Is Andorra Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons Why to Visit Andorra (2024)
Andorra is a small country situated between France and Spain. And if you’re in the area or simply trying to travel off the beaten path, you may be wondering, “Is Andorra Worth Visiting?” In this post, I’ll share my honest opinion and insights from my most recent trip to the tiny country in November 2022! This way, you’ll have everything you need to know to determine if Andorra is worth your time, effort, and money!
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Is Andorra Worth Visiting? (2024)
My honest but very biased opinion is that Andorra is 100% worth visiting! I absolutely loved visiting this independent principality, and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of my 7-week solo trip across Europe.
But, I know that practically every travel blogger out there will tell you that “x, y, z” is worth visiting — and that’s not super helpful. Thus, in the spirit of transparency and genuinely helping you make an informed decision, here are a few cases in which Andorra may or may not be worth it for you!
Andorra Is Worth Visiting If…
You’re keen on learning about smaller, lesser-known areas. Compared to what you normally see in the two neighboring countries of France and Spain, the views, atmosphere, and experience are completely different in Andorra. Gone are the thousands of tourists that are often met in Barcelona, Lyon, Montreal, Milan, or any other major global city. Instead, you’ll maybe run into a few hundred people a day, and that’s if you’re walking in the popular areas of town. Once you leave the main streets downtown, it clears out pretty quickly!
Another case in which Andorra may be worth visiting is if want to spend your time surrounded by the great outdoors. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning scenery that can be found throughout Andorra.
Finally, you don’t mind a little extra effort in finding things to do. Despite its small size, the tiny country is full of surprises. There’s a lot to discover, but it isn’t all super well-marked and easily located like it is in other cities. For example, I always found myself laughing because, while visiting Zagreb, I saw posts with 20 different museum signs attached every couple of streets lol.
If you identify with any of these descriptions, then Andorra is a destination I’d highly recommend experiencing at least once in your lifetime. And even if none of the above applies to you, it doesn’t mean that Andorra can’t still offer something special for your vacation – there are countless reasons why people come here! But more on that later! 😉
Andorra Is Not Worth Visiting If…
Alright, so aside from the previous scenarios not aligning with your interests, here are a few other cases where Andorra might not be worth visiting.
If you have mobility issues, such as difficulty walking long distances or up hills, it might be worth avoiding Andorra. I consider myself a pretty fit person since I like to run at least every other morning. But, my hotel in Andorra was located up a massive hill that had me heaving! Also, it’s worth mentioning that public transportation in Andorra is not that great.
Another case where you may want to rethink visiting is if you want to be in a big city and crave a lot of activity. Again, with its small size and low population, Andorra is not exactly the most popular destination in Europe. Sometimes, I’d found myself completely alone while walking around, and it was almost like a bit of culture shock after being in hyper-crowded cities.
Lastly, if you want to see the most stunning architecture, Andorra might not be worth visiting. I know this is a weird statement, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder… but you’ll want to temper your expectations. You won’t see these mesmerizing cathedrals on the same scale as those in Rome or Prague. The infrastructure resembles that of Tahiti, where they’re smaller and more intimate. But, there is still an understated beauty about them.
Ultimately, these are just my opinions from my experiences and the people I interacted with while there. And, of course, nothing is ever black and white. So, I’d encourage you to keep reading or researching until you can confidently decide 🙂
Map of Andorra
In case geography isn’t your strong suit or you’re just now discovering Andorra’s existence like my mom did when I face-timed her from my hotel in Andorra… Here is Andorra on Google Maps. You’ll notice several dotted lines within the country’s borders. These are the different communities or parishes. There are a total of seven of them, and Andorra la Vella is the capital of the country!
In terms of size, Andorra is a tiny country, measuring only 180.7 mi² (468 km²), which is just less than half the size of San Diego! This also makes Andorra the sixth smallest state in Europe. It’s currently being beaten out by Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Lichtenstein, and Malta (in that order from smallest to largest).
9 Reasons Why to Visit Andorra
Though small in size, Andorra packs a decent punch and still has a lot to offer visitors. So, if you’re interested in learning more or simply looking for more reasons to travel to a new city (because same 🙋🏽♀️)…Here are 9 additional reasons why to visit Andorra!
