What to see in Andorra in summer or winter for a tourist in one or several days? We have selected 12 interesting and beautiful places of the dwarf state of Europe, made a map of the location of objects. For gastronomic travelers We have prepared an overview of restaurants where you can eat delicious traditional cuisine and relax in a cozy interior.
The miniature principality of Andorra is located in the eastern part of the Pyrenees, between Spain and France. Thanks to its favorable location, a huge number of tourists come to the country every year. The road from neighboring countries to the capital of the principality takes no more than 15 minutes, which is a significant argument in favor of visiting it. Ski resorts are the main attractions of the state of Andorra, but, besides this, there are many interesting places.
Guests of Andorra are attracted not only by perfectly equipped ski resorts, but also by the stunning, almost pristine nature, first-class service, and well-developed infrastructure. Holidays in the principality, compared to other European ski resorts, are much cheaper for tourists. Since the state is located in a duty-free zone, shoppers are happy to make numerous purchases here.
Andorra la Vella
The capital of the principality is the most beautiful and most visited by travelers. It is subdivided into old and new.
The new city pleases with well-groomed streets, an abundance of boutiques, small shops and modern shopping centers. Many are located on the Roman-style Meritxell Street. She is often depicted in photos of Andorra's landmarks.
After shopping, tourists like to spend time in local cafes or restaurants and enjoy the exquisite taste of a variety of dishes. Spa centers and entertainment facilities also offer their services.
Ancient monuments are located in the old quarter of Barry Antik, where the spirit of the Middle Ages reigns everywhere. Most of the buildings in the quarter were built of rough gray stone. The buildings are located along narrow streets, have no more than two or three floors and small wooden balconies.
Spa center Caldea
When visiting the sights of Spanish Andorra, be sure to visit Caldea. It is known for its unique thermal waters, and its size has no analogues in Europe.
The territory is equipped with pools of different depths, cascades, rocks, a water park, a jacuzzi, gyms, beauty and massage parlors, restaurants and shops. The thermal waters of Caldea have a healing effect, have a relaxing and healing effect on the body.
The spa is always crowded. This is a convenient place for a romantic evening, as well as relaxing with your family members.
Palace of the Cassa de la Vall
Among the sights of Andorra with photos and descriptions, this palace stands out, which is also called the "House of the Valley". The building of the 16th century is located on the central metropolitan square and is of great historical and political value for the country.
Once in the premises of the palace, meetings of the Land Council were held, and now the local Parliament makes important state decisions there.
Cassa de la Vall is skipped with excursions, so everyone can visit it. The palace also has a kitchen-museum, which displays a collection of edged weapons and kitchen utensils of past centuries. In ancient times, food for assessors was prepared within its walls. The museum has its own archive, where documents of noble persons are kept.
Valley of Incles
What to see in Andorra at any time, but especially in summer? Visit this picturesque area surrounded by mountains in one day. There is a road to it, with hotels and cafes located on the sides. In the Valley of Incles, travelers can relax by the bustling mountain river with picnic areas.
The valley is beautiful at any time of the year and is always ready to offer its guests stunning landscapes, the view of which is simply breathtaking.
Lake Egnolasters
If you come to Andorra in the summer, you will certainly want to visit this lake, located at an altitude of 1600 meters near the town of Encamp. A tourist route has been laid to the lake, but many travelers want to climb to it along the steep slopes and at the same time admire the surrounding beauty.
There is a church not far from the lake. Taking a ride on the cable car, you can admire it from above.
St john's church
On the outskirts of Canillo, one of the most beautiful places in Andorra, this temple with a Romanesque tower was built. It has porticoes, a rectangular nave and remains of stucco moldings that have survived to this day from the 11-12th century.
Since the church is located on the road to other significant places in the principality, its visit is included in the excursion routes.
Church of Santa Coloma
When visiting the religious sites of Andorra, pay attention to the building of the ancient church of Santa Coloma, which resembles a tower. Its architecture is completely different from the exterior of such institutions, since it lacks their inherent elements.
Santa Coloma, despite its design, is still a church. It was built in the 10th century. The temple still receives parishioners.
Ski resorts Soldeu / El Tarter
Andorra especially attracts ski lovers in winter. The most popular and dynamically developing resort offering its guests a range of quality services is the famous Soldeu. It is located just 19 kilometers from the capital and is connected by cable car to the other ski resort of El Tarter.
The total length of ski tracks in both villages is over 90 kilometers. The resorts have excellent infrastructure, are suitable for skiers of different skill levels, and are equipped with various types of lifts. The skiing season here lasts from December to April. The official website https://www.soldeu.com will tell you how to get there, ski pass prices, what the weather is and other nuances of skiing in Andorra.
