Guide of parishes of Andorra: Where to establish your new home?

Andorra is a country with a small geography but with a vibrant culture. It is worth noting that there are no cities per se, but the Principality is divided into seven different parishes that could be considered cities for practical purposes. What are the parishes of Andorra, and how do you know where to live?

Get to know the 7 parishes of Andorra.

As indicated in this text, no cities exist, but rather a categorization based on the parishes of Andorra. There are seven parishes in Andorra, including the country’s capital: Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, and Sant Julià de Lòria. If you want to establish your residence in the Principality, you are probably wondering how to choose the best parish.

We tell you that Andorra is a very safe country with a low and almost zero crime rate; its peaceful atmosphere is perfect for various outdoor activities, among which skiing and hiking stand out. On the other hand, Andorra is becoming the preferred destination for investors due to its low taxation, but it is also the most requested country by pensioners and retirees.

Furthermore, another incentive for residing within the parishes of Andorra is its exceptional education system, rendering it a perfect relocation choice for families with children. Additionally, the healthcare system in Andorra maintains a high standard and is overseen by the Andorran CASS. Thus, which of Andorra’s parishes aligns most closely with your expectations?

Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany

Although not a city, Andorra la Vieja, the country’s capital, is considered such. Together with Escaldes-Engordany, they constitute the most significant urban area and are located in the country’s south. Andorra la Vella is the preferred destination for investors and tiny and medium-sized companies. It has just over 22,250 inhabitants and an altitude of 1,013 meters, making it the highest capital in Europe.

The capital is the country’s nerve center, and here are concentrated most of the educational and health services, as well as government institutions of Andorra. It stands out for its hotels, restaurants, and its wide range of leisure (including shopping) and culture. In Andorra la Vella, you can find two charming villages for a more relaxed life: Santa Coloma and La Margineda.

Until 1978, the capital was home to another of Andorra’s parishes, Escaldes-Engordany, but today, it is an entire parish that initially consisted of two villages: Escaldes and Engordany. It has about 17,000 inhabitants, known as Escaldencs, and is home to other towns such as Vilars d’Engordany, Engolasters, and El Fener.

Canillo: one of the parishes of Andorra in the north of the country

Another parish of Andorra that’s perfect is Canillo, north of the Principality, with an average altitude of 1,530 meters. Its area is 121 square kilometers, and its residents are known as Canillencs. The parish is Canillo, but it includes other towns of great attraction if you want a quiet life. To Canillo belong:

• Soldeu.
• Incles.
• El Tarter.
• Ransol.
• Meritxell.
• L’Aldosa.
• Prats.
• Els Plans.
• El Forn.

In this parish of Andorra, there is no lack of activities to do. You can approach the Motorcycle Museum, the Palace of Hielo, and the iconic Sanctuary of Meritxell, famous among tourists. For lovers of nature and outdoor activities, then Vall d’Incles.

La Massana: for ski lovers

From the north, we return to another of the southern parishes of Andorra isFurthermore, another incentive for residing within the parishes of Andorra is its exceptional education system, rendering it a perfect relocation choice for families with children. Additionally, the healthcare system in Andorra maintains a high standard and is overseen by the Andorran CASS. Thus, which of Andorra’s parishes aligns most closely with your expectations? La Massana. It has an altitude of 1,230 meters and is home to just over 10,000 residents called Massanecs. In this parish, you will find the villages of Pal and Arinsal, which are very famous among skiers and tourists fond of winter sports. It is also home to the Vallnord ski resort and the villages of Erts, Sispony, Anyos, Ecas, Xixerella, and El Pui, among others.

In addition to the ski resort, La Massana is famous for hosting the Pic de Coma Pedrosa, the highest point of the Principality with a height of 2,942 meters.

Encamp: one of parishes of Andorra to invest in

The residents are called Encampadans, and their number amounts to 14,000 inhabitants. Encamp is a mountain territory where it is possible to find other magnificent villages of Andorra, such as Le Tremat, La Mosquera, Les Bons, Vila, and Grau Roig. Encamp has a reputation for having affordable prices compared to many goods, but it also offers excellent investment opportunities. Moreover, the parish has an extensive ski area: Granvalira, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees.

Sant Julià de Lòria

This parish is home to the villages of Auvigny, Bissisarri, Certes, Fontaneda, Juberri and Nagol. The parish offers exciting activities, such as the Sanctuary of Canolich and other places of interest. The residents of this parish are called Lauredians, and their number is around 10,000 inhabitants.

Ordino

Ordino is a parish but also a village of the same name and the most important of this geographical boundary. Here live the Ordinance, one of the parishes of Andorra with fewer inhabitants, whose number is around 4,000. In the parish of Ordino, there are villages such as Arans, El Serrats, and Sornas, among others. Most of these villages are dominated by the imposing Pic de Casamanya.