THINGS TO DO IN andorra la vella: 1-DAY ITINERARY

A pipsqueak country tucked in the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra is one of Europe’s microstates, also known as a Principality. With a population of a mere 80,000 people, you can drive across the entire Principality in less than an hour, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty to explore.

Andorra la Vella is the capital city of Andorra, sandwiched between Spain to the south and France to the north. The city is surrounded by towering, snow capped peaks, and was originally founded in 1278. From hiking the mountain trails in summer to hitting the slopes in winter, there are endless nooks and crannies to explore in this mountainous city.

Our one-day itinerary includes the best things to see and do in Andorra la Vella, including everything from historic sites to modern museums and all the unique and quirky stops in between. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Andorra la Vella.

Day 1

Morning: Barri Antic - Historic Centre

Andorra la Vella’s historic centre dates back to the founding of the city in the 13th-century. Known as the Barri Antic, this is the perfect place to start your trip, going back to Andorra la Vella’s roots.

Església de Sant Esteve

Your tour of Andorra la Vella begins at the central focal point of the Barri Antic neighbourhood. One of the oldest churches in Andorra la Vella, Església de Sant Esteve, is known in English as the Church of Sant Esteve. Built in the 12th-century, the church’s Romanesque architecture, including the asp, and rose window, are beautiful exterior elements while the Baroque altarpiece is going inside to see. Visitors will also discover biblical artwork like the Painting of the Souls, created in the 18th-century. The church was updated in the 1940s, remodeling its stoic, stone bell tower and other features that were in desperate need of repair.

Plaça del Poble

Although its name might conjure up images of a stone square, the Plaça del Poble sets on top of a government building just around the corner from your first stop of the day. Visitors will find views of the surrounding mountains and the Church of Sant Esteve’s Romanesque stone tower.

Plaça dels Set Poetes

As you make your way around the Rotonda de Govern, a prominent roundabout, you’ll come to the Plaça dels Set Poetes. This statue commemorates poets, as the name suggests, with seven fiberglass figures that represent Andorra’s seven provinces in various positions including the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” stance. This art installation is even more vibrant at night when the statues light up in different colours.

Bici Lab Andorra

As you continue onto Carrer Prat de la Creu, you’ll reach Bici Lab Andorra, also known as the Andorra Bike Museum, a massive collection of bicycles and cycling paraphernalia. They have both a permanent collection on display and interactive exhibits, including virtual reality cycling tours. This museum also explores the history of bicycles and many Andorran’s affinity for cycling.

La Casa de la Vall

Continue weaving your way through the winding alleyways of the Barri Antic and its quintessential stone buildings, as you make your way to La Casa de la Vall. Built in 1580, this building was once the home of Andorra la Vella’s vicar, Antoni Busquet, before becoming the seat of the Consell General in 1701. Visitors can explore the building’s two stories, including the traditional kitchen, chapel, and grand hall. In modern times, government officials use it as a meeting place.

El Ball del Contrapas

End your morning tour just steps away from the beginning at El Ball del Contrapàs. A stone sculpture created by the artist Sergio Mas Balaguer, this beautiful work of art commemorates a traditional Catalan dance, known as contrapàs, and is engulfed in flowers in the warmer months.

Day 1, morning - Andorra la vella Tour Map

Afternoon: Les Escaldes

For the second half of your day in Andorra la Vella, head to Les Escaldes. Something of a sister city to Andorra la Vella, these two urban areas are technically separate cities but blend together.

La Noblesse du Temps

Start exploring in Les Escaldes at La Noblesse du Temps, a statue created by Salvador Dalí. Also known as the Nobility of Time, the statue presents a melting clock, a common theme in many of Dalí’s artworks. The statue wasn’t originally intended to be displayed in Andorra but was donated to the Principality by its owner.

Pont de Paris

Continue following the La Valira River east to cross the Pont de Paris. This modern bridge spans the river and was dedicated in 2006. Admire its modern design with sleek right angles, metal spheres, and a prominent Andorra la Vella sign as you cross over to the other side.

