The Principality of Andorra is a microstate located in the Pyrenees, enclosed between France and Spain. Tourists who visit Andorra do so mainly because of the tax-free status that the country has. Andorra is increasingly appreciated for its mountainous landscape with its typical Andorran villages and recreational opportunities. In the winter, Andorra is an excellent alternative to the winter sports destinations in the Alpine countries. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Andorra.
Top 10 things to do in Andorra
#1. Andorra la Vella
In the capital of Andorra you are surrounded by the many shops where you can shop duty-free. Tobacco, perfume, electronics and alcohol in particular are eagerly purchased by the many visitors who come to the city. Sights in this capital of Andorra include the graceful St. Stephen’s Church and the House of Parliament La Casa de la Vall or Consell General de les Valls.
#2. Escaldes-Engordany
In Andorra there are several water basins. The largest, however, are found in the Escaldes-Engordany area. In this mountainous area lies the Madriu-Claror-Perafita valley. The special thing about this valley is that there are still a number of people living in this area who live entirely according to traditional way of life. A notable pointed building in the town of Escaldes-Engordany is that of the Thermen Spa Caldea. The tower of the Sant Miquel d’Engolasters church from the twelfth century is another striking building. From the seventeen meter high tower you have a beautiful view over the city. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Andorra.
#3. Sant Julià de Lòria
The rustic village of Sant Julià de Lòria takes you back in time in some places. This village, also known as ‘Laurèdia’, has existed since the twelfth century. One of those old places is, for example, the chapel on top of a mountain. This is the Canòlich, which is known for its cemetery and the beautiful view over the valley. Sant Cerni de Nagol is the Romanesque church of the village. This church is considered to be one of the most beautiful surviving Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees. Furthermore, it is a special experience to visit the tobacco museum in this place.
#4. Naturlandia
If you are looking for a bit of adventure, you should definitely visit the Ecopark Naturlandia. This is because the longest Alpine sleigh train track ‘Tobotronic’ in the world can be found here. With a kind of sled you go over an iron rail with a length of about 5300 meters. You can find this park on the Rabassa mountain in Sant Julià de Lòria.
#5. Perfume Museum
In the place Escaldes – Engordany is a special perfume museum to visit. The museum was founded by the Júlia Bonet Foundation. It is special how this museum tells about the history of his country through perfume. It is not strange to visit a perfume museum in this country. Andorra has a lot to offer when it comes to perfume. More than a hundred perfumeries can be found in an area of approximately 468 km2.
#6. Ore mines in Llorts
Between the 17th and the 19th century, the valley near Llorts was mainly searched for iron ore. Today, these mines on the outskirts of the village are open to the public and it is possible to learn more about this process of mining and processing, among other things, iron ore under the guidance of a guide.
#7. Pas de la Casa
If you are looking for a nice winter sports destination in Andorra, you should definitely take a look at El Pas de la Casa. This area, which is very close to the border of France, has a lot to offer for snow lovers. Since the first ski lift was opened in 1957, this area has slowly but surely grown into a full-fledged ski destination. The area now has more than 100 km of slopes and we count at least 31 lifts. Because the area is located at the highest place in Andorra, it is also the most certain of snow.
#8. Ethnographic Museum Casa Cristo
This beautiful characteristic old house tells and shows how modest families used to live in Andorra. The house from the early 19th century has three floors and is completely furnished as it was before. The house in Encamp is open to the public all year round. Other museum houses nearby are Casa d’Areny-Plandolit and Casa Rull.
#9. Churches Tour
Andorra has many old and interesting churches that can be visited. The Romanesque churches in particular dominate the country. For example, Sant Joan de Caselles in Canillo, Sant Marti de la Cortinada in Ordino, Sant Romà de les Bons in Encamp, Santa Coloma in Andorra la Vella, Sant Climent de Pal in La Massana, Sant Miquel d’Engolasters in Escaldes-Engordany or Sant Serni de Nagol in Sant Julià de Lòria. A number of these historic churches have been incorporated into walking tours. Some of them are even accompanied by a guide.
#10. The Tweewieler museum
This special museum can be found in the town of Canillo. This museum, entirely devoted to two-wheelers, shows how these vehicles have found their place in history. Very special examples of motorcycles can be admired in the exhibition space.
