ANDORRA ( EUROPE )

15 THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN ANDORRA















WHAT CAN YOU DO IN ANDORRA

Andorra is a small, landlocked nation wedged between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. The 6th smallest nation in Europe, it has a population of 85,000 that primarily speaks Catalan, although French, Spanish and Portuguese are also spoken. At only 468 square kilometres (181 square miles), making it only a little smaller than Scottsdale, Arizona, it has more than 10 million visitors annually. There are many things to do in Andorra that are unique and interesting.





1. Skiing in Andorra

Of the many things to do in Andorra, skiing is the top of the list. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is 1,023 meters (3,356 feet) above sea level. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can find a ski resort in Andorra.

Grandvalira is Andorra’s biggest ski region. You’ll find several places Andorra ski resorts and a wide range of slopes for every level. It also has the highest mountain ranges and the most lifts, so you can spend all day enjoying the fluffy white powder.






2. Explore Andorra

The single best thing you can do is explore while traveling. Quaint, small stone houses and cobblestone roads are commonplace, making the nation seem like a step back in time. The mountain backdrop makes it especially picturesque.

Discover government buildings, bridges and unforgettable natural scenery. Together, they’ll keep you snapping pictures, so bring along some spare batteries and a few extra gigs of space.

If you’re not into skiing, plan your trip for before or after the ski season – think early fall or late spring. You can enjoy the beauty without the hordes of tourists and get cheaper hotel prices to boot.

3. Andorra Shopping

Need to do some shopping? This is the place. Since Andorra isn’t part of the European Union, you can buy clothing and other luxury items tax free. Just because it’s small and quaint doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the best there is to offer.

Ready to spend? Head to Meritxell and Carlemany streets if you’re in Andorra La Vella. Don’t worry if you’re headed to another city: you can find exclusive boutiques and outlet stores nationwide. Designer label stores and sports equipment stores are on nearly every block.





4. Eat in Andorra

Fusion Asian food is becoming more common, but in Andorra, fusion French and Spanish with a twist is the name of the game. Can you say, “Yum”?

In general, the wine is French, but desserts, entrees and breakfasts are mixed. Specialties from France and Spain are both readily available. Typical Andorran mountain fare is disappearing, there are very few restaurants, called Bordas, remaining that serve it.

However, if you like your plate heaped high with meat, stop by a borda. You can select from an array of sausage, pork, canelones, lamb, foie gras, rabbit, chicken and beef, often roasted over a fire.





5. Caldea

Caldea is a thermal spa resort, and the largest spa center in southern Europe. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Andorra. The thermal water is naturally rich with minerals that provide healing, even acting as an anti-allergen and a decongestant. Relax your muscles, get a massage and enjoy yourself with:

Baths at different temperatures
A steam room
A hydro bar

The building is futuristic and the tallest in the nation and is located near Andorra La Vella.





6. Comapedrosa Valley National Park in La Massana

Coma Pedrosa is the highest peak in Andorra. Historically, it was known for keeping out invaders with relative ease. It’s a very steep climb, so only the strongest should attempt it. The valley, on the other hand, is gentler. Even people who are strong may need a rest and can seek refuge halfway up the mountain. There is another rest stop at the top of the peak.

Animal life abounds throughout the park.





7. Naturlandia Nature Park

This adventure park in Sant Julia de Loria Parish is one of the Andorra attractions every member of the family will love. You can enjoy nature, relax and have fun. they also have a small restaurant. Curious? Summer activities include:

• Driving buggies and jeeps
• Riding ponies
• Trampoline
• Bounce house
• Zipline
• Mini golf
• Archery
• Paintball
• Bumperball
• Animal park
• Tubing

Visiting in winter? Add in cross-country and snowshoeing, among other things.





8. Mountain Biking

You can do this at Naturlandia, but you can also go mountain biking at many of the ski resorts in Andorra. You’ll find a variety of scenic mountain bike trails, from beginning levels to expert levels.

Never done it? Vallnord Bike Park in Vallnord offers lessons. It also has trails that combine the mountain trails with forest trails. These intense paths include jumps, steep single-tracks and footbridges for people who are up for more extreme adventure.

You take your bike up the lift and go down on a track of your choice – pay attention to signs!





9. Hiking Trails

Hitting the trails in summer is top of the list of things to do in Andorra. Take Engolasters Lake-Les Pardines Path in the Parish of Encamp. Dozens of trails wind around the lake. Most are appropriate for young and old, although there are some steep parts.

Tristaina Lake Trail in La Massana Parish has several trails of varying levels. Though steeper, the hike doesn’t require equipment, although they may be too difficult for children. The path leads to beautiful mountain lakes where you can fish or take a very frigid swim.

Valle de Incles in Soldeu (Canillo Parish) is littered with easy paths through the mountains and pine forests.





10. Visit Gorgeous, Historic Churches

Historic churches dot the Andorran countryside and they’re some of the places in Andorra that are most beautiful. Consider Sant Joan de Caselles, a 12th-century church in Canillo Parish comprised of stone buildings, a beautiful bell tower and well-kept walkways.

Santuario de Meritxell (Canillo Parish) is part of a route made up of five sanctuaries. It has arched doorways and walkways, stunning stonework, and a peaceful open courtyard. It’s an international destination of faith important to the culture and identity of the Andorrans.

Santa Coloma Church is located just outside of Andorra La Vella. This small church has fantastic stonework, stained glass windows and beautiful grounds.





11. National Automobile Museum

Located in Encamp, the National Automobile Museum has more than five floors of cars, bicycles, motorcycles and other machines. The young and old alike will enjoy this glimpse at the earliest cars to modern vehicles.

In addition to vintage cars, racing prototypes are available throughout the museum, as are miniatures and model cars. Kids will love to see the evolution of cars and engineers will love popping open trunks and hoods to take a look at the immaculate machinery.

Not all of the cars are old, many are quite new and very eclectic, as they were owned by actual Andorrans.






12. La Noblesse du Temps

Located in the shopping center of Andorra la Vella, La Noblesse du Temps is a Salvador Dali sculpture created in 1977. It’s in a picturesque location and makes a perfect photo opportunity. Afterward, enjoy some shopping and traditional cuisine, or just a nice view of the river beneath a stone bridge.

Other art pieces are located nearby, as it’s an artsy area, so look for them if you have the time.






13. Motorcycle Museum

This motorcycles in this museum date back to the 1890s. They’re in chronological order and broken down into different themes. Moto Cross is popular in Andorra, so many of the motorcycles reflect the sport. Discover some trial bikes that didn’t work as expected, a variety of European models and even some scooters.

Even someone unfamiliar with motorcycles could enjoy the exhibits, as they’re labeled concisely in multiple languages. This museum is one of the best places to visit in Andorra on a rainy afternoon.





14. Miniature Museum in Ordino

Looking for things to do in Andorra when they weather isn’t cooperating? The unique miniatures include microscopic signatures on human hair, a caravan of camels traversing through the eye of a needle, and the pyramids of Giza. Russian dolls and beautiful crosses and crucifixes are on display.

If you like miniatures or just want to admire something that takes skill and dedication, it’s worth the visit at only 5€.






15. Andorra Nightlife

Once the sun sets, Andorra shuts down. Skiing is done. Even in the summer, shops close around 8pm. The streets empty, but Andorra has a fantastic nightlife. Dance to disco music, pop into a bar for a cold one, or relax in a calm club. Ski lodges and resorts are also busy after hours.

Like much of Europe, night activities rage until the wee hours of the morning. Even ski lodges have bars and clubs for dancing.