Calidea & La Dama de Gel

Two more sculptures are up next, centred in one of the city’s roundabouts. The Calidea sculpture, a metal horse, was created by artist Angel Calavente while La Dama de Gel is a metal sylph by Philip Lavall. The sculptures are also fountains, intermingling with each other by shooting water back and forth.

Centre d’Art d’Escaldes-Engordany (CAEE)

Centre d’Art d’Escaldes-Engordany is a small museum that features sculptures by the artist Josep Viladomat as well as Romanesque miniatures. While CAEE houses beautiful pieces, the building itself is a work of art, highlighting Andorran granite architecture.

Church of Sant Pere Martir

Another impressive place of worship in Andorra, the Church of Sant Pere Martir is only a few steps away from CAEE. Although it may look old, the cathedral was actually built in 1956 and constructed of Andorra granite in the Neo-Romanesque style. Beatitude prints adorn the church's eastern facade. You can also admire more sculptures by the famed artist Josep Viladomat. The Immaculate Concepcion resides outside the church while Mercy can be found inside.

Museo Carmen Thyssen Andorra

Just down Avenue Carlemany is the Museo Carmen Thyssen Andorra. A vast collection of paintings completed from the 13th to the 20th centuries and from artists both famous and unknown, these works were donated to the city by Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza. Visitors will also find temporary exhibits alongside the permanent collection.

Pont des Engordany

Pay homage to the Les Escaldes neighbourhood by visiting one last historic site at the Pont des Engordany. Dating back to Medieval times, this stone bridge spans the Valira d’Orient River and is known for being slightly off-kilter as one side of the bridge is higher than the other.

Day 1, afternoon - andorra la vella Tour Map

Other Things to See and Do in Andorra

• Tobotronc: Check zooming down the world’s longest alpine toboggan off your bucket list on Tobotronc! One of the attractions inside the Naturland Park, Tobotronc weaves its way down the mountainside for over 3 miles.

• Caldea Thermal Spas: Located in Escaldes-Engordany, near the capital of Andorra la Vella, the Caldea Thermal Spas are a wonderful respite from the cold in winter. As the largest thermal spa in Southern Europe, visitors will find several lagoons, including indoor and outdoor pools, hydromassage, hammam, Nordic saunas, Indo-Roman baths, a lemon bath, jacuzzi solarium and so much more.

• Llac d’Engolasters: Just 17 minutes from downtown Andorra la Vella, visiting Llac d’Engolasters, also known as Lake Engolaster, makes for a great excuse to get out in nature. A short hiking trail runs around the outside of the lake and takes about 2 hours to complete. Visitors can swim here in the summer months and admire snow-capped peaks in Spring and Autumn. The route includes a few stops along the way, including the Automobile Museum and Electricity Museum.

• Hiking: Because Andorra is tucked in the mountains, there are hundreds of hiking trails that weave their way through its peaks and valleys. Many of these trails are difficult, with the route around Lake Engolaster being one of the easiest. For those who don’t mind breaking a sweat, Coma Pedrosa is one of the most highly rated hikes in the country and begins near the town of La Massana.

• Via Ferrata: Continue your mountain explorations by experiencing Andorra’s thrilling via ferratas. These exposed climbing routes are bolted into the side of the mountain, but you’ll need some rock climbing knowledge to access them. Some of the best via ferratas in Andorra are in Canillo and Erts.

• Visit a mountain refuge: Many of Andorra’s hiking trails lead to mountain refuges. Open in the summer months, these cabins provide weary trekkers with food, drink, and a place to spend the night. Borda de Sorteny Hut, tucked away in Sorteny Valley Natural Park, can be reached by a quick and easy 30-minute hike from the main Sorteny Valley parking lot. This refuge serves hearty mountain fare on their outdoor terrace or a place to warm up inside and you don’t need to spend the night to experience it! Just one of 20 mountain refuges scattered across the country, each one provides its own unique twist on an alpine overnight.

