Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Andorra

Andorra has France on one side & Spain on the other, and then there are no more sides. All the places to visit in Andorra are sandwiched between France & Spain. Andorra is a Catalan country and shares cultural similarities with both Spain & France. Andorra trips by flight is not an option, there are no airports in the country. The closest airports are Toulouse in France and Barcelona in Spain. You can club your Andorra travel with any of these two countries. The Andorra valley was declared UNESCO World heritage site.

The best things to do in Andorra are all based around the theme of mountains. Andorra sightseeing spots give incredibly serene views of the mountains. Most of Andorra tourist attractions are nature explorations and adventure activities. Additionally, there is the attraction of tax-free shopping, which is what sets many wheels turning towards an Andorra travel. Andorra is a popular king retreats for Spaniards & French alike. The capital city Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe.

Andorra is situated on the Pyrénées Mountains and is the 16th smallest country in the world. Andorra trips are also frequently made by people for leisure and rejuvenation travel. One of the top things to do in Andorra is enjoy the Caldea Spa Center. This spa center is built on a natural thermal spring, which is the main attraction there. And there are also several indoor spa, jacuzzi, Turkish baths among other therapies.

An Andorra vacation is incomplete without washing away your worries at Caldea. On colder side of top things to do in Andorra is the Grandvalira, a huge skiing resort for an iced & sliding adventure on the mountains. There are several skiing resorts & locations among Andorra tourist attractions, Grandvalira is largest and the most popular. Also located in Grandvalira is the Hotel Igloo, a hotel made from ice like an Igloo. It is one of the most interesting things to see in Andorra and also one of the most unique places to stay. The same resort gives some of the best Andorra sightseeing opportunities. But it is not just skiing and snowboarding in Andorra. These resorts also host some of the most fun & engaging festivals during the winter months. If you are on an Andorra vacation for Skiing, you should get a Ski Andora Pass. This pass will give you access to all of ski slopes in Andorra for 5 days straight.

Besides skiing Andorra is also popular for biking tourism, hiking tourism, mountain running and other adventure activities. The hiking trails especially are almost heavenly. On stark opposite of Andorra tourist attractions is the quaint villages like Ordino, Canillo, and Pal. This villages look like part of a medieval tale and are incredibly picturesque. One of the most interesting things to see in Andorra is the shops. You will see guns, sniper rifles, machine guns, and even bazookas displayed on regular shop windows. And they are up for sale, not just decoration pieces. These shop are as much part of Andorra sightseeing as the mountains, snow globes & shotguns being sold side by side.

Hunting is also counted among top things to do in Andorra & people are passionate about the hunting season, hence the artillery. If you are roaming visiting Andorra tourist attractions during hunting season, wear bright, very bright clothes. Anything that does not make you look like game to be hunted.

Among things to see in Andorra are medieval churches, medieval buildings and museums, but it is the nature & activities which are primary reason for Andorra vacation. One of the popular places to visit in Andorra for traditional gastronomical experience are the Bordas. These thick-stone walled restaurants, well not strictly restaurants, serve great traditional and local preparations. There are special dishes to try during each season. If you are there during easter or Pasqua as it is called in Catalan, you should try the Monas, a sweet bread desert. Besides tax-free shopping, Andorra is also famous for tax-free lottery. Many tourists do try their luck at the lottery. The shopping in Andorra is incredible, and not just because it is tax-free. Most people miss out on this beautiful piece of heaven when visiting France or Spain, so you will have a hidden gem to unveil in conversations for the rest of your life.

Parishes & Best Places to Visit in Andorra

1. Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is the prime city of the country. It is the biggest center of attraction in the entire nation. Everything fun, adventurous and beautiful that you associate with Andorra can be found here.

2. Canillo

Canillo is most popular for its ski resorts, especially Grandvalira Resort. This is the most popular skiing destination to visit in Andorra.

3. Encamp

Encamp is also popular as a skiing destination. Having shared borders with both France and Spain, makes it far more accessible to tourists compared to other parts of Andorra.

4. Escaldes-Engordany

Escalades-Engordany is most accessible from Spain. Besides skiing and other snow sports, this region is also well known for its museums and other historical buildings.

5. La Massana

This region of Andorra is home to the nation’s highest peak. La Massana is known as a nature escape tourist attraction. You can enjoy the beautiful views of mountains, valleys, forests and rivers regardless of the season here.

6. Ordino

Ordino is considered to be the cultural capital of Andorra. You can enjoy several festivals, arts and performances in Ordino when you visit Andorra.

7. Sant Julia de Loria

Sant Julia de Loria shares borders with Spain is a popular entry point for the country. It also has several adventurous activities as well as historical churches and museums to visit.

