Andorra may be a small country, but its 468 km² has plenty of options to suit every taste.
From the vibrant city of Andorra la Vella to the idyllic countryside of Ordino, you’ll find the perfect place to call home in our beautiful country.
But if you haven’t had enough time to explore all your options, how are you going to find that wonderful place?
Luckily for you, we’ve put together a detailed review of each one, showing you the ins and outs of the regions and why you should consider them the best place to live in Andorra.
Andorra la Vella
Area: 12 km²
Height: 1,023 m
Population: 22,256 people
Andorra’s smallest parish is in fact the capital of the principality and the most populous. Andorra la Vella is the busiest city in the country and everything can be found in one place.
For those coming from large, crowded cities, Andorra la Vella will seem quite calm and peaceful, but during high season and tourist weekends it can get very crowded.
If you’re trying to find property in the area, you’ll mostly find apartments, although there are some beautiful villas and chalets on the north side of the valley.
pros
- Andorra la Vella is a full-fledged city, like any other European city. Here you will find banks, schools, government offices, supermarkets, shopping areas, bars and restaurants – this city has it all.
- All these objects and establishments are within walking distance, so you won’t have to use transport as often.
- There are plenty of events happening throughout the year at any time of the year to keep you and your family entertained.
Minuses
- Everything is quite crowded, so the city can get very busy, especially during busy seasons.
- If you are going to live here, make sure your property has parking space as it is limited due to space constraints.
The best places in Andorra la Vella
You might want to check out the northern part of Komu, which is much quieter than the city but still very close. Not only will you get plenty of sunshine, but also a great view of the city.
Canillo
Area: 121 km²
Altitude: 1526 m
Population: 4826 people
Canillo is the largest parish in the principality with the smallest number of inhabitants. If you are looking for peace and nature, this is the place for you. In the city center you will find a delightful city with all its services.
Combining tourism with agriculture and cultural traditions, you will be able to admire the beautiful scenery of the countryside while enjoying the entertainment and services of the city.
It has many attractive sites, such as the Roc del Quer, the historical motorcycle museum and the religious sanctuary of the Basilica of Meritxell.
pros
- Although sparsely populated, there are still a lot of tourists here, so you won’t feel isolated.
- The Grandvalira ski resort can be reached by gondola, so if you’re looking for some winter sports, this might be the place you’re looking for.
Minuses
- Traffic in Andorra la Vella can be frustrating during rush hours, especially during peak seasons.
The best places in Canillo
We recommend taking a look at El Forn, which, although only a 5-minute drive from the town of Canillo, seems like a completely different place.
However, anyone who chooses to live in El Forn should consider having a 4×4 vehicle to cope with the steep roads, especially in winter when the snow is unlikely to be cleared quickly.
Of course, you can’t ignore the gorgeous Incles Valley, but keep in mind that property there doesn’t come cheap. Quiet little pockets like Ransol and Prats are also worth visiting.
Encamp
Area: 74 km²
Height: 1238 m
Population: 13,521 people
Encamp is a border parish with France and the gateway to the Grandvalira ski resort .
This parish has two main towns: the community of Encamp and Pas de la Casa. Commonly referred to as “working class”, this parish is generally cheaper than the rest of the country.
This is an opportunity, not a disadvantage. If you are looking for low-key living in Andorra, but still benefit from all the services and enjoy the natural splendor of the countryside, Encamp could be the place for you.
pros
- There is gondola access to the Grandvalira ski resort in Funicamp, near the French border.
- Encamp has a wide range of services, including schools, banks, a gym, supermarkets and banks, while prices remain lower than in other parishes.
Minuses
- Although the center of these towns has a mixture of modern and antique architecture, some expats feel that it is not as beautiful as other parishes.
- Because Encamp has a higher population density than other parishes, it can get quite crowded.
The best places in Encamp
The villa receives direct sunlight throughout the day, allowing some properties to live without heating thanks to the blessing of the sun. Vila’s roads are in excellent condition, so if you get out of the house regularly, you’ll have an easier time in winter.
However, these areas are quite built up, so if you’re looking for something a little more peaceful and secluded, look no further than Els Cortals d’Encamp. It’s beautiful in summer, but be careful in winter as the roads can be rough.
Escaldes-Engordany
Area: 30 km²
Height: 1050 m
Population: 14,395 people
Commo Escaldes-Engordany is located next to Andorra la Vella, so people usually confuse this parish, thinking that it is simply an extension of the capital.
This region is home to the Madriu Perafita Claror Natural Park , declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, so you will find over 40,000 hectares of stunning nature, protected from human touch.
However, this does not mean that the city is just nature: the border with Andorra la Vella shares some of its trade, and is home to a large shopping center , a hospital, modern apartments and residences, and a thermal spa resort .
pros
- You can choose your life scenario – either close to the lively Andorra la Vella and the city, or closer to nature and its tranquility.
- Everything you can access from Andorra la Vella can be easily reached from Escaldes-Engordany.
