The 10 Prettiest Villages in Andorra

Auvinyà is a village with a very special story. Founded in the 9th century, it was bought in the 20th century by an Andorran family who, with the help of architects and craftsmen, recreated an authentic Pyrenean medieval village.

The village is fully pedestrian and stands out for its wooden balconies, coloured glass in the street lamps, cast iron and ivy on the facades. For more photos and details, check out my complete Auvinyà guide.

Juberri is a small village in the parish of Sant Julià de Lòria, best known for its spectacular contemporary gardens. At 1,250 metres of altitude, it mixes rural charm with a one-of-a-kind artistic project.

The Juberri Contemporary Gardens are a gem created by local resident Nicole Grignon in 2005. They mix sculptures and plant art in a space that surprises you with its originality.

Among the most curious sculptures there's a replica of the Statue of Liberty, which has become one of the most photographed spots in the garden.

Ordino is known as the cultural capital of Andorra. With barely 4,500 inhabitants, this lovely village in the north keeps its typical Andorran stone buildings, and in summer its terraces fill up with flowers.

About 25 minutes by car from Andorra la Vella, Ordino is a perfect spot for a quiet day among museums and traditional architecture.

• Casa Areny-Plandolit: a manor house showing life in the region from the 15th century to today.
• Casa Rossell: a Pyrenean-style building with balconies covered in flowers.
• Postal Museum: a building with cultural aspects in typical Pyrenean style.
• Miniature Museum: a unique collection of miniatures and small-format art.

Les Bons is a medieval village that keeps its historic essence. It stands out for its spectacular historic complex with a medieval wall and the Torre dels Moros, the defence tower of the old castle overlooking the landscape.

The old town keeps traditional Andorran architecture, with stone houses and narrow streets that invite you to wander around.

Near the tower you'll find an old water tank partly carved into the rock, known as the Moorish Queen's Bath. According to legend, the wife of the Arab leader had this tank built in a spot away from the village for her personal hygiene.

• Torre dels Moros: a medieval defence tower from the 17th century with a metal staircase to reach the top.
• Moorish Queen's Bath: an old water tank carved into the rock, with its legend.
• Sant Romà church: a 12th-century Romanesque church built on the rock, with a 16th-century Gothic altarpiece.
• Palomar de la Cotxa: Andorra's only dovecote with defensive elements (16th century).

Pal is a gorgeous little village surrounded by mountains, considered one of the best-preserved Romanesque complexes in Andorra. Its stone and wood buildings create a unique medieval atmosphere.

The church of Sant Climent de Pal dates back to the 11th century, which makes it one of the oldest Romanesque temples in the country. It's well worth strolling through its little streets.

• Sant Climent de Pal church: one of the oldest Romanesque temples in Andorra (11th century).
• Andorra Romanesque Interpretation Centre: the evolution of Andorran architecture over the years.
• Vallnord-Pal Arinsal ski resort: direct access to the slopes in winter.

Sispony is a village in the parish of La Massana, at 1,360 metres of altitude. Its streets keep stone houses with wooden balconies and two key visits: the church of Sant Joan and Casa Rull.

Casa Rull is a 17th-century house turned into a museum. It shows how a well-off farming family lived back when agriculture and livestock were the backbone of the country.

Bixessarri is one of the most picturesque villages in Andorra, where the riu d'Os plays a special role. The image of the river with the old town in the background is one of the prettiest in the country.

It's a very small village with hardly any tourists, which gives it a special charm. Perfect for a quiet stroll along the river.

Meritxell is mainly known for its impressive sanctuary, the spiritual heart of Andorra and one of the most emblematic buildings in the country.

The current sanctuary was designed by architect Ricardo Bofill after the old sanctuary burned down in 1972. Its modern architecture contrasts with the mountain surroundings, and inside you'll find the image of Our Lady of Meritxell, patron saint of Andorra.

Encamp is one of the most accessible villages in Andorra, about 15 minutes by car from Andorra la Vella. Its old town keeps the charm of traditional Andorran architecture with stone houses and cobbled streets.

The church of Santa Eulàlia is a Romanesque jewel with a remarkably tall tower and bell tower that stand out against the mountain landscape.

• Casa Cristo: a historic 17th-century building reflecting traditional architecture.
• National Automobile Museum: a collection of vintage cars and motorbikes.
• Funicamp: the cable car connecting Encamp with the Grandvalira ski slopes.

Although the Canillo Tibetan bridge is more famous, Encamp has its own Tibetan bridge you can reach from the Funicamp mid station. It's smaller but less crowded and completely free.

Read my complete guide to the Encamp Tibetan bridge with info on how to get there and where to park.

For a full day in the village, check out my guide to what to do in Encamp.

Canillo is the capital of the largest parish in Andorra. At 1,526 metres of altitude, it's the gateway to the Grandvalira ski area and one of the coldest places in the country.

The village mixes tradition and mountain tourism, with a charming old town and direct access to the ski slopes.

• Sant Joan de Caselles church: a jewel of Andorran Romanesque, 10 minutes on foot from the centre.
• Roc del Quer viewpoint: one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Andorra. See the full article
• Canillo Tibetan Bridge: the most famous one in Andorra, suspended over the valley. See the full article