Wondering whether Andorra is worth visiting? You definitely won’t want to miss this tiny, beautiful country hidden away in the Pyrenees. Here are the top reasons to visit Andorra, along with some helpful tips to plan your trip.

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Is Andorra worth visiting? An Ultimate Andorra Travel Guide

Where is Andorra

While everyone here in Spain knows about Andorra, I’ve recently been meeting more and more international travelers who have never heard of it. Andorra is a beautiful and tiny country, landlocked in the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France. It is the 6th smallest nation in Europe, known for its low VAT and world-class ski resorts. Technically, Andorra is not part of the European Union, although the official currency is the Euro. Andorra is governed by a democratic parliament, with two co-heads of state – the President of France and the Catholic Bishop of Urgell in Spain – both of whom hold mostly symbolic power. The country has around 75,000 residents and welcomes close to 8 million tourists every year. Andorra’s capital is Andorra la Vella. The official language is Catalan, but you’ll have no trouble getting by with Spanish or English. Many people in Andorra also speak French.

My trips to Andorra

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Andorra from Barcelona or dreaming of a weekend in the mountains to unplug, Andorra is a unique destination in the Pyrenees that should not be missed. Over my 15+ years as an expat in Spain, I have visited Andorra quite a few times, especially since the Pyrenees is one of my all-time favorite destinations. Back in 2006, I visited this tiny country with my parents as a tourist: we spent the whole week skiing and exploring the capital of Andorra La Vella. At that time, I had no idea I would ever move to Spain and continue visiting Andorra for weekend getaways.

Andorra is a great destination both in summer and winter, although I must admit that when it comes to summer hiking, I prefer other areas in the Pyrenees. Nevertheless, Andorra is one of my all-time favorite winter destinations on the Iberian Peninsula. While I enjoyed skiing in Baqueira Beret, I have to acknowledge that Andorra is the most developed destination in the Pyrenees for international travelers, full of shops, unique hotels, and fine dining. This makes it a perfect spot to combine adventurous winter activities with exciting evening plans.

How to get to Andorra

Andorra by car

To get to Andorra by car, you can access the country from either Spain or France, as it is landlocked between the two countries. Although there is a customs office at the border, the line usually moves quickly, as they don’t often check your documents (at least in my experience). However, they do occasionally stop random cars when you’re leaving Andorra, mainly because prices for alcohol, tobacco, electronics, and some other products are relatively cheaper in Andorra than in the rest of Europe. This is to prevent illegal exports. Be aware of potential traffic jams at the border on Friday and Saturday mornings (or during Spanish holidays), as well as on Sunday evenings when many Spaniards return home, which can result in several hours of delays. If you’re heading to Andorra in winter, be mindful of traveling via the CG-2, especially near the ski resorts in Encamp, Canillo, and El Tarter (Grandvalira). From 8:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM, there is often heavy traffic when the ski slopes open and close.

traffic jam andorra is worth visiting — *A huge traffic jam at CG-2 headway in Andorra around 6 pm*

Andorra by public transport

There is no international airport in Andorra, but the nearest small airport is in the Spanish town of Seu d’Urgell (with seasonal flights to Madrid and Mallorca). However, most visitors fly into the nearby airports in Barcelona or Toulouse. If you’re planning to visit Andorra by train, the nearest French train station is L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre (11 km from the Andorran border), and in Spain, it’s Lleida Pirineos. Note that the Spanish high-speed AVE train (from both Madrid and Barcelona) serves Lleida Pirineos Station. From these train stations, you can easily reach Andorra by bus. Check the schedules here.

Where to stay in Andorra?

Andorra is a popular getaway destination near Spain. Accommodation can be overpriced during the winter peak season, but there are usually plenty of options to fit different budgets. Many visitors and locals opt to stay outside of Andorra, in nearby Spanish towns. However, this can result in spending more time in traffic, especially if you plan to ski. While crossing the Spain-Andorra border is generally quick, traffic congestion during the winter peak season (December to February) can be significant, particularly near the main ski lifts for Grandvalira—Encamp, Canillo, and El Tarter—between 8:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM. There is also heavy traffic when entering or leaving the country during these times, as many locals live in Spain and commute to Andorra for work due to the lower cost of living. Although the distance from the nearest town, Seu d’Urgell, to the Andorran border is only 9 km, the journey can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the time of day. To make the most of your time in Andorra, it’s best to stay within the country. Some of the most unique places to stay are Andorra Park Hotel, Serras Andorra, Grand Plaza, Hotel MIM, Grau Roig Boutique, Sport Hotel, and Hotel Starc.

