowmobiling, while warmer weather means hiking trails and cycling paths are accessible and adventure parks with activities like via ferratas and canyoning are open.
Our family visited in early September, so all of these recommendations are for what to do in Andorra from spring to fall:
Explore Andorra la Vella
The country’s capital is where you’ll find the hub of activity, mostly concentrated along its long avenues lined with shops and restaurants.
But just a couple of blocks off the main strip, Andorra la Vella’s Barri Antic (old town) feels a world away with its narrow, winding cobblestone streets, 16th century stone houses, quiet plazas, and cool restaurants and wine bars tucked in between it all.
The must-see spots are:
- Casa de la Vall, the former parliament
- Sant Estee Church, which dates back to the 12th century
- The Av. Meritxell shopping area
- Mirador del Roc de Senders observation deck for city views
- Pont de Paris bridge
- La Noblesse du Temps (‘The Nobility of Time’), an original Salvador Dalí sculpture
- 7 Poetes (Seven Poets), a public art installation representing the seven parishes of Andorra which is located in the Lídia Armengol Square.
All of the above (other than the observation deck) are within an easy walking distance of each other, so leave the car parked and simply head out to explore.
There’s also a tourism office located directly across from the La Noblesse du Temps statue to assist with any questions.
Hike in Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny
You know when you have a ‘vision’ in mind of a place that makes you want to visit? Before our trip to Andorra I imagined the dramatic Pyrenees mountain ranges, panoramic valley views and cozy chalets perched into hillsides, which is why I got so excited as we drove up to Sorteny Valley Nature Park where it call came to life.
The Sorteny Valley is a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve where more than 800 species of Andorra’s flora and fauna are found, and the maintained park has four different hiking circuits for exploring it.
We opted for the shortest one which only takes about an hour (maps are available at the visitor centre past the parking lot), but those who are up for a trek can opt to tackle one of the 12-kilometre trails which take about seven hours to complete. There’s also a refugio for those who’d like to stay overnight.
The Refugi Guardat Borda de Sorteny trail we did only has a 185 metre incline, so it’s great for those wanting to enjoy a leisurely, scenic walk.
The path has lookout points with benches, and a fenced garden area to learn more about the park’s plant life which our daughter loved toddling around in.
Even without doing much of a hike (thanks to an ominous rain cloud and carrying our 11-month-old), our time in Sorteny Natural Park ended up being our favourite activity during our time in Andorra thanks to how easy it was to enjoy the great outdoors and soak in the stunning scenery.
Wander around Ordino
We were tipped off about this effortlessly charming town at the tourism office while asking about other places to visit during the drive to Sorteney Parc Natural, and it was so worth the stop.
Ordino is rightfully considered the most ‘picturesque parish’ in Andorra, featuring well-preserved architecture dating back centuries.
Built along a hillside, there are some fabulous viewpoints near the centre of town, a towering stone church, the Casa d’Areny-Plandolit house-museum which once belonged to a 17th century noble family, and cute laneways leading past traditional homes. One of our most photogenic stops, for sure!
Brave the Tobotronc alpine slide at Naturland
I was pregnant when we visited Andorra so sadly couldn’t partake in this, but as someone who has tried several alpine slides in the Canadian Rockies I can assure you that riding the Tobotronc is a must-do experience if you love an adrenaline rush!
Naturland is home to the longest alpine toboggan run in the world, where a 5.3 kilometre track twists and turns through the main forest of Sant Julià de Lòria, called La Rabassa.
The 20 minute long, roundtrip ride varies from 1600-2000 metres, and riders get to enjoy the thrills–and views–from their two seater sled. Speed can be controlled during the descent with levers on the side of each sled, and no matter how fast you’re going you’ll feel like you’re whizzing straight down the mountain.
Relax at one of Europe’s largest spas
For centuries, Andorrans have sworn by the health benefits of the mineral-rich groundwaters in Escaldes-Engordany which has a large fault and natural spring; the sulphurous water here is one of the continent’s hottest water sources at 68-71ºC.
Andorra makes the most of its natural thermal waters with wellness experiences like spa hotels, forest bathing, innovative body treatments and the largest thermal spa in southern Europe, Caldea.
The thermal leisure centre boasts an indoor lagoon with hydromassage basins, an Outer Lake framed by native Andorran vegetation, a transparent, panoramic lagoon hovering over the Valira River, saunas, hammams, Indo-Roman baths, a Japanese-inspired exfoliating grapefruit bath, bubble beds and ice baths—and that’s not even all of it!
