Andorra: What to do in Europe’s highest city

Andorra! A destination that many people don’t have high on their bucket list, but it is a very interesting country worth putting on your immediate plans. It is located between France and Spain, and between the Pyrenees Mountains. Its capital is Andorra La Vella, or the Principality of Andorra, or Principality of the Andorran Valleys, or Andorra for short. In our article, you will find everything you need to know before your first visit.

How to get to Andorra

As we found when we were in Barcelona, there is no airport or train station to get to Andorra. There is, however, a road network that offers the traveller a lush and relaxing route to get there. Renting a car from Barcelona, the distance is about 3 hours, while from Toulouse it is about 2 ½ hours. These two cities are the closest cities to travel by road to Andorra, but there are also frequent buses. For bus costs and ticket availability, you can check on Omio.com.

When to go

Andorra is an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year. For winter sports enthusiasts, such as skiing and snowboarding, and for those who enjoy the snow, the winter months are a perfect time. The summer months, on the other hand, are cool mainly due to the altitude, and you can go for walks without getting hot at all. But to experience Andorra’s nature, its lush vegetation and mountain scenery, the autumn and especially the spring months are the best. Also, we were informed by the locals that Andorra has sunshine 300 days a year, despite the snow, so we suggest you take sunglasses as well as ski equipment!

What to do in Andorra

Andorra la Vella

The most famous tourist spot in this small state is its capital, Andorra La Vella. It is located at an altitude of 1023 meters, holding the title of the highest capital in Europe, and has a permanent population of about 22 thousand inhabitants. It is dominated by a vibrant cultural scene, with galleries and craft shops showcasing local art, as well as bars, cafés, and restaurants with live music and dancing. You will find in many parts of the city organised tours for those who wish to get a taste of Andorra’s history with guided tours of its historic buildings, which we will mention below.

We also recommend visiting Andorra La Vella at Christmas and experiencing the festive season in the capital.  In the decorated city, you will discover a wide variety of customs and traditions, and you will wander around the Christmas markets tasting the most famous local products.  You will be in the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit!

Caldea Spa Complex

Located in the municipality of Escaldes-Engordany, Caldea is a large natural spring complex with various indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, and hydrotherapy sections spread over 18 floors in the tallest building in Andorra and the largest spa complex in Europe. The complex has a separate section for adults called Inuu and one for families and children, so it is an ideal place for everyone. Caldea is the place visited by all tourists who find themselves in Andorra, with the number of them exceeding 400,000 every year.

What’s more, it has some of the most impressive architecture in the world, both on the outside and especially on the inside. The roof where the spa is located, especially in the central part, is made of glass, where you can see the sky and especially the stars at night while relaxing in a pool. Some shows and performances include water and lights throughout the day and night, as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Vallnord

Andorra is known for its prime location for skiing, and it is mainly in Vallnord that visitors from all over Europe arrive for the fresh snow and perfect skiing conditions. Vallnord, which is part of the Pyrenees, caters to skiers of all abilities, so whether you just want to try one of the beginner slopes or go on the professional slopes, you’ll have no problem. Families also head to Vallnord to take advantage of the ski schools and family activities, such as sledging, or enjoy a ride and tour of the area on a snowmobile.

Pas de la Casa

Right on the border with France, Pas de la Casa is one of Andorra’s best ski resorts. Today, it has more than 30 lifts that take visitors to the areas below Pic d’Envalira. If you’re an experienced skier, you should visit, as Pas de la Casa has several red runs that extend into the surroundings. The nightlife is also quite lively there, making the resort a popular place for mainly young travellers.

Shopping

In the past, the tax-free regime prevailed, making Andorra a shopping paradise for wealthy Spaniards and a great destination for Christmas shopping.

However, things have now changed quite a bit, and Escaldes town centre, along the Avinguda Carlemany, is mainly pedestrianised, with shops and restaurants on either side. In Andorra La Vella, you can stop at the legendary Pyrenees department store, where you can find all the big designer brands, and continue along the Avinguda Meritxell, which is the main artery that eventually joins the Carlemany after crossing the Valira River.

In addition to groceries and clothing, Andorra used to produce tobacco, and this was one of the items that visitors procured, apparently because of the duty-free status. You can still see the tobacco fields, and there is a tobacco museum that you can also visit.

La Noblesse du Temps

Located in the capital and is so impressive that it is impossible to pass by without seeing it. Weighing 1.4 tonnes and towering 4.9 metres from the ground, La Noblesse du Temps is a monumental bronze sculpture. The legendary artist Salvador Dalí constructed the monument that symbolizes the passing of time.

Tobacco Museum

Andorra has a long tradition of tobacco growing and still does, and at the museum, you can learn all about it. The museum is housed in the former Reig tobacco factory, which closed in 1957, and shows the process of tobacco production through a display. There is also a nice outdoor terrace for when the weather is nice, and a souvenir shop. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the country’s most important source of income before tourism. In addition to the main exhibitions, there are also several temporary exhibitions dealing with topics not necessarily related to tobacco, such as art, nature, and adventure.

Sant Esteve Church and Placa de Poble

This old church in the centre of Andorra La Vella offers picturesque pictures, but is mostly new, except for the original Romanesque arch and stained glass windows. It stands proudly in the city’s historic district. The church was built in the 1100s and has changed over the years. It is located near the Placa del Poble and the Casa de la Vall and is a functioning church.

