Andorra is a small country sandwiched between Spain and France and nestled into the Alps, almost all the accomodation options have mountain views! It is known for its gorgeous mountainous landscape, world class ski resorts and traditional Andorran cuisine.
Other than the tax-free shopping (reason enough to go), travellers head to Andorra for the outdoors. From skiing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer, fill your days with action-packed adventures if you please.
If you enjoy a slower pace of life, you’ll be happy to know that the city is BRIMMING with lavish spa retreats and luxury boutiques. Ideal for a relaxing weekend away.
As a small, mountainous territory, Andorra can be quite tricky to navigate. It’s a good idea to gain an idea of where to stay in Andorra before you arrive so you can plan the best way to get around.
Exactly why I created this guide! I’ve compiled the best areas to stay and categorised them by interest and budget. You’ll also find the best places to stay and things to do in each.
Whether you’re going for a quick visit, or want to hit the slopes, I’ve got you covered.
So let’s get into the good stuff.
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Andorra?
- Andorra Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Andorra
- Andorra’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Andorra
- What To Pack For Andorra
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Andorra
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Andorra
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in Andorra.
Andorra Park Hotel | Best Hotel in Andorra
The Andorra Park Hotel is a truly lavish accommodation right in the heart of the nation’s capital. Andorra is considered a luxury destination – so I absolutely recommend splashing out at the magnificent five star Andorra Park Hotel.
The great shopping centre of the Pyrenees mountains is just 50m from the hotel for a spot of shopping. If you want to work out your body instead of your wallet, there’s a fitness centre on-site
Secret Spot Hostel | Best Hostel in Andorra
Andorra is a notoriously expensive country – but this hostel has the best rates available, the best option for backpackers on a strict budget! Despite the excellent price, it is well located next to the cable car to the largest ski resort, and within walking distance of local facilities.
Casa Teva | Best Apartment in Andorra
Located in the heart of Canillo, this ultra-modern apartment is well-placed for exploring the local ski resorts of surrounding villages. Basic furnishings are included, however, some luxurious touches are added including Nordic bedding to ensure you stay cosy year-round.
So grab a duvet off the bed and enjoy those sneaky mountain views!
Canillo
Around 12km north of Andorra la Vella, and the same distance away from the French border at Pas de la Casa, Canillo is conveniently placed for those that want to easily get around Andorra during their first visit!
La Massana
Andorra is a notoriously expensive country – and where you end up will require a larger budget than you might otherwise expect in Spain or France. Nevertheless, for those that want to watch their spending, La Massana has some excellent budget-friendly accommodation options!
Andorra la Vella
As the nation’s capital, Andorra la Vella is where all the action is in the small country! Though Andorra is not considered a nightlife destination, all of the best bars and clubs are located within the capital.
Arinsal
Just at the other end of the cable car from La Massana, Arinsal is part of the Pal-Arinsal ski resort area – the largest and most popular in the country!
Andorra is an epic addition to any backpacking Europe trip. As Andorra doesn’t have its own airport, many visitors opt to include it as part of a larger itinerary in France or Spain. Nevertheless, this small country is packed with interesting cultural attractions with a rich enough history to justify it as a destination in its own right!
With strong ties and easy access to both neighbours, Andorra has a unique food scene showcasing the best of both Catalan and Southern French cuisine. Whether you are interested in traditional Andorran cuisine, culture or skiing – each neighbourhood has its own offerings.
Andorra la Vella is the official capital, although in reality, the country is small enough that it feels more like a town. Andorra la Vella is where you will find the only nightlife in the country. Most towns in the country are well connected by the simple road network and public transport is fairly regular and easily accessible.
Canillo is a small town that is popular with visitors year-round, has great accommodation options and has easy access to or from France. If you’re backpacking in France, I highly recommend jumping the border, legally, of course. Canillo is packed with interesting religious and historic attractions and in winter the town bursts into life with winter sports to suit adults and children.
