Exploring Andorra: The best things to do in the microstate aside from skiing and shopping
When I told my hairdresser I’d just come back from a trip to Andorra, their immediate response was, “I couldn’t point to it on a map”. Given how little the country hits the headlines, that’s hardly...
When I told my hairdresser I’d just come back from a trip to Andorra, their immediate response was, “I couldn’t point to it on a map”.
Given how little the country hits the headlines, that’s hardly surprising.
Located in the east Pyrenees between France and Spain, some 85,000 people call Andorra home, with around 8 million tourists descending on the country each year. To put that into context, France, the world’s most-visited country, has 102 million tourists a year, with Spain also potentially hitting 100 million visitors in 2026.
Spanning some 468 square kilometres, it’s technically the largest of the six European microstates (the others being Vatican City, Monaco, Malta, Liechtenstein and San Marino), but it’s not exactly on the typical tourist route – unless you’re a skier, that is.
Ahead of my trip in July this year, its ski resorts were the only thing I associated with the country. And, given I have zero experience in the winter sports department, it’s not exactly been on the top of my to-visit list.
Still, with more and more of us opting for lesser-known destinations as tourist hotspots grapple with overtourism, I thought it was high time – quite literally, as Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe – for me to see what’s on offer outside of the slopes.
Things to do in Andorra la Vella
Snap a photo with Salvador Dalí’s La Noblesse du Temps
In tourist destinations across the globe, there are certain “shots” that are a must-capture when visiting. In Santorini, it’s the blue domes of Oia; in Dubai, it’s the Burj Khalifa as seen from near the fountains.
In Andorra, the frame centres on Salvador Dalí’s La Noblesse du Temps statue with the Puente de Paris in the background, helpfully decorated with a large “Andorra la Vella” sign, in case it wasn’t clear where you were.
Thankfully, you won’t have to battle crowds to get a good shot of the sculpture, which was installed in its current spot in 2010 having been gifted to the Andorra government by Enric Sabater, a close friend of the artist, in 1999.
The bronze work, which weighs around 1,400 kilos, features a melting clockface set on a tree trunk. The crown above the clock “represents the dominion of time over humanity”, according to the Andorra La Vella tourism board.
Walk the Rec del Solà
For another spectacular view of Andorra La Vella, consider walking the Rec del Solà.
The short route runs along an irrigation channel in the hills near the capital, offering views of the city from above, and you can find exact details for the trail on the Visit Andorra website.
The website advises it takes up to three hours, but I completed it in less than an hour. From the end of the trail, you can reach the pretty old quarter in just 15 minutes.
Learn about the country’s history at Casa de la Vall
Speaking of the Barri Antic, aka the old quarter, if you only visit one museum or gallery during your trip, make it Casa de la Vall.
The historic home dates back to 1580, and served as the seat of the General Council of Andorra until 2011.
Here, you can learn about the origins of the co-principality, with the current heads of state being the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France, as well as the history of the flag and coat of arms. You’ll also be able to see the cabinet of the seven keys, which has locks for each of the parishes of Andorra.
Next door, you can see the new parliament, and you can also visit Església de Sant Esteve, one of the country’s most historic churches.
See the 7 Poets
In the plaza below the new parliament, you’ll be able to see another of Andorra’s most recognisable artworks: 7 Poets by Jaume Plensa.
Installed in 2014, the seven fibreglass figures have been placed on pedestals and are lit up at night.
According to the artist, “Poets are an integral part of society. They are condemned to failure, because they know they won’t even sell three books, but they are a source of fertility, like a light drizzle that penetrates the earth. In my opinion, this long process, akin to that of a farmer, is highly courageous.”
Splash the cash on the Shopping Mile
With some of the lowest rates of VAT in Europe, Andorra is known for its shopping.
Plenty cross the border to do their weekly food shop, but the main Shopping Mile is also home to many well-known international clothing brands, if that’s your cup of tea.
Explore the country’s spa heritage through the Caldes Project
The final ‘S’ associated with Andorra after skiing and shopping is spas.
The natural hot water springs found in Escaldes were originally used for the country’s textile industry until the first thermal hotels were opened here in the mid-19th century.
Today, you can explore that history with a walk alongside Javier Balmaseda’s Water and Form, which features a series of pipes, fountains and washhouses next to the river between the Engordany Bridge and the Tosca Bridge.
If you care less about the history and more about experiencing the springs for yourself, book a visit to Caldea, the largest thermal spa in southern Europe.
See the fountain show in front of Puente de Paris
As night falls, the Passeig de les Fonts de la Rotonda promenade in front of Puente de Paris plays host to a water and light fountain show.
The time differs depending on the season (more information can be found on the Andorra La Vella website), as does the choice of music, but no matter which songs play, it’s a nice way to end a day of exploration.
Where to eat and drink in Andorra
Andorra is known for its bordes, aka farmhouse restaurants, which are typically found outside of the city centre.
If you’re looking for a quick energy boost via carbs that won’t cost an arm and a leg, swing by Laganum, which serves freshly made pasta.
Next time I’ll visit Andorra for…
As picturesque as Andorra is in the summer, I imagine a fresh sprinkling of snow makes the scenery even prettier.
Just don’t expect to see me on the slopes. Unless it’s for après-ski drinks…
How to get to Andorra
The nearest major international airports to Andorra are Toulouse–Blagnac and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat.
On the way to Andorra, I took a bus from Lleida, which took around two and a half hours. For the return journey, I went to Barcelona, which took around three hours. I booked both buses through Andbus.
