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Top Three Must Dos in Andorra

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Sep 26, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 31

Tucked away high in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain is a small principality that most people haven’t heard of, let alone thought about visiting. This country is Andorra, known for its sking, beautiful summers, and the lovely thermal springs. Andorra is a destination that should be added to your bucket list of travel destinations.


A sturdy, rustic stone church, the Basilica of Meritxell, stands under a dramatic cloudy sky in Canillo, Andorra. The church is built from rough-hewn, light brown stones and features a simple bell tower with two arched openings at its peak, topped by a cross. A covered arcade with three arches extends from the front of the church. Lush green trees frame the building on the left, and a steep, dark grey paved path or ramp leads up towards another stone building on the right. In the background, the rugged slopes of mountains are visible, enhancing the remote and historic feel of the location.
Basilica of Meritxell

Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica

The first of many beautiful destinations is Canillo. This parish is home to the tiny village of Meritxell, which is home to the Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica. This basilica is considered the most important religious temple in all of Andorra. At the basilica, you will have the opportunity to discover the statues of the Saints of the region in addition to the statue of Our Lady of Meritxell. The original sanctuary burned down in the 1970s and was commissioned to be rebuilt by renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. Today you can visit the sanctuary via a car or the Andorrian Tourist bus that will help you experience other religious destinations in the parish.


A picturesque winter scene captures the snowy village of Soldeu, Andorra, nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic snow-covered mountains. In the foreground and mid-ground, traditional chalets and multi-story buildings with snow-laden roofs are visible, built with a mix of stone and wooden elements. Pine trees dusted with snow are scattered among the buildings. In the background, vast, snow-covered mountain slopes rise dramatically, with dense evergreen forests covering their lower parts. The sky above is a mix of blue and white, suggesting a bright winter day.
Soldeu

Skiing at Soldeu

In the same parish as the Sanctuary of Meritxell, there is a small mountain town known as Soldeu. The town is perfectly located at the foot of the slopes of the Grandvalira ski domain and offers everything that skiers and snowboarders could ever dream of. After a long day on some of the most amazing slopes in Europe, you can venture into the town for great local restaurants, cozy cafes, and bustling bars. Even if you don’t intend on hitting the slopes, Soldeu is not a town that can be missed.


A stone church, Sant Pere Martir, stands prominently against a clear blue sky in Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra. The church features a tall, square bell tower with multiple levels of arched openings at the left, topped with a cross. The main body of the church is built from light grey stone blocks and has Romanesque architectural elements, including rounded arches and decorative patterns on its facade. A covered entrance with three arches extends from the front. To the right, a modern, stark white building with dark, rectangular windows contrasts with the historic church. The street in the foreground is paved, with a red circular sign visible near the church's entrance.
Sant Pere Martir church in Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra

Shopping

If you would rather take a hunt looking for that perfect gift to bring back for a loved one or yourself, look no further because Andorra is the right place. In a country where everything is tax-free, you can find yourself shopping until you can’t carry any more back in your suitcase. One of the best places to shop is in the small town of Escaldes-Engordany. There is a mall with several stories of shops of all different types. Once you’ve finished shopping, you can explore the streets of Escaldes-Engordany.


As you move across the countryside of this beautiful principality, it is clear that there is so much to offer in this mountain destination. Schedule a consultation with me today to plan your perfect mountain vacation!

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