Your Complete Guide to Exploring Andorra in 7 Days
Nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is a tiny principality that packs an enormous punch. Despite being just 468 square kilometers (about three times the size of Washington D.C.), this microstate offers stunning alpine landscapes, duty-free shopping, and a unique blend of Catalan and French influences. Having visited Andorra nearly every year since 2016, I’ve pieced together what I believe is the perfect 7-day itinerary for 2025.
The first time I visited Andorra, I arrived in February expecting a simple ski destination but left completely enchanted by its character. I remember standing at the Roc del Quer viewpoint, snowflakes gently falling around me, thinking, “How is this magical place not on everyone’s European bucket list?” That moment ignited my love affair with this mountain paradise—and I’ve been returning ever since, discovering new treasures each time.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, shopping enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a unique European destination, this 7-day Andorra itinerary will help you experience the best of this charming principality. I’ve made countless mistakes (like not bringing proper footwear for hiking and missing the last bus from Ordino—a costly taxi ride!) so you don’t have to.
So, grab your passport and let’s explore the best of Andorra together!
Getting to Andorra: First-Timer’s Guide
One thing that keeps Andorra relatively uncrowded is that it has no airport of its own—a blessing in disguise for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Your best options for reaching Andorra in 2025 are:
Nearest Airports to Andorra
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) – About 3 hours by bus or car
- Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) – Approximately 3 hours by bus or car
- La Seu d’Urgell Airport (LEU) – The closest airport, just 30 minutes from Andorra la Vella, but with limited flights
I typically fly into Barcelona as it offers the most frequent connections and reasonable bus services to Andorra. The Andorra Direct Bus departs directly from Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 multiple times daily.
2025 Transportation Insider Tip
Money-Saving Hack: Book your bus tickets online at least 7 days in advance for a 15% discount. Also, as of 2025, Andorra has expanded its free public transportation system to include more routes. Download the “Andorra Transport” app before arriving to navigate the bus system like a local—it’ll save you at least €30-40 during your week-long stay.
Border Crossing Information
Although Andorra is not officially in the EU or Schengen Area, it’s treated as such for travel purposes when entering from France or Spain. Still, keep your passport handy as random checks can occur. During peak seasons (especially winter weekends), border crossings can add 30+ minutes to your journey—a lesson I learned the hard way when I nearly missed my flight back from Barcelona!
Day 1: Arriving in Andorra la Vella & Getting Oriented
Your first day is all about settling in and getting acquainted with Andorra’s capital, Andorra la Vella—the highest capital city in Europe at 1,023 meters above sea level.
Morning: Check-in and Breakfast
Most buses from Barcelona or Toulouse arrive at the main bus station in Andorra la Vella. If you’re arriving in the morning (which I recommend), head straight to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. If your room isn’t ready yet, most hotels will store your bags.
For breakfast, skip the hotel options and head to Mollé Café on Avinguda Meritxell. Their freshly baked croissants and strong coffee are the perfect introduction to Andorran mornings. Try their “coca” (€3.50) – a traditional Catalan flatbread often topped with sugar, fruit, or savory ingredients.
Afternoon: Walking Tour of the Historic Center
The beauty of Andorra la Vella is that it’s compact and walkable. Start your exploration at:
- Plaça del Poble – The main square with stunning mountain views
- Casa de la Vall – Andorra’s former parliament building from 1580. Guided tours cost €5 and run hourly
- Sant Esteve Church – A beautiful Romanesque church with elements dating back to the 12th century
- Pont de Paris – A modern bridge that offers great photo opportunities of the city and mountains
Evening: Dinner and Nocturnal Stroll
For your first dinner in Andorra, I recommend Borda Santa Elena, a traditional “borda” (stone house) restaurant serving authentic Andorran cuisine. Try their trinxat (€12) – a hearty dish of cabbage, potatoes, and bacon that’s perfect after a day of travel. The restaurant has been updated for 2025 with a beautiful new terrace offering panoramic valley views.
After dinner, take a leisurely stroll down Avinguda Meritxell, the main shopping street, which is beautifully illuminated at night. If you’re visiting between November and January, you’ll enjoy the enhanced holiday light displays implemented in 2024.
