11 Very Best Things To Do In Andorra - Hand Luggage Only

Perched within the colossal Pyrenees Mountains of Europe, Andorra is a relatively small country to visit in Europe. However, don’t be fooled by its size, there are heaps of the best things to do in Andorra dotted all across the country.

One of the great things about visiting Andorra is that you get to have such varied experiences whilst you’re there; which change seasonally.

Best Things To Do In Andorra Puig Arcalis ZigZag Road

For instance, if you’re visiting in the winter months, you can take advantage of the snow-capped Pyrenees Mountains and head to some of the best pistes in Western Europe. If you’re visiting in Summer, you’ll get to hike the mountain trails or visit for a city break in places like Andorra la Vella or Escaldes-Engordany.

So, to help you get the most out of your trip, we’re sharing the top places in Andorra you can’t miss when you visit. This way, you can focus on the all-important experiences, without getting bogged down with the planning. Have an amazing time visiting Andorra.

1.) Grandvalira Resorts Andorra

If you’re a keen skier or snowboarder, then you will love visiting Andorra. You see, the country is famous for its mountain pistes and resorts that are so much fun in both summer and winter.

If you’re travelling to Grandvalira Resorts Andorra in the Summer, make sure to follow some of the hiking routes that are so special at this time of the year. Not only that, you can easily head out biking through the valleys where you’ll get some of the best views of the Pyrenees. Oh, and don’t worry about packing your bike when you visit Andorra, lots of the ski towns offer bike rentals (including e-bike rentals) that make it accessible to most people.

Best of all, there are a huge amount of pistes, well over 300 km in length, that suit all abilities. From beginners to pros, you’ll find a run that’s right for you.

If you’re looking for some nice and calm blue slopes, then head over to Arinsal. It’s really accessible and you can even head up with an instructor if you want to hone your skiing skills.

Now, one of the best ski resort areas has to be Grandvalira. This huge area encompasses Ordino Arcalís and Pal Arinsal; and let’s not forget about Grandvalira, too.

Not only that, if you love some good apes ski partying, make sure to head to Pas de la Casa. Once here, you’ll get to visit Bar Street which, as you can guess, is filled with local bars and DJ spots.

2.) Mirador Roc del Quer

For some great views across the Pyrenees Mountains, head over to Mirador Roc Del Quer. It’s a short stroll from Coll d’Ordino Road (CS-240) and one spot you can’t miss when visiting Andorra.

Now, you’ll likely spend around 30 minutes here and it’s so easy to visit, especially if you’re travelling on a road trip around Andorra.

If you’ve got time, and fancy an adventure, try scaling a via ferrada at Roc del Quer iron way. This is a relatively tough via ferrada to climb; so only consider this if you’re experienced. Oh, and be sure to scale the dockside with a qualified guide. We always follow a guide when climbing a via ferrada, especially in unfamiliar terrain.

3.) Engolasters lake

Not too far from the capital, Andorra la Vella, visiting Engolasters lake is easily one of the best things to do in Andorra when you visit. You see, it’s a gorgeous lake that sits within a glacial depression that was carved out in the last Iceage and is beautiful to hike or stroll around.

Now, to get here, you can follow this hiking trail that will take you right to the shores of Engolasters lake. It’s a relatively easy hike, though, you will climb around 300+ metres to get to the lake itself.

For easy access to the trail, head towards the Automobile Museum (Which is also worth a visit). This is where the trailhead starts.

This makes the hike much easier, especially if you’re short on time.

4.) Andorra la Vella

Being the capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella is a must-visit on any trip to the country. Now, a heads up, it is much smaller than many other European capital cities like; London, Paris or Madrid. Though, what it lacks in size, it totally makes up with things to do.

Once here, make sure to drive around 7 km from Andorra la Vella and visit Formatgeria Casa Raubert in nearby Escàs. It’s a small little place where you can go on guided tours of the dairy and taste some of the local cheeses that make like; Orri and Cossol.

As you stroll the old city streets, head on over to St. Esteve of Andorra Church. It dates back over 800 years and is well worth a gander.

Not only that, you can easily visit Casa de la Vall, which is just a few minutes stroll away. Not only that, it is one of the most symbolic monuments of Andorra.

Casa de la Vall dates back to the 1500s and was the seat of the Parliament of Andorra between 1702 to 2011.

Afterwards, make sure to visit the Church of Santa Coloma d’Andorra. It’s one of the oldest surviving structures in the whole country, with the tower dating back to the 1100s.