• Churches: Andorra has dozens of quaint cathedrals and chapels to explore that are scattered throughout the country. Many hold important biblical artwork, including Baroque altarpieces and mural paintings by artists like the Master of La Cortinada. Built in the 12th century, the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles highlights Romanesque architecture, while the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada and the tiny Church of Sant Serni de Llorts show off Baroque features.

• Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley: A UNESCO Heritage Site, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley stretches thousands of hectares across Andorra and offers a glimpse into life in the Pyrenees. It also provides striking scenery to sink your teeth into, including pine-covered mountain peaks, glaciers, babbling brooks, and high alpine lakes. A visit here also means you’ll likely run into the locals—mainly flocks of sheep! A portion of the Madriu River Basin, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is in the southeast of Andorra.

Day Trips From Andorra la Vella

• Soldeu, Andorra: Andorra’s most glamorous ski town, Soldeu is home to numerous 5-star hotels and the country’s only Michelin star restaurant, Ibaya. There are also plenty of activities on offer, no matter the season. Hiking and bike trails lead right from the centre of town and aprés-ski heats up with lively cocktail bars and clubs. Situated between several different ski resorts, there’s a run for everyone and every level whether you’re hitting the bunny slopes or want something to truly test your mettle.

• Basilica Sanctuary of Meritxell, Andorra: As the most important religious site in the entire country of Andorra, the Basilica Sanctuary Meritxell is a must-see stop for art lovers. Its unique modern construction was created in 1972 and became a designated minor basilica in 2014. The sanctuary is surrounded by mountains in the Canillo Parish, further adding to its spiritual feel.

• Santa Coloma, Andorra: Santa Coloma is a tiny parish in Andorra that secrets away an ancient chapel. The Church of Santa Coloma was originally built between the 8th and 9th centuries and hides intricate frescoes that were painted by nomadic artists. Although the originals are currently protected, the original frescoes are represented through intricate and colourful projections. Be sure to admire the church’s 4-story Lombard circular stone bell tower.

• La Seu d’Urgell, Spain: A pipsqueak town in Northern Spain, La Seu d'Urgell is only 25 minutes outside of Andorra la Vella. Visitors will find the imposing Roman Catholic cathedral at its core, quaint cobbled streets to explore, and delicious restaurants and terraces to enjoy a drink.

• Montserrat, Spain: Located 2 hours and 20 minutes south of Andorra la Vella, Montserrat is a Benedictine monk monastery tucked high in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Surrounded by gargantuan boulders, this is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics as the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in the Holy Grotto. The word Montserrat directly translates to serrated mountain which further describes this rocky precipice. You can also reach Montserrat via a one hour train from Barcelona.

• Barcelona, Spain: The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is a vibrant city that’s well worth the 2 hour and 40 minute drive. Discover Gaudi’s whimsical masterpieces of architecture, witness the rainbow hues of the Sagrada Familia, and go in search of savoury tapas and bubbly cava galore.

• Toulouse, France: Known as France’s “Pink City”, Toulouse is about a 3 hour drive from Andorra la Vella. Walk the tranquil, cobblestone streets, in search of the city’s towering cathedrals and languid greenspaces that flank the Garonne River. Of course you’ll want to seek out the culinary classics too like cassoulet, saucisse de Toulouse, and violettes. Similarly, the Medieval fortress town of Carcassonne is just a few minutes further than Toulouse and makes a great day trip for history buffs!

Best Vineyards in Andorra

• Borda Sabaté 1944: Known for their high-altitude wines, Borda Sabaté was started by the family patriarch, Joan Canturri who saw that Andorra might be a wonderful wine growing region. As one of the first certified organic vineyards in the entire country, Borda Sabaté prides itself on sustainability as well as crafting excellent wines, like their Torb and Escol, a red and white varietal. Cut into the side of the mountain, visitors can sip and taste with jaw-dropping alpine views.

