Andorra is a beautiful country that is situated 1000 meters above sea level between France and Spain. It is located in the Pyrenees and with this location there is no wonder why winter sports are a hype here.
While in the summer you can go on great hikes in Andorra, but during the winter many of those are covered by snow and are not possible to access. So what can you do besides skiing and snowboarding while visiting Andorra in the winter?
I don`t ski or snowboard. If I do, I do it badly, so I visited Andorra just because I was close by and I wanted to explore a new country. But thanks to that, I have ideas for what you can do when you are not hitting the slopes while in Andorra.
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Caleda is a must-visit
In the north of Andorra la Vella is Caleda, a spa built in 1994 and it has 18 floors. You can througly relax and get re-energized at the spa or enjoy a meal here. Even if you were skiing in the day, visiting here in the evening will help your body relax and be ready for the next day on the slopes. Tha spa also offers a lot of different packages, among them is one for skiing and spa or Premium Evenings Admission with Cocktails.
The Spa has a vast variety of treatments you can book as well. If you are planning to visit them often they have their own hotel you can stay at.
Look more into their packages, treatments and hotel prices here.
Shopping at Avinguda Meritxell
You might not think of Andorra as a place to go shopping. Honestly, neither did I. However, because of the low taxes in the country it is the perfect place for shopping. The options are also vast from H&M to luxury stores. I spent more time shopping than I thought I would in Andorra la Vella. It was also nice to hide from the winter air while browsing the stores though.
Where to stay along Avinguda Meritxell
€€€ Yomo Centric – Check availability here
€€ VM Princep – Check availability here
€ Tudel – Check availability here
Visit Casa de la Vall
Between 1701 and 2011 the building was used for the Andorran government. Now it is a museum where you can take tours and learn about the building and history of it.
Entrance is €5 and if you want an audio guide it is included in the admission price. I would advice taking the audio guide or pre-book an actual guide as it gives you a lot of insight.
Explore Barri Antic
Barri Antic is also known as The Old Quarter in Andorra la Vella. It is amazing to just walk around the area as it is filled with old and traditional stone houses, such as Casa de la Vall.
Where to stay in Barri Antic
€€€ Hotel de l’Isard – Check availability here
€€ Hotel Pyrénées – Check availability here
€ Hotel Best Andorra Center – Check availability here
See the Sculpture La Noblesse du Temps
The artwork is also known as The Nobility of Time and is a statue of a melting clock. It is iconic to Andorra la Vella and is a must see. It is a short stop, but it is in the centre of the city which makes it hard to miss. The sculpture was finished in 1984, but came to stand in the centre of Andorra la Vella in August of 2010.
You do not need a lot time here, but I liked seeing it in the sunlight compared to the night as it stood more out. It was also less people then.
Book a Table at La Petite Foret
La Petite Foret is one of the unique restaurants you can visit while in Andorra. In the early evening the restaurant stays relaxed with a classy aura before it transforms to a lounge with a live DJ. The whole experience here is based around food and art.
The restaurant is expensive and you will also need to book a table to secure your seat. You can visit their website here.
Church of Sant Esteve
I stumbled upon it by accident while just walking around The Old Quarter. It is possible to enter during the day as long as there is not a private gathering being held. I peeked inside, but there were a lot of people, so I got a bit shy and turned around.
Take a ski lift
Even if you are not here to ski or snowboard, I would still advice you to take the lift up to where people are. Simply just to enjoy the view of the Pyrenees. If you take the Funicamp it is around 6 kilometers long and you will arrive Solanelles area which has a cafe where you can sit down to just breathe in the fresh air. During the winter it can get very crowded here, since many people are here during the day for the slopes.
Walk around Encamp
If you are riding the Funicamp you are already in Encamp. After your adventure at the top of the mountains you should walk around the area. There are some nice places to sit down for lunch or dinner here. This way you can also say you have been to two cities in Andorra.
Where to stay in Encamp
€€€ Hotel Guillem & Spa – Check availability here
€€ Hotel Coray by Pierre & Vacances – Check availability here
€ Hotel NIU – Check availability here
A Promonade at Rec del Solà Trail
Though it is listed under easy hikes, it is more like a walk that is a bit higher up than the city level. Due to the elevation you will be able to get a lovely view over Andorra la Vella.
FAQs about Andorra
Is public transportation free in Andorra?
As a tourist it is not, it is only free for the residents of Andorra. The ticket fare for tourists are very affordable and you can buy it when you enter the bus. No need to download an app or buy a transportation card.
When should you visit Andorra?
If you love winter and winter sports, I would say to visit in the winter as there are some great slopes here. Once the snow melts it will be replaced with amazing hikes, so it is only a matter of what you would like to do. Or maybe you should visit during both seasons.
Is one day enough for Andorra?
You will be able to see all of Andorra la Vella in one day. If you are here for hiking during the summer or skiing in the winter it is not. If you go skiing maybe you are interested in a private tour one day and hitting the slopes the next. Therefore 3 days is more suitable for your plans.
Is it possible to visit Andorra for one day?
Yes, it is possible to visit Andorra for one day. You can take the bus to and from Andorra la Vella in one day to explore the city. If you want to visit three countries in one day you can book a tour here.
Related Articles
Here are some tips on where to stay depending on your itinerary in Andorra.
