Andorra travel guide
Andorra Tourism | Andorra Guide
You're Going to Love Andorra
Active travelers will love Andorra and its abundance of outdoor activities both in summer and winter, while history enthusiasts can marvel at ancient churches and mansions that tell a story.
What to do in Andorra
1. Visit Romanesque Churches
Romanesque architecture is the prevalent style in Andorra, and among the many churches and structures built in this style, make sure you visit Sant Esteve Church, Santa Coloma Church and Sant Joan de Caselles Church.
2. Explore Casa de La Vall
Originally built as the home of a wealthy family, this historical structure then became the parliament building of Andorra until 2011. Don't forget to explore the cobbled streets with their stone houses.
3. Go Shopping Tax Free
Being a country with a tax-free status, shopping in Andorra is a popular attraction especially among those who want to buy designer clothes, perfumes and electronics, among others.
4. Ski in Grandvalira
Grandvalira is a ski resort that offers the largest ski area in a resort in the Pyrenees mountains with over 120 slopes for all levels, making it one of the most popular places to ski and snowboard in Andorra.
5. Hike the Tristaina Lake Trail
Due to its mountain nature, Andorra is the perfect place for hiking, and one of its most famous trails is the Tristaina Lake Trail, which rewards visitors with magnificent views or mountain lakes along the way.
When to visit Andorra
The best time to visit Andorra is through the months of April to October as the country has dry weather with warm temperatures; however, if you are planning a ski vacation, then you should visit between December and April.
How to Get to Andorra
Entry requirements
While a visa is not required in order to enter Andorra, the only way to enter is through its neighbouring countries of France and Spain. Non-European nationals will need to have a valid Schengen visa.
Plane
Andorra does not have an airport itself, however, if flying from outside of Europe, the airports in Barcelona in Spain and Toulouse in France offer transfers by bus.
Car
You can drive to Andorra from both Spain and France. If arriving from Spain, the drive will be easy and straightforward; however, the drive from France is mountainous and winding. An alternative option to the mountain route is to drive through the Túnel d'Envalira for a small fee, which is also a safer option in winter.
Bus
Buses from Andbus connect Toulouse to Andorra, leaving from both the main bus station and the airport. Multiple bus companies offer transfers between Spain and Andorra, including Eurolines, which operates coaches from Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Málaga. Andbus and Autocars Nadal operate a service from the airport in Barcelona, while Alsa and Alsina Graells offer trips from Barcelona city.
Where to stay in Andorra
If you are staying around Andorra la Vella, you will commonly find hotels and hostels that cover all budgets. If you are venturing into the mountains, you will find spa hotels as well as ski resorts, with Refugis or mountain shelters available for those on a trekking trip.
Where to stay in popular areas of Andorra
Most booked hotels in Andorra
How to Get Around Andorra
Public Transportation
As Andorra is a very small country, the only public transportation available is through buses that travel throughout all main villages.
Bus
The local bus company is Cooperativa Interurbana Andorrana. They operate 8 lines with 7 of them going through Andorra la Vella. Bus fares range from €1.20-3.00 ($1.35-3.35) for a single trip, depending on the distance.
Car
If you are planning to rent a car while in Andorra, you need to have an International Driver's Permit with you along with your local valid driver's license. The majority of car rental companies are located in Andorra la Vella.
The Cost of Living in Andorra
If you are planning to eat out, an inexpensive meal in Andorra will cost around €10 ($11), where as a mid-range meal will be around €20 ($22) per person. A monthly public transport pass will cost around €42 ($47), while a cinema ticket for an international release is usually around €7 ($8). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, especially those from Visa, Mastercard and American Express; however, it is best to keep a small amount of cash for the occasional small vendor that doesn't accept cards.