Andorra Parish Real-Estate Guide

Andorra has 7 parishes. A parish is the local municipality with its own council (Comú) managing permits, local taxes, parking, waste and services. Each parish covers a main town plus surrounding villages and valleys. When you choose a home you also choose a microclimate, altitude, services and daily travel times.

Andorra la Vella

• Area feel: Capital, walkable, busiest traffic.
• Average altitude: ~1,023 m (3,356 ft)
• Who it suits: Professionals wanting maximum convenience.
• Lifestyle: Urban, long retail hours, gyms and admin close.
• Property types: Central apartments and penthouses.
• Buyer notes: Check parking and soundproofing, sun varies by street.
• 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 (3,445 ft)
• Who it suits: 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 in 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 (4,062 ft)
• Who it suits: Ski focus and families seeking value.
• Lifestyle: Quick resort access, quieter evenings.
• Property types: Apartments and duplexes, newer builds near lift.
• Buyer notes: Check sun due to valley orientation; verify 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 (5,007 ft)
• Who it suits: Second homes and slope-first buyers.
• Lifestyle: Ski, hiking, quiet outside peaks.
• Property types: Chalets and stone houses, apartments near lifts.
• Buyer notes: Plan for winter driving and parking; cooler winters, great 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 (4,068 ft)
• Who it suits: Families and commuters wanting 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 (4,259 ft)
• Who it suits: Views 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 and access.
• 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, warmer and good value.
• Average altitude: ~908 m (2,979 ft)
• Who it suits: Space per euro and 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 northern parishes; check gradients for hillside homes.
• Example drive times: Andorra la Vella 10-15 min; La Massana 20-25 min; Encamp 20-25 min.