Where to stay in Andorra: A guide to the micro-state of the Pyrenees
Andorra is a small principality located in the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France. With an area of 478 square kilometers, Andorra is the sixth smallest independent country in Europe and is famous for its high mountain scenery, its medieval architectural heritage and for being one of the most visited snow and shopping destinations on the continent. In this article, we will explore the best places to stay in Andorra.
Why visit Andorra
With an average altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, Andorra’s geography is characterized by deep, lush valleys surrounded by high snow-capped peaks. With a multitude of ski and snow sports resorts, Andorra is an excellent destination during the winter months (November to March). For skiing and snowboarding, this country offers excellent resorts such as Pas de la Casa or Grau Roig. Another popular ski area is Grandvalira, located between Andorra la Vella and Les Escaldes.
While famous for its winter sports, Andorra is an excellent destination to visit during the warmer months. Spring and summer are great for visiting the Pyrenees, as when the snow cover melts, the mountains reveal their stunning green landscape. Its beautiful forests are perfect for exploring on foot, by bike or on horseback. See accommodation in Andorra.
Andorra la Vella, capital of the principality, is the largest city in the country and, thanks to its low taxes, is a major shopping destination. In addition to skiing and shopping, other reasons to visit Andorra la Vella include the church of San Esteban and the Caldea Spa Centre, a large thermal water complex with indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzi and hydrotherapy, massages, Turkish baths and other relaxation spaces. See accommodation in Andorra la Vella.
What’s the best time to visit Andorra
Due to its geographical location in the middle of the Pyrenees, Andorra has a Mediterranean mountain climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall, in the form of rain from May to October and snow from November to April, is abundant throughout the year. Temperatures vary greatly depending on altitude and are usually between 16 and 24 ºC in July, and between 0 and 7 ºC in January. The best time to visit Andorra for skiing is from December to mid-March, when the abundance of snow on the slopes is practically guaranteed.
Thanks to its ski slopes and variety of winter activities, Andorra is very popular between the months of November and February, when thousands of snow sports enthusiasts come to enjoy its ski slopes. That said, the principality can also be an excellent place to visit during the spring and summer thanks to its many options for adventure activities, hiking and cultural tours.
Keep in mind, however, that the winter season, especially between December and February, is the high season in Andorra, and it is best to book accommodation as far in advance as possible. Find accommodation in Andorra in winter.
Getting to and moving around Andorra
Its small size and rugged terrain mean that Andorra has no airport or train stations. The main major airports near Andorra are Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) and Toulouse – Blagnac. Both are less than three hours drive from Andorra la Vella and offer a multitude of flights to Spain, France and the rest of Europe.
It is also possible to reach Andorra by bus. The country’s main bus station is located near the Parc Central de Andorra la Vella and offers connections from companies such as Directbus, Andbus, Alsa and Hispano Igualadina to destinations in Spain, France and Portugal. View timetables, fares and bus routes to Andorra.
That said, the easiest way to get directly to Andorra is by car or rental car and it is possible to access by road via La Seu d’Urgell from Spain or Puymorens from France. You can rent a cheap car here.
Where to stay in Andorra
The best area to stay in Andorra is Andorra La Vella. The vibrant capital of the principality is its tourist and shopping epicenter and enjoys a central location for discovering the country’s ski slopes and natural wonders. In addition, Andorra la Vella has a wide selection of hotels and tourist apartments. See accommodation in Andorra la Vella.
Other excellent areas to consider when choosing the best places to sleep in Andorra include the towns of Pas de la Casa, El Tarter, Canillo, Soldeu, Encamp and La Massana.
Read on to learn more about the best places to stay in Andorra.
Best areas to stay in Andorra
1. Recommended area: Andorra la Vella
Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra and is located in the southwest of the country, between the Pyrenees mountains.
Although it has less than 25,000 inhabitants, this city is the largest and most populated of the microstate and the best area to stay in Andorra thanks to its great commercial, gastronomic and hotel offer.