Day 1 Insider Tip
Purchase the Andorra Multi Pass (€49 for 7 days in 2025) on your first day. It includes free public transportation, discounts on attractions, and one free entry to Caldea Spa. This single purchase saved me over €85 during my last week-long visit.
Day 2: Shopping & Relaxation in Andorra la Vella
Andorra is famous for its duty-free shopping, and while I’m not typically a shopping enthusiast, even I can’t resist the deals here. Let’s make the most of it while also discovering some urban gems.
Morning: Duty-Free Shopping Experience
Start your day with a shopping session along Avinguda Meritxell and in the Pyrenees Andorra Department Store. With recent tax changes in 2024, visitors from EU countries can now purchase goods up to €430 (increased from €300) without paying customs duties when returning home.
Notable shopping spots include:
- Pyrénées Department Store – Andorra’s version of Harrods with everything from luxury brands to local products
- Perfumeria Julia – The best place for perfumes and cosmetics at 15-30% below French and Spanish prices
- Gala Perfumeries – Another excellent option for beauty products
- The Cigar Museum – Even if you don’t smoke, it’s fascinating to learn about Andorra’s tobacco history
Afternoon: Caldea Spa Experience
After shopping, treat yourself to Andorra’s crown jewel of relaxation: Caldea, Europe’s largest thermal spa complex. The striking glass pyramid structure houses numerous thermal pools, saunas, and treatment areas.
For 2025, Caldea has introduced a new “Mountain Recovery” treatment (€75) specifically designed to help visitors acclimate to the altitude while relieving travel fatigue. The basic entry (€45) gives you access to all thermal pools and relaxation areas for 3 hours, which is plenty of time.
Evening: Dinner in Escaldes-Engordany
After your spa session, you’ll be in Escaldes-Engordany, which seamlessly connects to Andorra la Vella. For dinner, I recommend Can Manel, where the grilled mountain trout (€19) has been my go-to dish for years. The restaurant sources fish from local Pyrenean streams and serves it with a simple garlic and parsley sauce that enhances rather than masks the fresh flavors.
Day 2 Insider Tip
Money-Saving Hack: Most tourists shop in the afternoon, creating crowds and less attentive service. Shop in the morning before 11am, when stores are quieter, staff are fresher, and you might even be offered a better price on big-ticket items. I negotiated a 12% additional discount on a camera lens by shopping early and building rapport with the store manager.
Day 3: Nature & History in the Ordino Valley
Today we’ll explore one of my favorite valleys in Andorra—Ordino, which was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020 and has since implemented exemplary conservation practices.
Morning: Ordino Village Exploration
Take the L3 or L4 bus from Andorra la Vella to Ordino (free with your Andorra Multi Pass). This picturesque village represents traditional Andorran architecture and lifestyle better than anywhere else in the country.
Start at the Casa d’Areny-Plandolit Museum (€5), a 17th-century manor house that belonged to one of Andorra’s wealthiest families. Then walk to the Ordino Church with its beautiful Romanesque bell tower.
Don’t miss the Postal Museum, which might sound boring but actually offers a fascinating look at Andorra’s unique history through its postal services. Surprisingly entertaining, and I say this as someone who initially went in just to escape a rain shower!
Lunch in Ordino
For lunch, Restaurant El Tarter serves traditional Andorran cuisine. Try their escudella (€14)—a hearty stew with meat and vegetables that’s considered Andorra’s national dish. As they say in Catalan, “Bon profit!” (Enjoy your meal!).
Afternoon: Sorteny Valley Natural Park
Take the L4 bus from Ordino to El Serrat, the gateway to Sorteny Valley Natural Park. This Alpine botanical garden showcases over 800 species of flowers and plants, many endemic to the Pyrenees.
The park has recently added several new easy walking trails for 2025, including the Mirador Circuit (2.5km, about 1 hour) that offers spectacular views with minimal exertion. The park ranger station provides free maps and trail suggestions based on your fitness level.
