Andorra is a small but spectacular country.Surrounded by mountains, its nature will not leave you indifferent.You will not be short of things to see in Andorra: from enjoying its incredible hiking routes to relaxing in Caldea to disconnect from the routine.And take the opportunity to buy some better priced products!In this post we tell you 35 things to do in Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees.
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To plan your visit more easily, you can use this map, where all the things to see in Andorra that we tell you .
What do we tell you in this post?
Best Things To See And Do In Andorra
Get lost in Andorra la Vella, the capital of the country
Andorra is small but vibrant, especially its flirtatious capital, Andorra la Vella.It is a beautiful and fun city, especially if you like shopping.Lose yourself in its historic center while you breathe fresh air and marvel at the mountains that surround the city.
It is also a special capital: itis located at 1022 meters above sea level, so it is the state capital at the highest altitude above sea level in all of Europe.
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Get to know Plaça del Poble
It is far from being a historical square since its construction is quite recent.It is on the terrace of the administrative building of the Government of Andorra.It is a meeting point for locals and what we like the most about this square is the Tribute to the Immigrant sculpture.
It was built in 2010 as a tribute to all those Andorrans who left and those foreigners who came.Without a doubt, contemplating it is one of the best things to do in Andorra.
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And the Church of San Esteve d’Andorra
Right next to Plaça del Poble is this beautiful Romanesque church.It dates from the 12th century, although it was restored in the 20th.Of the original construction, only the Romanesque semicircular apse, built in the 13th century, remains.A true beauty in the very center of Andorra!
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Shopping on Avenida Meritxell, something almost inevitable to do in Andorra
One of the essential things to do in Andorra is to go shopping on Avenida Meritxell.This avenue crosses the capital of Andorra from west to east and is the main commercial artery of the city.The street changes its name when it enters Les Escaldes-Engordany and becomes Avenida de Carlemany.
There you will find large blocks of shops and some interesting department stores likePyrénées, our favourite.
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Photograph the Casa de la Vall
This is another of the most important historical buildings in the country.It dates from the end of the 16th century, when it became the seat of one of the oldest parliaments in Europe, the General Council, which was created in 1419. You can visit its interior for a price of €5.
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Admire La Noblesse du Temps
Precisely on this street you will find a sculpture by Salvador Dalí.It was installed there in 2010 and has become one of the main attractions of the Andorran capital.
As a curiosity, the work was ceded to the Government by Salvador Dalí’s art collector and confidant, Enrique Sabater, in 1999.Enjoying it is one of the best things to do in Andorra.
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Cross the Paris Bridge
And right in front of this sculpture you will find another of the icons of Andorra la Vella: the Pont de Paris.It is popularly known as the Puente de les Bolasbecause of the huge spheres it contains at the top.This avant-garde style bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the country.
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Spend the afternoon at the Illa Carlemany shopping center
If you like shopping, you can end the day at the l’Illa Carlemany shopping centre.There you will find many interesting shops, apart from a wide range of restaurants and cinemas.Ideal to spend an entertaining afternoon.
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Skiing in Grandvalira
Another of the typical things to do in Andorra is to enjoy its ski slopes.The largest and best known is Grandvalira.We are not much into skiing, butif you like the snow in Grandvalira you will enjoy it like a child.It has up to 210 kilometers of slopes, being the largest ski resort in southern Europe.
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Play golf at Grandvalira Golf Soldeu
And to complement your vacation, if you like golf,in Andorra you will have the opportunity to play on the highest golf course in Europe.It is located at 2210 meters of altitude.Almost nothing!They are only open from July to September, when the weather is more inviting to enjoy this sport.
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Stroll through Les Escaldes and discover where its name comes from
Les Escaldes is a municipality right next to the capital, Andorra-La Vella.In fact, you’re walking around and you don’t even notice that you’ve changed town.The name of Les Escaldes comes from the presence of numerous hot springs in the area.So walking Today it is an important national tourist center thanks to the construction of many spa hotels, and above all, Caldea.So its evolution is linked to hot springs.
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Visit Caldea, a relaxing plan to do in Andorra
Related to the previous point, another essential thing to do in Andorra is to visit Caldea.It is the largest thermal center in Europe.So whether you visit Andorra in the colder months or in the warmer ones, it is something you cannot miss.Relax and enjoy your vacation!