The Placa de Poble is the main meeting point for the country’s festivals and celebrations and offers panoramic views of the city. In December, you can enjoy the fun and cosy market there with handmade products, sweets, and artisanal food for food lovers.

Tip: There is a lift that goes from the beginning of the square to the lower street next to the government building.

Hiking in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley is the only UNESCO-listed monument in Andorra. It is a valley that serves as a refuge for many endemic species and is considered a spiritual place for the locals. The valley covers 9% of Andorra and consists of an upper part with glacial lakes and cliffs, and a lower area. Most of the valley is protected and is an excellent example of the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, which is why UNESCO considers the area to be a great example of this coexistence.

There are several hiking trails in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, but the easiest takes about 2 hours on a relatively steep and well-marked stone path. At times, the trail turns into stone steps. These trails were originally used by shepherds, later by smugglers, and now by hikers.

There are signposts with panels and signs along the trail that tell you more about what you are seeing. You’ll also cross streams and stone bridges, beautiful scenery, and well-preserved forests.

La Casa de la Vall

One of the top attractions in Andorra La Vella, the country’s capital, is La Casa de la Vall. The historic house was constructed in 1580 as a manor house. From 1702 to 2011, it served as the seat of Andorra’s General Parliament. The first floor of the Casa houses the impressive Disciplinary Court with wooden decorations and furniture. On the second floor is the Hall of Lost Steps – a classy room where you can admire 16th-century paintings.

Meritxell

Visit the town of Meritxell for the stunning basilica of the Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Sanctuary. The sanctuary is Romanesque in style and originally dates back to the 17th century, and has been preserved and restored after a fire in the 1970s. The basilica is known for its ornate statues of its patron saints (one for each parish in Andorra), as well as its cloisters (small convents) and its impressive hall of mirrors. Part of the ancient chapel now houses a museum featuring historical artefacts and works of art celebrating Our Lady of Meritxell.

Naturlandia Theme Park

Naturlandia is the theme park of Andorra. Instead of roller coaster rides, the park offers activities such as hiking and climbing, restaurants and shops, making it one of the most fun places to visit in Andorra.

Divided into two sections, one at an altitude of 1,600m and one at an altitude of 2,000m and connected by road, the park is located in Sant Julia de Lloria, about 15 minutes from Andorra La Vella. It is open all year round, although activities vary depending on the season.

You can go hiking, on Segway (e-scooter) tours, or on bicycle, snowmobile, or buggy tours around the park. All of the above are available in sizes for children and adults. There are trampolines, zip lines, inflatable castles, tobotronc and tubing. The little ones have kids’ workshops and other activities to keep them occupied and adults can go on nightly snowmobile adventures.

The animal lodges are located at an altitude of 2,000m and are home to species that are well known to the Pyrenees region, such as wild goats, bears, lynx, deer, wolves, etc. The animals can be observed from specific points. During the winter, special equipment is required to walk around the parking area. There is also a farm with domestic animals such as pigs.

Duty-Free Shopping in Andorra

This is Andorra’s #1 draw for most visitors from neighboring Spain and France, and worth understanding properly before you go.

Why is Andorra so cheap? Andorra operates its own tax system with an IGI (VAT equivalent) of just 4.5% — compared to 21% in Spain and 20% in France. This directly translates to lower prices on most goods, especially:

• Perfumes & cosmetics: 15–25% cheaper than Spain/France
• Alcohol & wine: substantially cheaper — very popular
• Tobacco: major savings
• Electronics: 10–20% cheaper (but warranty/support differences to consider)
• Luxury goods: Gucci, Cartier, Hugo Boss, and other flagship brands on Avinguda Meritxell

Where to shop:

• Avinguda Meritxell (Andorra la Vella), the main shopping mile: 1.5km of flagship stores and boutiques
• Avinguda Carlemany / Vivand (Escaldes-Engordany), more boutiques and Caldea area shops
• Illa Carlemany (Escaldes-Engordany), a large modern shopping center

⚠️ Customs limits when returning to Spain or France (EU): EU residents returning through Spain or France are subject to import allowances.

• Goods: €300/adult (€150 for under-15s)
• Spirits (over 22%): 1.5 liters
• Wine: 5 liters
• Beer: 6 liters
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco

These limits are actively enforced; Spanish and French customs conduct checks at the Andorran border, particularly on busy shopping weekends and during the January and July sales.

Food in Andorra

Andorra is known for its rustic and incredibly delicious mountain cuisine and no trip to Andorra is complete without a stop at a borda for lunch. The borda are old mountain barns with restaurants and architectural masterpieces found in the north of Catalonia and Andorra, where winters are cold and thick stone walls help protect against snow and wind.

In a borda, you can enjoy meals, mainly meat-based, based on traditional recipes and in hearty portions. Food is usually prepared over an open fire and roasted meats are served with plenty of vegetables, potatoes and garlic.

You can also order other delicacies such as stews, garlic snails ‘a la llauna’ cooked in a baking tray in the oven or horse meat, traditional meat eaten in Andorra.

Andorra Travel Guide FAQ — Everything you need to know