1. It’s an Alpine Mountain Paradise
First and foremost, Andorra is worth visiting because the picturesque views of the Pyrenees mountains will take your breath away. With lush green mountains and picturesque villages that have stood the test of time, it’s an Alpine mountain paradise. And for anyone who enjoys hiking, you can find lots of great trails ranging from super easy to pretty challenging.
Plus, you can even find about 16 via ferratas spread throughout the country. For those who have no clue what a via ferrata is, it’s a fairly niche activity. Essentially, there are rungs bolted into the sides of cliffs. Think of it like someone took a giant staple and stuck it into the side of a mountain. You can climb up them and are usually harnessed into a nearby cable rope for safety. And then once you complete the via ferrata, you’re hopefully rewarded with the most spectacular views!
Needless to say, they aren’t for everyone…but, for anyone who doesn’t have an overwhelming fear of heights and doesn’t mind a bit of cliff exposure — I think they’re awesome! Just remember to bring the appropriate clothes and gear (harness, helmet, etc.) or go with an experienced guide. And I recommend Via Ferrata Roc del Quer.
2. You Want to Travel at a Slower Pace
Another reason to visit Andorra is to travel at a much slower pace. As I mentioned earlier, Andorra provides a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of big cities. The atmosphere is calmer. You don’t feel pressure to cram and rush to see everything in one day unless you want to. It genuinely feels like you can take your time and let each moment sink in.
On one of the days I was there, I wandered around the city for approximately 8 hours. In that time, I covered probably 70-80% of the sights to see in the parish. And it was amazing because I wasn’t exhausted at the end of the day.
You know when you feel pressed for time and you try to fit in as much as possible in your itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out. Yeah — that feeling was gone and Andorra was like a lovely mental reset.
3. Andorra Is Extremely Clean and Beautiful
Unlike other major cities that have tens of millions of tourists passing through annually, Andorra does not. As such, it’s easier to maintain and everywhere is incredibly clean and beautiful. Or, at least I think that’s partially the reason why.
The streets are clean and the parks are well-maintained. Everything just feels tidy and aesthetically pleasing, which is something I wasn’t expecting but appreciated. Plus, it doesn’t feel like it’s been curated for tourists, kind of like Paris or London. You feel as if you’re getting a true look at the local culture, and it was delightful.
The one thing I will mention though is that I saw a very high number of stray cats. One morning I was eating a croissant, and literally, 6 cats came out of nowhere and were suddenly at my feet. So if you are scared of cats or allergic to them — good luck lol.
4. You Can Easily Visit Andorra From Barcelona
Although there’s no major airport you can fly directly into, Andorra is not that difficult to get to. For example, if you’re already visiting Barcelona, you can easily make your way to Andorra by bus or car. The journey from Barcelona to Andorra is a little over 3 hours and the bus prices are very reasonable.
Or, if you want significantly more comfort, you could opt to visit with a private tour group. Here’s a breakdown of the top 3 tours to Andorra from Barcelona.
✅ Check availability for this great 1-day tour to Andorra from Barcelona
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 45+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 12 hours
The Spend 1 Day in Andorra Tour includes:
- Round-trip private transportation in an air-conditioned car
- Learning about Andorra’s culture and history
- Visiting Pont de Margineda near the Spanish border
- Touring Casa de la Vall in Andorra la Vella
- See panoramic point at Mirador del Rock del Quer
- Visit the small village of Ordino
- Santuario del Meritxell (main sanctuary of Andorra)
- Personalized tours with up to 6 guests (minimum 2)
This is one of the best tours from Barcelona that allows you to experience Andorra in a single day. You’ll get to intimately explore the small country with a knowledgeable guide and have the best of both worlds by seeing popular tourist attractions as well as the lesser-known hidden gems! So, if you’re in Barcelona and want to have a wonderful time exploring Andorra in a stress-free way, I recommend this fantastic tour!
Antonio was a great guide. We became pretty good friends by the end of the trip. Andorra is a beautiful place and I got to see 3 different areas of the country to get a complete feel for the place. The stops were not rushed. I definitely recommend this tour with Antonio.”
