The seven parishes of Andorra
Andorra is divided into seven parishes, each with its own altitude, character, access and housing market. The choice changes everything, whether you are coming for five days or to settle: proximity to the ski resorts, life without a car, quiet, schools, budget. Here is what genuinely distinguishes each of them.
Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany
The capital and its immediate neighbour concentrate the shopping, services, restaurants and thermal spas. This is where you live best without a car.
Canillo and Encamp
The two most ski-oriented parishes, with the most direct access to the Grandvalira sectors. Higher, quieter, more snow.
La Massana and Ordino
The most residential and traditional side. La Massana serves Pal Arinsal, Ordino gives access to Arcalís and Coma Pedrosa.
We live here and we know every valley.
Tell us whether you are coming to ski, to recover or to settle, and with whom. We will tell you which parish genuinely fits your situation.
Choosing your parish
Across 468 km² you might think the choice of parish is secondary. It is not: between Sant Julià de Lòria at 900 metres and Canillo at 1,500, the climate, the snow, the journey times, the housing budget and daily life bear little resemblance to one another.
Andorra la Vella
The capital, at 1,023 metres, concentrates the administration, the shops and a large part of the medical services. It is the parish where you can live without a car, and where shopping is done on foot along Avinguda Meritxell. In return: the densest, the most congested in high season, and parking is the main friction point.
Escaldes-Engordany
Immediately adjoining the capital, of which it is effectively an extension, it owes its name to its hot springs and concentrates the thermal spa offer. Same density of services, a slightly more residential feel. It is our preferred base for recovery stays: services within reach, relative quiet and quick access to the clinics.
Canillo and Encamp
The two eastern parishes, the highest and snowiest, with the most direct access to the Grandvalira sectors. Encamp has a direct cable car link to the ski area. They are the best choices for a ski holiday, less practical for an urban stay.
La Massana and Ordino
The north-western side, more residential, greener and markedly quieter. La Massana serves Pal Arinsal and gives access to Coma Pedrosa; Ordino, the most traditional of the seven, opens onto Arcalís and the finest hiking routes. These are the parishes most often chosen by families settling for the long term.
Sant Julià de Lòria
The southernmost and lowest parish, the first entry point from Spain. Milder climate, generally lower housing costs, quick access to La Seu d'Urgell and Barcelona. Further from the ski resorts, it suits those whose life is oriented southwards.
For a stay or to settle?
- Ski holiday — Canillo, Encamp, La Massana
- Urban stay, shopping, spa — Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany
- Hiking stay — Ordino, La Massana
- Recovery stay — Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra la Vella
- Settling with a family — La Massana, Ordino, Sant Julià de Lòria
- Settling without a car — Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany
A stay, housing, a relocation?
We arrange transfers, property searches and full support. Answer within 24 hours, no obligation.
Ce qu'on nous demande le plus souvent
How many parishes does Andorra have?
Seven: Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Ordino and Sant Julià de Lòria.
Which parish for a ski holiday?
Canillo and Encamp for the most direct access to Grandvalira, La Massana for Pal Arinsal. Encamp has a direct cable car link.
Where can I stay without a car?
Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. Everything is walkable and the bus network serves the resorts.
Which parish for settling with a family?
La Massana, Ordino and Sant Julià de Lòria are the most residential, with more space and a quieter rhythm.
Where to stay during a recovery period?
Escaldes-Engordany or Andorra la Vella: services immediately to hand, quick access to the clinics and relative quiet.
Which is the least expensive parish?
Sant Julià de Lòria generally has the lowest housing budgets, with a milder climate and quick access to Spain.
Explore the parishes
Seven parishes, and only one that suits you.
Tell us whether you are coming to ski, to recover, or to settle — and with whom. The right choice is not the same.