[2025 Andorra La Vella Attraction] Travel Guide for Casa de la Vall (Updated Feb)

Andorra may feel like one of the smallest countries in the world, but its natural environment is second to none. Located between continental Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, Andorra is worth a visit! ✅️ Casa de la Vall (Valley House) One of the oldest buildings in Andorra, originally built in 1580. It was once a wealthy private residence and later became the parliament building. ✅️ Church of Santa Coloma One of Andorra's oldest churches, this Romanesque structure dates back to the 9th century. Inside, you'll find 12th-century murals and a statue of the Virgin Mary. Its unique square wooden nave and Baroque altar decorations are particularly precious. Murals that were once lost overseas were returned in 2007. ✅️ Church of Sant Esteve An 11th-century Romanesque church, the east side retains its original arches. The stained-glass windows, in a modern style, contrast with the historic architecture, creating a dreamy light and shadow effect when sunlight shines through. ✅️ Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley A UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 4,247 hectares, showcasing the high-altitude glaciers, pastures, and forests of the Pyrenees. There are numerous hiking trails, allowing you to explore along stone bridges, rushing streams, and snowy slopes. Be mindful of snow accumulation and hunting activities in winter. ✅️ Soldeu Ski Resort Andorra's most famous ski resort, boasting excellent snow conditions and a total of 193 kilometers of slopes suitable for skiers of all levels. The peak season is from December to March, and equipment rentals and ski school services are available. ✅️ Andorra National Automobile Museum Located in Encamp, this museum displays 80 classic cars, over 100 bicycles, and model cars, documenting the evolution of transportation. It's perfect for car enthusiasts and families. ▶️ Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, combines medieval charm with modern prosperity. Duty-free shopping streets are filled with luxury goods and electronics. The Valira River flows through the city, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of running water at night.

Andorra, a small country nestled between France and Spain, is a hidden gem with unique charm. It offers not only magnificent natural scenery but also a rich history, cultural heritage, and exciting shopping experiences. Let's embark on a wonderful journey to Andorra! 1. Visa and Entry Andorra does not issue its own visas. Citizens of other countries must enter through Spain or France. Chinese citizens can enter Andorra with a valid passport and a Spanish or French visa. Although Andorra has a visa-waiver policy for Chinese passports, due to the lack of airports and train stations, entry is only possible by road from Spain or France. Therefore, a Schengen visa is required. 2. Best Time to Travel Andorra has a mountain climate with dry and cool summers, making it an ideal summer retreat. Most areas experience long, cold winters with mountain snow cover for up to 8 months, a paradise for ski enthusiasts. Andorra is suitable for travel year-round. Enjoy the cool climate in summer and skiing fun in winter. The annual shopping discount seasons also attract many tourists. 3. Transportation Guide External Transportation • Bus: Long-distance buses to Andorra are available from Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Reus, and Salamanca in Spain; Arcos de Valdevez and Porto in Portugal; and L'Hospitalet and Toulouse in France. There is a direct bus from Barcelona to Andorra, departing from Barcelona Airport and stopping at Barcelona Sants train station, with 9 round trips daily and a journey time of 3–4 hrs. From Madrid to Andorra, take the Alsa bus from Avenida de America bus station in Madrid, with a journey time of 12 hrs. From Matabiau bus station at Toulouse train station in France, there are two buses daily (10:30 am, 7:30 pm) to Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra. There are also two buses daily (5:00 am, 3:00 pm) from Andorra la Vella to Toulouse station. • Car: Driving to Andorra allows you to enjoy the scenery of the Pyrenees along the way. However, the mountain roads from France to Andorra are quite steep, with some sections having cliffs and no guardrails. Caution is advised. In comparison, the road conditions from Spain to Andorra are better, with wider roads and beautiful scenery. Internal Transportation • Bus: Intercity transportation in Andorra mainly relies on buses, including express, regular, and night services. There are 6 main lines, with branch lines for lines 4 and 6, basically meeting the travel needs of tourists in Andorra. • Car Rental: Renting a car to travel in Andorra is also a good option. There are car rental companies and tourist information centers next to the main bus station, where you can rent a car and get free sightseeing maps to explore the villages. • Taxi: The administrative regions of Andorra are not large. Traveling within the city is convenient by foot or taxi. 4. Recommended Attractions Plaça la Rotonda • Visit Time: 1 hr • Features: Located in the center of Andorra la Vella, Plaça la Rotonda is surrounded by medieval buildings. The iconic clock sculpture in the square is a must-see photo spot. There is also a tourist information center where you can get free maps in Chinese and collect souvenir stamps. Església de Sant Esteve • Visit Time: 1 hr • Features: Commonly known as the "Andorra Stone Church," its history dates back to the 11th century. The semicircular apse on the east side retains the Romanesque