Andorra Travel Guide: 7 Best Things to Do

The D66 is a snaking route that follows the foot of the Pyrenees through a countryside border area with a clear Catalan heritage (notice the flags and city name signs in two languages). Keep your head in the game with this route, bring water and enjoy the fortresses or typical one road villages with road-adjacent front doors. When nearing the Pas de la Case you will make your way through the gigantic lush green or snowy white (depending on the season, obviously) mountains. After crossing the d’Envalira tunnel and paying your Péage, you’ll stumble upon the epic views of Andorra’s Grandvalira and you know you’re in for a treat.

Getting to Andorra

Time is the only thing that flies by in Andorra, as it’s one of the few countries without an airport (and railway station for that matter). This means you need to go by car or bus or hiking trail. One of the most convenient ways is to fly to either Toulouse (France) or Barcelona (Spain) and hop on a three hour ride into the country. Bringing your own car does have its advantages, especially during summer, because the main sights are scattered across the tiny country. There are no toll roads, besides the d’Envalira tunnel giving you a quick in-and-out of the country versus the old mountain road.

Seven best things to do in Andorra

☑️ Grandvalira Views
☑️ Hiking
☑️ Andorra La Vella
☑️ Shopping Tax Free
☑️ Catalan Food
☑️ Wellness Resorts
☑️ Skiing

Grandvalira

Andorra is all about winter sports, which is also evident during summer by the unlit Christmas lights decorating most buildings and the vast number of “no skis” signs. It is home to Grandvalira, the biggest ski resort in southern Europe (which, to be honest, doesn’t have too much competition). Although lacking snowy white ski slopes, the mountains reveal a broad network of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Enjoy a quiet funicular ride up the green mountains for a sunlit lunch and stunning views. Andorra is more than a winter destination and you can enjoy the unique Catalan charm all year.

Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella or Andorra the City has a couple of sights that, unlike the very “uncreative” name, are fun for the whole family. Even-though the capital city is the biggest city of Andorra, it’s small and can easily be discovered on foot (if you don’t mind some hills). With this short itinerary you cover all the basics in (halve) a day. First drop you car in one of the parking garages in the city centre, for example at the Pyrénées Andorra mall. Your first activity starts right away; shopping. As evident by the vast amount of luxury stores and a very “competitive” tax climate, this one of the most popular activities around here. Depending on your propensity to buy, this can already easily take up the whole day. Let’s say your budget is tight, escape via the nearest revolving door and walk down Avenue Meritxell. This street is the commerce epicenter and has a unique architectural style of very modern apartment buildings, fancy shops and the occasional year round winter decoration.

At the end, cross the street and you’ll stand in front of molten clock. A statue of a molten clock by, who else than, Dali himself. It’s called Noblesse du Temps (The Nobility of Time) and is a popular site of Andorra La Vella. If you peek beyond the statue you immediately see sight number two; Pont de París. Apparently the local government is font of their creative city name and put it big across this bridge. It’s therefore photographed often, especially at night when there is a fountain and light show in front of it.

If you saw something cute on Av. Meritxell and are slightly bummed you didn’t try it, you’re in luck, because you need to walk back via the same street. Keep going until you see sight number three; the St Esteve of Andorra Church. A great example of true local architecture and a place of serene silence amidst the streets with roaring fancy cars. Next to it, is a neighborhood with great bars and an outgoing vibe. If you manage to cross it without settling down, you will arrive at site number four. Casa de la Vall is the old town hall and also rocks a great authentic facade. Try to take a quick visit inside for the best experience. Fun fact (as we love the number seven); The Wardrobe of the Seven Keys used to keep all the important documents of the country and could only be opened by gathering all the governors (and their keys) of the seven parishes (regions) of Andorra.

Camí del Toll Bullidor

This is a 30 min hike (one way) to a waterfall. For some this might sound long, but you’ll be there before you know it due to the adventurous nature of this trail with its ups and downs. The starting point can easily be found via your favorite navigation app. Take the sharp exit off the main road, park your car somewhere under or beyond the bridge and find the hike sign near the small natural water tap. It can be done with kids, but large parts have no fencing so keep them close. We walked the trail in summer, which was hot but very doable and the lush green forest provided lots of shade. However, it’s imaginable it’s just as beautiful in winter time but maybe less easy to traverse.

Wellness Resorts

Andorra is not only filled with high mountains but also by many wellness resorts and thermal springs. This obsession with wellbeing offers tourists all the facilities needed to calm down after a full day of skiing or hiking.  Whether it’s the largest spa of Southern Europe (Caldea) or a guided forest bath, make sure to elevate your Andorra trip with a relaxing soak. Make sure to check if you need to bring a swim cap though.

TIC TIP: We stayed at the AnyosPark Mountain & Wellness Resort, with kids, and it made for an amazing experience. The spacious rooms offer fantastic views of the Pyrenees mountains. Although sometimes a little dated compared to other places in Europe, the accommodation gives that cozy cabin-in-the-wood like feeling. The breakfast buffet was genuinely very good and to top it off the resort is decked out with a variety of quality facilities like a big indoor pool, padel courts and children’s climbing track. One critical note; many apartment buildings have an elevator but sometimes still require multiple stairs to reach it. Good to know; a car is quite essential to reach the resort.