The Best Place To Live In Andorra

Let’s be real for a second, every country in the world is going to have great areas and some less desirable ones. However, what you might consider the perfect spot to settle in Andorra may seem awful to someone else. Luckily, the principality boasts plenty of excellent options; from small charming villages to upscale urban areas with bustling shopping centres.

With that said, it’s difficult to know exactly where in Andorra is right for you until you’ve lived here for a while. That means moving here generally requires a bit of trust and some home-based research. Without setting foot in each village or town, how can you ensure you’re finding the right spot for you? Well, before you move to our idyllic country, let us show you the ins and outs of every region worth calling home.

The principality has a lot to offer, but not every city or town is going to check all of your boxes. What may feel like home sweet home to some, might not suit another. Below, we’ve rounded up the most populated regions in the country (those with a higher population and more amenities) and the most sought after villages and towns. At the end of this article, we hope you'll feel more secure about moving to our part of the world.

Regiones más pobladas

Andorra la Vella

Despite being the smallest parish in the principality, it is also Andorra’s most populated and busiest city. Many expats and visitors find it an attractive option because it has everything you need in one area. If you’re someone who is coming from a large, crowded city, Andorra la Vella is the closest you will find to a modern hub.

Even so, Andorra la Vella is not going to have the same hustle and bustle of a city like Paris or Barcelona. It is quite peaceful and rather quiet most of the time. Only during certain seasons or on high-tourist days will the city actually become very busy. Still, if you crave the amenities of a city and more options for entertainment, Andorra la Vella might be right for you.

It is worth noting that if you want to buy property in Andorra la Vella, you’re mostly going to find apartments, townhomes, and condos. Of course, some villas and chalets are available, but they tend to go for a higher price. If you’re happy with renting, there are a myriad of options. Many even have their own mountain views!

Where To Live In Andorra la Vella

Vivir en el centro de la ciudad es una buena opción si busca más emoción y acceso a bares o restaurantes. No obstante, si quiere beneficiarse de las comodidades de la ciudad y llevar una vida más tranquila, le recomendamos la zona norte de la ciudad. Esta es una zona más tranquila, pero con excelentes vistas de la ciudad y un ambiente más relajado.

Why People Love Andorra la Vella

A pesar de su pequeño tamaño, es una ciudad bastante moderna con tiendas, bares, restaurantes, etc.

La ciudad es muy transitable, lo que significa que a menudo no necesitará usar el transporte público o su propio automóvil.

Con muchos festivales y eventos durante todo el año, nunca se aburrirá o le faltará participación de la comunidad.

Things To Be Aware Of

El estacionamiento/garaje puede ser una molestia, así que asegúrese de obtener un lugar de estacionamiento cuando alquile o compre una casa.

La ciudad puede estar abarrotada y ocupada durante la temporada turística.

Escaldes-Engordany

Dada su proximidad a Andorra la Vella, mucha gente piensa que Escaldes-Engordany es solo una extensión de la capital. En realidad, se trata de una parroquia por sí sola. Si te encanta estar rodeado de naturaleza y belleza escénica, este es el lugar perfecto para vivir.

Escalade-Engordany actually has a world cultural heritage nature park, with some 40,000 hectares of protected land. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a region offering more natural charm or beauty, while still offering access to a larger city. What makes this comu so great is that you feel connected to nature while still sharing a border with Andorra la Vella. That means plenty of options for employment, shopping, medicine, and entertainment.

Best Destinations In Escaldes-Engordany

Como esta parroquia está tan entrelazada con la naturaleza, no hay realmente lugares malos para vivir en Escaldes-Engordany. Els Vilars es una zona especialmente popular, mientras que La Plana ofrece opciones muy asequibles. Cada una dispone de increíbles vistas y está cerca de los servicios de la ciudad. Si quiere lo mejor de ambos mundos, pruebe ambos lugares.

Why People Love Living In Escaldes-Engordany

Proximidad con la naturaleza y las comodidades de la ciudad.

Todas las ventajas de la vida en Andorra la Vella, sin bullicio.

Suelen haber eventos y festivales para mantenerle entretenido durante todo el año.

Sentido de comunidad y respeto por la naturaleza.

Things To Be Aware Of

Es posible que experimente el alto nivel de tráfico de Andorra la Vella durante los períodos de mayor afluencia turística.

Parking can be problematic here as well.

