Natural parks of Andorra

Andorra has three protected natural areas, probably the highest concentration of protected areas in the world. These are Valle de Sorteny, Madriu Perafita Claror and Valles del Comapedrosa. Find out about their main attractions and information points in each here.

This protected park in the parish of Ordino runs along both banks of the Sorteni River and covers an area of ​​more than 1000 hectares. Despite being the smallest of the three, it is rich in biodiversity, with over 700 species of flowers and plants. Most of the park is dedicated to educational purposes. It has its own botanical garden with species known only in the Pyrenees and native to this natural park, and has accessible routes for all levels. The park's wildlife includes the ibex, Pyrenean river salamander and common frog. The Center de Natura, a modern interpretation and exhibition center of the park, is located in the village of Cortinada. There is also an information booth in the main car park, open in summer, near the village of Serrat. There are many hotels just 10 km from Ordino, as it is located close to the Ordino Arcalis ski resort.

It is the largest natural area in Andorra, with more than 40,000 protected hectares in the parishes of Andorra la Vella, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany and Sant Julia de Lória. It occupies 10% of Andorra's area and its landscapes are incredibly beautiful, which is why it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In summer, excursions are organized for visitors to discover not only the fauna and flora, but also the traces left by the people who have managed its resources sustainably for over 700 years. "Boards" (small buildings for farm animals) and the remains of forges are just two such examples. There are four large car parks at the main entrance of each parish. In Andorra la Vella you will also find the Portal del Valle (c/ Prat de la Creu 74-76), a visitors' reception centre. The nature park also has several mountain huts.

This is the westernmost of Andorra's two natural parks, in the parish of La Massana. Its legendary Alt de Comapedrosa (2942 m) is the highest peak in the Principality. In the park you can find species of typical alpine flowers, such as the alpine violet or the Pyrenean mousethorn. The permanent inhabitants of the park are Aurelio rock lizards, golden eagles and bearded vultures. An interpretation center is located in Arinsal, with exhibitions and audiovisual facilities in the park. Given its proximity to the Vallnord-Pal Arinsal ski resort, there is a wide choice of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.