style. The church is beautifully decorated and has a solemn atmosphere. Outside the church is a picturesque valley, a good place to experience Andorra's religious culture and historical heritage. Casa de la Vall • Visit Time: 1–2 hrs • Features: Built with local materials, this stone house was once a wealthy family's private residence and has served as Andorra's parliament building since 1702. Downstairs is Andorra's only court, and upstairs is the parliament hall. The cabinet for storing important official documents requires 7 keys to open simultaneously, each held by a representative of the 7 parishes. Grandvalira Ski Resort • Visit Time: 1 d • Features: The most extensive ski resort in the Pyrenees, Grandvalira consists of five interconnected ski resorts with a total of 193 km of slopes, ranging from beginner slopes to competition tracks. From December to May each year, the thick snow attracts tourists from all over the world for skiing holidays. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find your own fun here. Caldea Spa Center • Visit Time: 1 d • Features: As Andorra's most famous spa resort, it is one of the best spas in the world and a landmark building in Andorra. The spa center features waterfall pools, artificial waves, Turkish baths, waterbeds, saunas, ice caves, restaurants, bars, spa massage and beauty areas, and shopping areas. In the evening, there are music and light shows as well as underwater music, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time while enjoying the hot springs. 5. Food Guide Andorra's cuisine blends French and Spanish influences, emphasizing ambiance and etiquette, and focusing on food and wine pairing. People here love pasta and have a wide variety of bread. Cheese, beef, duck, caviar, and foie gras are also among their favorite foods. However, they generally do not eat animal offal (other than liver), fish without scales, or fish with bones. • Embotits: A variety of cured meats, commonly including sausages, ham, and blood sausage. Sausages are made with various spices and seasonings, cured and smoked for a long time, resulting in a rich flavor and firm texture. Ham is made from high-quality pork leg, carefully processed and dry-aged for a long time, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a unique flavor. Blood sausage is made with pig blood, flour, and seasonings, offering a delicate texture and an essential dish in traditional Andorran festivals and celebrations. • Escudella: This is a very special dish. Oxtail, lamb leg bones, and chicken breast are placed in cold water with ham for flavor and simmered for an hour. Then, onions, carrots, and celery are added to make a vegetable broth and simmered for another 20 mins. For the giant meatballs, ground pork, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and breadcrumbs are mixed, coated with flour, and cooked in hot broth for 30 mins. At the same time, potatoes, cabbage, and botifarra sausage are cooked in the soup pot. Finally, the meatball broth is poured back, and pasta, chickpeas, and rice are added and cooked for 10 mins to create a hearty and flavorful soup-based meal. • Local Wine: Andorra's wines are not to be missed. The wines produced by the local wineries have a rich taste and fruity aroma. Pairing a glass of local wine with your meal adds to the enjoyment. 6. Shopping Recommendations Andorra is the only duty-free country in Europe, making shopping one of the main tourist activities. There are over 1,000 duty-free shops and shopping centers, with Andorra la Vella being the main shopping city. Popular shopping malls include Illa Carlemany, Pyrénées, and Meritxell - Carlemany. Cosmetics, watches, tobacco, and alcohol are significantly cheaper here, with some high-tax items being almost 50% cheaper than in other EU countries. January, February, and July are the discount seasons in Andorra, with discounts also available during Christmas, making shopping even more affordable. However, be aware that you may encounter strict customs checks when leaving Spain, and purchases exceeding EUR 900 may be questioned. 7. Accommodation Suggestions • Luxury Hotels: If you are looking for a high-quality accommodation experience and first-class service facilities, 4-star hotels like Novotel Andorra are a good choice. The hotel offers a variety of room types, a swimming pool, children's facilities, services for people with disabilities, free Wi-Fi, and mountain views from some rooms. • Budget-friendly: If you are on a budget, Andorra also has many affordable guesthouses. These guesthouses usually offer a cozy environment, allowing you to experience the local atmosphere and meet travelers from different places. When booking accommodation, choose a location in the center of Andorra la Vella or near the ski resorts for convenient travel, depending on your itinerary and focus. 8. Itinerary Planning 3-Day Tour • Day 1: Arrive in Andorra la Vella, visit Plaça la Rotonda, get a map in Chinese, and learn about the city layout. Then, visit Església de Sant Esteve and experience its historical charm. In the afternoon, stroll through the streets of Andorra la Vella, admire the medieval architecture, browse the unique shops, and savor the local cuisine. • Day 2: Visit Grandvalira Ski Resort (during ski season) or Vall de Madriu-Perafita-Claror (off-season). Enjoy skiing during the ski season or hike and appreciate the natural scenery of the valley and breathe in the fresh air during the off-season. • Day 3: Visit Caldea Spa Center in the morning, relax in the hot springs, and enjoy the various spa facilities. In the afternoon, go shopping for duty-free goods and end your trip on a high note.

