Autumn is the ideal time for a tour of Andorra’s picturesque villages. You’ll love discovering the architecture and the colours of the nature that populates the mountains that surround these beautiful enclaves.
Get in the car and we’ll guide you on this enchanting route!
Art and nature
A visit to Canillo is almost obligatory to get to know the culture and traditions of Andorra. And also for the views and the privileged natural surroundings.
Here you will find the sanctuary dedicated to the patron saint of Andorra, Our Lady of Meritxell. A modern basilica built in 1976 by the architect Ricardo Bofill, which replaces the old church that was destroyed by fire in 1972. It has been restored and houses a permanent exhibition of photographs and historical objects related to the village and the Meritxell festival. Another interesting fact about the place is that it forms part of the Marian route along with Montserrat, Lourdes, El Pilar and Torreciudad. It became part of this route after Pope Francis granted it the title of minor basilica in 2014, being the only sanctuary in the country with this distinction.
From May to October it is open to the public and free guided tours can be booked. Find out more here.
A charming village
Pal is one of Andorra’s pretty villages that blends into the mountains. It is located in the parish of La Massana, at an altitude of 1,550 metres in the middle of an impressive natural setting. When you visit it, you will feel as if time has stood still in its cobbled streets. Every corner is an opportunity to marvel at the typical architecture of the region, with its stone houses, slate roofs and wooden details that preserve the charm of typical mountain villages.
In addition to its architectural beauty, Pal preserves one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the country. Both its interior and exterior retain elements from the 11th century and onwards. In summer most of the Romanesque churches offer free guided tours. Check the information here.
A historic site
The most striking feature of Les Bons, in the parish of Encamp, is its historic complex dating from the Middle Ages. It is made up of a 13th-century defence tower, two dovecotes, a water reservoir dug into the rock and a 12th-century Romanesque church. It contains reproductions of Romanesque paintings by the Master of Santa Coloma, although most of his works are now in the MNAC museum in Barcelona.
But the most important thing is the location of this enclave. As it is a defensive construction, it is located above the village from where the whole valley can be controlled. Nowadays, it allows us to enjoy magnificent views. Pay attention: at the end of the village of Encamp you will see the historic building of Radio Andorra.