Evening: Return to Andorra la Vella
Take the L4 bus back to Andorra la Vella. For dinner, try Tappas, a popular spot among locals that serves creative Andorran tapas with a modern twist. Their croquetes de ceps (wild mushroom croquettes, €8) pair perfectly with a glass of Spanish Albariño wine.
Day 3 Insider Tip
Sustainability Tip That Saves Money: Andorra’s mountain springs provide some of the purest water in Europe. Instead of buying bottled water (which is surprisingly expensive at €2-3 per bottle in tourist areas), bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at one of the many public fountains throughout the country. Look for ones marked “aigua potable” (drinking water). The fountain in Ordino’s main square has water coming directly from mountain springs—it’s cold, delicious, and completely free!
Day 4: Andorra’s Natural Wonders & Hiking
Today we’ll venture into one of Andorra’s most spectacular natural settings—Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Morning: Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
Take the L6 bus from Andorra la Vella to Escaldes, then transfer to the specially designated Madriu Shuttle (runs May-October, €5 round trip) that will take you to the entrance of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley.
This preserved valley represents 10% of Andorra’s total territory and remains largely unchanged from medieval times. The hiking options are plentiful, but for a moderate half-day hike, I recommend the trail to Fontverd Refuge:
- Distance: 6 km round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Highlights: Ancient stone shepherd huts, wildflower meadows, and pristine streams
The trail is well-marked with yellow dots. Remember to pack a lunch as there are no facilities once you’re in the valley.
Personal Mistake to Avoid
My first time hiking here, I wore regular sneakers and deeply regretted it after a sudden mountain shower turned the trail muddy. Proper hiking boots with ankle support are essential in Andorran mountains, where weather can change rapidly. The sporting goods stores in Andorra la Vella sell quality hiking boots at prices 20-30% lower than in neighboring countries if you need to purchase some.
Afternoon: Lake Engolasters
Return from Madriu Valley and take the L2 bus to Lake Engolasters, a beautiful mountain lake just a short journey from the capital. A leisurely 3km path circles the lake, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding pine forests and mountains. The lake has a special peaceful quality—the only sounds you’ll hear are birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves.
The area around Lake Engolasters is also home to some interesting hydroelectric infrastructure, with informative panels explaining how Andorra harnesses mountain water for clean energy production.
Evening: Andorran Culinary Experience
For dinner, treat yourself to an authentic Andorran feast at Borda de l’Arriero in Andorra la Vella. This restaurant occupies a 300-year-old stone farmhouse and specializes in grilled meats cooked over an open flame.
Order their mixed grill platter (€25 per person) that includes butifarra (Catalan sausage), lamb chops, and beef steak, all served with allioli (garlic mayonnaise) and escalivada (roasted vegetables). Wash it down with a glass of Vi de Glass, Andorra’s local wine produced at high altitudes in limited quantities.
Day 4 Insider Tip
Hiking Cost-Saver: While many tourists book expensive guided hikes (€60-100 per person), Andorra’s Department of Tourism offers free guided group hikes every Wednesday from June to September. They’re led by certified mountain guides who speak English and provide fascinating insights about local flora, fauna, and geology. Sign up at the tourist office in Andorra la Vella 24 hours in advance—it’s first-come, first-served with groups limited to 15 people.
Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Encamp & Canillo
Today we’ll explore the parishes of Encamp and Canillo, which offer some of Andorra’s most significant cultural attractions and spectacular mountain scenery.
Morning: Motorcycle Museum & Encamp
Take the L2 bus to Encamp, a town that perfectly blends traditional architecture with modern amenities. Start your visit at the National Automobile Museum (€5), which houses an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles and cars. The museum’s prize possession is a 1925 Rolls-Royce that once belonged to King Farouk of Egypt.
Afterward, visit the MW Electricity Museum (free entry), which offers a fascinating look at hydroelectric power—the foundation of Andorra’s modern economy. The interactive displays are surprisingly engaging, and you can generate electricity yourself using different mechanisms.
Lunch in Encamp
For lunch, I recommend Restaurant Rusiñol, a no-frills eatery where local workers and families enjoy hearty, authentic meals. Their menu del dia (daily menu) costs just €15 and includes three courses plus wine—an incredible value. Try their truites de riu (river trout), a local specialty.
