Best of Andorra self-drive

After enjoying complimentary access to an airport lounge, fly out to Barcelona, picking up your hire car on arrival. As the city limits fade, you’ll quickly find yourself among the Catalan countryside before you wind up into the Pyrenees. Be sure to stop to admire the mountain scenery along the way, perhaps pausing for a bite to eat in one of the route’s pretty church towns. Your goal is Soldeu – a quiet Andorran village beautifully tucked away among a lush-green valley. And, after navigating the meandering switchbacks, you’ll check into your delightful, Tibetan-themed accommodation, perhaps resting up by the fire in one of the lounge’s leather, wingback chairs.

Stay: Hotel Himalaia, Soldeu (Superior)

Soldeu is perfectly poised for exploring the Incles Valley – a great glacial trough where lonely cottages dot sweeping meadows and forests. Although over the summer months the valley is closed to vehicles, an electric buggy is on hand to transport you from your hotel to the valley floor. Our tip? Take it on the way back up to enjoy the gentle 2.5km stroll among the wildflowers on the way down. In fact, there’s a full range of walking routes on offer, with the concierge able to point you in the direction of pretty lakes, picnic spots and alpine meadows ringed by drystone walls. 

Stay: Hotel Himalaia, Soldeu (Superior)

You’ll let someone else take the strain today, with an included 4WD jeep excursion. You’ll be met by an expert driver-guide who’ll bring you out among remote trails, traversing the surrounding mountains on routes once trodden by pilgrims and smugglers alike. If you’re lucky, you might just be able to spot a marmot – the giant squirrels indigenous to the Pyrenees. Then, as with every day at the Hotel Himalaia, you’ll return to soothe any sightseeing aches with complimentary access to the sauna and hot tub. 

Stay: Hotel Himalaia, Soldeu (Superior)

Continuing along the valley, we recommend pausing at Encamp for a visit to the Casa Cristo Ethnographic Museum. It provides a privileged glimpse into life in a humble Andorran house in the late 19th century. You’ll then wind onto Meritxell, pausing to take in its magnificent Romanesque Church and one of Europe’s finest motorcycle museums. You’ll then arrive at the Roc del Quer. This 2000-metre-high viewpoint offers spectacular panoramas over the Montaup and Canillo valleys, where Andorran cottages dot yet more delightful meadows. We also suggest Engolasters – a high-altitude lake whose pretty rural setting is showcased by easy hikes. Then, continue to the Circuit de Les Fonts, where beautiful forest walks bring you between spectacular valley viewpoints. As you go, you’ll stumble across pretty natural springs, which give their name to the route. You’ll end the day at your mountain hotel, set in the heart of the small mountain town of La Massana.

Stay: Hotel Magic La Massana (Superior)

Spend a relaxing day in the Ordino area, perhaps take a walk in nearby Sorteny Nature Park to spot wild boars and roe deer among its ancient forests. Alternatively, learn about the country’s mining heritage with the Iron Route, which takes in historic forges, churches and, yes, mines. You can also join one of a range of hikes organised by your hotel.

Stay: Hotel Magic La Massana (Superior)

After breakfast today, we recommend exploring Arinsal. This quiet mountain town is a perfect gateway to the Comapedrosa Nature Park, where hiking routes weave between forests, lakes and waterfalls. Then, it’s on to Pal; dating as far back as the 12th century, it’s one of the best-preserved villages in Andorra. Before heading back to your hotel, you’ll also have time to drive the Col de La Botella mountain pass, where you’ll be treated to grand views of the Seturia Valley and the sky-scraping Alt de la Capa peak. This evening, we highly recommend making your way to Andorra la Vella for a Cirque du Soleil performance.

Stay: Hotel Magic La Massana (Superior)

Your last day in the country affords the chance for some duty-free shopping in Andorra la Vella, or a trip to the spa. Our recommendation is the excellent Caldea (pictured above) for its adults-only and family friendly options. Whatever you choose, you’ll then hop over the border and back into Spain, driving out of the mountains and back into Catalonia. And, you’ll finish your trip in style with a night in a traditional Catalan country manor, part of Spain’s parador network of historic hotels. Here, private balconies and a gorgeous swimming pool take in sweeping views over the glistening Sau Reservoir.

Stay: Parador de Vic-Sau (Superior)

After a last breakfast, drive back to Barcelona to drop your car at the airport and fly home.