Where to live in Andorra: a complete guide to the best areas, villages and real differences between parishes

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The essential information to confidently choose where to establish your residence in Andorra

Andorra is a small country, yet surprisingly complex. Altitude, sunlight, climate, distance from the centre, and the distribution of services mean that quality of life can vary significantly from one parish to another, and even between streets or residential areas within the same village.
This guide provides a complete, honest and practical overview for anyone considering living in or investing in the country.

🔄 Essential classification: lower parishes and higher parishes

Andorra is divided into seven parishes. While they are not homogeneous, each shares certain internal characteristics that make it possible to identify common traits within their respective territories.

If you would like a general overview of Andorra’s parishes, you can consult the article The parishes of Andorra: structure, functions and territorial characteristics.

🔹 Lower parishes (milder climate, less snow and more comfortable daily life)

Out of the seven parishes, only three can truly be considered climatically low-altitude areas, all located below 1,000 metres above sea level:

• Escaldes-Engordany
• Andorra la Vella
• Sant Julià de Lòria

They experience less snow, better sunlight, less ice on roads and paths (higher average temperatures), and reduced dependence on private vehicles.
They are ideal for those who prioritise climatic comfort, proximity to services, and closeness to Spain — a key factor for those who travel there frequently.

🔹 Higher parishes (colder climate, more snow and mountain environment)

From a climatic perspective, the rest of Andorra is considered high-altitude territory:

• La Massana
• Encamp
• Ordino
• Canillo (Soldeu, El Tarter)

Pas de la Casa: although it technically belongs to the parish of Encamp, from a climatic and territorial standpoint it makes sense to consider it almost as a separate parish. Its climate is even classified as Atlantic.

These areas experience more snowy days, lower temperatures and increased winter shade.
They attract profiles seeking nature, tranquillity and views, or proximity to ski resorts.

Sun exposure: the factor that most influences daily life

In Andorra, living in a sunny area or in a shaded one can completely change the residential experience. While this factor matters everywhere, well-sun-exposed areas are particularly scarce in Andorra. As a result, a property’s location directly affects:

• hours of sunlight
• indoor temperature
• heating consumption
• humidity
• overall comfort

🔹 Well-sun-exposed areas (highly valued)

In general, well-sun-exposed areas are the most sought after. In a mountainous country like Andorra, shaped by multiple valleys, such areas are especially scarce. The main ones include:

• Sa Calma, Els Vilars d’Engordany and Can Diumenge (Escaldes)
• Sispony, Escàs and Anyós (La Massana)
• Aixirivall, Juberri and Nagol (Sant Julià)
• Prats and Meritxell (Canillo)
• La Vila and Les Bons (Encamp)
• Sornàs, Ansalonga and Arans (Ordino)

Not all of these areas receive the same level of solar radiation, but on average they are the sunniest.

🔹 Shaded areas (for those who tolerate cold and limited sun exposure)

• Engolasters (upper area)
• Soldeu, El Tarter and Incles
• Cortals d’Encamp (upper area)
• Llorts and El Serrat (Ordino)

In parishes such as Andorra la Vella or Escaldes-Engordany, development spans both sides of the valley, resulting in mixed areas rather than a clear distinction between well-sun-exposed and shaded zones.

General characteristics of each parish

Although there are significant differences between individual properties within each parish, certain general characteristics can be identified.

🔹 Escaldes-Engordany – The most premium parish

Mild climate, proximity to the centre and high-end residential areas. Commercially active, with good sunlight and spacious surroundings. It still offers large green areas and ample parking.
➤ Complete guide to the parish of Escaldes-Engordany

🔹 Andorra la Vella – Administrative centre

Functional, urban and with constant services. Highly uneven residential areas. It has the highest population density in the country and concentrates a large share of national services and retail.
➤ Complete guide to Andorra la Vella

🔹 Sant Julià de Lòria – The brightest parish

Excellent climate, strong local life and substantial commercial activity. Several shopping centres allow access to a wide range of services, notably Epizen and River.
➤ Complete guide to Sant Julià de Lòria

🔹 La Massana – Family life and international community

A high-altitude parish that remains very dynamic, with highly valued residential areas such as Sispony, Escàs and L’Aldosa. One of the preferred locations for expatriates.
➤ Complete guide to La Massana

🔹 Ordino – Exclusivity and serenity

The most tranquil and natural parish, with limited retail activity and a strong local identity. Often regarded as the most beautiful parish, but also the most isolated and least commercially active.
➤ Complete guide to Ordino

🔹 Encamp – The most uneven parish

Ranging from excellent residential areas to extremely cold zones such as Pas de la Casa. Historically more affordable for those wanting proximity to the centre, today prices are virtually identical to central areas, especially in new developments. It is currently undergoing significant revitalisation and public investment.
➤ Complete guide to Encamp

🔹 Canillo – Family-oriented and very cold

Picturesque villages, good quality of life and a clearly winter-oriented environment. Some areas offer outstanding views and direct access to nature. The parish centre has a limited but sufficient commercial core.
➤ Complete guide to Canillo

⭐ The most premium areas in the country

🔹 Absolute premium

• Sa Calma (Escaldes)
• Els Vilars (Escaldes)
• Can Diumenge (Escaldes)
• Anyós, Sispony and Escàs (La Massana)
• Sornàs, Ansalonga and Arans (Ordino)
• Prats (Canillo)
• La Vila (Encamp)
• Juberri, Nagol and Aixirivall (Sant Julià)

🔸 High premium

• Engolasters (lower area)
• L’Aldosa de la Massana
• La Cortinada (lower area)
• Les Bons (Encamp)
• Meritxell and El Vilar (Canillo)
• Aixirivall and Juberri (Sant Julià)
• Auvinyà (Sant Julià)

Detailed description of villages and main residential areas

🔹 Sant Julià de Lòria

A sunny parish, close to Spain and just 10 minutes from the country’s centre. Any area outside the central nucleus of Sant Julià de Lòria requires the use of a private vehicle.