Andorra la Vella has been the main town of Andorra since 1278. Its historic center, the Barri Antic, includes streets and buildings dating from this period. Its most prominent building is the Casa de la Vall (House of the Valley ), built in the early sixteenth century and has been the seat of the Andorran parliament since 1702.
The sculpture “Noblesa del temps” (The nobility of time) by Salvador Dalí is another of the attractions of Andorra la Vella. This sculpture of the famous Catalan artist is located on Meritxell Avenue, the main shopping street of the city.
Other attractions in the Andorran capital include the Parc Central, the Carmen Thyssen Museum and the Escaldes area.
The Caldea spa, located in the municipality of Escaldes-Engordany, is one of the largest spas in Europe and, at 80 meters high, the tallest building in Andorra. It was created in 1994 as a thermogenic center taking advantage of the area’s sulfurous thermal waters. The spa offers several circuits with indoor and outdoor pools, hydro therapies, massages, Turkish baths, and saunas.
Andorra la Vella is also the best connected town in Andorra. The Andorran capital is home to the main bus station and is an almost obligatory stopping point if you are traveling by car from Spain, as it is crossed by the CG-1 road, which connects it to the south with La Seu d’Urgell.
Why it is a recommended area to stay in Andorra:
- Best area for business travelers
- Caldea Spa
- Area well connected by public transportation
- Santa Coloma Church
- Meritxell Avenue
- Casa de la Vall
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Tulip Inn Andorra Delfos
This modern hotel is located in the capital of Andorra, 400 metres from the Caldea spa resort. It offers a free ski shuttle bus. Ski passes for Grandavalira and Vallnord resorts are sold on site.
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Budget
Hotel Sant Jordi
This warm and welcoming hotel is conveniently located in the tourist and commercial centre of Andorra, within walking distance of the Pyrénées shopping centre. The rooms at Hotel Sant Jordi are bright and feature a bathroom and satellite TV.
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Luxury
Roc Blanc & Spa
Roc Blanc & Spa is located in Escaldes-Engordany, just 5 minutes’ walk from the centre of Andorra la Vella. The hotel features a spa, 2 restaurants and elegant rooms with hypoallergenic materials.
2. Pas de la Casa & Grandvalira
Pas de la Casa is the best area to stay in Andorra for skiing, thanks to its proximity to Andorra’s main ski resort, Grandvalira.
Grandvalira, considered by many the best ski resort in the Pyrenees, is oriented to alpine skiing and extends from the center of the country eastward to the French border.
While Grandvalira is especially famous among skiers (both professionals and beginners), its slopes are also ideal for snowboarding, snowshoeing and dog sledding.
During the summer, Pas de la Casa and Grandvalira are popular destinations for hiking and mountain biking and their roads have been the scene of competitions such as the Tour de France or the Vuelta a España.
The town of Pas de la Casa has shopping and dining areas and a wide range of hotels, from the most prestigious winter resorts to small inns and tourist apartments.
Why it is a recommended area to stay in Andorra:
- Great for skiing
- Good nightlife
- Area connected by public transportation
3. El Tarter
El Tarter is another village to visit in Andorra and is located in the parish of Canillo, very close to the Grandvalira slopes.
This Andorran town has attractions such as the Snowpark El Tarter, one of the first snowparks in the Iberian Peninsula. With a length of 1.3 kilometers, this winter slope offers routes for all levels of skiing and snowboarding.
In addition, El Tarter hosts top-level international competitions such as the Grandvalira Total Fight.
El Tarter is the best area to stay in Andorra with children. The Bababoom Circus children’s circuit allows the little ones to enjoy a tailor-made track with many surprises.
Summers in El Tarter are ideal for walks and hikes in the mountains through trails such as the Obac Trail or the Telecadira Pi Migdia.
El Tarter is also home to the small Romanesque church of Sant Pere.
Why it is a recommended area to stay in Andorra:
- Good area for tourists
- Best area for families
4. Canillo
Canillo is a beautiful small and quiet village located in the northwest of the Principality of Andorra.
Canillo has a range of tourist sites including the Sanctuary of Meritxell, patron saint of the country. Both the sanctuary and the original statue were destroyed in a fire in 1972 and the current building, designed by Ricardo Bofill Levi, was inaugurated in 1976.