🌟Day 1: A Tranquil Experience in the Valley🌟 As soon as you step into Andorra, a pure land surrounded by snow-capped mountains, time seems to slow down. Our first stop is the hidden valley cottage—Casa de la Vall.🏡 🌄In the morning, you are awakened by the crisp sound of birds outside the window. When you open the wooden window, you will see endless snow-capped mountains and green forests. The air is filled with the fragrance of pine wood, making you instantly intoxicated by the tranquility and beauty.🌳🏔️ 🏡The cottage is built with local wood, retaining the warmth and elegance of the Alpine style. The interior decoration is modern and comfortable, yet retains a natural charm. Every corner exudes a sense of home. Here, you can enjoy the embrace of nature and completely relax your body and mind. 🍽️At lunchtime, try some of Andorra's specialties. From stewed lamb to exquisite modern cuisine, every dish is a temptation for the taste buds. Don't forget to pair it with a glass of local wine to enhance the flavor.🍷🍲 🚶‍♀️In the afternoon, we set off on a hiking trip. Andorra has many well-marked hiking trails, from walks to mountain hikes, suitable for travelers of different physical abilities. Every step is full of new surprises, as if you are walking into a fairy tale world.👣🌄 🌌At night, return to the cottage, make a cup of hot tea, sit by the window, quietly admire the starry sky in the valley, and feel the rare tranquility and peace.🌌 🌟Day 2: Exploring the Perfect Combination of History and Nature🌟 🏰On the second day, we went to the old town of Andorra. Here, you can find well-preserved medieval buildings and museums to learn more about the country's history and culture. Built in 1580, Casa de la Vall is not only the location of the valley cottage, but also the former parliament building of Andorra. Downstairs is the court, and upstairs is the parliament hall, where you can feel the weight of history.🏛️ 🏂If it is winter, you can go to the Grandvalira ski resort for a try. It has world-class ski facilities and a variety of ski trails, so both beginners and experienced players can find fun.🎿 🌊After a day of activities, the Caldea Spa is a great place to relax. The warm spring water not only relieves fatigue, but also allows you to enjoy a rare tranquility and relaxation surrounded by mountains.🌊 🛍️Of course, as a duty-free country, Andorra is also a shopping paradise. Before returning, you can visit the local shopping malls and pick some favorite items as souvenirs.🛍️ 🌈The two-day Andorra Valley Cottage tour allowed us to escape the hustle and bustle, return to nature, and experience the dual charm of tranquility and adventure. Here, there is not only magnificent natural scenery, but also profound historical heritage and rich cultural experience. If you also long for a spiritual baptism, come here and take a look!🌈💖

This European summer trip was specially arranged for Andorra🇦🇩 A small and unpopular country located between France and Spain Andorra has a population of 80,000...however, it is said that WeChat has a population of 20 million🙈 There are buses available from Toulouse, France or Barcelona, ​​Spain. We chose the latter, it takes about 3 hours by bus. A niche country that you can explore in one day~ 🚌Transportation Departure from Barcelona North Bus Station Estació del Nord The alsa we took has buses every day and the journey takes 3 hours. The bus goes directly across the border without getting off, so it's very smooth. Arrival at the station in Andorra Estació Nacional d'Autobusos del Principat d'Andorra 💡Remember to buy the round-trip ticket in advance to get it cheaper, 16.2 euros It is recommended to leave at 7 am and return around 15 pm, so there is plenty of time. If you want to go to nearby Canillo, it is recommended to go back later. ✨One day city walk 📍Parc Central of Andorra la Vella It can be reached on foot from the station. There are many sculptures. 📍Plaça de la Rotonda The square in the city center has one of the few landmarks in Andorra - Dali's sculpture "La Noblesse du temps" 📍Pont de París Further ahead is the Pont de Paris, a landmark building in Andorra, which is lit up at night. 