Afternoon: Canillo and Sanctuary of Meritxell
Take the L4 bus to Canillo, then continue on to Meritxell to visit the Sanctuary of Meritxell, Andorra’s most important religious site. The sanctuary combines a modern church built in 1976 with ruins of the ancient chapel destroyed by fire. The architecture is striking—angular concrete walls with narrow windows that create dramatic light patterns inside.
The sanctuary has added a new museum section for 2025, displaying religious artifacts and explaining Andorra’s unique status as a co-principality under the joint sovereignty of the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain.
Return to Canillo and visit Sant Joan de Caselles, a perfectly preserved Romanesque church from the 11th-12th centuries. The interior features original frescoes and a wooden Christ figure that dates to the 13th century.
Evening: Canillo Dinner Experience
For dinner, enjoy mountain cuisine at Refugi L’Arribada in Canillo. The restaurant’s fondue andorrana (€22 per person) is a local adaptation of the Swiss classic, using a blend of Spanish, French, and local cheeses. It’s served with potatoes, bread, and cured meats for dipping.
After dinner, take the L4 bus back to Andorra la Vella, enjoying the twinkling lights of mountain villages along the way.
Day 5 Insider Tip
Cultural Money-Saver: The Andorran government launched a “Cultural Fridays” initiative in 2024 that offers free entry to all museums and cultural sites every Friday afternoon from 4pm to closing. Additionally, the Sant Joan de Caselles church normally charges a €3 entry fee, but if you visit during a religious service (Sunday mornings at 11am), entry is free. Just be respectful and quiet during the service.
Day 6: Adventure Activities in Vallnord
Andorra’s mountain terrain makes it a paradise for outdoor activities in every season. Today we’ll explore Vallnord, one of Andorra’s premier outdoor destinations that has recently expanded its summer offerings.
Morning: Mountain Biking or Summer Toboggan
Take the L5 bus to La Massana, then connect to the gondola that takes you up to Vallnord Bike Park. Even if you’re not an experienced mountain biker, don’t worry—they offer options for all levels:
- Beginner Experience: 2-hour guided session with instructor and equipment rental (€45)
- Green and Blue Trails: Gentle descents suitable for novices
- Advanced Trails: More technical sections for experienced riders
Alternatively, if biking isn’t your thing, the summer toboggan run (€12 for 2 rides) offers thrills without the technical skills. The metal track winds through the forest with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Lunch at Vallnord
Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Piolets at the mountain station. Their mountain hamburger (€14) made with Andorran beef and local cheese is delicious and substantial enough to fuel your afternoon activities. The restaurant’s panoramic terrace offers stunning valley views.
Afternoon: Zip Line and Forest Adventure
In 2024, Vallnord opened a new Forest Adventure Park with multiple circuits of varying difficulty. The course includes zip lines, rope bridges, and Tarzan swings woven through the pine forest. The complete experience costs €29 and takes about 2 hours.
For an even bigger adrenaline rush, try the new mega-zipline that spans 1.3km and reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h (€25 per ride). It’s been a highlight for visitors since its opening in late 2024.
Personal Mistake to Avoid
During my first visit to Vallnord, I didn’t make reservations for the Forest Adventure Park and found it fully booked when I arrived. In 2025, advance booking is essential for Andorra’s popular attractions, especially during summer and winter peak seasons. Most activities can be booked online 24-48 hours in advance for the best availability.
Evening: La Massana
Return to La Massana for dinner at Borda dels Isquella, a traditional stone farmhouse converted into a restaurant. Their specialty is cargols a la llauna (€14)—snails cooked with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. If that’s too adventurous, their slow-cooked lamb shoulder (€24) is fall-off-the-bone tender and served with local herbs.
After dinner, take a short stroll through La Massana’s charming streets before catching the L5 bus back to Andorra la Vella.