Another important church in Canillo is that of Sant Joan de Caselles, in Romanesque style and with a history dating back to the eleventh century, this temple is located next to the road connecting Andorra la Vella with Pas de la Casa.
The Palau de Gel d’Andorra (Ice Palace) offers an Olympic ice rink of 1,800 square meters, ideal for ice skating, karting, field hockey, ice soccer and much more.
Canillo is an excellent area to sleep in Andorra for winter or summer vacations, as it has comfortable and affordable hotels.
Why it is a recommended area to stay in Andorra:
- Good area for tourists
- Sanctuary of Meritxell
- Palau de Gel D’Andorra
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Roc Meler
This hotel complex is located in Andorra, near Canillo, and has stunning views of the valley. The establishment is close to the Grandvalira ski slopes and is an ideal accommodation for skiers.
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Budget
Apartamentos Prat de les Molleres
Featuring free WiFi, Apartamentos Prat Molleres is located in Soldeu, 450 metres from Soldeu Ski Lifts to Grandvalira. Free private parking is available on site.
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Luxury
Sport Hotel Village
Sport Hotel Village is located in Soldeu, next to the Grandvalira ski lifts. It features a gym, a seasonal outdoor pool and a large children’s play area with a soft area and a ball pit.
5. Soldeu
Soldeu is a village and ski resort located in the Pyrenees, in the parish of Canillo.
Located at an average altitude of more than 2,000 meters above sea level, Soldeu is the second-highest town in the principality.
Soldeu stands out for having direct access to the Grandvalira slopes, as it is strategically located in the center of the main ski resorts and has wide slopes and extreme descents, specifically recommended for the most experienced snow lovers.
The village is connected to the slopes of Grandvalira and El Tarter through the gondola lift system.
In the center of the town is the chapel of Sant Bartomeu, a small Romanesque church.
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Himalaia Soldeu
Hotel Himàlaia Soldeu is located in the centre of Grand Valira, 50 metres from the Soldeu cable car to the ski slopes. It offers Wi-Fi in public areas, a gym and a spa.
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Budget
Hôtel Bruxelles
Located in one of the most beautiful areas of Andorra and surrounded by the Pyrenees, this beautiful hotel is located 50 meters from the Soldeu El Tarter ski slopes.
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Luxury
Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa
Rooms at the Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa feature quality furnishings, Egyptian cotton bed linen, LCD satellite TV, safe, coffee maker, minibar and a private bathroom with hairdryer and spa bath.
6. Encamp
Encamp is a village located 8 kilometers northeast of Andorra la Vella, in the heart of the Principality of Andorra.
Encamp’s main attractions include the church of Sant Miquel de la Mosquera, the Casa Cristo and the church of Santa Eulàlia.
This city also has the National Automobile Museum, which includes 80 vehicles, 60 motorcycles and a hundred bicycles.
On the outskirts of the town are the Romanesque church of Sant Romà de les Bons and the Castle of Les Bons, also known as Torre dels Moros (Tower of the Moors).
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Guillem & Spa
Hotel Guillem is located in the Andorran town of Encamp, 5 minutes’ walk from the Grandvalira ski lifts. It offers a large spa and rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private balcony.
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Budget
Hotel Alfa
Hotel Alfa is located in the centre of Encamp, with easy access to the Funicamp cable car and the Grandvalira ski slopes. It offers simple rooms with a private balcony.
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Luxury
Aparthotel AnyosPark
Located in the Andorran mountain town of Anyós, this apartment complex offers free access to its modern and well-equipped sports centre, which has an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and gym.
7. La Massana & Vallnord Pal-Arinsal
La Massana is located in the western part of the Principality of Andorra.
This high mountain parish is home to the highest peak in the country, the Alto de Comapedrosa, which at 2,943 meters high offers wonderful views over the Parc Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa.
Among the main attractions of La Massana is the Vallnord Pal-Arinsal ski resort, which includes 63 kilometers of slopes for all tastes and levels.
During the summer, travelers can enjoy excursions to the Comapedrosa Natural Park.
