Welcome to our blog! Here, we will be talking about all things Andorra, from investing to living in this tiny country nestling in the Pyrenees. We are delighted to be able to provide you with all the information you need about moving here, the different types of residence, taxes and the many business opportunities that await you in our country. Now that summer is here, we thought it would be a good time to show you the country from a different perspective.
There are so many wonderful things about Andorra that you might not know about yet! So today we are going to show you some of our favourite places so that you can discover them through our eyes. You will see that Andorra is a place that you can enjoy all year round, not just in winter.
We would love you to discover the charms of our country!
Table of contents:
- Hiking in Andorra
Andorra on two wheels
A tour of the vantage points
Beautiful villages
Gastronomy and wine tourism
Art and culture for all tastes
Hiking in Andorra
Did you know that 90% of Andorra consists of natural areas? Only 5% of its territory is urban. So if you love mountains and nature, you are in luck, because here you will find endless examples.
From routes for those who want to go to the high mountains and climb to their peaks, refuges or one of their 80 lakes, to more accessible excursions for families. You can walk in one of its valleys or mountains, or even in one of its protected areas.
• Natural parks in Andorra
The country has three natural parks where you can admire the beauty of the landscapes and nature in all its splendour:
– The Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror: this is the only natural park in the Pyrenees that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (since 2004).
– The Vall de Sorteny Natural Park, located in the Ordino Biosphere Reserve.
– The Valls del Comapedrosa Natural Park, where the highest peak in Andorra is situated, at an altitude of 2,942 m.
• Nature for the family
As well as being safe, Andorra is also very suitable for families. This is reflected in the Maraculla theme trails and paths, created to enable children to discover nature and interact with it. Another perfect option for families is the search for the Tamarro Portals, where you can let your imagination run wild while getting to know the culture and legends of our country through games and fantasy.
Andorra on two wheels
And of course, one of the best things about this lovely little principality is that you can enjoy cycling in all its forms! It’s no surprise that many professional cyclists, both active and retired, choose to live in Andorra. It’s also no surprise that numerous teams come here to train.
Events for everyone
The lovely Andorran mountain passes have on many occasions been the scene of some of the biggest and best cycling events in the world, including the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.
One of the highlights of the summer is the MTB World Championships in the gorgeous resort of Pal Arinsal. There are also other races open to the public that are popular, such as the legendary Volta als Ports and the well-known Purito.
• Cycling Paradise in Andorra
You don’t have to compete if you simply love cycling! Andorra offers you all the services and facilities you need to enjoy your favourite sport in summer. You can bring your own bike or hire one here.
The Pal Arinsal Bike Park is a great place to enjoy all its circuits for different MTB disciplines, as well as the varied routes through the forest. The Grandvalira routes are also waiting for you! You can visit the BiciLab museum, which is dedicated exclusively to cycling. It has a permanent collection of pieces that show its evolution, as well as virtual reality activities.
A tour of the vantage points
This experience will enable you to connect with nature and the most impressive landscapes of the Pyrenees. Don’t forget your camera, because you will want to capture every moment of these views!
• Andorra’s most famous vantage point: the Roc del Quer
Undoubtedly one of the musts in Andorra. With its platform suspended in the air, it offers impressive views of Canillo and the surrounding peaks. The structure has been designed to blend into the natural environment.
• One of the world’s longest Tibetan bridges
Another attraction not to be missed is the 603-metre Tibetan Bridge in Canillo. Crossing it will not only give you a rush of adrenaline (don’t try it if you’re afraid of heights), but will also give you breathtaking views of the Vall del Riu. The experience of crossing this bridge, with the feeling of floating above the landscape, is one that you will not easily forget.
• A vantage point that is a work of engineering
We finish our tour at the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint, a circular structure which is also a sundial. It is located at an altitude of 2700 metres on the peak of Peyreguils, Ordino, but it is easily accessible by cable car, chairlift and the last 20 minutes on foot. On arrival, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the Tristaina lakes and the mountains of the valley, visible in a 360-degree panorama.
Beautiful villages
The typical mountain charm of stone and wooden buildings blends with the green of the mountains in summer. Andorra is dotted with picturesque villages with cobbled streets and history, offering a perfect blend of culture and nature. Walking through them is like stepping back in time, with traditional architecture still intact. They are the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle.
Gastronomy and wine tourism
For a truly traditional culinary experience, we recommend a visit to one of the typical restaurants known as bordes. These old stone and wooden buildings offer mountain dishes that will delight the palate. In addition to the local cuisine, Andorra offers a wide range of international and avant-garde dishes to satisfy all tastes and preferences.
If you’re interested in wine culture, you can also visit the vineyards and cellars of local producers, and you can buy their wines. In all, there are four wine cellars dispersed around the country, and that can show you how wine is made in Andorra.
Art and culture for all tastes
Andorra is not only a natural destination but also a cultural one, with one of the highest densities of museums in the world, only exceeded by the Vatican. You will find museums that tell the history of the country, home museums of bourgeois and working-class families that show what life was like in Andorra in the past, art galleries such as the Carmen Thyssen, museums dedicated to specific themes such as the world of motor racing, and many other interesting proposals.
As you can see, Andorra is a place that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy. It has something that makes each and every one of its inhabitants fall in love with it. It is ideal for lovers of mountain sports and cycling. But also for families and lovers of culture and gastronomy.