6 Essential Places To See In Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is located northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, in the middle of the Pyrenees, on the border between Spain and France. In this article we will tell you which are the most beautiful places to see in Andorra, a territory of less than 500 km², without an army and with Catalan as the official language.

Divided into 7 parishes and mostly dedicated to tourism, this sovereign country is a paradise in terms of nature and landscapes. Among the must-sees in Andorra we highlight:

1. Andorra la Vella

It is the capital of the principality, also the smallest and most populated parish and a place that must be seen in Andorra in an inexcusable way. It is divided into three nuclei at a height of 1,123 meters. Thus, it is the capital of the State at the highest altitude above sea level in all of Europe. ​

Its main monuments and buildings are the Casa de la Vall (from the 16th century), the church of San Esteban (from the 11th century and a modernist part from the 40s), the Margineda bridge (Romanesque that crosses the Valira river), the church of Santa Coloma and the castle and church of Sant Vicenc d’Enclar (fortified medieval complex raised between the 7th and 8th centuries).

2. House Step

This beautiful parish of Encamp, next to the border with France, owes its name to the fact that at the beginning of the 20th century it only had a shepherds’ hut and was a place of passage. The Arieja river is born here and its monuments of interest are the church of San Pedro, the port of Envalira (at 2400 meters above sea level) and the Grandvalira winter sports station.

3. Soldeu

This town is located in the parish of Canillo, to the right of the Valira de Oriente. In the winter months it becomes a destination par excellence for skiers, who have just under 200 km of slopes in the largest resort in the Pyrenees.

Soldeu is at 1700 meters above sea level and the ski area at almost 2600 meters. To get to the top you can take a cable car. The heritage of the town is made up of the church of San Bartolomé.

4. Canillo

It is the largest parish in Andorra and its altitude varies between 1400 and almost 3000 meters. The climate here is quite cold and the snow covers it completely in winter, although in summer the sun shines many hours a day.

In Canillo we can find the sanctuary of Our Lady of Meritxell (patron saint of the Principality), the Ice Palace (with an 8000 m² ice rink), the rock carvings of the Roc de les Bruixes and the church of Sant Joan de Caselles (from late 11th century and with a Lombard bell tower).

5. Arinsal

Another must-see in Andorra is this beautiful town in the parish of La Massana, which is located in the valley of the Arinsal river at almost 1500 meters high. Within its extension it houses the highest peaks in the country : Pla de l’Estany, Medecorba and Coma Pedrosa.

It receives many tourists every year, especially in winter, because it has good slopes for skiing and snowboarding .  Do not forget to visit the church of San Andrés, in Romanesque style and with a square bell tower.

6. Places to see in Andorra: La Massana

This parish of Andorra is located in the northwest of the country and has an area of ​​only 65 km². Many rivers pass through La Massana, such as Valira del Norte and Montaner.  There are also several lakes, including Montmantell and els Forcats.

Within the population term there are mountains almost 3000 meters high and some beautiful fir and pine forests. The heritage is made up of the churches of San Ermengol (in L’aldosa de La Massana) and of San Clemente (in Pal), the San Antonio de la Grella bridge and the Casa Rull (in Sispony) and Farga Rossell (in La Massana).