Best time to visit Andorra

The best time to visit Andorra is during the sunny summer days starting from the month of April all the way to the month of October. The weather during these months is lovingly warm & dry as opposed to the wet & cold winters on these mountainous regions. The clear sky & shinning sun makes it perfect weather for best things to do in Andorra. Whereas if you are visiting in winter, there is a limit on places to visit in Andorra owing to the weather. Secondly, the top things to do are also confined to a few activities. But, the snowy winter here is perfect for skiing and Andorra is a popular skiing destination. There are also several events and festivals taking place around skiing slopes for people to enjoy on Andorra travel. The mountains are after all one of the major Andorra tourist attractions.

Popular Festivals, Events & Things to do in Andorra

1. Revetlla de Sant Joan

• • Dates: June 23rd
  • Location: All across Andorra
  • It is one of the best time to visit Andorra and the best places to visit in Andorra during Revetlla de Sant Joan are the village squares at night. It is at night that festival truly comes to life. Huge bonfires are lit on village squares. People gather around the bonfires to dance & sing and just enjoy themselves to the fullest. There are even fireworks involved, which makes the night sky an incredible festive Andorra sightseeing locations. The most interesting aspect is that all the merriment is done dressed as witches & devils. One of the top things to do in Andorra on the night of Revtlla de Sant Joan is to creating balls of bark, paper, and chicken-wire; then setting these balls on fire and swinging them around. This is also done by people dressed as witches & devils. It is the most interesting things to see in Andorra.

2. Our Lady of Meritxell Day

• • Dates: September 18
  • Location: Sanctuary of Meritxell
  • Details: The festival has everyone gathering at the Meritxell Church for mass, which is also among places to visit in Andorra. The Lady of Meritxell is the Saint Patroness of Andorra. The highlight of the festival is a procession with lit torches followed by merriment & performances in the local community.

3. Horizon Festival

• • Dates: March 26 to April 2
  • Location: Arinsal
  • The Horizon Festival is one of the biggest ski festival in Andorra. People gather on the snowy mountains to slide down with adrenaline rushing in their veins. There are several skiing and snowboarding competitions at the festival, which are anyways some of the most fun things to do in Andorra. Arinsal is also among the most beautiful Andorra sightseeing places. The festival truly lights up in the night with rave parties, dancing, spa discos, and more.

4. Pasqua

• • Dates: April 12
  • Location: All across Andorra
  • Pasqua is the equivalent of easter in the Catalan region. The highlight of this festival is the dessert dish called Monas. It is a traditionally baked bread cake filled with fruits. Some variations of the Monas also include hard-boiled eggs. Some stores & food outlets prepare Monas with jam, chocolate, vanilla and other such dessert additions.

5. Andorra la Vella Festa Major

• • Dates: First weekend of August
  • Location: Andorra la Vella
  • Festa Major is the biggest summer festival of Andorra’s capital. It is also one the best times to visit Andorra. Many people form nearby conduct Andorra travel for this very festival. It is a weekend filled with merriment, dancing, singing and parades. The festival also sees organization of circus & traditional dances among other best things to do in Andorra. There are also many things to see in Andorra la Vella which are especially decorated during this festival. All of Andorra attractions look even more attractive for Festa Major.

6. The Bagpiper’s Meeting

• • Dates: August
  • Location: Ordino
  • The bagpiper’s meeting is one of the most interesting festivals in Andorra. Bagpipe is a common instrument in Andorra, and many people gather and play bagpipes together in Ordino. The festival is also said to be held in honor of Val d’Ordino’s traveling bagpipers. If you play the instrument yourself, collaborating with other artists in Ordino would be one of the best things to do in Andorra for you.

7. International Women’s Clown Festival

• • Dates: May 18 to 23
  • Location: Andora la Vella
  • This is again one of the most unique festivals you will ever come across. It is also an underrated Andorra sightseeing, for what could be more interesting than hundreds of women clad in clown costume. The festival also attracts numerous female comics from around the world to perform in Andorra la Vella.

8. Montserrat Caballe Singing Contest

• • Dates: October 8
  • Location: Sant Julia de Loria
  • This festival honors the legendary Catalan opera singer Montserrat Caballe. Many opera singers and admirers of this form come form across the world participate in the competition.

9. Festival de Sant Julia de Loria

• • Dates: July 27 to 30
  • Location: Sant Julia de Loria
  • Festival de Sant Julia de Loria is primarily focused on music. The town organizes various performances by artists, bands, and orchestra. There are several other performances, traditional dances, and street games as well to entertain kids.

10. Skyrace at Comapedrosa

• • Dates: July 26
  • Location: Arinsal
  • Skyrace is a mountain running competition. The race is 21km long and is a challenging competition for atheltes, but at the same time you get incredible Andorra sightseeing done on the run.

11. Andorra International Jazz Festival

• • Dates: July 8 to August 29
  • Location: Escalades-Engordany
  • This Jazz festival attracts music lovers from all over Europe and a variety of performers form across the globe. The festival is held at Escalades-Engordany, which itself is one of the best Andorra tourist attractions. So you shoot two birds with one musical stone.