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Photograph the Puente de la Tosca
This is one of the most picturesque bridges in Andorra.It is located in les Escaldes-Engordany on the river Madriu, a tributary of the Valira.It dates from 1820 and has been a monument of cultural interest since July 2003.
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Go on an excursion to the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
In Andorra you can enjoy alandscape declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.You can see unique animals and plants, as well as traditional shepherd’s huts and breathtaking lakes.
In this valley there areroutes for all levels.If you want to take it easy and enjoy the scenery,in summer you can spend the night in one of the five shelters along the way.A great weekend plan to do in Andorra!
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Visit the Tobacco Museum, something curious to do in Andorra
Tobacco production has been a very important economic activity in Andorra.In thisinteractive museum you can see how tobacco was made in the Reig factory, which operated until the middle of the last century.The changes that the process has currently undergone and the economic weight that this industry has had for the country over the years are also shown.Admission costs €5.
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Enjoy Naturlandia, a very cool activity to do in Andorra with children
An essential visit to do in Andorra if you go with children, they will have a great time!It is anadventure park in the middle of naturewith various spaces and activities for the whole family.From a typical animal park in the area to an adventure tour among the trees with zip lines and suspension bridges.
Pricesvarydepending on the time of year you visit the park and the number of activities you want to do.You can check the details on theirwebsite.
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Jump down the Tobotronc
One of the main attractions of Naturlandia is thelongest slide in the world surrounded by nature.Take advantage of your visit to Andorra to travel5.3 kilometers in a two-seater sleigh while you contemplate the vegetation around you.
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Fall in love with the Margineda Bridge
Andorra is full of beautiful bridges.And the one from La Margineda is one of our favourites.It is the oldest medieval bridge in the Principality and is built on the waters of the Valira River.It is one of the few Romanesque bridges from the 12th century that are preserved.You will find it on the way to Andorra la Vella and it is an excellent quick stop to do in Andorra.
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Visit the Lac d’Engolasters
It is one of the most accessible lakes from the center of Andorra la Vella, there is no excuse not to visit it!From in front of the parish of Encamp there is a2-kilometre paththat leads to this wonder of nature.An ideal visit to do in Andorra to stretch your legs while you see vegetation and typical buildings along the way.
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Climb Comapedrosa, the highest point in Andorra
The Comapedrosa is the top of this small country.At 2942 meters high, there is no other mountain that looks over it. So if you like the mountain you can climb to its top. The route is demanding, not suitable for all audiences.It is only recommended if you have experience in the mountains.
The route is 15.4 kilometers long and has almost 1,400 meters of unevenness.Along the way you can enjoy beautiful lakes, waterfalls and a wide variety of flora and fauna.And from the top you will have privileged views If you want to enjoy the mountain calmly, we advise you to spend the night in the Refugi del Comapedrosa.
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Get lost in Ordino and its cobbled streets
Ordino is a very charming town.Full of beautiful squares, magical cobbled streets and a very calm atmosphere to relax.Stroll down Calle Mayor, one of the most beautiful in Ordino, and enjoy its peace.And don’t forget to go to the picturesque Puente de Ordino!
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Go on an excursion to the Tristaina Lakes
Another of the activities to do in Andorra that we most recommend is visiting these beautiful lakes.As its name says, you can walk around some beautiful lakes.It is an excursion for all levels, although it is advisable to be prepared.Especially go well equipped since the weather in the high mountains is always unpredictable.
The route has a distance of 4.5 kilometers and is circular.In less than 3 hours at a leisurely pace you have completed it.It begins next to the Coma restaurant, in the Vallnord ski resort, in the Arcalís sector.Do not miss it!
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Take a photo of the Ordino ring
At the top of the port of Ordino there is a large metal ring that seems to frame the beautiful views of the mountains.An ideal opportunity to enjoy the moment and take a good photo!
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Hallucinate with the views from the Mirador del Roc del Quer
If you want to have the sensation of flying, you cannot miss this viewpoint.It is located in Canillo and will give you an unforgettable experience.In reality, the viewpoint is a 20-meter platform (8 on solid ground and 12 suspended in the air).So when you walk over the part that does not touch the ground you will have the sensation of flying over the valley.A part of the floor of the platform is made of glass so you can still enjoy the views more.Beautiful!Admission is free.