Visiting Andorra with kids and need a break? Caldea’s children’s spa has a team of specialist supervisors who help children ages 3-8 discover ‘spa world’ with games, stories, sensory areas, a warm-but-not-hot sauna, fitness station and even beauty treatments like yogurt face masks.
Globe Guide note: Kids age 5 and up are welcome to join parents in a few other select areas of Caldea as well.
Different ticket options are available depending on how much time you have and how many areas you’d like to access. Body treatments including massages and facials are also available. Click here to book
Walk on a massive sundial
A unique attraction called the Solar de Tristaina Viewpoint is found about a 20 minute drive northwest of Ordino at the Ordino-Arcalís Ski Resort right on the French and Spanish borders. Designed as a sundial, this huge, suspended metal sphere overlooks the Ordino valley and Tristaina lakes.
The solar viewpoint is accessed by a cable car, then chairlift, then a 15 minute hike up to the 2,701-metre-high peak of Peyreguils to admire the jaw-dropping views.
How to spend 2 days in Andorra: Itinerary planning
Our road trip from Barcelona to Monaco and back was already pretty packed, so we were only able to stay in Andorra for two nights. Luckily that’s enough time to to see most of the highlights thanks to its compact size, and here’s how you can do the same:
Day 1: Walk around Andorra la Vella in the morning, head to Naturland in the afternoon, then end the day with a relaxing spa session at Caldea before having dinner in the old town.
Day 2: Go for a hike in Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny in the morning, grab lunch in Ordino and explore town for a bit, then visit the Solar de Tristaina Viewpoint later that afternoon before driving back to the capital.
How to get to Andorra
The closest international airports to Andorra are actually in Spain (Barcelona or Girona), which are a 2 ½ to 3 hour drive away depending on traffic and potential border crossing backups.
It’s best to rent a car (I always book through Discover Cars) for the flexibility to get around in Andorra; otherwise, buses link Andorra la Vella to cities in Spain and France (no trains here!). Here’s more information about how to get to Andorra.
Globe Guide tip: If you’re driving from Barcelona to Andorra, be sure to take Highway C-55 and stop at Montserrat en route. There’s a Benedictine monastery tucked into the dramatic cliffside, stunning lookout points, funicular, cable car and restaurants, making this one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona.
Where to stay in Andorra
Casa de L’Hortal (Casa Vipp): Staying at this absolutely stunning property was among the highlights of our trip to Andorra–in fact, my partner’s exact words were “I don’t think I’ve ever stayed somewhere this nice.” Keep in mind, we’ve stayed at some pretty swanky spots over the years!
This luxury guesthouse has a prime location right in the heart of Andorra la Vella, literally steps away from the city’s most popular landmarks and restaurants.
The historic property is a Borda (traditional Andorran stone house) which was once used to store livestock and grain, and there’s actually a photo from those days hanging in the dining room.
The current owners who run a design studio in Andorra meticulously restored it over the years, and Casa Vipp’s architectural features and contemporary, earthy design are absolutely stunning.
Guests can spread out in the two-storey home which has everything you need for a short or long-term stay, including a full kitchen, dining room, outdoor patio, laundry and spacious living room with a fireplace. The loft-like upstairs has a bedroom and bathroom complete with soaker tub, and there’s a powder room on the main floor.
Casa Vipp is best suited for couples (maximum two adults, minimum two night stay); however, they were able to provide a pack and play for our daughter so it’s also an option for those travelling with a baby.
View this post on Instagram
If Casa Vipp isn’t available or out of budget, top rated hotels in Andorra la Vella include the boutique-style Acta Arthotel which has a gym, spa with a sauna and Turkish baths and two on-site restaurants, or Yomo Centric which has a convenient central location, friendly staff and sleek, modern rooms.
Surprising facts about Andorra
- Life expectancy in Andorra is the fifth highest in the world–must be that fresh mountain air!
- This is the only country in the world where Catalan is the official language. However, Andorrans are also fluent in Spanish and French due to their proximity to Spain and France and many speak English as well.
- Andorra is perhaps best known for its shopping; the tax rate is only 4.5% as it operates outside of EU VAT rules, so goods are sometimes up to 20 per cent cheaper. The best buys are cosmetics, jewellery, glasses, electronics, tobacco and spirits. There are more than 1000 shops, open all but four days per year.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:
- What it’s like to stay in the Les Îlots de Gruissan LodgeBoats
- 10 fairytale places to see during your Alsace visit
SHARE THE PINSPIRATION! CLICK THE IMAGES BELOW TO PIN:
This post may contain affiliate links, which Globe Guide receives compensation for at no additional cost to you.