12. Spartan Race Andorra

• • Dates: September 6
  • Location: Encamp
  • The spartan race is an obstacle race. The race stretches 5 km and contains about 20 testing obstacles. The race is considered to be quite testing compared to other marathons and races. It is one of the top things to do in Andorra for those with an athletic bend. You also win a t-shirt & a medal just to finish the race.

13. Andorra Shopping Festival

• • Dates: November 8 to 17
  • Location: Andorra la Vella
  • Shopping is one of the best things to do in Andorra and the shopping festival makes it a little more interesting and fun. The festival also features musical performances, street performances, games, and contests.

14. X-trial World Championship

• • Dates: October 10
  • Location: Andorra la Vella Sports Center
  • The X-trial World Championship is a motorcycle acrobatic & stunt competition. The competition is held indoors and attracts numerous extremes sports fans.

15. Big Snow Festival

• • Dates: March 14 to 21
  • Location: Arinsal Resort
  • The big snow festival features skiing and snowboarding competitions along with live music performances and parties organized all across the Arinsal Resort. It has fun Andorra tourist attractions for snow sports lovers.

16. Narciso Yepes International Festival

• • Dates: October 7 to 21
  • Location: Ordino, Andorra
  • This festival is held in honor of the revered Spanish guitarist Narciso Yepes. This musical festival features many acts as well besides musical performances. Those with an ear for music would find it interesting among things to do in Andorra.

Emergency Contacts for Andorra Trips

Police: 110
Fire & Ambulance: 118
Mountain Rescue: 112
Medical Emergencies: 116

Useful Mobile Apps for Andorra Vacation

1. Andorran Apps & Tech News

This is an app that guides you to other apps in Andorra. You can look for food, map, taxi, travel, shopping, social etc. among other apps specific to Andorra. Your Andorra vacation will be made much more easy & convenient with this app.

2. Talixo

Talixo is the Andorra equivalent of Uber. You can call for taxi from the app and even make payment. It is an easier way to get around on your Andorra travel.

3. Safe365

If you going skiing in the winter or exploring the mountains during the summer, this app will keep you safe, and help you get rescued on your Andorra travel. With the press of a single button, this app alerts the nearby authorities with you location so that they can come and help you out.

4. Andorra Offline Map & Travel Guide

This app can be your google maps for Andorra. The app works offline as well. You can get information on public transport, nightlife, shopping, food, transportation, and places to visit in Andorra.

5. FatMap

FatMap is like google maps for mountain travel, only more detailed and information. You get all the information for things you need to know about the mountain. This app also tells you of avalanche risks difference places on your Andorra vacation.

6. Andorra Tourist Guides

Andorra Tourist Guides gives you all the information you need for Andorra sightseeing. You can even look for specific kind of tourism like cycle tourism, culture tourism, skiing tourism etc. on your Andorra trips.

7. Active Tourism Andorra

This app is your guide to all Andorra tourist attractions and places to visit in Andorra. The app also has offline maps which you can use without an internet connection. It will guide you with routes, travel options, and information about things to see in Andorra. You will also get information on best things to do in Andorra including hiking, trekking, mountaineering, cycling, skiing etc.

Safety Tips for Andorra Trips

• Petty crime in Andorra is a rare occurrence, so you and your belongings would be pretty much safe on your Andorra travel. Still, basic caution is advisable regardless of the travel destination.
• You should keep your identity proofs safe at the place of your accommodation and carry a photocopy with you while visiting Andorra tourist attractions. There are many places which require you to show an identity proof for entry.
• One crime to beware in Andorra is being drugged. You should always buy your own drink and do not wander off with people you don’t know. This caution should especially taken by women on Andorra vacation
• Note that Andorran drinks are relatively stronger than those in Europe or America. As the mountain weather is harsher, Andorrans have stronger spirits. So know the limits or you might end up being completely inebriated.
• Andorra has strict driving & motor rules, you should thoroughly check the vehicle you rent or hire before driving it to Andorra tourist attractions and being caught there.
• There are strict limits to things you can take out of the country. So check these limits before shopping your way to a custom check on your way out. Andorra shopping is as appealing as Andorra sightseeing, but take caution on things you intend to carry away.
• Do not venture into dangerous sports of mountain biking and mountain trekking, these are usually pursued in Andorra by those with plenty experience and are dangerous owing to the difficult terrain. There are several other things to do in Andorra which do come a the risk of physical damage or worse.
• Fishing is among the top things to do in Andorra, but you need a fishing license for that. But it is not that difficult to procure either. You can get one at most tourist information centers in Andorra.
• If you are in Andorra after Septmeber, you should know that it is hunting season, so be very careful when venturing in the forest. And even if you choose to go for hiking, trekking, or camping in the forest among things to do in Andorra, make sure you wear bright colored clothes.
• Adventure & nature exploration is among the best things to do in Andorra, but you should look out for wild boars when exploring forests. Boars are aggressive, especially if they are with kids. Find the nearest tree and climb up it and wait for the animal to get away from you.
• Always check the snow conditions on the news before you head for skiing.