Where to Live in Andorra - Parish Property Guide

Where to live in Andorra - the 7 parishes

Andorra has 7 parishes. A parish is the local municipality (Comú) that manages local services such as permits, parking, waste collection and local charges. When you choose a home, you also choose microclimate, altitude, daily travel times and access to services. Use this guide alongside Buy Property in Andorra and Property Buying Costs in Andorra. If you are planning the practical setup once you have keys, see Move to Andorra. If your purchase supports your permit, read Residency in Andorra.

Andorra la Vella

• Area feel: Capital city, walkable, busiest traffic.
• Average altitude: ~1,023 m
• Who it suits: Professionals who want maximum convenience.
• Lifestyle: Urban, long retail hours, gyms and admin close by.
• Property types: Central apartments and penthouses.
• Buyer notes: Check parking and soundproofing. Sun varies by street and valley orientation.
• Example drive times: Funicamp 10-15 min; La Massana 10-15 min; Ordino 15-20 min.

Escaldes-Engordany

• Area feel: Upmarket next to the capital, spa and shopping.
• Average altitude: ~1,050 m
• Who it suits: Buyers who want prime finishes and central living.
• Lifestyle: Caldea spa, boutiques, river walks.
• Property types: Modern apartments, penthouses, villas around Engolasters and Sa Calma.
• Buyer notes: Highest m2 prices on prime streets. Confirm parking and storage.
• Example drive times: Andorra la Vella 5 min; Funicamp 10-15 min; La Massana 10-15 min.

Encamp

• Area feel: Residential gateway to Grandvalira via Funicamp.
• Average altitude: ~1,238 m
• Who it suits: Ski-focused buyers and families (see Schools in Andorra).
• Lifestyle: Quick resort access, quieter evenings.
• Property types: Apartments and duplexes, newer builds near the lift.
• Buyer notes: Check sun due to valley orientation. Verify insulation and heating efficiency.
• Example drive times: Funicamp 0-5 min; Andorra la Vella 10-15 min; Soldeu 20-25 min.

Canillo

• Area feel: High-mountain villages including El Tarter and Soldeu.
• Average altitude: ~1,526 m
• Who it suits: Second homes and slope-first buyers.
• Lifestyle: Skiing, hiking, quiet outside peak weeks.
• Property types: Chalets and stone houses, apartments near lifts.
• Buyer notes: Plan for winter driving and parking. Cooler winters, excellent summers.
• Example drive times: Soldeu or El Tarter 0-10 min; Encamp 10-15 min; Andorra la Vella 20-30 min.

La Massana

• Area feel: Popular expat base with Pal-Arinsal access.
• Average altitude: ~1,240 m
• Who it suits: Families and commuters who want town life without the capital.
• Lifestyle: Cafés, schools, gondola in town.
• Property types: Town apartments and duplexes; chalets in Anyós, Sispony and Arinsal.
• Buyer notes: Check community fees. Traffic peaks at school and gondola hours.
• Example drive times: Pal gondola 0-5 min; Andorra la Vella 10-15 min; Ordino 10-15 min.

Ordino

• Area feel: Green, scenic and calm.
• Average altitude: ~1,298 m
• Who it suits: Buyers who prioritise views, nature and village charm.
• Lifestyle: Trails, cycling, access to Ordino-Arcalís.
• Property types: Chalets and renovated stone houses, quality apartments.
• Buyer notes: Cooler microclimate. Check winter sun, access and parking.
• Example drive times: Arcalís 20-25 min; La Massana 10-15 min; Andorra la Vella 15-20 min.

Sant Julià de Lòria

• Area feel: Southern gateway to Spain, generally warmer and often better value.
• Average altitude: ~908 m
• Who it suits: Buyers seeking space per euro and quick border access.
• Lifestyle: Local shops and restaurants, easy year-round driving.
• Property types: Town apartments; townhouses and villas in Nagol and Aixirivall hills.
• Buyer notes: Less snow than the northern parishes. Check gradients and access for hillside homes.
• Example drive times: Andorra la Vella 10-15 min; La Massana 20-25 min; Encamp 20-25 min.

If you want a shortlist that fits your lifestyle and budget, start here: Buy Property in Andorra. If you are planning to relocate, we can align property, residency and practical setup so your move is smooth.