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Do the trekking of the Ruta del Ferro, something historical to do in Andorra
Did you know thatAndorra had an important steel industry?The iron they sold to Spain was one of the main sources of income from the 17th to the 19th century.This hiking route follows the path that the workers of the time used to travel.It also remembers this industry with a lot of sculptures (obviously made of iron) made by different artists from around the world.
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Learn about iron production at the Rossell Forge
An interesting stop on the iron route is this old factory.It has beenconverted into a museum where they explain perfectly how ingots were made, for example.It is very curious to see the tools that were used then.Admission costs €5.
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Visit the beautiful sanctuary of Meritxell
You cannot leave Andorra without visiting themost important religious temple in the principality.It is dedicated to Our Lady of Meritxell, the Andorran patron saint.In addition to being an important place for visitors moved by faith, it is alsovery worthwhile for its historical and cultural value.And, of course, the simple fact of seeing the environment that surrounds it is a joy.
The truth is thatthe current sanctuary has nothing of the Romanesque, as it had to berebuilt in 1972 after a terrible fire.The prestigious architect Ricardo Bofill was in charge of the project.
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Try Alpha, an essential thing to do in Andorra for beer lovers
For those who love beer, Andorra also has a good plan.There is a craft beer factory that offers tastings and guided tours so you can learn about the brewing process.It’s called Alpha and you can stop by for a drink from Tuesday to Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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Visit Sant Climent de Pal and fall in love with the Romanesque
One of the oldest buildings in the whole country is the church of Sant Climent de Pal.Its construction dates back to nothing more and nothing less than the end of the 11th century.Although it has been enlarged several times centuries later, it retains original Romanesque elements.Admire its distinctive bell tower with windows.
If you are interested in history and, in particular, the Romanesque period, you canvisit the Andorra Romanesque Interpretation Center for free, very close to the church.There you will learn about the Romanesque art of the country and see original elements of the main churches.
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And also Les Bons
Another very interesting historical visit to do in Andorra is the Les Bons complex, in the town of Encamp.Its location is not free, since it is located right at the entrance to the valley.This allowed good control over who entered and left the valley.Its main construction is thechurch of Sant Romà, full of reproductions of Romanesque paintings.
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Visit the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles
If you are liking all these proposals related to history to do in Andorra, here is another one!The church of Sant Joan de Caselles isanother wonderful example of Andorran Romanesque.Its bell tower with a tower is striking.But do not stay only with the exterior,inside there are authentic historical jewels: mural paintings, a spectacular Gothic altarpiece and a large image of Christ in Majesty.
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Have fun at the Automobile Museum
In the center of Encamp there is amust-see for motor lovers.With more than80 cars, 60 motorcycles and 100 bicycles, they have one of the most important vehicle collections in Europe.The museum shows theevolution of the automotive industry from the end of the 19th century to the present day.They even have a steam engine from the year 1885!Admission costs €5.
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Approach the Church of Santa Coloma, a historic construction to see in Andorra
This temple was one of the things to do in Andorra that surprised us the most.It is of Andorran pre-Romanesque origin and is one of the oldest churches in the Principality.It is mentioned in the acts of consecration of the cathedral of La Seu d’Urgell, dating from 1040. It is a beautiful temple, surrounded by mountains and worth visiting.
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Walking the Camí de les Pardines
Another of the hiking routes to do in Andorra is the Camí de les Pardines.It is aroute of just 3.5 kilometers without any complications, ideal for breathing fresh air without getting too tired.You can start it from Els Cortals d’Encamp or from Lake Engolasters.Halfway along the paththere is a viewpoint with views of the nearby peaks and various picnic tablesto recharge your batteries while enjoying the scenery.
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Get to know the luxurious life of the Areny-Plandolit family
To end our list of activities to do in Andorra, we remember theonly Andorran family with a noble title.They are the Areny Plandolit.Thehouse they lived in from the 17th to the 20th century has been converted into a museum.There you can see the luxurious rooms in which they lived.Although Andorra is now associated with wealthy people, then the inhabitants were quite humble and the way of life of this family stood out.Admission costs €5.