Andorra
This 468 km² Pyrenean co-principality between France and Spain squeezes more than 200 km of pistes, Romanesque chapels and high glacial lakes into a handful of steep valleys. Winter revolves around Grandvalira's slopes; summer brings wildflower hikes between mountain refuges. Low-tax shopping in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes surprises many first-timers.
Overview
Andorra is a co-principality of fewer than 90,000 people in the eastern Pyrenees, headed jointly by the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France. Everything follows the Valira rivers: the main road climbs from the Spanish border at Sant Julià de Lòria through the conjoined towns of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, then forks north to La Massana and Ordino or east over the 2,408-metre Port d'Envalira to Pas de la Casa and France. Most visitors base themselves in one valley for a week of skiing or walking, or treat the country as a two-day detour on a Pyrenees road trip.
The season decides the trip. From December to April the Grandvalira and Pal Arinsal slopes fill with Spanish, French and British skiers, and lift passes, lessons and hotels are priced accordingly. Summer is calmer and cheaper: waymarked trails link staffed and unstaffed refuges, and glacial lakes such as Tristaina lie within an easy morning's walk of the road. Shops in the capital sell electronics, perfume, alcohol and tobacco under low indirect taxes, though bargains are less dramatic than legend suggests. Expect apartment blocks and traffic along the valley floor; the beauty starts a few hundred metres higher.
Map of Andorra
Top 5 highlights
- 1Adventure
Grandvalira
The Pyrenees' largest ski area links Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and Encamp across more than 200 km of pistes, with extensive snow-making, English-speaking ski schools and a lively après scene in Soldeu.
- 2Nature
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
A UNESCO-listed glacial valley with no paved road, climbed on foot from Escaldes. Shepherds' huts, dry-stone terraces and the remains of old iron forges line the path towards high lakes and the staffed Refugi de l'Illa.
- 3Sacred site
Sant Joan de Caselles
Just outside Canillo, this Romanesque church has a slender Lombard bell tower, a painted Renaissance altarpiece from 1525 and a reconstructed stucco Christ in Majesty — the most rewarding of Andorra's many small Romanesque churches.
- 4Architecture
Caldea
Escaldes' thermal spa complex, opened in 1994 beneath a glass spire that dominates the town, with lagoons, saunas and outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs; ideal after a day on the slopes.
- 5Adventure
Comapedrosa Natural Park
The wild north-west corner around Coma Pedrosa, at 2,942 metres the country's highest summit. A long but non-technical day hike from Arinsal passes the Comapedrosa refuge and the dark Estany Negre lake.
Biggest cities
Andorra la Vella
Europe's highest capital, at about 1,023 metres. The stone lanes of the Barri Antic and the 16th-century Casa de la Vall, the old parliament house, sit just above the shops of Avinguda Meritxell.
Escaldes-Engordany
Contiguous with the capital and home to Caldea spa and the Avinguda Carlemany shopping strip; also the trailhead for the Madriu valley, which makes it a practical summer base.
Encamp
A cheaper base on the road to the slopes, with the Funicamp gondola climbing to Grandvalira and the National Automobile Museum's collection of vintage cars and motorbikes.
Populations are for parishes; Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany have grown into one continuous town along the Valira.
When to go to Andorra
Best time: Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug.
Average climate in Andorra la Vella
Festivals & events
- JunFalles de Sant Joan
On midsummer's eve, 23 June, young people in Andorra la Vella and Sant Julià de Lòria whirl flaming bark torches around their heads — part of a UNESCO-listed Pyrenean fire tradition.
- AugFesta Major d'Andorra la Vella
The capital's main festival, held in early August, brings concerts, sardana dancing, fireworks and family events to the streets around the old town.
- SepMeritxell Day
Andorra's national day on 8 September honours its patron, Our Lady of Meritxell; many residents head to Ricardo Bofill's modern sanctuary near Canillo for Mass and celebrations.
How much does Andorra cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Trinxat
Mashed cabbage and potato fried into a crisp cake with garlic and strips of pork belly or bacon — hearty mountain food shared with neighbouring Cerdanya.
Escudella
A slow-cooked winter broth of meats, botifarra sausage, chickpeas and vegetables, served first as a pasta soup and then as a platter of the meat (carn d'olla).
Carn a la brasa
Lamb chops, botifarra and steaks grilled over wood embers in a borda, a converted stone hay barn, usually with allioli, snails and a bottle of red.
Getting around
Andorra has no airport or railway. Direct coaches run from Barcelona airport and city in roughly three to four hours, and from Toulouse in about three. Inside the country, cheap national bus lines link every parish, and ski buses serve the resorts in season. Hiring a car in Spain or France gives most freedom; carry snow chains in winter, and expect queues at the borders and the Envalira tunnel at weekends.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CF230V — bring a UK-to-C/F adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +376
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Service is generally included; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good restaurant service is appreciated but not expected.
- Etiquette
- Andorrans are proud of their independence and the Catalan language, so don't describe the country as Spanish or French. A 'bon dia' when entering shops goes down well, and refuges expect quiet after dark.
- Main airports
- Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), Barcelona — across the border; Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS), Toulouse — across the border
Visas & entry for Andorra
Shown for a British passport.
Check the entry requirements
Check visa requirements in France travel advice or Spain travel advice, as you’ll travel through one of those countries to reach Andorra. You must meet the requirements for entry to the Schengen Area in order to enter France or Spain for onward travel to Andorra, even if you have Andorran residency.
You do not need a visa to enter Andorra.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat lyssavirus
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Andorra
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Saint Stephen's Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Mon 8 Feb 2027 | Carnival |
| Sun 14 Mar 2027 | Constitution Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Pentecost Monday |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day |
| Wed 8 Sep 2027 | Our Lady of Meritxell |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Catalan
| English | Catalan | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
| Thank you | Gràcies | GRAH-see-uhs |
| Please | Si us plau | see-oos-PLOW |
| Excuse me | Perdoni | per-DOH-nee |
| How much is this? | Quant costa això? | KWAN KOS-tuh uh-SHOH |
Know before you go
- Your UK GHIC isn't valid in Andorra, which is outside the EU, so buy insurance that covers skiing, mountain activities and helicopter rescue; for mountain rescue, dial 112.
- Andorra isn't covered by EU roaming deals, and UK networks can charge heavily for data; check your tariff before you go or buy an Andorra Telecom SIM on arrival.
- Customs officers on the French and Spanish sides regularly check cars for tobacco, alcohol and electronics, and allowances are low — check the limits before stocking up.
Andorra travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Andorra?
The best time to visit Andorra is generally Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug. Peak months are January, February, March, July, August and December. Average highs in Andorra la Vella range from 6°C to 26°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Andorra cost per day?
Roughly £70 a day on a tight budget, £140 mid-range and £280+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Andorra?
Euro (EUR).
What plug type does Andorra use?
Type C and F sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Andorra?
Traffic drives on the right in Andorra, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Andorra?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for Andorra?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: Check visa requirements in France travel advice or Spain travel advice, as you’ll travel through one of those countries to reach Andorra. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Andorra before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/andorra/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Andorra?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Bat lyssavirus sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