On the opposite side of the country are La Massana and Arinsal. Andorra, like most other microstates in Europe, is a notoriously expensive country. However, La Massana has some great budget-friendly food offerings, as well as a ski lift up to Arinsal.
For families, especially those visiting on a ski holiday, Arinsal allows you to stay right in the heart of the action. Even in the summer, this small village offers great scenery and local culture.
Still undecided? Read on to learn more about the best 4 neighborhoods in Andorra!
Andorra’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the four best neighborhoods in Andorra. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighborhood that’s right for you.
1. Canillo – Where to Stay in Andorra for Your First Time
Around 12km from the French border at Pas de la Casa, Canillo is conveniently located. Visit Andorra and you will see how easy it is to get around. Canillo also comes with a great selection of restaurants, historic attractions and snowsports venues – giving visitors a sampling of everything Andorra has to offer.
During the winter, Canillo has Palau de Gel d’Andorra, a large entertainment venue that comes with basic snowsports such as ice skating! There are also some easy skiing resorts in the surrounding villages – making it an ideal choice for newbies to the sport. In the summer, the mountains spring to life with people mountain biking and hiking, enjoying the gorgeous scenery and wildlife.
Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa | Best Hotel in Canillo
This five star hotel is actually quite well-priced given the next-level facilities they have on offer, like Sport Wellness Mountain Spa! You’ll have big sexy beds to crash out in – or get saucy in – after hitting the slopes or the streets. With four on-site restaurants, and a variety of chefs on-site, (some with Michelin stars) you’ll eat well, even if it’s just the complimentary breakfast.
Plus; you’ll have daily access to the impressive Sport Wellness Mountain Spa for free for 2 consecutive hours per day. Not your average hotel pool, there are pools of varying temperatures, a large pool with jets and 2 outdoor hydrotherapy baths with views of the slopes.
Mountain Hostel Tarter | Best Hostel in Canillo
This luxurious hostel is located just outside Canillo, but is well connected to the town by a shuttle service! There is a large outdoor area that comes with a hot tub, sunbathing area and barbecue facilities.
Guests are also rewarded with unbeatable views across the surrounding mountains.
Casa Teva | Best Apartment in Canillo
Right in the heart of Canillo, Casa Teva has direct connections to the Grandvalira ski slopes as well as the town centre! There is an extra bed in the living room, meaning this apartment can sleep up to four people if required.
The kitchen area is spacious and well-equipped. You’ll be close to Grandvalira ski area here too
Things to See and Do in Canillo
Photo: @amandaadraper
- The Palau de Gel is the largest ice rink in the country – coming out at the same size as the average Winter Olympics rink – and has some great entertainment facilities
- Dating back to the 11th Century, Sant Joan de Caselles is a gorgeous Romanesque church with regular tours throughout the year
- Shed some slopes at Pas de la Casa in the Grandvalira ski area, then indulge in one of the many lavish spa retreats.
- Hit the hiking trails of Mirador Roc Del Quer – a beautiful viewpoint providing sweeping vistas across the town and surrounding mountains
- Another great hike is the trip up to the Cross of the Seven Arms – an important historical landmark in the Gothic architectural style with stunning hiking trails
- Discover Canillo town on foot. Marvel at Sant Joan de Castelles and wander through Canillo’s small streets on this guided walking tour.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. La Massana – Best Place to Stay in Andorra on a Budget
Andorra is a notoriously expensive country – where you end up will require a larger budget than you might otherwise expect in Spain or France. But, my broke backpackers, I got you, amigos. La Massana has some excellent budget-friendly accommodation options!
They also have a basic culinary scene – perfect if you just need some cheap eats.
Though there isn’t much in the town itself, the surrounding villages offer plenty of quirky local attractions! La Massana is connected to one of the most popular ski resorts in the country by ski lift. If you wanna stomp around the village, or otherwise explore, there are also great public transport links from the centre of the town.