View of Main Street in downtown Escaldes-Engordany

La Massana

¿Es usted una persona activa a la que le gusta disfrutar de actividades al aire libre? Si es así, el municipio de La Massana podría hacer de su traslado a Andorra un sueño hecho realidad. La Massana es un centro de ocio, en gran parte gracias a su proximidad a Vallnord, importante estación de esquí y ciclismo. ¿No le gustan las actividades al aire libre? Ningún problema, también hay mucha cultura y diversión en esta concurrida ciudad. Ya sea que desee pasar un día en un museo o sentarse a disfrutar de una excelente comida en un restaurante exclusivo, La Massana ofrece ambas opciones.

Additionally, La Massana has a large English-speaking community. It is not unusual to hear people speaking English throughout the town, which can make it the best place to live in Andorra for expats from America or other English-speaking countries, since it makes for a much easier transition.

Best Locations To Live In La Massana

The ideal location in La Massana will of course vary based on what you’re looking for. If English is your native language, Arinsal in the north has a fantastic English community. However, if that’s not important to you, Sispony or Escas are both close to the city centre while still being far enough away from any tourism traffic. If you’re mostly into cycling or hiking, Anyos is a great location to rub shoulders with the pro cycling community and have access to great rides and trails.

What People Love About La Massana

Large English speaking community for expats from the UK and further abroad.

Muchas actividades al aire libre como esquí, ciclismo, senderismo, etc.

Modernas instalaciones a la altura de los pueblos de esquí europeos más conocidos.

La ciudad es segura y limpia.

Things To Be Aware Of

La ciudad no ofrece un ambiente tipo "calle principal" , si eso es lo que está buscando.

El tráfico a veces puede ser un problema, especialmente al final de un ajetreado día de esquí.

Sant Julià de Lòria

Not very keen on cooler temperatures? If it is a warmer-weather haven you crave, look to the southern comu of Saint Julià De Lòria. Unlike its northern counterparts, this comu has warmer weather due to a lower elevation. It is also a mecca for those who love to shop, with some of the largest hypermarkets in the country.

Si busca una buena educación for your children, Sant Julià de Lòria has some of the best schools in the country. The public school is very progressive and the local community is quite welcoming to new residents. Additionally, families enjoy the adventure park of Naturland, which has sports and activities for people of all age ranges.

Best Destinations In Sant Julià

Where you choose to call home is going to depend on your needs and wants. With that said, we tend to recommend two quieter spots: Aubinyà and Aixirivall. Both are very quiet and idyllic nature-rich locations, perfect if you crave a simpler kind of life.

The locations also offer something that can be difficult to find elsewhere in Andorra: space. The land parcels are much larger here. Though you’ll need a car to get around, neither is more than five minutes drive from the centre.

Why People Love Sant Julià

Una excelente escuela y una comunidad acogedora.

Borders Catalonia, which means closer proximity to Barcelona.

Close to the University of Andorra (something to keep in mind for when the kids grow up).

Es muy fácil hacer las compras grandes cerca.

Things To Be Aware Of

Necesitará un vehículo para moverse por la mayoría de las zonas de la ciudad.

El inglés se habla menos aquí.

Best Areas In Andorra for a “Village” Lifestyle

Las zonas bastante pobladas con grandes centros urbanos pueden ser un sueño para algunos. Sin embargo, si prefiere un entorno con más encanto o una vida más tranquila, deseará descubrir estas regiones con un ambiente un poco más "rural". Hemos reunido algunos de nuestros mejores lugares para vivir aquí. Vamos a descubrirlos a continuación.

View of stone houses on hillside in Andorra. Something you will enjoy when you get residency in Andorra

Ordino

Craving a quieter kind of life? If you want natural views, down to earth residents, and historical buildings, look to the village of Ordino. It's a charming place to live, with beautiful lakes and plenty of opportunities to get outside. Ordino boasts a tranquil way of life, rich with rural tradition and minus all of the hustle and bustle of city life.

With that said, living in Ordino does not mean missing out on great restaurants or entertainment. You’ll find plenty of bars, bakeries, a gym and so much more. There are also three great schools offering both French and Andorran education systems. The only true downside is the lack of supermarkets. You will have to drive to La Massana for that.

Best Places To Live In Ordino

Ordino is a beautiful place to call home no matter which region you choose. If you’re looking for cheaper properties without sacrificing views, look to Arans and El Serrat. Just keep in mind that it does get quite cold in that valley during the winter months.