- Like Andorra la Vella, there are many events happening here throughout the year.
Minuses
- The closer you live to a city, the worse traffic gets, especially during the tourist season.
- Parking can be a challenge if your property doesn’t have it, so be careful when deciding where to rent or buy.
Best areas of Escaldes-Engordany
There are some fantastic properties in Els Vilars, but look out for the road towards Engolasters, which is just a five-minute drive from the town and has some incredible properties with stunning views.
La Massana
Area: 65 km²
Height: 1240 m
Population: 10,359 people
The parish of La Massana is associated with sport thanks to its proximity to the ski and cycling resort of Pal-Arinsal, but there is much more to see and enjoy in La Massana, from museums and churches to restaurants and bars .
If you’re looking for an English-speaking community, you’ll find it in La Massana. It is not uncommon to hear people speaking English on the streets, especially in the north, in Arinsal .
pros
- Sports lovers will feel at home at any time of the year: skiing, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, horse riding and many other activities are available in La Massana.
- The commune has almost everything you might need: supermarkets, restaurants, schools and so on. So you will rarely need to travel to Andorra la Vella unless you are doing business there.
Minuses
- Traffic may be congested during rush hours and on busy days.
- The main street of La Massana is not as attractive as the rest of the parish.
The best places in La Massana
Arinsal could be a great opportunity if you’re looking for an English community, especially as it is being revitalized by an influx of new Andorran residents.
If you’re lucky enough to find a home there, Carrer Coma del Colat sees a ton of direct sunlight and is close to the center.
If you are a cyclist or want to connect with the cycling or motorsport community, consider Els Oriosis of Anyós. This is a popular spot among these guys and is as close as possible to one of the most popular cycling routes – Beishalis
Ordino
Area: 85 km²
Altitude: 1300 m
Population: 4858 people
Commu Ordino offers stunning scenic views of valleys, trails and beautiful lakes, as well as the preservation of historical heritage and rural traditions.
The main town of Ordino is a quiet village with restaurants, many French and Andorran schools, a gymnasium, bars, a bakery and other services. However, there are no supermarkets in the area, so you will have to go to La Massana or the city.
In winter, the ski resort of Ordino Arcalis, located north of Ordino, is considered by many to be one of the best places for winter sports.
pros
- Beautiful landscape and attractions contrast with the magnificent nature and ancient cultural heritage of the communities.
- There are many accommodation options in small villages throughout the parish with close and friendly communities.
Minuses
- Potentially one of the coldest regions in Andorra to live.
- There are no supermarkets.
The best places in Ordino
La Cortinada has a small golf course and is a great place to live, just a few kilometers north of Ordino.
El Serrat is about 5 minutes further north and is a great location for those looking for a great value property; however, it can be very cold in winter.
Next to the French school you will find Segudet, a nice and quiet area with all services nearby, but you have to pay for this privilege.
Sant Julia de Lòria
Area: 61 km²
Height: 908 m
Population: 9,207 people
Andorra’s southernmost coma, Sant Giulia de Lòria, has the warmest weather in the principality due to its low altitude. This parish is home to many large shopping centers and large stores.
Besides all the services and markets in the city, you can also find the Naturland adventure park , which offers a variety of sports and activities for all ages.
Although considered “working class” by many expats in Andorra, those who live there and send their children to the Andorran school find the parish very welcoming and the school very progressive.
pros
- The border with Catalonia is just a few minutes’ walk away, making the hotel as close as possible to Barcelona Airport.
- This parish is home to the University of Andorra.
Minuses
- If you’re looking to avoid the summer heat of other countries, San Giulia may not be the best option, as the parish is consistently warmer throughout the year.
- Some great chalets can be bought cheaply but will require a long drive or steep walk to or from the center. This means that you will most likely have to buy a car for your daily use.
Best areas of San Giulia de Lòria
Depending on your needs, it seems you have 2 great options in San Giulia;
- Bixessary; a small town located in a valley near Rio d’Hos, on the road to Hos de Civis. Thanks to its location next to the river, it is much cooler in the summer – ideal if you only plan to spend the warmer months here.
- Near Auvinha; If you’re looking for a quiet place surrounded by nature and lots of sun, but don’t want to overpay, this could be what you need. Here you can find a chalet with a large garage for the price of a penthouse in Escaldes or Andorra la Vella.
Best place to live in Andorra
Obviously, choosing a place to live in Andorra is a rather subjective choice, since not a single parish has any critical disadvantages.
You can live comfortably and without problems anywhere.
In fact, even in the most secluded places you’ll only be 30 minutes from civilization at most on a heavy snow day, so even if you want to stay in the countryside, you can be in the city in just a few minutes. a matter of minutes.
Perhaps more importantly for self-employed people, every home in Andorra has high-speed fiber optic internet, meaning there are no real sacrifices to living in the countryside.
Living in Andorra is a wonderful experience where you can settle comfortably and enjoy amazing experiences. We sincerely encourage you to explore regions that suit your tastes and find a place where you feel at home.