Hotel Palomé | Best Hotel in La Massana
Rooms at Hotel Palomé start off pretty cheap but feel like a luxury hotel with soft lighting and magical mountain views. Stretch out in the spacious rooms tucked away in a peaceful location only 20 minutes away from Andorra’s capital city. There’s (paid) parking on-site as well as a restaurant, some room options have breakfast included in the rate at this boutique hotel.
Secret Spot Hostel | Best Hostel La Massana
In the heart of La Massana, Secret Spot Hostel is a stone’s throw away from the cable car and one of Andorra’s best accommodation options. Allowing you to explore two of the best neighbourhoods in the country with ease! They have both dorms and private rooms and offer the most budget-friendly rates in the country.
Magnificent Chalet | Best Airbnb in La Massana
This phenomenal Bed and Breakfast sleeps up to 14 guests and with breakfast served daily is my ideal vacation rental! Imagine a week in Andorra with the crew, shredding the slopes all day and coming home to hang out in front of the fire. Unreal, not to mention the huge comfortable beds and big ass bathtubs in some of the rooms.
There’s even a two-car garage so you can park your car and forget about driving, relax into your skiing holiday.
Things to See and Do in La Massana
- Hop onboard the cable car to Pal-Arinsal – a major ski resort in the country, with some excellent scenery on the way up
- Church of Sant Iscle and Santa Victòria is the only real tourist attraction within the town itself – this Romanesque church is quite popular so book tours in advance
- Museo del Comic is a relatively new attraction built for locals that is dedicated to comic books from across the region
- Interested in mountain biking? There are some great hire shops and facilities in the area surrounding the cable car entrance
- Take a trip down to bathe in the thermal waters of Andorra’s Caldea Spa and enjoy the pleasures of water in all its forms.
3. Andorra la Vella – Best Area to Stay in Andorra For Nightlife
As the nation’s capital, Andorra la Vella is where all the action is in the small country! Though Andorra is not considered a nightlife destination, all of the best bars and clubs are located within the capital. These can be surprisingly rewarding venues if you’re more interested in discovering local nightlife than the heaving club scenes of bigger cities.
Aside from nightlife, Andorra la Vella offers plenty of excellent museums, religious monuments and cultural venues. Here you can learn a little bit more about this unique country! The culinary scene is more multicultural than elsewhere in the country, but still offers some excellent traditional Andorran cuisine.
Andorra Park Hotel | Best Hotel in Andorra la Vella
This magnificent Andorra Park hotel offers of the best five star hotels in the country – and it’s easy to see why! It comes with unbeatable spa facilities, a large swimming pool and a world-class fitness suite.
Rooms at Andorra Park Hotel come with private balconies, providing views across Andorra la Vella and the entire surrounding valley. If you fancy a spot of shopping check out the nearby luxury boutiques.
Alberg Rossell | Best Hostel Andorra la Vella
This small hostel just outside Andorra la Vella offers easy access to the capital and the villages leading to the Spanish border! Think about dipping into Andorra if you’re backpacking Spain. Rooms come with their own bathrooms – so you only have to share with your roommates.
Storage space is provided for anyone arriving with their own ski equipment.
Casco Antiguo with Balcony Views | Best Airbnb in Andorra la Vella
This modern apartment with spacious rooms is set in the heart of the historic district in Andorra la Vella, with easy access to the village. With a sunny balcony looking out to stunning mountain views, this Airbnb is a sweet spot to call home while you’re in the capital city. The ski slopes are a mere 15 minutes away by cable car so you can fully focus on shredding and forget about your car.
Complimentary parking is available to guests, which is a big win, some accommodation options charge 15euro/day.