📍Casa de la Vall It is now a museum that introduces the history of Andorra ✨Surrounding tour canillo Be sure to allow enough time! We waited for the bus for half an hour. Because we couldn't catch the bus back to Barcelona, ​​we didn't get to the top of the mountain observation deck (fortunately, the visitor center can refund the ticket...) Take L4 to Canillo, get off the bus near the gas station and take a bus to the top of the mountain. Remember to buy your tickets in advance, and you can only take the bus to the top with your tickets! There are two main attractions to see on the mountain with a pass, or you can just go to the observation deck. 📍Pont Tibetà The second longest bridge in the world 📍Mirador Roc Del Quer Observation Deck 🇦🇩Andorra is not part of the EU. Many people from duty-free countries come here to shop. There will be inspections when leaving the country, and valuables will be taxed. Calling cards from EU countries cannot be used here, and public wifi is not very stable. It is recommended to prepare a strategy in advance, otherwise it will easily waste time if there is no Internet connection.

Andorra is a landlocked country located at the junction of France and Spain in Southwest Europe. It was a small buffer state established on the Spanish border by the Charlemagne Empire in the 9th century to prevent harassment by the Moors. In 1278, France and Spain concluded a peace treaty, enjoying administrative rule and religious rule over Andorra respectively. Both parties had the right to appoint their own representatives and accept symbolic tributes. In the following hundreds of years, conflicts between Spain and France over Andorra occurred frequently. Structural reforms were implemented on January 4, 1982, and executive power was transferred from parliament to the government. On March 14, 1993, Andorra adopted a new constitution in a referendum, becoming a sovereign country and rated as the country with the longest life expectancy in the world. The Church of Our Lady of Merritxel on the mountain road northeast of Encamp was designed by the famous Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill. This building was used to replace the patron saint of Andorra that was burned down in 1972. The shrine of the disciple Merritt Kesel. The building itself is not as famous as its designer. The valley stone house built in 1580 was originally the private residence of a wealthy man. It has been the parliament building of Andorra since 1702. The only court in Andorra is downstairs, and there is the parliament hall upstairs. The Valley Stone House is composed of unique local materials, usually granite and slate, and the roof is made of local black material. This material can prevent the snow flakes falling on the roof from condensing, thereby reducing the weight on the roof in winter. The Church of San Juan in Canillo, about 6 kilometers northeast of Casayes. The church was built in the 11th century. There is a statue of Christ and a 16th-century altar in the church, which are very precious and exquisite. It's a beautiful church, but it feels like an ordinary old house. The surrounding environment is beautiful. There are trees with golden leaves halfway up the mountain. It feels like being in Xinjiang. Sant'Estefan Church, commonly known as the "Andorra Stone Church", is the parish church of Andorra la Vella. The buildings are arranged in a north-south direction and its history can be traced back to the 11th century. The semicircular apse on the east side is in Roman style and has gleaming warm-colored glass windows that are very attractive, while the rest of the building is more modern. The new Andorra Postal Museum is built on the ruins of the old warehouse of the conquerors of Audino. The new Postal Museum imitates the design of the Casadela Vall tower of the old Postal Museum. The museum displays a complete set of postal mail issued specially for Andorra by France and Spain. stamp. The museum display is divided into two parts. On the one hand, you can learn about the history of the Andorra Post Office here. Through the sound and light equipment in the museum, you can learn about the evolution of the post office as a communication system from the past to the present.