Plus, inside is a pretty cool map that is projected for everyone to view and where you can see the paintings made with the strappo technique.

5.) The Incles Valley

If you want to explore the stunning glacial history of Andorra then you need to visit the Incles Valley. You see, this whole area was dramatically carved out in the last Ice Age and the valley is vast!

Now, one thing to remember is that Incles Valley is closed to cars in the summer months. This makes it one of the best things to do in Andorra if you’re looking to head on a hike. Plus, the hike is suitable for most abilities, especially the hiking route (around 2.5 Km) that follows the base of the valley.

If you fancy a more challenging hike, then be sure to follow the trail to Estany de Juclà, the biggest in Andorra. You can follow this route which is just shy of 5 km. Just be sure to pack plenty of water and SPF. The sun can be strong in the summer months. The hike, there and back, will take around 4 hours to complete.

6.) Escaldes-Engordany

Heading east of Andorra la Vella, you’ll come across Escaldes-Engordany. It’s a smaller town area that almost feels as though it’s part of Andorra la Vella.

After driving or walking over, head to see Sant Pere Màrtir de les Escaldes. It’s right in the centre of town and well worth visiting to explore more of the region’s religious history.

Not only that, make sure to head to the cosy art museum of Carmen Thyssen Museum Andorra. They have seasonal exhibits, by world-renowned artists and other museums. You’ll pay a small fee to enter, which is well worth it for this lovely Art Museum.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Caldea, too. It’s one of the best places in Andorra to experience the thermal pools and is so relaxing. Make sure to allocate at least 3 hours to chill out in the pools.

It’s so lovely and even has an adults-only space to chill.

7.) Estanys de Pessons

Fancying a more challenging hike in Andorra? Then you’ll want to visit the hiking routes that take in the lakes of estany Primer, estany Meligar and estany Fonts.

One of the easiest ways to reach Estanys de Pessons is by starting at Grandvalira Grau Roig. There’s a car park here, called Cubil parking, and the route is quite easy if you can drive to the trailhead (You can download the route, here).

8.) Canillo

Both the town and the parish, visiting Canillo is one of the best things to do in Andorra as you head into Andorra from Toulouse Airport.

Now, when you’re driving around the parish, make sure to explore the Basilica Sanctuary of Meritxell. Although relatively new, there’s been a history of a sanctuary here for centuries.

Afterwards, head out to explore Camí del Toll Bullidor. You can follow this route. Not only is the walk nice and easy, but it’ll also take you to the incredible falls.

Plus, you have to head over to the Tibetan Bridge that’s perched over the Pyrenees Valleys below. It’s incredible to visit, especially as you can partner it with a trip to the viewpoint of the Roc del Quer.

Also, don’t forget you can easily hop on the bus that heads to Quer viewpoint from the town of Canillo itself. Just make sure to get off at this bus stop.

9.) Canòlich Sanctuary

Not too far from Bixessarri, in the parish of Sant Julià de Lòria, the Canòlich Sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Andorra as you drive the mountain roads (CS-111) towards Spain. Plus, it’s so easy to visit when you’re already in Andorra la Vella.

Now, a visit to Canòlich Sanctuary will only be short, but the drive and journey around this area of Andorra is gorgeous. Make sure to allot a good few hours to drive or stroll the local area. It’s beautiful.

10.) Tristaina Lakes Hike

If you’re visiting the northern fringes of Andorra, then you need to head over to Tristaina lakes, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for a hike.

Once here, make sure to park your car (here) and follow the loop trail that will take you to the Tristaina lakes.

Now, the looped route is around 4.4 km in length, which you can follow. The whole trail will take around 3 hours to complete and is perfect to do in the summer months.

11.) Tristaina solar viewpoint

The views from the Tristaina solar viewpoint are incredible! The whole region is beautiful, and you can easily see the geological history that has shaped Andorra from this incredible spot.

Not only that, it’s one of Europe’s largest sundials that you can actually walk around.

To get here, hop on the Tristaina cable car that makes a trip to the top nice and easy. Though, you will need to walk around 20 minutes to get to the viewpoint itself. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Andorra, and you can easily book your tickets.

Afterwards, head on over to Naturland, which has 800 hectares of fun in the beautiful landscapes of Andorra. You’ll get to experience the totally fun Airtrekk and Zipline, which is so much fun. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Xtrem Jump, which is an adrenaline-filled experience that’s so much fun.

Plus, if you need some more information, you can head to VisitAndorra.com or @andorraworld on socials for the lowdown on local listings and seasonal events that are happening during your visit. Have the best time.