Day 6 Insider Tip
Adventure Activity Discount: Vallnord offers a significant “last hour” discount (30-40% off) for activities starting after 3pm. If you’re flexible with your schedule, visit the booking office around 2pm to check availability and snag these deals. I tried this in 2023 and got a mountain bike rental and lift pass for just €19 instead of the usual €32. They’ve continued this practice into 2025 as a way to spread visitors throughout the day.
Day 7: The Eastern Parishes & Farewell
For your final day, we’ll explore Andorra’s eastern parishes of Sant Julià de Lòria and Pas de la Casa, which offer a different perspective on Andorran life—one more influenced by neighboring Spain, the other by France.
Morning: Naturlandia
Take the L6 bus to Sant Julià de Lòria, then connect to the shuttle bus to Naturlandia, an eco-adventure park set at 2,000 meters elevation. The park’s main attraction is the Tobotronc, the world’s longest alpine slide at 5.3km (€16 per person). The sled ride takes you through beautiful forest scenery with panoramic mountain views.
Naturlandia also features an animal park with species native to the Pyrenees, including brown bears, wolves, and deer. The park has expanded its offerings for 2025 with a new Birds of Prey demonstration and conservation education program.
Lunch at Naturlandia
Enjoy lunch at the park’s La Borda de Conangle Restaurant. Their muntanya tasting menu (€22) offers small portions of multiple Andorran specialties, giving you a chance to try several dishes you might have missed during your stay.
Afternoon: Pas de la Casa
Return to Sant Julià de Lòria and take the L1 direct bus to Pas de la Casa, Andorra’s easternmost town on the French border. The journey itself is breathtaking, crossing the Envalira Pass at 2,408 meters—Andorra’s highest drivable mountain pass.
Pas de la Casa has a distinctly different character from the rest of Andorra—more French in its architecture and atmosphere. The town is famous for being Andorra’s premier duty-free shopping destination, with prices even lower than in Andorra la Vella. Take some time to pick up last-minute souvenirs or gifts.
Don’t miss a visit to Museu d’Alta Muntanya (Mountain Museum, €4), which documents the area’s transformation from remote mountain pass to bustling border town. The exhibits on early ski pioneers and smuggling history are particularly fascinating.
Evening: Farewell Dinner
Return to Andorra la Vella for your farewell dinner at Restaurant Agust, one of the capital’s finest dining establishments. Their tasting menu (€45) showcases the best of modern Andorran cuisine with international influences. The suckling pig confit with apple purée is their signature dish and a perfect way to conclude your Andorran adventure.
After dinner, take one last stroll through Andorra la Vella’s illuminated streets. If your visit coincides with summer (June-September), check out the new “Fonte Luminose” dancing fountain show in Plaça del Poble that takes place nightly at 10pm.
Day 7 Insider Tip
Departure Planning: If you’re departing for Barcelona the next day, book the earliest bus (usually 6:30am) to avoid potential border delays. Traffic at the Spanish border can add up to an hour during peak times. Alternatively, for a more relaxed departure, consider the 2pm bus which typically faces less congestion. I once nearly missed my flight by taking the mid-morning bus during a Spanish holiday weekend—a stressful experience I don’t recommend!
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Andorran Adventure
After spending a week exploring Andorra’s valleys, mountains, villages, and cultural treasures, you’ve experienced a side of Europe that most travelers never see. This tiny principality packs an extraordinary amount of diversity into its borders—from duty-free shopping to UNESCO heritage sites, from world-class spas to pristine hiking trails.
What always strikes me about Andorra is how it balances preservation of tradition with embrace of innovation. The 12th-century churches stand proudly alongside cutting-edge adventure parks. The traditional bordas serve ancient recipes while incorporating modern culinary techniques.
5-Step Action Plan for Your 2025 Andorra Trip
- Book Transportation Early: Bus tickets from Barcelona or Toulouse sell out during peak seasons. Book at least 2 weeks in advance for summer and winter travel.
- Reserve Key Experiences: Pre-book Caldea spa, Vallnord activities, and Naturlandia to secure your preferred time slots.
- Download Essential Apps: Get the Andorra Transport app for bus schedules and the Andorra Telecom app for a free digital map that works offline.
