Best Places to Visit in Andorra, Top Attractions

From the idyllic countryside of Ordino to the bustling city of Andorra la Vella, almost all cities in Andorra deserves a visit. Yet, on the off chance that you haven’t had sufficient time to investigate each conceivable alternative, how are you going to locate that great spot?  Made up of several small towns and villages tucked between tall mountain peaks, Andorra lies just three hours' drive from Barcelona to the south and Toulouse to the north, making it an ideal day trip if you're pressed for time. For most visitors, the main attraction is the capital, Andorra La Vella. Small enough to traverse on foot, this delightful city offers a bustling main street boasting many shops and dining opportunities. It's also a nation of superb medieval churches, many of them untouched by time. Skiers and snowboarders tend to flock to the small town of Encamp, a base for the Pas de la Casa and the Grau Roig Ski Area. Another popular ski area is Grandvalira, between Andorra la Vella and Les Escaldes. Other places of interest for sightseers are the picturesque villages of El Serrat, set high in the mountains, and La Cortinada, home to the church of Marti de la Cortinada. Both of these charming villages are found in the Valira del Nord Valley, northwest of the capital city. 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. 

#1- Valle del Sorteny
This natural park is mostly known for its wide variety of species – both of the flora and the fauna. It preserves the diversity of animals and plants in the Pyrenean mountains at its finest. Tourists can explore this wilderness gemstone by themselves or by taking part in the guided thematic eco-tour routes, which focus on different natural aspects of the park – ancient forest, birds, insects, soils, etc.

#2- Mirador del Roc del Quer
This is an epic viewpoint, which consists of the 20-meter-long walkway – 8 of them on solid ground and the other 12 – in the scenery itself. The last 12 meters are part of a platform which is suspended in the middle of the air and brings the sensation of flying over the magnificent Pyrenees. Part of it is made of transparent glass which will also boost your adrenaline. The location is free and open for all, all through the year.

#3- Church of Sant Joan de Caselles
This magnificent church dates back to somewhere between the 11th and the 12th century of Medieval Europe. It is a classic example of Romanesque architecture – built entirely from stone and wood, with some amazing pictorial interior, including scenes representing the crucifixion. It’s also effortless to find – it is located on the main road between Andorra and France. The entrance is free, and all the visitors are offered to use free parking for the first 2 hours of their visit.

#4- Centro Historico
“The Historic center” or “the old town” in Andorra la Vella is a small district which has a few very old and interesting historical buildings, such as Casa de la Vall – the old Andorran parliament, the church of Sant Esteve, Casa Guillemó, etc. Tourists can enjoy a few loveable restaurants and tax-free shopping also, which makes the destination very popular.

#5- La Noblesse du Temps
La Noblesse du Temps or The nobility of time is a monumental bronze sculpture, which is weighing 1,400 kilograms and is rising to 4.90 meters above the ground. It's made by the legendary artist Salvador Dali, and it symbolizes the passing time, which dominates over humanity. There are quite a lot of art lovers around the world, who are eager to visit Andorra just to enjoy this authentic piece of genius, made personally by the hand of Salvador Dali. Keep in mind that you’ll most probably have to wait in line for a while before being able to come close enough to take a picture.

#6- Romanesque Andorra Interpretation Centre
Pal is a protected village in Andorra, created between the 11th and the 12th century. It preserves a unique rural atmosphere along with some of the oldest Romanesque buildings in the country. The main features of the Romanesque cultural heritage in Andorra are shown in a permanent exhibition complemented with an audiovisual montage in the Romanesque Andorra Interpretation Centre.

#7- Vallnord Mountain Park
Vallnord Mountain Park is a specialized activity hub, placed in the Vallnord-Pal Arinsal resort. The place is specially designed to welcome families with children and offers a few delightful family activities which include karting, electric train riding, wall climbing. The place has numerous child-friendly facilities such as swings, ball pools, trampolines, rope bridges, slides, and easy hiking routes.

#8- Soldeu Ski Resort
Soldeu is a modern ski resort in the heart of the Pyrenees. It’s a well-organized skiing village which has everything a ski lover needs – slopes, lifts, ski schools with group and private lessons, etc. The place is also full of additional après ski activities and locations to choose from – sports bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs and shopping areas.

#9- Madriu-Perafita-Claror Natural Park
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is listed as a part of UNESCO World Heritage and is therefore very popular destination among visitors from all around the world. This huge Valley occupies around 10% of Andorra’s entire territory. Its network of various hiking paths, numerous mountain huts and renovated shepherd cabins give the tourists a lot of options for discovering different picturesque routes.

#10- Church of Saint Stephen
This small 12th-century church is located in the old city of the capital – Andorra la Vella. It is a Romanesque church – part of the rich Romanesque cultural heritage on the territory of Andorra. The church has some impressing sculptures, a bell tower, and an apse. The entrance is free of charge and available throughout the year.