If you are thinking of traveling to Andorra La Vella, Andorra, you are in the right place. Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra, is one of Andorra’s seven communes, or Parish as they call it. Andorra la Vella is divided into three separate villages as Andorra la Vella, La Margineda and Santa Coloma. The city also holds the title of being the highest altitude capital in Europe.
Andorra la Vella is the most important ski resort in the region. The average temperature reaches -1 degrees in January and 20 degrees in July. The history of Andorra la Vella, which is a tourism city today, dates back to ancient times. It has been seen and used as a living space by people since the late Neolithic Age. The most important values of the region are the historical churches and monasteries of the 12th century and the Roman Period.
If you want to take walks in the streets smelling of history, take in the air of the Pyrenees Mountains, and go on an exploration in these lands where European civilizations intersect; With its cuisine, geography and historical ruins, Andorra la Vella will appear as a unique city.
Where Is Andorra La Vella?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Andorra La Vella. Andorra la Vella is located in the south-west of Andorra, between France and Spain, in the Pyrenees-Orientales, in the eastern part of the Pyrenees Mountains, at the confluence of two mountain streams, Valira del Nord and Valira del Orient.
When To Go To Andorra La Vella?
Since Andorra la Vella’s altitude is 1,023 meters, the winter months are very cold and snowy. In summer, there is a sunny and an air temperature of 15-20 degrees. Since Andorra la Vella is an important ski resort, if you are going to the region for ski tourism, it is recommended that you go after the heavy winter. If you are going to the region to travel and wander outside of snow activities, you can set the summer months as your departure date.
Best Places To Visit In Andorra La Vella
Andorra la Vella has a very strong historical texture as it is a region that people have used as a city since the end of the Neolithic Age. There are so many historical places to visit that you can spend a day just to visit the old churches. Also, when you say nature walks, galleries, city architecture, you can lose yourself while walking around Andorra la Vella. Let us remind you that there is a tourist bus that takes you to most of these places.
Sant Esteve Church
This church, which is on the Cultural Heritage List of Andorra, was probably built in the 11th or 12th century. The restoration of this Roman church was carried out by architect Josep Puig in 1940. Sant Esteve, which has the distinction of being one of the rare Roman period churches that has survived until today without spoiling its originality; Some of the frescoes he carried on its walls are in the National Art Museum of Catalonia today. It is also worth seeing baroque paintings from the 18th century inside the church.
La Margineda Bridge
La Margineda Bridge is the largest and thinnest medieval bridge in the principality. It is 33 meters long and reaches 9.20 meters at its highest point. Its walls are made of the “valirenques” stone, or granite stone as we know it today, that comes out of the bottom of the Valira River, over which it passes. The arch stones of the bridge were paved with pumice stone to make the bridge light. The bridge connects a very important and ancient path from Sant Julià de Lòria to Andorra la Vella.
The Green Ring
The ‘Green Ring’ is a must-attend journey to truly tour Andorra la Vella. There are three types of paths that take you through the most vital areas of the city. First of all, you decide which of the three ways to go. All of them are different in length, difficulty level and height. For example, not all roads can be visited in all seasons. So first you have to choose which way to go.
Among these roads, there is a path that takes you over the La Margineda Bridge, and a path that will take you to the mountain road. But if you want to feel the historical texture of the city, your route should be nothing but the Green Ring.
Church Of Santa Coloma
The Church of Santa Coloma, which is also consecrated by La Seu d’Urgell Cathedral, is architecturally an early Roman building. This church, which has Baroque influences, was probably built in the 12th century. The bell tower is 18 meters tall and the entire church – including the tower – is made of pumice stone. Perhaps the most important feature of the church is the frescoes. Some of the frescoes are preserved inside the church, although some of them were found in the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation Museum in Berlin in 1930.
La Roureda De La Margineda
La Roureda de la Margineda is an area that smells completely of the Middle Ages. You may come across the ruins when you go today, but it is up to you to visualize the history. There are ruins of Sant Vicenç Castle in the region. At the time the castle belonged to the Viscount of Castellbò (a status between the baron and the earl, the title of nobility). The castle was under siege between 1190 and 1288.