Hotel Soldeu
Vallnord Arinsal
It gives fans of snowboarding and alpine skiing a lot of positive impressions: developed infrastructure, wonderful snow cover, bright sun and 63 kilometers of groomed trails of various difficulty levels.
The ski village is closest to the capital, which is only five kilometers away. The resort is divided into zones, the most famous of which are Pal and Arinsal, connected by a free bus route.
The Pal sector has the largest number of snow cannons per kilometer. The easiest tracks are located right here. They are suitable for children and beginner athletes.
Arinsal is famous for the most difficult slopes, skiing on which experienced skiers will surely appreciate. Therefore, the question: what to do in Andorra for a tourist never arises.
The length of trails for snowboarding fans is 24 km.
At each of the stations, you can also ride snowmobiles, dog sleds, sleighs, aeroboard, etc. The resorts have eateries and restaurants where you can eat deliciously. Some of these establishments have terraces.
The resort has a ski school, a children's club, an information office, and a luggage room. Russian-speaking staff work in two schools. All relevant information on the cost of a ski pass, news, webcams, can be viewed on the official website www.vallnord.com/.
Hotels in Vallnord region
Ski resort Grandvalira
What to visit and see in Andorra in winter? Of course, Grandvalira is the largest and most prestigious resort in the Pyrenees.It unites several ski villages connected by lifts. The opening of the resort took place in 1956, and it is actively developing to this day.
Grandvalira has excellent conditions for skiers of all skill levels. On its slopes, masters of their craft and novice skiers feel confident, and a snow kindergarten is open for the smallest.
Hotels in Grandvalira
Route scheme
Tobacco Museum
Tobacco production, along with the tourism business, is the backbone of the principality's economy, so if you are still wondering what to see in Andorra, be sure to visit it.
The institution is located in the building of a former tobacco factory and belongs to the Reig family. The museum has existed since 1999. He introduces visitors to all stages of tobacco production. His collection includes antique machines and various tools needed to make cigars.
The museum uses new technologies, installed multimedia systems, and uses visual demonstrations. This is done in order to most clearly demonstrate to visitors the process of making a tobacco product.
On the terrace, everyone can taste any of the samples of cigars that are currently being produced, as well as buy souvenirs.
Motorcycle Museum
It was opened in Canilla in 2007 thanks to the initiative of local lovers of this type of transport. The motorcycle has undergone many upgrades since its invention by Gottlieb Daimler in 1885, but it is still a fairly popular means of transportation in many countries.
The museum exposition numbers over one hundred and fifty models, among which there is the oldest French-made motorcycle. The exhibition features models that resemble scooters and a number of other types of motorcycles developed by renowned automotive brands.
What to see in Andorra in one day?
Now we will lay out an independent route for a walk through the best places where we advise you to visit first. If you are going to the principality for a few hours, we recommend starting your acquaintance with the country from its capital, and first of all, strolling through its historical center Barri Antic.
Medieval fortress Casa de la Val is a significant monument of antiquity, therefore it is also necessary to visit it.
Margineda bridge, laid across the Valira River, is often found in many photos of Andorra; tourists here often arrange photo shoots on Instagram. It will be no less interesting to see him, as well as the sculpture of Salvador Dali “The nobility of time ".
To maximize the effect of your Principality Day Trip, complete it on spa center Caldeaenjoying the healing power of thermal waters. Or just drop by one of our selected establishments where you can eat delicious national dishes.
Where to eat deliciously?
- Bar Atelier By Aitor Estela at the address: N ° 7 Carrer de La Vall. A cozy place where you can sit in the evening and taste amazing drinks prepared by a professional bartender.
- Author's restaurant with its own unique cuisine Restaurante El Crosto at: 7 Cap Del Carrer | Baixos (Old Town). We advise you to visit this place for lovers of delicious first-hand preparations - the hostess of the establishment. The premises are compact and are always in demand among tourists, so booking is required by phone: +376 862 931.
- Do you like haute cuisine? Forward to Kökosnot at 29 Carrer Prat de La Creu. Emotions from new tastes and serving dishes are guaranteed, take our word for it! If you don't trust our project, then you can read reviews of travelers, on many sites and forums the institution is glorified.
- One of the inexpensive restaurants - Plat'in at 8 Carrer Bonaventura Riberaygua. The average bill is about 1600 rubles per tourist, you can order Mediterranean and European cuisine.
- A small European-style restaurant, closer to the French - Eximi at 5 Carrer La Llacuna. Many tourists in their reviews especially advise to try duck, tar-tar, snails, be sure to order a glass of wine.
- Well, the last option for a delicious place to visit Andorra in the summer - Soho by tasty at 29/39 Street Prat de La Creu | 29/39 Local 7. Why sit here? If you like summer cafes on busy streets in the style of a Roman cafe, then we definitely recommend stopping by.