• Casa Auvinya: The grapevines at Casa Auvinya are grown on the steep slopes of Southern Andorra, producing exquisite bottles of Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Albarino. Guests can pop in to the winery, tucked high in the Pyrenees at over 1,200 meters, to see the intricate winemaking process including their fermentation tanks and wine cellar. This small winery is a family affair, producing only 3,000 bottles a year.

• Casa Beal: Another winery located in the Sant Julià de Lòria parish of Andorra, Casa Beal’s signature wine, Cim de Cel, is a white wine with notes of lychee and floral undertones. Vintages date back to 2006 and can be purchased at the winery during a visit. The property also produces black truffles, growing in ideal conditions in the mountains.

• Casus Belli: Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Ordino Valley of Andorra, Casus Belli’s 20,000 grapevines stretch over 3 hectares. This is the only winery in this region of Andorra and produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines.

Things to Do with Kids in Andorra

• Naturland Adventure Park: Located in Southern Andorra, the Naturland Adventure Park provides kids with endless fun activities to fill a day. Children can try out tubing down the mountain, the squirrel circuit complete with a giant trampoline, mini ziplines, pedal buggies, Nordic sledges, pony rides, a petting zoo, the N’Boscat rope circuit, and Airtrekkids climbing area, among countless other experiences.

• Caldea Thermal Spa: Although much of the spa is geared towards adults, there are several sections of this sprawling spa complex that are designated children’s areas. Blast water cannons in the thermal lagoon, play on the soft beach, attend the Little Sauna, or get fun, kid-centred beauty treatments like manicures and yogurt facials.

• Pal Arinsal Mountain Park: Similar to Naturland, the Pal Arinsal Mountain Park might offer mountain biking trails and endless ski runs for adults, but there’s also plenty to do for the little ones too! Kiddos on bikes are welcome at the Kids Bike Park and can take part in ski activities at the mini Wood Park. There are also fun activities like the mini-pedal car circuit, ropes park, zip line, e-kart circuit, electric train, archery, and the Pekepark, an amusement park for children ages 4-11.

• Mon(t) Magic Family Park is located in Andorra’s Canillo area within Grandvalira ski resort. In the park there are attractions available all year round such as VR beanie run, Màgic Gliss, and Tirolina Mon(T) Magic zip line. Some traditional entertainment activities include Acrojumps, trampolines, and mini-golf. The interactive witch’s house, toboggans, tunnels, and 3D characters in themed entertainment are all based on the myths of Andorra and the enchanted beast Tamarro. However, its main attraction is Tirolina Mon(t) Magic Grandvalira Canillo: it has a length of 550 m and height of 40 m making it the longest zip line in the Pyrenees. It is suitable for all ages, with a weight limit of 140 kg. Children as young as 35 kg can ride, but must be accompanied by an adult.

• Jardins de Juberri: Immaculately curated gardens that cling to the mountainside, the Jardins de Juberri. You’ll find contemporary sculptures of animals like bears and elephants, fountains, and sprawling views of the mountains. Children will love walking through the perfectly manicured rows of hedges and seeing the whimsical sculptures. Several dinosaurs also call this hillside home.

• Automobile Museum: Showcasing over 100 different modes of transportation from around the world, Andorra’s Automobile Museum is the perfect place for children with an interest in cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. The museum aims to display the cars in chronological order, starting with 19th-century steam engines.

• Museo de la Miniatura de Ordino: An entire museum of miniature works of art, the Museo de la Miniatura de Ordino is a delight for both the young and old. Located in the small village of Ordino, each piece was created by Ukrainian artist Nicolai Siadristy. Exhibits show everything from intricately painted Russian nesting dolls to microminiature masterpieces like a bottle carved into a grain of rice. Kids will love looking through the microscopes and spy glasses to see these pipsqueak sculptures.

