Small but well condensed, that's how we would define Andorra , a land that combines relaxation, adventure sports, nature and tradition. The Pyrenees in their purest form. Do you want to know what to see and do in Andorra in a weekend? Do you have a week's time? 15 days to enjoy it?
This small Principality located in the Pyrenees is a popular tourist destination for lovers of the mountains, skiing and shopping . It only covers an area of 468 square kilometres , in fact it is one of the smallest countries in Europe and yet it has much to offer visitors, from stunning mountain scenery to a rich history and culture (we especially highlight its Romanesque art).
⭐ If you're planning a getaway, check out this 3-day itinerary in Andorra
Must-see and must-do things in Andorra
The truth is that it is a great getaway at any time of the year and for any duration, since there are not one, two, or three things to do here... to help you plan your trip we have prepared a list of the best things to see and do in Andorra.
1. Andorra la Vella
One of the top things to do in Andorra is to take a walk through the historic centre of Andorra la Vella, where, not only are there duty free shops , but there are also some very pretty corners such as the church of Sant Esteve, the Paris Bridge and the walk along the banks of the La Valira river, or the Dalí sculpture "The Nobility of the Ages".
Now, if you want to go shopping you have to go to Meritxell Avenue as it is packed with all kinds of shops, so if you feel like shopping you already know where to go (later we will tell you what we found, for now think about it).
2. Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is a nature reserve covering around 42 square kilometres , located in the south-east of Andorra. Thanks to its cultural heritage and natural importance, with diverse ecosystems (black pine and fir forests, alpine pastures and crystal-clear rivers), it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
In addition, several hiking trails start from here that will allow you to explore the valley at your own pace.
3. Tristaina Lakes, one of the best things to see in Andorra
Being amazed by the Tristaina lakes will be another of the things that will happen to you. If you want, you can take a circular route of about 4.5 km (3-3.5 hours) to enjoy this beautiful place to the fullest.
They are a group of three mountain lakes located at an altitude of 2,306 metres . The largest lake, Lake Tristaina , has a surface area of 1.5 hectares and a depth of 10 metres. The other two lakes, Lake Cubil and Lake Forcats , are smaller and shallower.
We think they are one of the most beautiful tourist sites in Andorra.
4. Caldea, thermal spa
You can't go to Andorra without spending an afternoon soaking in the thermal waters of Caldea. It's the largest spa in the area and one of the largest in Europe. The truth is that going there after a day of trekking, skiing or shopping is the best thing ever!
Caldea has several thermal pools, saunas, hammams and jacuzzis. Its thermal waters have a temperature of between 36 and 42 degrees Celsius and are rich in minerals such as sulphur, sodium and potassium.
→ Here you can book your ticket, with the show included .
5. The best museums to see in Andorra
For museum lovers there are several very interesting options. Some of the best museums to see in Andorra are the National Automobile Museum, the Tobacco Museum, the Casa Cristo Ethnographic Museum, the Miniature Museum or the Comics Museum (in La Massana).
You will surely find your favourite among these, and visiting a museum will be a perfect plan for rainy days and, depending on which one you choose, it will also be one of the best things to do in Andorra with children.
6. Skiing, of course one of the best things to do in Andorra
If you decide to travel during the winter, what better time to enjoy the magnificent ski slopes in the Pyrenees.
Of course, Andorra has a wide range of options to choose from. Top resorts include Grandvalira, with areas such as Pas de La Casa, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo, Grau Roig and Encamp , as well as Vallnord, with its areas in Ordino, Arcalís, Arinsal and Pal . The possibilities for enjoying the splendour of Andorra's snow-capped mountains are almost endless.
7. Margineda Bridge
Another thing to do in Andorra is to cross the Margineda bridge and find it somewhat similar to the one in Mostar (it must be a distant cousin!). It was built during the 12th century and holds two records: it is the oldest and the largest in the Principality!
It measures about 33 metres and is made up of a single arch. You will find it on what was the royal road that linked Andorra la Vella with Sant Julià de Lòria, not far from La Margineda.
8. Comapedrosa Peak
Overcome your laziness and climb the peak of Comapedrosa , the highest in Andorra at 2,942 metres. You'll see that it's worth it and up there you'll feel like the prince of the Principality... even if it's just for a second!
The most popular route to reach the summit starts in the town of Arinsal and is about 15 km long . The route is relatively easy if you are in good physical shape, of course. It is well signposted and is a fairly typical thing to do in Andorra.
9. Sorteny Valley, one of the best things to see in Andorra
If you travel to Andorra, you cannot miss a trip to the beautiful Sorteny Valley . The best time to go is in spring when it is full of flowers. Don't hesitate to visit, it is another of the essential things to see in Andorra.
The Sorteny Valley Natural Park is a protected area that covers the valley and the surrounding area. The most valuable feature is the great variety of flora and fauna (chamois, marmots, brown bears and wolves, among others). The best time to visit the Sorteny Valley is during the summer, from June to September.
10. Pal, one of the most beautiful villages to see in Andorra
There is no doubt that Romanesque art is one of the great attractions for visiting Andorra and one of the most characteristic places is the town of Pal (the church bell tower will have you snapping photos!). A highly recommended thing to do here is to visit the Centro d'Interpretació Andorra Románica, a museum dedicated to Romanesque art in Andorra.
There you will learn that during the Middle Ages , Andorra experienced a flourishing of Romanesque art, leaving significant traces in several churches and buildings in the region. Some of the best representations of this art are found in: Church of Sant Joan de Caselles, Church of Sant Romà de les Bons, Church of Santa Coloma, Church of Sant Climent de Pal and Church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters.
Fun fact: did you know that there are more than 40 Romanesque churches throughout Andorra ? However, when it comes to religious sites, we cannot forget the Sanctuary of Meritxell , dedicated to the patron saint of the Principality.
More places to visit in Andorra
It is clear that there are many more places to see and plans to do in Andorra, here are some other ideas:
- Another essential thing to do in Andorra is to get lost in the narrow streets of the pretty town of Ordino or discover the medieval charm of the small historic complex of Le Bons.
- Trekking along the Iron Route, recalling the mining past of the Principality of Andorra, is a great plan for those looking for active tourism.
- Still in the mood for some fun? Then head out and have a blast at Naturlandia (here's Tobotronc, the longest alpine slide in the world: it's about 5 km long and has a gradient of about 400 m). It's definitely one of the best things to do in Andorra with family or friends.
- Did you know that Andorra is home to the highest golf course in Europe? It's the Grandvalira Golf Soldeu , at 2,250 metres above sea level and accessible by cable car!
- If you are a beer lover, you cannot leave without trying the native Andorran beer : Alpha . Cheers!
- A great plan that will please the most original is to enjoy Andorra from a bird's eye view from the top of a hot air balloon : be careful, the joke is not cheap but hey, it's something you'll never forget.
- Having a picnic on the shores of Engolasters Lake is a great plan, although it is better to do so in the summer months… just in case you freeze while taking out the bottle of wine!
- Feeling like a smuggler crossing the border back to Spain : we were loaded with absinthe, mint liqueurs and even air pistols (Rober is very much an ass-seeing-ass-wanting guy! Then he used it twice, aiming at the sofa from the hallway. A pitiful spectacle, so much so that I had no choice but to get drunk on the absinthe!).
- Visit the Roc del Quer viewpoint , one of the best panoramic points in the country.
- Come back ! Andorra is a paradise that many of us have close to home, to which we return again and again and which always surprises!
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Andorra, both in winter and summer. So the best thing you can do is COME BACK and visit it at other times of the year. You'll fall in love with this little corner! Do you know of more things to see and do in Andorra ?