La Cortinada is another interesting pocket of Ordino and boasts a small but beautiful little golf course. Central to Ordino, it is extremely convenient but current prices are much higher, and rentals can be difficult to find.

Why People Love Life In Ordino

Belleza natural de los paisajes.

Excelente patrimonio cultural y sentido de pertenencia a una comunidad muy unida.

Muchos pequeños pueblos por esa zona.

Excelentes escuelas, algunos buenos restaurantes y bares.

Things to be Aware Of

Hace mucho frío durante los meses de invierno.

No hay supermercados.

Canillo

A pesar de ser una población relativamente pequeña, Canillo es el municipio más grande de Andorra. Dada su extensión y la escasez de habitantes, es un lugar tranquilo. Con tanta naturaleza, podría pensar que tiene que sacrificar las comodidades. Pero no es así, ya que hay un gran pueblo en el centro de la parroquia que ofrece excelentes servicios, lo que lo convierte en uno de los mejores pueblos andorranos.

Canillo es un lugar que ha sabido encontrar un excelente equilibrio entre turismo, agricultura y patrimonio. Aquí encontrará lo mejor de todo lo que Andorra tiene para ofrecer. El acceso a la naturaleza es ilimitado, pero siempre hay muchas actividades en la ciudad para mantenerle ocupado. Así que si busca un pueblo que tenga un poco de todo, Canillo puede ser el lugar indicado.

Best Places To Live In Canillo

Canillo está lleno de lugares donde se vive muy bien. El Valle de Incles es probablemente uno de los lugares más idílicos, lo que ha provocado que los precios se disparen. Ransol y Prats son también lugares donde uno puede encontrar la soledad sin perder la comodidad de estar lo suficientemente cerca de la sociedad.

Why People Love Canillo

Varias actividades turísticas para garantizar el interés de los visitantes.

Acceso en telecabina a una gran estación de esquí para el ocio al aire libre.

Una excelente combinación de naturaleza y comodidades.

Precios de propiedad razonables y vistas panorámicas.

Things to Be Aware Of

El tráfico puede ser un problema durante la temporada turística.

There are some especially cold pockets in Canillo.

Encamp

Encamp has a higher population than the other two towns and villages mentioned on this list. However, it still has a small-town feel and is commonly seen as a more “working class” commune. Because of this, the cost of living is typically lower here than other regions of Andorra. Even better, Encamp is a border parish with France and offers significant access to the Grandvalira ski resort.

Of all the Andorran villages, Encamp can offer you a nice comfortable life without sacrificing natural splendour or opportunity. If you want a more humble way of life and a great community feel, Encamp could be the right place for you. We do consider it one of the best places to live in Andorra due to price, amenities, and overall access to recreation.

Los lugares más bonitos de Encamp

Without question, the top spot to hang your hat in Encamp is Vila. It receives direct sunlight all day long, which can greatly reduce heating costs. With easy access to nature nearby, it’s a nice spot to put down roots. Getting around is easy, even in the winter months and although it is a premium location in Encamp, it’s still more affordable than other areas in the country.

Lo que la gente aprecia en Encamp

Acceso en telecabina a la estación de esquí de Grandvalira.

Frontera con Francia.

Una comunidad acogedora y el encanto de pueblecito.

Servicios de calidad: colegios, gimnasios, supermercados y bancos, todo a un precio asequible.

Things To Be Aware Of

Los pueblos de Encamp y Pas de la Casa a menudo pueden estar muy concurridos debido a su gran población.

No tiene el encanto histórico de muchos otros pueblos de Andorra.

Mudarse a Andorra

Choosing to make a move to Andorra can be a big decision. Knowing what you will want from a parish long term can be even more difficult. Hopefully, you’ll find somewhere to settle down comfortably without making huge compromises. In recommending our favourite places to settle in the principality, we tried to find something for everyone.

Even if you choose to go with one of Andorra's smaller villages or towns, you’re never far from a more urban area. That’s the beauty of this place. Since it is such a small country, you can have access to peace and tranquillity without sacrificing the amenities of living near a city. Additionally, there are plenty of work opportunities because the country has some of the best internet speeds in Europe, even in rural areas.

This means you can choose to work from home or be self-employed. No matter where you choose to settle, we know you’ll find the experience unique. This is a country with so much to offer and plenty to explore. Whether you go with a larger modern city or a quaint historic town, you simply cannot lose.

Wondering Where to Settle in Andorra?

Let us help! We’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect area to live and work in Andorra. Contact us today for more information.