Grandvalira
The linked ski area from Encamp to Pas de la Casa
One pass covers the whole valley, from Encamp over to Pas de la Casa.
Soldeu & El TarterSkiing
Canillo, Soldeu & Grandvalira, Andorra
Ideal: 2–4 daysBest: Dec–Mar · Jul–SepPrice: Expensive
In 60 seconds
Canillo, Soldeu & Grandvalira in 60 seconds
The road east from the capital climbs through Encamp and Canillo to Soldeu and, over the pass, Pas de la Casa on the French side — and the whole way it runs beneath Grandvalira, the largest ski area in Andorra, linked from one end of the valley to the other. In summer the same slopes turn to hiking and biking country, with the side valley of Incles a favourite for a gentle walk. Between the lifts are some of the country's oldest buildings: the Romanesque church of Sant Joan de Caselles, its bell tower standing alone above the road, and the sanctuary of Meritxell, Andorra's patron, rebuilt by Ricardo Bofill after a fire. Above Canillo, the Roc del Quer walkway juts out over the valley. A winter week or a summer weekend.
SkiingWinter
Best for
- Mountains
- Hiking
Known for
- Grandvalira
- Sant Joan de Caselles
- Meritxell
- Roc del Quer
Skip if
You want a ski resort with a historic village heart — the slopes are superb, the villages mostly modern.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Canillo, Soldeu & Grandvalira fits them. Choose interests
See
Must experience
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Sant Joan de Caselles
Romanesque church above Canillo
A small stone church with a slender Lombard bell tower.
CanilloChurchRomanesque
Sanctuary of Meritxell
Shrine of Andorra's patron
Ricardo Bofill's sanctuary beside the ruins of the old chapel lost to fire.
MeritxellArchitecturePilgrimage
Roc del Quer
Walkway jutting out over the valley
A short drive above Canillo for a long view down the Valira.
CanilloView
Orientation
Neighbourhoods
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
Canillo
Parish village with a gondola to the slopes
A quieter base on the ski area.
Soldeu
Ski village at the heart of Grandvalira
Lifts from the main street and the liveliest après-ski.
Stay
Where to stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Soldeu
ExpensiveSki-in hotels
For a ski week, close to the lifts.
Skiing
Canillo
ModerateVillage hotels
Calmer and a little cheaper, with a gondola up.
Value
Practical
Know before you go
- Getting in
- Buses run up the valley from Andorra la Vella; in winter, ski buses link the villages.
- Ski season
- Usually from early December to early April, snow permitting.
- Summer
- Lifts reopen for hiking and mountain biking in July and August.
- Taste locally
- Trinxat and escudella after a day on the slopes.
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
History in 5 minutes
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
- 12th century
The church of Sant Joan de Caselles is built above Canillo.
- 1972
Fire destroys the old sanctuary of Meritxell; Bofill's new building follows.
Further out
Nearby escapes
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Andorra la Vella & Escaldes
The capital and Caldea
Andorra la Vella & Escaldes has its own guide.
25 min by busSpa
Ordino & La Massana
Over the Coll d'Ordino
Ordino & La Massana has its own guide.
25 min by carVillages