• Dog Sledding: Offered at Andorra’s ski resorts in the winter months, dog sledding is a fun ane exhilarating activity that the whole family will love. Glide through alpine landscapes and over snowy trails, behind a team of highly trained dogs and your expert guide. This is offered by the Grandvalira Resort in Soldeu, Andorra.

Golf Courses Near Andorra la Vella

• Aravell Golf & Country Club: Technically located in Spain, just outside the border of Andorra and 30 minutes from the capital, the Aravell Golf & Country Club offers an 18-hole course, club house, and restaurant. You’ll also find a golf academy if you need some help practicing your swing.

• Grandvalira Golf Soldeu: A part of the Grandvalira Resort in Soldeu, Andorra, Grandvalira Golf Soldeu is a stunning summer golf course designed by Jeremy Pern. This also just so happens to be the highest golf course in Europe at 2,250 meters. Open from the end of June to September, you’ll have 9 holes to play on this par 33 course that’s situated just 30 minutes from Andorra la Vella.

• Vall d’Ordino Golf Club: Only a 20-minute drive from Andorra la Vella, the Vall d’Ordino Golf Club is another 9-hole, par 3 golf course. As a pitch and putt golf course, this is also a great course to play with kids. It is also the only illuminated course in Andorra and has additional activities like a swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, and putting green.

Ski Resorts in Andorra

• Grandvalira: The largest ski resort in Andorra, and all of Southern Europe, Grandvalira is the creme de la creme when it comes to hitting the Pyrenees slopes. Broken up into seven different sectors, including Grand Roig and Soldeu, there are several black pistes scattered around the park, as well as beginner ski areas and blue and red runs. Skiing and Grandvalira is also a family affair with several areas dedicated to children including bunny slopes, a Kid’s Forest, and the Babadoom Circus. A nursery is also located at the resort for young children who aren’t quite ready to hit the slopes. In the summer months, Grandvalira becomes a mountain biking and hiking haven. Grandvalira is just 22 minutes from downtown Andorra la Vella.

• Pal Arinsal: Touted as being the most family friendly ski resort in all of Andorra, Pal Arinsal is located on the western side of the country. With over 63 km of slopes to experience, you could easily spend a weekend here without seeing it all. There are several restaurants serving delicious Andorran cuisine that make the perfect spot for aprés ski. Like most ski resorts, Pal Arinsal also has plenty of hiking trails and mountain bike routes in the summer months.

• Ordino Arcalis: Tucked in the very north-western corner of Andorra, Ordino Arcalis is a small ski resort and owned by Grandvalira. Spend winter skiing over 93 kilometres of slopes and summers riding ski lifts into the clouds. Four different restaurants are located throughout the resort, including the Sorteny refuge.

Where to Eat in Andorra la Vella

• Celler d’en Toni: The first restaurant in Andorra to be listed on the Michelin Guide, Celler den Toni has been a staple on the Andorra la Vella restaurant scene for well over half a century. Using seasonal products from local producers, Celler d’en Toni is modelled after a traditional cellar, with an impressive wine cellar itself with thousands of bottles. You’ll find dishes like cod fritters, prawn carpaccio, and slow roasted goat shoulder.

• Kökosnøt: Another Michelin Guide restaurant, Kökosnøt is located in downtown Andorra la Vella near Parc Central. This fine dining establishment takes inspiration from local ingredients and dishes while displaying them in an elevated way. Their wine cellar is extensive and makes the perfect pairing with each exquisite course.

• La Casa Restaurant & Gastrobar: Offering guests both indoor seating inside their traditional building and outdoor seating on the beautiful patio, La Casa Restaurant & Gastrobar is located in the heart of the Barri Antic. Specializing in small plates, they also have an extensive wine list and a wonderful atmosphere no matter if you’re sitting inside or outside.

• K’Tam: For an Andorran take on modern tapas, head to K’Tam near the Pont de Paris. Diners will find a traditional chalkboard as the menu, posted in the back of the restaurant with the day's fresh dishes and wine pairings.