• Nagol – One of the sunniest areas in the country, with wide panoramic views. Access road is steep and winding.
• Aixirivall – Excellent orientation and very peaceful surroundings. Good access, with a road well maintained even during snowfall.
• Juberri – Premium residential area offering privacy and panoramic views. Access road is narrow and winding.
• Auvinyà – Rural charm and outstanding views. Property availability is extremely limited.
• Fontaneda and Llumeneres – Quiet but isolated settlements with excellent views.
• Bixessarri – Absolute tranquillity, with less practical mobility.

🔹 Andorra la Vella

All services are within easy reach, and living without a private vehicle is possible. The following areas stand out:

• Centre – Practical, functional and with all services available.
• Tobira / Vall del Riu – Good views and tranquillity close to the centre.
• Santa Coloma – Industrial character and lower residential quality.
• La Comella – Areas pending development, with industrial activity.
• Margineda – Very isolated, with little urban life.

🔹 Escaldes-Engordany

A large part of the parish is visually indistinguishable from the centre and does not require the use of a private vehicle. The following areas stand out:

• Sa Calma – The premium area par excellence.
• Els Vilars d’Engordany – Outstanding orientation and open views.
• Can Diumenge – Luxury developments and detached houses.
• Engolasters (lower area) – Very suitable for permanent residence.
• Engolasters (upper area) – Cold and isolated.
• Vila d’Engordany – Quiet and well connected.

🔹 La Massana

Its centre is the closest experience to living in the country’s centre, although with a more limited offer, organised around a main street. The following population centres stand out:

• Anyós – Residential, sunny and private.
• Sispony – Chalets and one of the most sought-after areas in the country.
• Escàs – Very low density and high quality of life.
• L’Aldosa – Family-oriented and with an established international community.
• La Massana centre – Services, restaurants and active daily life.

🔹 Ordino

One of the most sought-after parishes among the expat community, particularly among older profiles seeking tranquillity and good views.The following population centres stand out:

• Sornàs – Sun exposure, views and high residential quality.
• Ansalonga – Highly valued for its orientation and tranquillity.
• Arans – Silence and a privileged natural setting.
• La Cortinada (lower area) – Very practical for year-round living.
• Segudet – Small and pleasant residential nucleus.
• Llorts and El Serrat – Cold climates with many days of shade.

🔹 Encamp

One of the parishes undergoing the greatest revitalisation, with a dynamic centre and a notable commercial and dining offering. Good sunlight, good access routes and proximity to the centre. The following areas stand out:

• Les Bons – Sunny, quiet and with good views.
• La Vila – One of the best orientations in Encamp.
• Encamp centre – Practical, despite being a high-altitude parish.
• Els Cortals (lower area) – Good residential area.
• Els Cortals (upper area) and Beixalís – Very cold, with strong winter constraints.
• Pas de la Casa – Extreme climate, snow and wind, with a commercial focus. Not recommended for year-round residence.

🔹 Canillo

A cold and quiet parish, somewhat isolated from the centre but very close to the GrandValira ski slopes. The following areas stand out:

• Prats – Sun exposure, views and high residential value.
• Meritxell – Quiet and well oriented.
• Ransol – Attractive but cold.
• L’Aldosa de Canillo – Small residential nucleus.
• El Vilar and La Costa – Good views, demanding climate.
• Incles – Spectacular but extremely cold.
• Soldeu and El Tarter – Ideal for ski season, less practical year-round.
• Bordes d’Envalira – Strong winds and harsh climate.

Parishes with more services and better daily life

The most suitable areas for those who prioritise walking, access to shops, schools and restaurants:

• Escaldes-Engordany
• Andorra la Vella
• Sant Julià de Lòria
• La Massana centre
• Encamp centre

The remaining parishes are quieter and more dependent on private vehicles.

Conclusion: which is the best area to live in?

There is evidently no single answer, nor a universally correct one. However, depending on individual profiles and priorities, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• Mild climate and services: Escaldes, Andorra la Vella and Sant Julià.
• Families and international community: La Massana (Anyós, Sispony, Escàs, L’Aldosa).
• Exclusivity and nature: Ordino (Sornàs, Ansalonga, Arans).
• Balance between quality and price: Encamp (Les Bons, La Vila) and certain areas of Sant Julià.
• Winter enthusiasts: Soldeu, El Tarter, Incles.
• Areas not recommended year-round: Pas de la Casa, upper Cortals, Llorts, Serrat, industrial zones.
• Frequent travel to Spain: Sant Julià, and potentially Andorra la Vella or Escaldes.

🤝 Do you need expert guidance?

If you would like us to help you choose the most suitable location, or to recommend real estate agencies that genuinely act in the client’s best interest, you can contact us via our form.

Our areas of specialisation include residence permits, business and company establishment, international taxation, and business optimisation or valuation. In many cases, these services require an initial or in-depth analysis of the residential situation. Contact us or book your personalised session at the bottom of this article — we will be pleased to assist you with expert guidance.

If relevant, you may also wish to read Living in Andorra: the essential guide to obtaining residence and settling with confidence.

If, on the other hand, you are considering setting up a company, we recommend reading The definitive guide to incorporating a company in Andorra.

Last review: December 2025