Things to do in Andorra views from Seu DUrgell — *Seu D ´Urgell*

Top Reasons to Visit Andorra

1. Explore the history in Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra. It is a beautiful, small town with many modern buildings nestled alongside traditional architecture. Here, you’ll find numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, a few historical sites and museums, as well as Spa Caldea. While in Andorra la Vella, be sure to visit:

Casa de la Vall: one of the oldest parliaments in Europe, built at the end of the XVI century (they organize guided visits)
Plaça del Poble: from here you can see 7 Poets sculpture by Jaume Plensa
Medieval churches with Romanesque origins – Iglesia de Sant Esteve, Santa Coloma, Sant Pere Martir, Capella Sant Andreu
Casa Guillemó and Casa Felipó
La Noblesse du temps (eng.The Nobility of Time) – a Salvador Dali statue
av. Meritxell, c.Bonaventura, and av.Carlemany -the main shopping streets of Andorra
Museo Carmen Thyssen and Andorra Land Art
Ancient bridges: Pont D´Engordany, Pont dels Escalls, Pont de la Margineda, Pont Pla, Pont de la Tossa

I suggest you start your Andorra la Vella walking tour at the local Tourist Office, where they can provide you with maps and guidebooks. You can also purchase a prepaid internet/phone SIM card there or get an eSIM for Andorra in advance. While you may know that roaming is generally not an issue within Europe nowadays, this rule does NOT apply to Andorra, as it is not an EU member. Although most cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers in Andorra offer free Wi-Fi, the shopping streets – Av. Meritxell, C. Bonaventura, and Av. Carlemany – are officially supposed to have free internet, but it was not working for me.

Valira River in Andorra La Vella — *Valira River in Andorra*

2. Go skiing in winter

If you’re visiting during the winter months, one of the top things to do in Andorra is to experience the local ski slopes. The country is known for its two world-class ski resorts – Grandvalira and Vallnord, the largest ski areas in the Pyrenees. However, I must admit that I preferred skiing at the nearby Baqueira Beret in Spain, mainly because it felt less crowded than Andorra. In my experience, Andorra had more international travelers and first-time skiers on the slopes, while Baqueira seemed to attract a fair share of Spaniards. For some reason, I felt like most of the people at Baqueira were experienced skiers. Additionally, there were almost no lines for the lifts at Baqueira, unlike in Andorra (even though my trip to both locations was in January, which is typically peak season). Again, this is just my personal experience. That said, I still enjoyed skiing at both Grandvalira and Baqueira. Both resorts rank globally among the world’s top ski destinations. According to experts, Andorra’s Grandvalira surpasses Baqueira Beret based on international ski standards. So, skiing remains an absolute must-try for all winter sports enthusiasts.

andorra grand valira ski — *Andorra is worth visiting for ski lovers*

3. Enjoy Shopping in Andorra

Shopping has long been one of the top reasons to visit Andorra, both for Spaniards and the French. The country is known for its low taxes, where you can find everything from high-end brands to tax-free deals. The main shopping streets in Andorra La Vella are Av. Meritxell, c. Bonaventura, and Av. Carlemany. Near the Spanish border, you’ll often see Spaniards crossing over to fill up their gas tanks or shop for weekly or monthly groceries. However, after my frequent trips I’m starting to question the idea of budget shopping in Andorra. Despite Andorra’s reputation for the lowest taxes in Europe, there are a few reasons why this may not hold true anymore.

First, you can often find better deals online these days. Second, Andorra La Vella is home to many multinational brand stores, and prices are often the same as you’d find anywhere else. Third, as more international visitors flock to the country, prices in the city center are increasingly comparable to those on the most touristy streets in Europe. As a result, I honestly doubt you’ll save much when shopping in Andorra. It seems that people today are more likely to shop in Andorra to indulge during a trip or for the experience rather than for savings. When it comes to items like alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tech products, there is a price difference due to the absence of VAT tax. However, in order to achieve significant savings, you’d need to make large purchases. And even then, customs limits on the value and quantity of these products are in place to prevent illegal trade. Additionally, you can bring goods out of the country up to a value of 900 euros without having to pay customs duties. So, while shopping in Andorra can be an enjoyable experience, I doubt you’ll save much in the process. That being said, there are several shopping events throughout the year that can be fun anyway, such as Noche de Compras, Noche de Vivand, Gran Mercado de las Oportunidades, De Copes, Vide Dressing La Massana, and the Andorra Shopping Festival.

