Despite its tiny size, Andorra packs a lot into its 468 square kilometers of mountains and valleys. Whether you’re looking to ski, walk, mountain bike or simply relax and enjoy the outdoors, Andorra has something for everyone!
Known as the tax-haven principality, Andorra draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to its capital, Andorra la Vella. There are boutiques, jewellery shops and several shopping centers in this bustling city center.
1. Andorra la Vella
Located high in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra la Vella is the capital city of the Principality of Andorra. This tiny country is known for its ski resorts and tax-haven status which encourages duty-free shopping.
The capital is a lovely place to wander and explore. It has a bustling main street with lots of shops and eateries. It also has some superb medieval churches, many of which are still untouched by time.
Another attraction worth visiting is La Noblesse du Temps, a monumental bronze sculpture by Salvador Dali rising 4.90 meters above the ground. This work of art symbolises the passing of time and is a must-see for any visitor to Andorra.
The small town of Les Escaldes, north of Andorra la Vella is also a popular destination with visitors, especially for those interested in hot springs. The natural springs here are said to have medicinal properties and are renowned for their high sulphur and nitrogen content.
2. Vallnord
Located in the north of Andorra, Vallnord is one of Europe’s most popular ski resorts. It comprises three separate ski areas, Arinsal, Pal and Ordino-Arcalis.
There’s a great variety of terrain to suit everyone from experts to beginners and intermediates, and there are plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. It’s also possible to visit the Casa de la Vall, a historic building dating back to the 16th century famed for its period artwork and historically significant documents.
For those with a keen sense of adventure, Vallnord is also renowned for its ski-mountaineering. There are various routes to explore and a range of different equipment to rent.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not try airboarding, ski-biking, or snow snake riding? The area also offers a wide range of other winter sports including sledding and snowmobile excursions.
3. Naturlandia
If you want to go to the mountains but don't feel like skiing, Naturlandia has all sorts of activities for you to enjoy. It's an adventure theme park on two levels, one of them 1600 meters above sea level and the other 2,000 meters high.
On the first level, you can find the Tobotronic - the world's longest Alpine toboggan that will let you whizz down the slopes of La Rabassa Forest. The second level is the Airtrekk, which is Europe's largest sky trail that will challenge both you and your children to see how they handle the elements.
If you want to get closer to nature, Naturlandia offers fourx4 buggy tours where you can enjoy a scenic ride through the forests of La Rabassa. These routes last an hour and are guided by a guide who will share all the fascinating details of the route with you.
4. Grandvalira
Despite its small size and remoteness, Andorra is home to one of Europe’s best ski resorts, Grandvalira. It boasts a huge variety of pistes ranging from green to red and black, and is known for its high adrenaline, low crowds vibe.
The main resort area is made up of six sectors - Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa. Each village is linked to the ski area by a number of lifts.
There are also many specialist areas, designed specifically for beginners and those just getting started on the slopes. Some of these have special snowparks for boarding and sliding down slopes in a controlled environment.
Aside from the skiing, Andorra offers a wide range of other activities such as snowmobiling, mushing, groomer rides and snowshoeing. As well as the skiing, Andorra also offers a variety of hotels and apartments for your stay.