Things to See and Do in Andorra la Vella
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- The Parliament Building is located right in the heart of the Old Town – there’s a great park on the roof with views across the valley
- Only visiting the country for a day or two? BusTuristic offers reasonably priced bus tours across the entirety of Andorra from the capital
- Check out Salvador Dalí’s sculpture in the middle of town, La Noblesse du Temps (The Nobility of Time)
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Grab an eSIM!4. Arinsal – Best Neighborhood in Andorra for Families to Stay In
Just at the other end of the cable car from La Massana is Arinsal. Arinsal is part of the Pal-Arinsal ski resort area – the largest and most popular in the country! For families, Arinsal offers a good balance of cultural and winter sports attractions that cater to all ages.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, there are plenty of options available.
In the summer, Arinsal is also a key hiking destination – again hosting a wide range of trails to cater to all abilities! The town bursts into life during regular weekend festivals celebrating arts, culture and the history of the region.
Hotel Montané | Best Hotel in Arinsal
This three-star boutique hotel is perfect for families looking for great accommodation at budget-friendly prices! The on-site restaurant provides gourmet pastries and coffee free of charge all day, as well as a buffet breakfast in the mornings.
Rooms are well equipped with modern décor and technology.
Sant Andreu | Best Hostel Arinsal
Though not officially a hostel, this small aparthotel is popular with backpackers looking for some additional privacy thanks to their reasonable rates! Limited to 19 apartments, there are also large common areas giving it a sociable atmosphere.
There is a bar and restaurant available on-site, as well as a small spa area with a jacuzzi pool.
Ribasol Sky Park Apartment | Best Apartment in Arinsal
Fernando’s Arinsal apartment has stunning mountain views made all the more magical by having ski-in ski out access. This tidy apartment has everything you need within arms reach, one of my favourite accommodation options. In an epic location for skiing, mountain biking and walking, explore Arinsal and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Things to See and Do in Arinsal
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Go skiing! By far the most popular attraction in the area are well-maintained slopes and excellent apres-ski activities
- For more advanced hikers, take a trip up Pic de Coma Pedrosa – though only open in the summer, it is the highest mountain in Andorra
- Mirador Roc de la Sabina is a huge viewpoint overlooking the town and ski ranges – only a short hike, this is great for the less experienced
- Push some pedals at Vallnord bike park if you’ve got any juice in the legs after hitting the slopes.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Andorra
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Andorra and where to stay.
What To Pack For Andorra
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Where is best for skiing in Andorra?
The largest ski resort in the Pyrenees mountains, Grandvalira ski resort is an epic choice. Public transport runs to Grandvalaria Ski Resort so it’s easy access to shred that pow!
When to go skiing in Andorra?
Obviously winter is the best time (November – March) but there’s more to this country than epic Ski Resorts. Take Andorra la Vella; As the capital city, it is truly the national hub and heaps going on year-round. It also has great connections to all of the major towns and villages across the country – as well as onward to Spain and France.
Where to stay in Andorra for the best skiing?
Arinsal! Easy. There are two sides to the mountain, it’s easy access to other ski resorts if you want to switch it up and it has options for everyone.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Andorra
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Andorra
You have to visit Andorra. A gorgeous country that, whilst often overlooked on itineraries to Southern Europe, is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination! With sweeping vistas of the Pyrenées mountains, Olympic-quality winter sports facilities and a fascinating culture – it’s easy to see why.
If you’re still unsure where you want to stay on your visit to Andorra, I’ll give you a coin toss.
I highly recommend staying at Andorra Park Hotel if you’ve got the cash to splash. This five star hotel has everything you need and is within walking distance of the village (I mean, the capital city) of Andorra la Vella. snuggled into the mountains, you’ll have stunning views and top-notch service.
If you’re a broke-ass backpacker, I feel ya! You can have a luxurious experience at Mountain Hostel Tarter. Not all hostels have mountain views, a rooftop jacuzzi and their own shuttle service do they now?
That being said, everywhere in this guide has its own charms – and the country is so small that getting between them is fairly easy! I hope we’ve helped you to better understand the country’s neighbourhoods.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Europe.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Andorra.
- Let’s keep you ballin’ on a budget with our budget backpacking guide.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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