Travel in Andorra

Andorra: A Complete Guide to Discovering the Principality in the Mountains

1. General Information

The Principality of Andorra is an independent micronation nestled between France and Spain, in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees. It is governed by a unique form of co-principality: the President of the French Republic and the Bishop of Urgell (Spain) are the heads of state, represented locally by delegates.

Area: 468 km²
Population: approximately 80,000 inhabitants
Official language: Catalan (also widespread in Spanish, French and Portuguese)
Currency: euro (€)
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Predominant religion: Catholic
Economy: Tourism (over 70% of GDP), tax-free trade, and winter sports.

In addition to its natural wealth, Andorra is known as a shopping paradise thanks to low taxes and competitive prices on electronics, fashion, cosmetics, and alcohol.

2. Road rules

Speed limits:
- 50 km/h in residential areas
- 90 km/h outside the city
- 40-60 km/h on mountain roads (if signposted)
Alcohol: limit of 0.5 g/l (lower for new drivers: 0.3 g/l).
Seat belts mandatory for everyone.
Cell phones: prohibited without a hands-free kit.
Winter: From November 1st to May 15th, winter tires or snow chains are mandatory.
Warning: Roads are often winding and have steep gradients; Drive carefully, especially in winter.

3. What to see

Andorra la Vella

Historic center (Barri Antic): narrow cobbled streets, stone houses and the historic Casa de la Vall (17th century), former seat of the Consell General.
Avinguda Meritxell: The main street for duty-free shopping, with boutiques, malls, and luxury shops.
Parc Central: A green area in the city center, perfect for a relaxing break.

Escaldes-Engordany

Caldea: The largest thermal spa in Europe, with hot pools, whirlpools, saunas, and relaxation areas.
Romanesque art: the church of Sant Pere Màrtir and small medieval oratories scattered around.

Ordino

Picturesque village with traditional architecture and authentic atmosphere.
Museu Casa d’Areny-Plandolit: house-museum that tells the story of the life of the Andorran nobility in the 19th century.
Panoramic paths for excursions towards the Vall d’Incles.

Mountains and nature

Vall de Sorteny Natural Park: a protected area rich in floral species, ideal for trekking.
Vall d’Incles: a pristine alpine landscape, perfect for summer walks.
Engolasters Lake: a popular destination for picnics and hikes.

Winter sports

Grandvalira: over 200 km of slopes, snow parks and ultra-modern facilities.
Vallnord-Pal Arinsal: smaller location but much appreciated by families and snowboarders.

4. What to eat

Andorran cuisine is closely linked to the seasons and mountain tradition.

Typical dishes:

Escudella i carn d’olla: A rich soup made with meat (pork, chicken, beef), vegetables, and legumes, a national dish.
Trinxat: Cabbage, potatoes, and bacon, typical of the cold months.
Cargols a la llauna: Snails cooked on an iron plate and seasoned with spicy sauce or allioli.
Xai a la brasa: grilled lamb.
Embotits: local cured meats, such as llonganissa.

Sweets:

Coques: sweet or savory focaccias.
Crema Catalana: a dessert with a caramelized sugar crust.

Drinks:

Vi de la terra: local mountain wine.
Handcrafted herbal liqueurs.

5. When to visit Andorra

Winter (December - March): Ideal for skiing and snowboarding, enjoying the spas and the winter atmosphere.
Spring (April - May): Mild climate, landscapes in bloom, fewer tourists.
Summer (June - August): Cool temperatures at high altitude, perfect for hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September - November): Spectacular foliage and local festivals.

Events not to be missed:

September 8 – Meritxell Festival: Celebration of the patroness of the Principality.
Christmas markets in Andorra la Vella.
Alpine Skiing World Cup (in selected years).

6. Customs and traditions

Hospitality: Andorrans are friendly and used to tourists.
Times: lunch generally between 1.30pm and 3.30pm; Dinner from 8:30 PM onwards.
Religion: Many celebrations have Catholic roots and are very popular.
Language: Although many speak Spanish and French, greetings in Catalan (“Bon dia”) are appreciated.

7. Recommended 3-day itinerary

Day 1 – Andorra la Vella and relaxation

Visit the Barri Antic and the Casa de la Vall.
Shopping on Avinguda Meritxell.
Afternoon at the Chaldea spa.

Day 2 – Nature and villages

Excursion in the Vall d’Incles or Sorteny Park.
Typical lunch in Ordino.
Panoramic tour of the villages of La Massana and Encamp.

Day 3 – Mountain or Ski

In winter: dayto Grandvalira or Vallnord.
In summer: trekking to Lake Engolasters.
Dinner in a “borda” (an old renovated farmhouse) to taste traditional dishes.