Andorra was part of my 10th trip to Europe. This is part of a visit to certain sights and cities in Spain which I haven’t already seen. I also travelled through to Portugal.
With a superbly rushed itinerary, I had just time for a day trip to Andorra.
The Itinerary
Andorra –> Barcelona –> Valencia –> Cordoba –> Sevilla –> Lisbon –> Sintra –> Lisbon –> Porto
If I have not already been to Barcelona twice before, I would have spent at least 5 days in Barcelona soaking in the sights of the 1992 Olympic city, as well as to see the works by Antonio Gaudi.
In the trip planning to Andorra, I had considered packaging Andorra, with an exploration of the Pyrenees Mountains. However, it was late January, so winter is not exactly suitable for trekking. It would be great for skiing. Getting to the Pyrenees would also be difficult without renting a vehicle. On the other hand, taking the bus is a much more simpler approach than a one-day car rental. Furthermore, not having to deal with the driving, means I have time for photo-taking, sleeping or whatever I need to do on my mobile..
Considerations
With limited time available, the idea was to get to Andorra in the shortest way should direct connections be possible. I had wanted to simply catch the bus from El Prat Airport. I didn’t manage to catch the 0730hrs bus though. Despite breezing through immigration and not having to wait for baggage, it still took me 40mins to reach the airport bus stop and I was 15 mins too late.
The Bus Ride and Arrival
With 3 hours on the bus that only leaves at 1000hrs, there was time to check emails on the rather dependable bus WIFI. As I had packed lunch, I took time to savor it slowly on the bus, careful not to leave any crumbs. We crossed the border at around 1250hrs, reaching Andorra la Vella at 1300hrs. Pulling into position , the bus station was possibly the nicest bus station I had ever seen in terms of its location.
Beside the bus station is a rapidly moving stream and this conveys a strong sense of nature. It is examples like this, that quite amazing that buildings and infrastructure have been designed and constructed in response to the natural terrain. There is no sense of human domination over nature and terrain. I had an open return ticket, so I could choose to return at any time, as long as there was an available bus from the same transport company. There were also lockers for bag deposit at the bus station.
The Town Centre
I started off towards the town centre tourist info point to check what can be done, as the SIM card didn’t seem to work. Later, I then realized after that most European Union SIM cards with EU roaming will not work in Andorra because Andorra is not part of the EU, and managed to revive the SIM card back in Barcelona.) after some thought, I did not join any of the available tours, as the activities, schedules and price points didn’t quite match what I was ready for. As such, I decided to just roam about town. There’s the Dali Sculpture called ‘The Nobility of Time” which is arguably the most recognizable centerpiece in Andorra.
Avinguda Meritxell
The main pedestrianized shopping street of Avinguda Meritxell leads on from the Dali Sculpture, with shops offering fashion at prices slightly cheaper than in the Spain, as Andorra is a tax haven. Heading east, I didn’t hesitate to enter a few shops to take a look. there were also supermarkets, and a variety of shopping options. Crossing over to Avinguda Carlemany, were more economical eateries and restaurants. There used to be a Hard Rock Café for fans though this is now permantly closed. Walking beyond took me to the Museu Carmen Thyssen (which is different from the other museum of the same name in Malaga, Spain), as well as the Sant Pere Martir Church.
Madriu Valley
A little further along the streams leads to a bridge as part of the Espai Caldes. This used to be the Water and Madriu Valley Visitors’ Centre or the CIAM, which is an abbreviation for Centre d’Interpretacio de l’Agua i del Madiu. Compared to its medieval surroundings, this building is an very modern piece of architecture.
Right by the Espai Caldes, is the Font del Roc del Metge, which is a hot spring landmark. At 70 degrees Celcius, it is reportedly one of the hottest in Europe. The water is also reportedly rich in Thermal Plankton, Sodium, Sulphur, and other minerals. There is now also a public thermal pond available for one to soak their feet.
Following which, the prevalence of geothermal activity brings us to the other recognizable landmark in Andorra, which is a spa centre. The architecture resembles a church spire, like it is a worship of the human body. Its recognizable form also creates a landmark against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. In doing so, the hotel’s presence conveys the sense that Andorra la Vella is a spa town and capital.
Historic Centre
Heading back to Avinguda Meritxell, to the west of the Dali sculpture, the area is well lit and has a bustling night life. This also leads to the Historic Centre and to the Esglesia Sant Esteve de Andorra la Vella.
The historic centre is connected to the street below via the Plaça del Poble (Town Square) via a lift in the Andorra government building. As such, this makes a good alternative to walking up or down the hill along the curved road, which also connects to the bus terminal.
I had wanted to board the return bus to Barcelona at 2015hrs, but there had been some unexplained delay and the bus only set off at 2045hrs. While waiting, the snow came. That rounds up the day trip to Andorra. I stayed at accommodation within walking distance from the Barcelona Sants Terminal so I did not have to worry about catching the last train or a having to splurge on a taxi.-
What should I have done for this Day Trip to Andorra?
- Accept the bus time slots: Either stayed at the airport for a relaxing breakfast or sightsee in Barcelona.
- Start the walk in Andorra by taking the lift up in the Andorra government building to the Historic centre,
- Then walk towards the Dali Sculpture and onward to the CIAM, then relax at the Spa before taking the bus back.
- Maybe return one day in summer as part of longer trip to the Pyrenees Mountains for a hiking.
Expected Total Expenditure
For 2026, expect to spend about USD100 for this day trip, where the cost is mainly towards the return bus fare. This excludes airfares, accommodation and shopping in Andorra. I also did not enter any museums, nor spas, as that would certainly double or triple the expenditure required.
| Spa | – |
| Transport (Buses) | EUR70 |
| Meals and groceries | EUR15 |
| Admissions | – |
| Total | EUR85 |
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