Transportation In Andorra La Vella
When you travel to Andorra la Vella, you should also know how to get there. Since the whole city is built on an area of 12 square kilometers, there is no public transportation vehicle in the city. However, there are buses that go to other cities or villages and continue throughout the day. Apart from this, you can also consider options such as taxi or car rental.
Andorra La Vella Cuisine
Your trip to Andorra la Vella continues, if you can’t decide what to eat, then it’s time to talk about what to eat in Andorra La Vella. Since the country is close to many cultures, its tables are just as rich. The influences of Portuguese, Spanish, French and Catalan cuisine have increased the diversity of Andorran tables. If you come to Andorra la Vella, you will encounter two important dishes for their cultural heritage. The first of these is Escudella. You can eat this special dish made for Saint Antoni’s Day on January 17.
If you get the chance, don’t miss this dish, which is made with sausage, sausage, meatballs and more than twenty ingredients. Another traditional dish of the city is Trinxat. You can eat this crab-like dish, which consists mostly of vegetables, in a timely manner.
You can find the cuisine you want in Andorra la Vella. From Argentine cuisine to Japanese cuisine; from the seafood restaurant to the medieval cuisine; From Italian tables to French bakeries, every flavor is very close to you in Andorra la Vella. You can also be comfortable with the price, because there are restaurants for every budget.
Popular restaurants
Can Manel: The prices at Can Manel, a small family restaurant, may seem a bit high, but the flavors will surprise you. The family, who cooks their meals with food products grown in the region, generally appeals to the Mediterranean cuisine. If you want to try snails as well as delicious wines, you are in the ideal place.
Taberna Angel Belmonte: Although not very affordable, Taberna Angel Belmonte is a restaurant that can be considered balanced in terms of price-performance quality. They have given their weight to seafood. In addition to the quality of its meals, it can also be preferred for its proximity to the center.
El Tall A Taula: Have you been to Andorra and craving sushi? El Tall a Taula is exactly where you want it. Although it is not very affordable in price, this is the most beautiful Japanese restaurant you can find.
Pizzeria Primavera: You spent a lot of money on vacation and you want a big, delicious pizza. That’s what Pizzeria Primavera is in it. They make the best pizza in the area, and it’s very affordable.
Other restaurants
- Restaurant Celler D’En Toni
- K L’IRINA
- The Family Arms
- The Family Arms
Shopping In Andorra La Vella
Wouldn’t you like to beautify your Andorra la Vella trip with shopping? There are many areas for shopping in the city. You can find the shops of world brands along the streets while you are walking around the city. But the most beautiful thing is the activities such as bazaars and fairs that you can catch in the side streets. You can buy the most beautiful souvenirs of the region from such areas or markets. Depending on the period you are going to, you can come across different festivals and buy different things. There is also an open-air mall.
Andorra La Vella Nightlife
Unfortunately, Andorra la Vella is not famous for its nightlife. Generally, there are not many entertainment areas apart from the bars of the hotels and a few pubs. If you want to extend the night. You can try the club called Borda Pairal Chill-Out. Or if you want to listen to live music and swing a little, you can have fun at the ‘live club’ called La Fada Ignorant. When you travel to Andorra La Vella, do not leave without tasting the nightlife!
Andorra La Vella Festivals
- Canillo Festival (July)
- Encamp Festival (August 15-16)
- Ordino Festival, La Massana (August 15-16)
- Andorrala Vella Festival (August)
- Sant Julià De Lòria Festival (July)
- Escaldes–Engordany Festival (25-26 July)
Andorra La Vella Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Epiphany (January 6)
- Carnival (Carnival) (27 February)
- Constitution Day (March 14)
- Good Friday (April 14)
- Easter Monday (April 17)
- May Day (May Day) (May 1)
- Pentecost (Whit Monday) (June 5)
- Assumption Of Mary (August 15)
- Nation Day (September 8)
- All Saints’ Day (November 1)
- Feast Of The Immaculate Conception (December 8)
- Christmas (Christmas Day) (25 December)
- St. Stephen’s Day (St. Stephen’s Day) (26 December)
Useful Information For Andorra La Vella
- Emergency Assistance: 116
- Fire: 118
- Police: 110
