This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Escaldes-Engordany.
Escaldes-Engordany is located in the parish of the same name in the Souther part of Andorra, the biggest microstate of Europe that is situated in the Eastern Pyrenees between Spain and France. It is quite easy to get to Escaldes-Engordany, as all the buses coming to Andorra stop in Andorra la Vella. From there, it is only a 20 minute walk or a short bus ride away. Escaldes-Engordany is a good choice if you would like to be in a relatively central location. You also have the chance to familiarize youself with the history and culture of this tiny country, but at the same time you get a taste of the numerous mountains and national parks around. Escaldes-Engordany is one of the only places in Andorra that offer a hostel. Where you would not necessarily need your own means of transportation, there are frequent local buses leaving from here and going all over the three valleys of Andorra.
If you are staying in Escaldes-Engordany, you might want to spend a day exploring Andorra la Vella. Although the capital city is not the most impressive one, it does have a charming historic centre, which gives you a pretty good idea of how life was in the country throughout the centuries and where you can easily spend half a day stepping back in time amongst its characteristic stone buildings. Besides, Andorra la Vella is an excellent spot for shopping, and the numerous duty-free shops and complexes have something for everyone!
If you are here for entertainment, a few kilometers south is the Naturlandia park, a wildlife centre with various wild animals--the bears are definitely the stars of the park--and an adventure playground. However, if you want to experience the real Andorra, why not do a day hike to the Vall de Madriu-Perafita-Claror, which, according to many, is the most beautiful natural area of the country and is right on your doorstep.
Although in Escaldes-Engordany there are no hostels, there are plenty of cheap hotels, which will definitely not blow your budget. Alternatively, you can base yourself in Andorra la Vella's budget hostel and just rely on the regular buses to bring you here, or you can choose one of the atmospheric small hostels hidden in some quiet corners of Andorra, like the hostel in Sispony or in El Tarter.
Written by local enthusiast for Escaldes-Engordany hostels
JudyM