It doesn’t matter whether it’s snowing, sunny, and warm. A trip to Andorra is a good idea any time of year. The country is located in the Pyrenees and is entirely covered in mountains. Between the peaks, you’ll find tiny, charming towns. And for such a small country, it offers quite a varied and interesting time. You can ski, hike, explore small towns, swim in lakes, savor local flavors, relax in spas, and shop in duty-free zones. You can easily spend a few weeks in Andorra and never get bored.
Andorra de la Vella
Andorra’s capital and largest city is Andorra de la Vella. The La Valira River flows through this city of just under 25,000 inhabitants. Andorra de la Vella is, above all, a paradise for shopaholics. Shopping malls, shops, and stores abound. Andorra is often referred to as a tax haven. Income tax ranges from 0% to 10%, and VAT is only 4.5%. Prices in stores are significantly lower than in neighboring France or Spain, for example. Many people go to Andorra for shopping, while some simply visit gas stations. Fuel prices in Andorra are also lower than in neighboring countries. Besides shopping, Andorra de la Vella is also worth a stroll. A stop in the city center by the bridge, where a sculpture by Salvador Dalí stands, is certainly worth it. The sculpture by the Catalan artist is titled “La Noblesse du Temps” and has been in place since 2010. The sculpture depicts a dissolving clock, intended to symbolize the passage of time.
When talking about a relaxing getaway, we definitely have to mention Caldea Spa. Located in the capital, the spa complex is the largest of its kind in Europe. And I have to admit, it’s definitely worth checking out the spa’s services. Caldea Spa is divided into two sections: Termolúdico and Inúu. Inúu is the main section, open to everyone (adults and children). Termolúdico, on the other hand, is an adults-only section. If you’re traveling without children, I recommend Termolúdico. It’s a more expensive option, but I think it’s worth the investment. First of all, choosing Termolúdico also gives you access to Inúu (not the other way around). Flip-flops, a towel, and a bathrobe are included in the ticket price. The changing room, showers, and bathrooms are in very good condition, making it a pleasant place to change. Most importantly, Termolúdico is a much quieter section, where you can enjoy a relaxing time.
La Massana. Andorra is divided into seven parishes, one of which is La Massana. This parish is home to the highest peak in the country – Pic de Coma Pedrosa, at 2,942 meters above sea level. The capital of this parish is the town of La Massana of the same name. It is this town that I would like to focus on, as it is one of the most popular ski resorts in Andorra. The Pal Arinsal ski resort, located at an altitude of 1,550 meters above sea level, can be reached by car or by mountain railway. The mountain railway’s lower station is located in the center of La Massana. Gondolas operate year-round. In winter, you can take them to the slopes, and in summer, you can take bikes, as cycling trails begin at the summit. The gondola can also be used for tourist purposes only, to admire the views.
In the parish of Ordino, 15 km from the town of Ordino, is the Mirador Roc Del Quer viewpoint. The viewing platform is located at an altitude of 1,920 meters above sea level. I drove to the platform from Ordino, and the journey took about 25 minutes. It’s a beautiful mountain road, and just this section offers some of the most beautiful views in Andorra. Parking is located next to the platform entrance. Admission is free in winter. During the rest of the year, a fee is charged. The platform offers views of Andorra. It’s truly worth the trip.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady in Meritxell is one of the oldest Marian devotional sites in Europe. An interesting legend is connected to the construction of the shrine. One winter day, a shepherd was wandering through snow-covered fields. Suddenly, he saw a small, snow-free clearing. The place was overgrown with roses, and among the roses was a statue of the Virgin Mary. The shepherd ran to the local parish, and that same day, the statue of the Virgin Mary was moved to the church. The next day, the faithful noticed that the statue had disappeared from the church. Another shepherd came to the church and again told the story of the statue of the Virgin Mary standing in the rose field. And indeed, the statue returned to its place. The faithful moved the statue again during the procession. However, the story repeated itself several times. The faithful then understood that it was the Virgin Mary’s will to build a shrine on the site of the rose field. And so it was. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed both the shrine and the statue. To this day, however, Mary of Meritxell is venerated as the most important patroness of Andorra.
Estanys de Tristaina is a great way to spend an active time in Andorra. It’s a trekking route with an intermediate difficulty level. I think the route is much more enjoyable in summer. Estanys de Tristaina consists of three lakes, the last of which is located at an altitude of 2,330 meters above sea level. This is also where you’ll see the first signposts directing you to the trail. The most difficult section is right at the beginning. You have to climb for about 20 minutes. After that, it’s all downhill. Most of the route is flat, and only just before the lakes there’s a slight ascent. The views during the walk are simply stunning. Mountains, snow, sun—what more could you want? All three lakes were frozen, and honestly, it was difficult to even recognize them. I think this route is worth doing in spring or summer. Then, you can also walk around all three lakes.
