Andorra Travel Guide: Thermal Spa and Snow

Visit Andorra, the country's official tourism site, describes Andorra as a small country in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees, bordered by Catalonia in Spain and the department of Ariège in France. It has an area of 468 km2, and 92% of it is forest.

The tours on this page start from Escaldes-Engordany, the parish with the thermal waters, and go to the Caldea spa and the Grandvalira ski area.

Places to visit in Andorra

Escaldes-Engordany

Visit Andorra says this is the parish with thermal waters, which have been used for centuries. Caldea, which it calls one of the largest thermal complexes in southern Europe, is here. The site also lists the Romanesque church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters and Engolasters Lake.

Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is the capital and the smallest parish, but the most populated. Visit Andorra says most of the commercial activity is concentrated here. Its sights include Casa de la Vall, built at the end of the 16th century and the seat of Parliament from 1702 to 2011, and the Old Quarter.

Grandvalira and the ski areas

There are four ski resorts in Andorra: Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal and Naturland. Visit Andorra calls Grandvalira the largest resort in the Pyrenees. Winter routes on the site include snowshoe excursions, and the site also lists mushing.

Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Visit Andorra lists the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley as a World Heritage Site. Andorra has five places on the UNESCO list, which also include cultural traditions such as the summer solstice celebrations in the Pyrenees.

Getting to Andorra

Visit Andorra says the country has no airport because it lies high in the mountains. The closest is Andorra-La Seu Airport in La Seu d'Urgell, in Spain, which Air Nostrum serves with flights to Palma de Mallorca and Madrid. The site also lists international airports within a 200-kilometre radius, including Toulouse-Blagnac, Girona-Costa Brava and Barcelona-El Prat.

By road, the site names the N-145 from La Seu d'Urgell when you come from Spain, and the N-22, N-20 and N-320 when you come from France. Scheduled international buses connect Andorra with more than twenty destinations in Spain, France and Portugal. The nearest train station is in France, at L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre.

Getting around

Visit Andorra describes a wide network of bus lines that cover most towns, with daily service. The further the destination, the less often buses pass, and frequency can vary from every 20 minutes to every hour. Car rental offices are in most towns, and taxis are available for urban, intercity and international trips.

From early November to mid-May, winter equipment or contact tires are mandatory for driving, according to the site.

When to go to Andorra

Winter

Visit Andorra describes a cold winter with relatively heavy snowfall, and the four ski resorts are the main winter draw. Check the site's notice on winter tyres or chains if you plan to drive.

Summer

The site describes a warm summer. Naturland, which has an outdoor activity centre, is open all year round.

Rainfall

Rain falls mainly between May and October, according to Visit Andorra. The country has a high mountain climate with Mediterranean influences.

What to book ahead

• Check the winter driving rules before you hire a car; Visit Andorra says winter equipment is mandatory from early November to mid-May.
• Check the entry options and opening times for Caldea and the snow activities on the operator's page before you fix your dates.
• If you are flying in, check the onward transfer to Andorra before you book, since the country has no airport.
• Guided tours run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Government of Andorra travel page before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel. Andorra can only be reached through Spain or France, so check those countries' rules too.

Official source: Government of Andorra, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Travel to Andorra.

Frequently asked questions

Does Andorra have an airport?

No. Visit Andorra says the closest is Andorra-La Seu Airport in La Seu d'Urgell, Spain. Larger international airports such as Toulouse-Blagnac and Barcelona-El Prat are within a 200-kilometre radius.

What is Caldea?

Visit Andorra describes Caldea as a thermal leisure centre in Escaldes-Engordany that opened in 1994. Its thermal water emerges from natural springs at 65 to 70 degrees Celsius and is cooled before it reaches the lagoons.

How many ski resorts are there in Andorra?

Visit Andorra says there are four: Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal and Naturland. Naturland has the country's only cross-country ski trails.

What is the climate in Andorra?

Visit Andorra describes a high mountain climate with Mediterranean influences, a warm summer and a cold winter with relatively heavy snowfall. Rain falls mainly between May and October.

Do I need a visa for Andorra?

It depends on your nationality, and you reach Andorra through Spain or France. The Government of Andorra explains the current position on its travel page, so check it before you book.