Shopping in Andorra Why to visit — *Shopping in Andorra*

4. Go Hiking in Andorra

The main natural areas to discover for the fans of hiking include Comapedrosa Nature Reserve, Sorteny Valley Nature Reserve, Incles Valley, Enclar Valley, and Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. If you’re looking for great views of Andorra la Vella, you should consider the Rec Sola hiking route. Another popular trail is Coronallacs, which is divided into five stages (ranging from 13 to 22 km each). Along the way, you’ll stay in high-mountain shelters and receive a certificate from the Andorra Ministry of Tourism upon completion. Due to its unique location, Andorra also has a few cross-border trails, such as El Camino del Reencuentro and Ruta Capcir – Andorra La Vella – Alt Urgell. If you enjoy nature tourism, simply download the Turisme Actiu Andorra app for more trails, maps, and GPS tracking. Also, don’t miss Mirador Roc del Quer, a scenic viewpoint in Andorra featuring transparent glass floor panels.

5. Wellness in Andorra

With its spectacular natural setting and abundance of outdoor activities, Andorra has become a trendy wellness destination. After a day full of winter sports, it’s incredibly enjoyable to unwind. Many hotels in Andorra feature their own private spa centers. One of the top attractions is the Caldea Spa, the largest spa in Southern Europe. The complex includes a family-friendly area as well as the adults-only Inúu Spa section. However, I have mixed feelings about Caldea Spa, as it can get so crowded in the winter that it sometimes feels more like a water park than a relaxing spa. Still, during my recent visit we got an early 9 a.m. entrance, which allowed us to enjoy the place to the fullest without the crowds. You can check out my Andorra IG Stories for a glimpse of the outdoor pool with panoramic views.

Visiting andorra travel guide — *Castell de Cuitat Hotel in Seu d’Urgell, near Andorra*

6. Activities for non-skiers in Andorra

If you want to enrich your trip with some adrenaline-pumping activities, Andorra has got you covered here as well. Top things to do in Andorra in winter if you’re not into skiing:

Igloo construction in Grau Roig, near Grandvalira, Andorra (check availability)
Dog sledding tour from Grau Roig, Grandvalira, Andorra (check availability)
Snowmobile Tour from Grandvalira, Andorra (check availability)
Snowshoeing excursion in Grandvalira, Andorra (check availability)
Dog Sledding Tour from Port d’Envalira in Grandvalira, Andorra (check availability)
Ski touring excursion in Andorra (check availability)
Snowshoeing excursion from Grandvalira, Andorra (check availability)
Snowbike Rental in the Ski Resort Pal-Arinsal, Vallnord, Andorra (check availability)

If you are planning to visit Andorra during the warmer months, here’s the ultimate checklist of summer activities:

Rock climbing lessons in Andorra or l’Alt Urgell (check availability)
4×4 jeep tour to Pic Negre, Andorra (check availability)
4×4 Jeep Tour & Rafting Package in Andorra (check availability)
Rock climbing lessons in Andorra or l’Alt Urgell (check availability)

7. Sightseeing in Andorra

Andorra is a unique combination of old and new, full of ancient Romanesque churches and modern futuristic buildings. If you love exploring local museums, consider getting the PassMuseu for a few euros: it offers a 50% discount on the admission price to the three museums of your choice. Bus Touristic Andorra provides various bus itineraries with a guide onboard. Depending on your travel dates, you might also consider visiting some popular events in Andorra, such as Colores de Música de Escaldes-Engordany, Fallaires de San Juan, Sax Fest, Jambo Street Music, Cirque du Soleil, and Meritxell Day (in honor of the patron saint of Andorra).

naturlandia winter activities andorra travel guide — *Naturlandia in Andorra*

8. Delicious Food in Andorra

Andorra is known for its delicious comfort foods, much like the local cuisine throughout the Pyrenees. Andorran delicatessen involve a blend of French and Catalan influences. A must-experience is dining in a borda. A borda was once an annex to many local high mountain houses, where grass and cattle were kept. Nowadays, Andorra has at least 20 restored bordas converted into beautiful restaurants. These are the best places to soak in the local vibe and try traditional dishes. Some typical dishes not to miss include escudella stew, Andorran sausages (donja, bringuera, bull, or bisbe), trinxat (a dish made with potatoes, green cabbage, bacon, and garlic), rice with mushrooms or arroz a la montaña, river trout, cannelloni, Crema Andorrana, snails (Cargols a la lluna), Galtes de Porc, and Amanida de Xicoira. But I’d also add cheese fondue to this list, as it’s one of my personal must-haves in Andorra. Save this IG post for a list of typical Andorran dishes.

Also, on Spanish forums, people warn against drinking tap water in Andorra. However, since I always drink bottled water while traveling, I can’t share my experience on this matter.