Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra, a compact principality set high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. At about 1,023 metres above sea level, it is the highest capital city in Europe, framed by mountains and the Gran Valira river. Duty-free shopping, thermal waters and a historic old quarter give the city a distinctive character.

The capital's history is visible in the Barri Antic, a medieval core of stone houses and narrow lanes. Casa de la Vall, a 16th-century fortified manor that housed Andorra's parliament, and the Romanesque church of Sant Esteve are among its best-known landmarks. Just outside the centre, the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Coloma has a distinctive round bell tower.

The main shopping streets, including Avinguda Meritxell, run close to the old town and offer duty-free goods, fashion and electronics. Caldea, a striking glass thermal spa in neighbouring Escaldes-Engordany, draws visitors to its warm pools and wellness facilities, while the riverfront and nearby mountain trails provide easy outdoor escapes.

As a business and events destination, Andorra la Vella mixes retail, tourism, banking and conferences, with seasonal festivals and mountain sports nearby. Grandvalira and other ski areas in the principality make the capital a practical base for winter sports as well as summer hiking and cycling.

For leisure travellers it offers compact, walkable attractions and a relaxed mountain atmosphere, while business visitors find hotels, meeting space and easy access to both Spain and France.