Discover 10 terrific experiences in Andorra
1. ANDORRA DE LA VELLA
Andorra la Vella is the capital and largest city of Andorra. It is located high in the east Pyrenees, between France and Spain. It is also the name of the parish that surrounds the capital. The principal industry is tourism, although the country also earns foreign income from being a tax haven. Furniture and brandies are local products. Being at an elevation of 1,023 m (3,356 ft), it is the highest capital city in Europe and a popular ski resort.
2. BASILICA SANCTUARY OF MERITXELL
The Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica is the most important religious temple in Andorra. The Meritxell religious site in Andorra is a highly symbolic place for the inhabitants of the Principality. Indeed, it houses the image of Our Lady of Meritxell, the country's patron saint. This is a polychrome statue based on the original Romanesque work, which was destroyed in a fire in 1972.
3. CASA DE LA VALL
Casa de la Vall is a historical house in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. It is former headquarters of the General Council of Andorra. It was built in 1580 as a manor and tower defence by the Busquets family.
4. LAGOS DE TRISTAINA
Lagos de Tristaina is a group of pristine lakes nestled amidst the mountains of Ordino. Easily accessible through an idyllic circular trail, the lakes attract many tourists and locals.
5. LA NOBLESSE DU TEMPS
La Noblesse du temps or nobility of time, is a sculpture made by the Catalan artist Salvador Dalí and although it was ceded to the Andorran principality in 1999, it was not until August 2010 that this monument was installed in its current location, in the Plaza de la Rotonda of Andorra la Vella.
6. MIRADOR ROC DEL QUER
The Roc del Quer Viewpoint is a viewpoint located at the top of the Coll d'Ordino road that has spectacular views of the Canillo valley and part of the mountains of the Encamp parish. It has a platform 20 meters long, 12 of them suspended above the void.
7. SAINT JOAN DE CASELLES
It is on the way out of Canillo to France, alongside an ancient road and dates back to between the 11th and 12th centuries. Sant Joan de Caselles follows the typical architectural layout of the Romanesque churches in Andorra: rectangular nave with wooden roof, semi-circular apse and Lombardian style bell tower. It has two porches, probably built in the 16th and 17th centuries.
8. SKIING
Andorra's ski resorts are rated some of the best in Europe for learning to ski. And the varied slopes, high-quality accommodation and great value make it a good option for families. The Andorra ski season runs from December to April. Most of the slopes in the Pyrenees are high altitude at over 1,800m and the highest go up to over 2,500m, so the snow is fairly reliable all season – especially in late December and January, when the weather tends to be coldest at around -2°C. Most of the slopes are covered by snowmaking too, so they can be topped up if need be.
9. ST ESTEVE OF ANDORRA
Església de Sant Esteve is a church located on Plaça del Príncep Benlloch in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. It is a heritage property registered in the Cultural Heritage of Andorra. It was built in the 11th-12th century and then restored in the 20th century.
10. VALLE DE INCLES
The Incles Valley is one of the many superb natural sites Andorra has to offer visitors. It is located between the towns of Tarter and Canillo, and its characteristic U shape is what tells us it was formed by a glacier. Open at the end, the valley offers an intimate experience of the beauty of the subalpine landscape, which turns alpine as you go farther in. Always amidst rich flora and fauna, visitors are accompanied by pasture lands and a host of dispersed cottages as they make their way to the valley floor.
EAT ORELLETE
EAT RABBIT STEW
SLEEP @ HOTEL NAUDI BOUTIQUE
Immerse yourself in a haven of comfort and elegance at Hotel Naudi, located in Soldeu, three minutes from the Grandvalira ski area.
SLEEP @ HOTEL XALET MONTANA
This charming, rustic-style hotel is open only during the winter season. It has 40 double rooms, all recently renovated and all with mountain views. The ideal choice for a skiing getaway!
EAT @ KOKOSNOT
A fine-dining restaurant that continues to gain a loyal following thanks to its welcoming ambience, its high-quality ingredients and the professionalism of its staff.
EAT @ RESTAURANT NAUDI
Traditional dishes that combine the flavours of a lifetime with current touches that make the real difference. A varied selection of fresh local produce “llaunes”, rice dishes, grills and much more.
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