Which parish to choose in Andorra? Comparing the seven parishes
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The short answer
Andorra has seven parishes with very different profiles: urban and commercial in the centre, ski resorts in the north and east, residential valleys and the southern border. The best choice depends on your work, your family and your relationship with the mountains.
Overview
| Parish | Profile | Main asset | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra la Vella | Capital, shops, services | Everything on foot | Dense, parking is difficult |
| Escaldes-Engordany | Urban, thermal | Close to the centre | Very built-up |
| Encamp | Between town and resort | Access to ski areas | Traffic towards the border |
| Canillo | Resort, village | Skiing, heritage | Far from the centre |
| La Massana | Resort, residential | Mountains and services | Pronounced relief |
| Ordino | Village, nature | Quiet | More limited services |
| Sant Julià de Lòria | South, Spanish border | Access to Spain | Less touristy |
Choosing among seven parishes
The resident population reached 89,058verified on 12/10/2026 inhabitants at the end of 2025, up by 2.3 %verified on 12/10/2026. Canillo grew by 7.3 %verified on 12/10/2026, Andorra la Vella by 1.1 %verified on 12/10/2026: the pressure on housing is not uniform.
Four criteria for choosing
- Journeys between home and work or school at rush hour.
- Skiing: Canillo and Encamp for Grandvalira, La Massana for Pal Arinsal, Ordino for Ordino Arcalís (total ski area of 308 kmverified on 12/10/2026 for Grandvalira Resorts).
- Services: Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany.
- Budget: compare the price per m² in which parish to choose.
Living and buying in Andorra la Vella: a guide to the parish
Andorra la Vella is the capital and the country's main commercial and administrative centre. It suits those who want everything close by and an urban setting, at the cost of difficult parking and housing that is among the most sought after.
ReadLiving and buying in Canillo: a guide to the parish
Canillo is the parish of the large ski resorts in the north-east. It appeals to those who value mountains, quiet and Romanesque heritage, at the price of distance from the centre and more limited services.
ReadLiving and Buying in Encamp: Parish Guide
Encamp is a pivotal parish, between the urban area and the large ski areas of the east. It includes the Pas de la Casa area, on the French border, and offers a good compromise between services and access to the mountains.
ReadLiving and buying in Escaldes-Engordany: guide to the parish
Escaldes-Engordany is the thermal parish, adjoining the capital. Highly urban, well served and close to shops, it offers a practical living environment, between thermal baths, shopping centres and residential neighbourhoods.
ReadLiving in and buying in La Massana: a guide to the parish
La Massana combines a residential setting, mountain villages and ski and mountain-bike resorts. It offers a good balance between access to the centre and life in nature, suited to families and sports enthusiasts.
ReadLiving and Buying in Ordino: A Guide to the Parish
Ordino is the parish of quiet and heritage, in the north, with well-preserved villages and a ski area. It suits those seeking a peaceful setting, accepting more limited services and longer journeys.
ReadWhich Parish to Choose in Andorra? By Profile and Budget
The choice of parish depends on your profile and budget: asking prices per m² range from 4,715.91 €/m² in Sant Julià de Lòria to 10,401.09 €/m² in Escaldes-Engordany. Families, retirees, remote workers and skiers do not have the same priorities.
ReadLiving and buying in Sant Julià de Lòria: a guide to the parish
Sant Julià de Lòria, in the south, opens onto Spain and the services of the neighbouring region. Less touristy, it suits those who want a quiet residential setting, close to the Spanish border and the centre.
Read
Frequently asked questions
Which parish for a family?
The parishes in the centre offer schools, shops and services close by. The quieter valleys suit families who accept travelling more.
Which parish for skiing?
Canillo, Encamp, La Massana and Ordino are home to the resorts. The choice depends on the ski area and the access.
Where are the shops?
Mainly in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, which form the central urban area.
Where is it cheapest?
Prices vary with the type of property and the period. Consult the observatory for the differences.
Which parish is the cheapest?
It varies with the listings; see the table of asking prices by parish.
Which parish without a car?
Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, which are better served by buses.
Going further
Official sources
This information is general and is not personalised legal, tax or financial advice. It is verified as of the date shown and may change.