Let's explore another small and yet exceedingly beautiful state in Europe, that is, Andorra. It is a tiny independent co-principality, mostly known for its ski resorts and tax haven status. Andorra is a co-principality because it is co-headed by two princes, namely, the Bishop of Urgell in Catalonia, Spain, and the President of France. Where is Andorra ? It is located in the southern peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains. Andorra borders France to the north and Spain to the south. France and Spain sandwich the country. Andorra is the sixth-smallest country in Europe, with an area of 468 square kilometers . Its population is about 77,000. Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra . It is the highest-altitude capital in Europe, with a height of 1,023 meters above sea level. Andorra's official language is Catalan language. What are the Instagrammable places and the best places to visit in Andorra? The country is mostly known for its picturesque nature and historical attractions. In this article, I will write about 12 Instagrammable sites and the most liked Instagram posts destinations you should see when you travel to Andorra.
1. Andorra la Vella
One of the amazing places to visit in Andorra is the capital city, Andorra la Vella. It is renowned for being a duty-free retail hub. Apart from being a tax haven, it is also a perfect city for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. Andorra la Vella Congress Center is an ideal place for holding professional events. Being rightfully called a Pyrenean paradise, it is one of the world's greenest and healthiest cities. The surrounding mountains grant the city a very scenic view, making it an incredibly Instagrammable place. Must-see places are the Old Quarter, Casa de la Vall, and the Church of Sant Esteve . Casa de la Vall is arguably the most important historic landmark of Andorra la Vella. Built in the 16th century, it used to be home to the General Council of Andorra. Today, you can get a guided tour inside the building. There are also other historic buildings in the Old Quarter to explore, including Casa Guillemo and Placa Princep Benlloch.
2. Estanys de Tristaina
High-mountain lakes, heavenly places, who wouldn't love to visit? Tristaina Lake is one of the amazing places to visit in Andorra . This scenic mountainous lake is surrounded by verdant hills and hosts a beautiful hiking route, the Estanys de Tristaina route. You will enjoy the amazing nature, as well as a summer bathing area. The difficulty level of the hiking route is specified as moderate, with a distance of 4.4 kilometers. There is also a car park nearby, making it possible to hike with a family and children. This circular hiking route can be completed between three and four hours, with an altitude difference of +/- 210 meters. You will reach a peak at 2,330 meters with the last lake, Mes Amunt. Ordino Arcalis Ski Resort is the beginning of this circular hiking route Estanys de Tristaina.
3. The Cortinada
Another must-see place in Andorra is La Cortinada. It is a village located in Ordino Parish, with an amazing mountainous view. You will enjoy the sound of nature, birds singing to you, and the smell of nature surrounding you. Besides its natural beauty, La Cortinada is an important village in Andorra regarding its cultural heritage. There are cultural routes to be explored in the town include, namely, the Ruta Verdaguer and the Iron Way. The routes will take you through the culturally important places ending the center of La Cortinada, where you will admire buildings from the 12th century and the existence of iron production. You will see La Cortinada Church, which dated back to the 11th-12th century and was reconstructed in the 17th century. You will also get a chance to see the La Mola (Mill) and Cal Pal Sawmill.
4. Canillo
With an altitude of 1,526 meters (5,007 feet), Canillo is one of the best places to visit in Andorra . It is the main town of the Canillo parish. The valleys and hills of the town are home to pristine wildlife and nature. When you travel to Andorra and look for skiing, Canillo is the place for you. The place is called the skiing heaven of Andorra. Grandvalira in Canillo is the largest in the Pyrenees and one of the largest ski resorts in Europe. It is a place where you can enjoy winter and skiing adventures with your family. Another Instagrammable location in the town is Sant Joan de Caselles Church, built between the 11th and 12th centuries.