- Pack Appropriately: Even in summer, mountain temperatures can drop significantly at night. Always bring layers, rain protection, and proper footwear.
- Learn Basic Catalan Phrases: While most Andorrans speak Spanish, French, and often English, making an effort with the local language is always appreciated. Start with “bon dia” (good day), “gràcies” (thank you), and “adéu” (goodbye).
Andorra may be small in size, but it’s immense in experiences. By following this itinerary, you’ll have discovered the perfect balance of nature, culture, relaxation, and adventure that makes Andorra a hidden gem in the heart of the Pyrenees.
As they say in Catalan, “A reveure”—until we see each other again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Andorra
Do I need a visa to visit Andorra?
Andorra is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area. However, since you can only enter Andorra through France or Spain (both Schengen countries), you’ll need to meet Schengen visa requirements. There are no additional visa requirements for Andorra itself.
What currency is used in Andorra?
Andorra uses the Euro (€) as its official currency, despite not being an EU member. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and mountain restaurants.
When is the best time to visit Andorra?
Andorra is a year-round destination, but the experience varies dramatically by season:
- Winter (December-March): Perfect for skiing and winter sports, with reliable snow conditions
- Spring (April-May): Beautiful wildflowers and hiking, but some mountain facilities may be closed between seasons
- Summer (June-September): Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor activities with pleasant temperatures (20-25°C/68-77°F)
- Fall (October-November): Spectacular foliage colors but variable weather; shoulder season with fewer tourists
Can I use my mobile phone in Andorra?
Andorra is not covered by EU roaming regulations, so European visitors may face high roaming charges. For 2025, Andorra Telecom offers visitors a special Tourist SIM card (€15) with 5GB of data and limited calls valid for 15 days. It’s available at the main bus station and tourist offices.
Is Andorra expensive compared to neighboring countries?
Andorra is generally less expensive than France but slightly more expensive than Spain for accommodations and dining. However, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, electronics, and luxury goods are significantly cheaper due to the country’s low-tax status. Fuel is also about 20-30% cheaper than in neighboring countries.
How much time should I spend in Andorra?
While you can see the highlights in 3-4 days, a full week allows you to explore at a relaxed pace, venture into the more remote valleys, and fully appreciate Andorra’s diverse offerings without feeling rushed.
Is Andorra family-friendly?
Absolutely! Andorra is excellent for families with attractions like Naturlandia, easy hiking trails, and the Caldea spa’s family section (Inúu). The country has a very low crime rate, and establishments are accustomed to accommodating children.
What languages are spoken in Andorra?
The official language is Catalan, but Spanish and French are widely spoken due to the proximity to those countries. In tourist areas, English is commonly understood, especially by younger Andorrans.
Can I combine Andorra with visits to Barcelona or Toulouse?
Definitely! Many visitors combine Andorra with Barcelona (3 hours by bus) or Toulouse (3 hours by bus). You could spend 3-4 days in either city before or after your week in Andorra for a more varied European experience.
Is it easy to get around Andorra without a car?
Yes! Andorra has an excellent public bus system that connects all major towns and attractions. With the Andorra Multi Pass, public transportation is free, and buses run frequently (every 20-30 minutes on main routes). For more remote areas, there are taxi services, though these can be expensive.
References and Further Reading
- Visit Andorra – The official tourism website with up-to-date information on attractions and events
- Andorra Direct Bus – Bus services connecting Andorra with Barcelona and Toulouse
- Caldea Thermal Spa – Information on Andorra’s famous thermal spa complex
- Vallnord Mountain Park – Details on mountain biking and summer activities
- Naturlandia – Eco-adventure park with the Tobotronc alpine slide
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley – Detailed information about Andorra’s UNESCO site
- Grandvalira – Andorra’s largest ski area (useful for winter visitors)
- Andorra Telecom – Information on mobile connectivity for tourists
- Government of Andorra – Official government website with practical information
- Lonely Planet: Andorra – Additional travel guidance and recommendations
- Sanctuary of Meritxell – Information about Andorra’s national shrine
- In Your Pocket: Andorra – Detailed city guides for Andorran towns