– Anirudh K. (See More Reviews)
✅ See availability for this fantastic 1-day tour to Andorra from Barcelona
5. You Can Easily Visit From the South of France
Similarly, you can also easily visit Andorra from the South of France. Personally, I made the journey from Toulouse, and it was quite nice! Very windy roads, which is to be expected since you’re crossing through the Pyrenees mountains, but otherwise gorgeous views.
The reason I’m citing accessibility as a reason to visit Andorra is that most people I met in Toulouse were heading either to Nice, France, or to Barcelona after passing through Toulouse. I think it’s pretty common that most people skip over or disregard Andorra because they think it’s not worth visiting or hard to get to. Either way, it’s a shame because Andorra is pretty underrated — but of course, to each their own. Just don’t let the fact it’s small and not in the most central location stop you from visiting!
If you want to travel to Andorra from Toulouse or another destination in the south of France, I recommend using Omio. It’s what I used to visit Andorra and have been using for the last 5+ years. And you can read more about my experience with Omio here if you’re curious. Just input your travel dates, and where your journey starts, and then you’ll be able to see all the different bus routes and their prices!
✅ 🚌 Check availability and bus routes to Andorra on Omio
P.S. If it’s your first time using the platform, you can sign up with this link and get $11 off your first booking.
6. You Can Comfortably Do an Andorra Day Trip
Even if you don’t want to spend too long in Andorra, it’s more than possible to do a day trip. In fact, there are even tours that let you visit Spain, Andorra, and France all in a single day! This is a great way to catch a glimpse of what Andorra has to offer. Afterward, you can better decide if you want to return for a longer stay.
✅ See the wildly popular and affordable 3-countries in a 1-day tour from Barcelona! 🇪🇸 🇦🇩 🇫🇷
7. Locals Are Welcoming
Another reason why Andorra is worth visiting is that the locals are welcoming. Everyone I met and interacted with was kind and friendly. For example, I asked a local where the trailhead was and he was more than willing to help me out. Oh, and the country is inclusive language-wise too! One of the restaurants I went to had four massive menus printed in four separate languages. And I know it’s a small thing, but honestly, not having to google translate a menu is so nice.
8. Mixed Culture With Delicious Food
Speaking of restaurants and languages, Andorra is a country that has been influenced by many other countries and cultures throughout its history. I’ll spare you the details though because it’s a lot. All you need to know is that because Andorra has been entangled with other countries, it now has a vibrant culture and a fantastic food scene!
You’ll see influences from French, Spanish, and Catalan cultures within Andorra. And if you’re wondering what type of foods to expect, one popular traditional dish is trinxat. It’s made from potatoes, cabbage, onion, bacon, and garlic. This dish is commonly served during the wintertime since that’s when its ingredients are plentiful and I am happy to report that it’s quite flavorsome and delicious!
I would also recommend trying the national dish of Andorra — Escudella. It’s a Catalan stew made with vegetables, different types of meat, and pasta. Fair warning though, it can be kinda pricey at sit-down restaurants in Andorra — it is a tax haven country after all.
🇦🇩 PRO TIP: Plan where you want to eat for dinner in the morning. This way, you can make reservations if they’re needed because I found that the best restaurants are always booked up!
9. Ski Resorts Heaven During the Winter
Last but not least, Andorra is heaven for any ski and snowboard enthusiasts during the winter! There are tons of different ski resort options, and it’s because of this that Andorra sees its greatest number of visitors during the wintertime. The most popular ski resort in Andorra is Grandvalira, which is the biggest one with over 200 km of slopes catering to those of all skill levels.
No matter if you’re a beginner or an expert skier/snowboarder, there are many spots to check out for some skiing or snowboarding fun! So, if you’re looking for a winter destination that has it all — stunning views, great food, and ski resorts galore, then Andorra is worth visiting.
Places to Visit in Andorra
If you’re feeling convinced to plan a visit, here are a few specific places to visit in Andorra.
- Andorra la Vella: Again, this is the capital city and where tourists tend to spend the most time. In the main downtown area, you’ll all kinds of shops, cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. There’s even a bridge, the Pont de Paris (ironically), which spells out Andorra la Vella on its side. But, the best part of this parish is Barri Antic (Andorra’s Old Town). There, you’ll be able to see buildings and churches dating back to the 16th century. Also, you can catch some sweet views, especially if your hotel is located in an area like mine.