5. The Serrat
Being located in the parish of Ordino, El Serrat is one of the beautiful towns in Andorra with surrounding picturesque mountains. With an altitude of 1,540 meters, El Serrat is a quiet and sunny village located at Rui de Tristaina and Riu Valira de Nord rivers, close to the Sorteny Valley Natural Park. It is a perfect place to watch birds and take some good shots. Hiking through the mountain to Valira del Nord Valley will bring you peace and serenity. In winter, the area becomes a happy hunting ground for snowboarding, downhill skiing, etc.
6. Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa
Arguably, the source of the most liked Instagram posts from Andorra is Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa. This 5-star luxurious hotel will make your holiday unforgettable. Situated next to the Grandvalira Ski Lifts, the hotel excels at one of the best spa views in the world. Especially in winter, you will enjoy chilling in hot water in a balcony-type spa hot tub while watching snowy mountains. After enjoying the jacuzzi, swimming at the pool, delicious food at the hotel's Ibaya Restaurant, you may go out skiing. In summer, it is an amazing place to go hiking .
7. Encamp
Being located on the Valira d'Orient River , the parish of Encamp is 1238 meters above sea level. It is the second-largest parish in Andorra . Alongside Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig, Encamp is a part of the ski network of Grandvalira. Apart from skiing, tourists can also go hiking in the surrounding mountains. There are also cultural and historical buildings, such as the Romanesque church Santa Eulalia d'Encamp with the 23 meters bell tower.
8. Lake Engolasters
One of the most Instagrammable places in Andorra is Lake Engolasters. In general, lakes and ponds are the main natural wonders of Andorra. Lake Engolasters ( Llac d'Engolasters ) is arguably the most accessible one among other lakes of Andorra. Being located in Escaldes-Engordany, Lake Engolasters is the only lake that is not above 2,000 meters . The formation of the lake happened through glacial depression. Hiking around while taking unforgettable pictures and selfies will remain a favorite activity for you. Swimming in Lake Engolasters is strictly forbidden as it is used for water storage, but you can go fishing and boating.
9. Naturlandia
One of the best places to visit in Andorra also includes Naturlandia. It is the only cross-country skiing resort in Andorra. You will enjoy snowy winter, fresh air, and an amazing view while skiing 1,600-2,000 meters above sea level. You will find another extraordinary activity in this adventure park, Tobotronc Alpine Coaster, that will definitely give you an Instagrammable video . Naturlandia Tobotronc is the world's longest toboggan ride that will give you goosebumps.
10. Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is the cultural landscape in Andorra that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The area is a network of hiking trails and mountains. Spanning 4,247 hectares, it covers around 10% of the country . It is home to many endangered animals. It offers the visitors perspectives on how people in old times harvested on these lands. The land ownership and culture in this area dates back to the 13th century. You will see many old huts and shepherd cabins, as well as summer settlements.
11. Zip-lining
Where is Andorra? It is where one can enjoy beautiful and Instagrammable mountains. It is not only about hiking, cycling, and skiing. There is also another activity with more adrenaline rush, namely, Mon (t) Magic zip-lining. You will start sliding at Planelles del Forn and stop at the Forn Lake. It is open all year round, so don't forget to get this joy of zip-lining.
12. Cycling
When you travel to Andorra , you will enjoy cycling tourism on the amazing country roads. The mountain passes are excellently paved and equipped with signposts. You will be mesmerized by the mountains surrounding you while pedaling. You can go cycling on asphalt roads or, as an adventure lover, at extreme mountains' slopes.
A quick summary
Andorra is a very small and yet full-of-adventure country. Being sandwiched between France and Spain, the country represents the beauties of the Pyrenees Mountains. In this article, I have provided answers to the questions: Where is Andorra ? What are the amazing places to visit in Andorra? You can also find information about Instagrammable places and the most liked Instagram posts from Andorra. Twelve places that I have shown are listed as follows: Andorra la Vella, Estanys de Tristaina, La Cortinada, Canillo, El Serrat, Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa, Encamp, Lake Engolasters, Naturlandia, Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, Mon (t ) magic zip-lining, and Cycling through mountain passes.