• Alta Taberna Aires Gourmet: A no frills, traditional restaurant in the centre of town, Alba Taberna Aires Gourmet is a great place to dine for classic Andorran dishes in a laid back atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Andorra la Vella

• Hotel MIM Andorra (5-star): Hotel MIM Andorra is located right between Les Escaldes and Andorra la Vella, which makes it the perfect place to base yourself in the city. You’ll find spacious luxury suites with amenities like private balconies, king beds, and hydromassage showers. Hotel MIM also has a silver LEED certification for using sustainable building materials. The onsite HINCHA restaurant offers wood-fired dishes made from local ingredients while the Wellness Cabin provides massages and beauty treatments.

• Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness (5-star): On the edge of Andorra la Vella near Les Escaldes, the Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness offers guests a stay in the lap of luxury. Located on one of the city’s main shopping thoroughfares, Meritxell Avenue, guests are in the heart of it all. This property has 90 rooms to choose from, including Double Rooms all the way to Penthouse Suites. Guests will find amenities like breakfast in bed, plush slippers and bathrobes, and coffee machines in their rooms, while the onsite restaurant and spa provide further luxury with treatments like hydrotherapy, a hammam and sauna, and hot stone beds.

• Andorra Park Hotel (5-star): Situated near the Barri Antic, the Andorra Park Hotel is a sprawling property and Andorra’s first 5-star hotel. Rooms hold up to four guests and are elegantly designed with plenty of space to stretch out. Their state of the art sports centre, jacuzzi, sauna, indoor heated pool, Turkish baths, and luxury spa treatments further seal the deal. If you’re in Andorra for a ski trip, they also offer free transfers to the slopes. Guests will also enjoy over 15,000 square meters of gardens to explore and two dining options.

• Hotel NH Andorra la Vella (4-star): Perched right along the La Valira River, Hotel NH Andorra la Vella provides guests a modern and sleek 4-star atmosphere to rest their heads at night. Rooms are minimally decorated with views of both the city and mountains. A large, gourmet breakfast buffet is served every morning. Sit by the fireplace in the communal lounge or enjoy sprawling scenery from the rooftop.

• Hotel de l’Isard (3-star): Housed inside a building that maintained its traditional, stone facade, Hotel de l’Isard is one of the most beautiful accommodation options in Andorra la Vella. Though the exterior may blend in with the surrounding Barri Antic architecture, the interior is completely modernized but doesn’t lack in character. Rooms are cosy with stunning views, some with elegant pitched roofs and wooden beams. The onsite restaurant, L’Isard, serves fresh Andorran specialties so guests don’t even need to leave the hotel to find delicious, local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Andorra la Vella

The best time to visit Andorra la Vella will depend on what activities you’re looking to do and what weather you’re hoping to experience. Tucked high in the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra’s capital has a distinct four seasons with mild summers.

If you’re looking to take part in Andorra’s ski resorts and you enjoy snowy scenery, winter will be your best bet. Otherwise, summer is the best time to visit Andorra la Vella for moderate temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and fun festivals.

Festivals in Andorra

• Revetlla de Sant Joan: Known in English as Saint John’s Eve, Revetlla de Sant Joan is celebrated across Catalan speaking regions. The feast day of Saint John the Baptist, this holiday has religious meaning but is celebrated by all. Held every year in June on the summer solstice, this fiery festival commences with bon fires and lighting the fallas, essentially wooden torches, throughout the city and countryside.

• Andorra la Vella Festa Major: The Festa Major is one of the largest festivals of the year in Andorra la Vella. Held every year over the first weekend in August, the city comes to life in an array of parades, music, dance, and cultural performances.

• Our Lady of Meritxell Day: Celebrating Andorra’s patron saint, Our Lady of Meritxell Day takes place every year on September 8th. Those who do observe the holiday make their way to Shrine of the Virgin of Meritxell, attending mass before celebrating with music, dance, and a torch procession.