- Escaldes Engordany: Here, you’ll find Caldea, which is the largest spa complex in Europe. This incredible spa resort gives my experience at the Termy Chochołowskie, one of the thermal baths in the mountains of Poland, a run for its money! The building has 18 floors filled with mineral water pools, saunas, jacuzzis, and lagoons. And to add a bit of luxury, Caldea features a stunning glass pyramid that’s 80 meters in height, making it the tallest building in Andorra.
- Encamp: This is the area most people visit for skiing and snowboarding during the wintertime. The previously mentioned Grandvalira is located here, right along the border of Andorra and France. But, it’s no secret that Vallnord in the La Massana parish is also a crowd-favorite for winter sports.
Best Time to Visit Andorra
The best time to visit Andorra depends on what type of activities you want to do while there. For instance, if you’re mostly interested in hiking and sightseeing around the city, the best time to visit Andorra is between late May – October when the weather is mild and pleasant. You can expect temperatures that range from a comfortable 50 °F to a nice 75°F. And if you don’t want to be stuck in touristy crowds then go during shoulder season for the best experience.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding, then head over to Andorra between December – February when the ski resorts are bustling with activity. Just know visiting tends to be more expensive during the summer and wintertime!
How Many Days in Andorra Is Enough?
I spent three days in Andorra and found it to be the perfect amount of time to visit most of the main highlights and still have room for some leisurely activities.
That said, if you’re short on time — or just want to experience a taste of the country before deciding whether to come back for more, then it is possible to visit all the main hotspots in a day trip from Barcelona or France. You may not be able to take part in some of the more immersive activities — like the spa resort or some of the longer hikes, but you will still be able to get a taste of this beautiful country.
At the end of the day, how many days in Andorra is enough depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. But, my recommendation would be at least two days — three if you have the time and interest to participate in outdoor activities!
Where to Stay in Andorra
If you’re looking for places to stay in Andorra, here are a few of my recommendations based on my experiences and outside research. These are just for Andorra la Vella since that’s where I stayed and spent most of my time!
Low-Cost Stay
- Barri Antic Hostel & Pub — Fun hostel & hotel I loved | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Read my full review here
- Hotel Yomo Cèntric — Centrally located 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Hotel Starc by Pierre & Vacances Premium — Fantastic 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Hotel Metropolis — Excellent 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
Luxury Stay
- Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness — 5-star hotel w/ spa services| ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Andorra Park Hotel — Stunning 5-star hotel with mountain views | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
That said, if you want to check out other places in Andorra, you can check rates and availability with the buttons below.
Alternatively, you can move around on the interactive map to view up-to-date prices! Just input your dates and it’ll show you all the different housing options!
Visit Andorra: FAQ
According to crime statistics, Andorra is one of the safest countries in Europe and has very low crime rates. And speaking from my time in the country, I never felt concerned for my safety or uneasy at any point during my stay. I would categorize myself as a small, easily kidnappable female, and even I felt perfectly comfortable walking around alone at night. So, with all that in mind, I’d say Andorra is a great place to travel for solo adventurers looking for a peaceful and safe environment!
In my opinion, Andorra absolutely is a beautiful country! It has so many stunning natural landscapes, that I hope most people can appreciate and admire.
Despite not being part of the European Union, the currency of Andorra is the Euro! Also, if you have any questions about entry requirements, you can find answers on the official website of Andorra.
The official language of Andorra is Catalan. That said, you’ll find many locals who also speak French and Spanish since both countries have heavily influenced Andorra. Additionally, I found that a lot of the locals can speak English to a limited extent — enough that they know the basic phrases and you can likely communicate with a bit of patience 🙂
Wrap-Up: Is Andorra Worth Visiting? (2024)
Ultimately, I think that if you love nature, lush mountains, and traveling off the beaten path, then Andorra is well worth visiting. From its stunning mountain scenery to the unique mix of cultures that this tiny principality offers, there’s something that most people can enjoy. But, of course, it truly does depend on your interests. So, regardless if Andorra is meant for you or not, I hope you learned a bit about what this country has to offer!
