Location: Ordino
Top Things to do in Ordino
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Ordino, Andorra
Ordino (Catalan pronunciation: [urˈðinu], locally [oɾˈðino]) is the most northerly parish in the Principality of Andorra. It's mostly the main area of Valira del Nord or Valira d'Ordino river valley. Ordino is also the name of the main town of the parish. Other settlements in the parish are El Serrat, Ansalonga, Sornàs, La Cortinada, Llorts, Segudet, Arans, Les Salines and Arcalís. It is home to the Sorteny National Park, the largest nature area of Andorra. It has a population of 4,858, as of 2017. The town preserves a vast medieval center, mainly linked to the culture of the country.
Restaurants in Ordino
1. Mirador del Roc del Quer
Overall Ratings
5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By AlpineOwls - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
We saw this from Canillo so had to get to the top and walk out to this viewing platform. Plenty of parking (free as we found most of Andorra to be) and then we walked out to this amazing viewing point and discovered this was also totally free! A must if you ate in the area. You will find it if you drive along the pass from Ordino to Canillo.
2. Engolasters Lake-Les Pardines Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By VeryHungryWalker - Faringdon, United Kingdom
An easy walk for those of most abilities. Walked with a very determined and fit 82 year old who made it up, beyond and back down. Nice and shady in the heat but you lose the views. Several restaurants around the lake make a lovely welcome respite.
3. Sant Cristofol d'Anyos Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By FoxDylan - El Tarter, Andorra
This is a lovely looking church/building, it is so old especially if you are from Australia where a 20yr old Atco hut is almost considered a Heritage building, well, I'm slightly exaggerating but I'm sure you get my picture.
I often drive up to the little carpark near the church & walk my dogs out along the hiking trail leading down the hill from the church, it crosses a stream & will take you practically to Ordino.
Some times on hot days, I go up there & sit on the little bench behind the church drinking a cold bottle of water & enjoying the views across La Massana.
I often run into other people walking their dogs & we stop to chat, the locals are remarkably patient with my 'Spatalan' a dodgy mix of Spanish & Catalan & sometimes when I'm really lost for words, the occasional French or English word slides in & they smile & nod in understanding.
I once met a man exercising his 3yr old, female pet eagle up there, she was not restrained in any way & after sitting & chatting with him on the sunny beach I left to walk my dogs on the hiking trail, I came back hours later & he was still patiently sitting & waiting for his raptor to finish her meal of fresh caught rodent & I smiled at his obvious love, pride & genuine care of an animal that should never be caged. They obviously had a bond & no other ties except affection kept them together.
There is an old, gorgeous cemetery attached to the church, it is very small, well kept & achingly lovely to look at, time & weather have worn the headstones & you know they would be rough, cool & crumbly if you could run your hand along the stone. Sadly (but understandably, there is an old wooden & metal gate which is always locked. It would be the work of a moment to jump the wall or climb the gate & despite not being particularly religious, I respect the rules in this place because it has such a tranquil feel to it & I would never disturb something so obviously sacred to many.
The steps leading up to the little rounded church door are made of slate & lizards scamper across & in between the cracks as you approach, in some small gaps, golden headed dandelions poke out & add a bespoke charm. The top step is offers a gap of shade & it is here that I like to sit with my back leaned up against the solid old door & contemplate life & the world around me. The view is incredible regardless as to the season & to see it covered in snow is like entertaining a children's tale, like Narnia.
At night, it is quite well lit & it's a pleasant place to stop & survey the lights of La Massana twinkling in the distance & I can imagine it would be a romantic spot if you were looking for somewhere quiet to spend time or speak with a loved one, just don't turn up on McDonalds night when my son & I have the fun habit of getting take away & sitting up there with our dogs, I'm pretty sure, that could ruin the ambience .
You can see the church on the right hand side as you exit the big tunnels that connect La Massana & that valley to the town of Andorra La Vella & other places.
At night, the church has fairy lights highlighting its shape & it is quite striking. If you come to Andorra & you are interested in beautiful old buildings, religion or just somewhere peaceful to sit with great views then head up the hill to towards Anyos & give the church of Sant Cristofol a look, I personally have never seen it opened but that is hardly an issue for me & I'm sure tourist information could suggest something if you really wanted to go inside. Definitely worth a visit, if only to lay on the grass in the Sunshine & admire the views.
4. Santuario de Meritxell
Overall Ratings
4 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Doctorfancy - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
Interesting history about the church. Although I couldn't understand it because it was written in Catalan. Lovely place but not much there. It's not easy to get to on public transport, however it's free to look around. You can walk from here to Canillo from the back of the church, in understand its a lovely 2-3 hour walk. There's no direct walk on the main road.
5. Sant Joan de Caselles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
The building dates from the 11th-12th century and follows the architectural style of other Andorran Romanesque churches: it has a rectangular single nave with wooden ceiling, a semi-circular apse andLombard-style belfry. It conserves two archways probably built in the16th and 17th centuries.The interior has remains of a 12th century Romanesque stucco crucifix surrounded by a mural showing the crucifixion with Longinus andStephanon accompanied by the Sun and Moon. Behind the altar grillis a highly artistic 16th century altarpiece showing Italian and German Renaissance influence with scenes from the life and martyrdomof Saint John, author of the book of Revelations and patron saint ofthe church.
Reviewed By Diana B - Iasi, Romania
I definitely recommend visiting this 12th century church, which is a precious little gem on the way to Andorra la Vella, in Canillo (Andorra). It was closed when we stopped by, but still we could see it from outside, and we stayed a while on the porch, feeling the quietness and the intimacy of this ancient place.
6. L'Aldosa Horse Center & Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Olga_Timofeeva - Moscow, Moscow City, Russia
Very professional and responsible customer (rider) approach, excellent trained and reliable horses. The owner is a real professor in everything, what concerns horses and can find the best riding solution for each kind of weather.
7. Museu Casa d'Areny-Plandolit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
[ING]Casa d'Areny-Plandolit is one of the country's most emblematic museums. This house dates from the 17th century but most of the building is from the 19th century, when the family's fortune was at its height thanks to the figure of Guillem d'Areny-Plandolit.The furniture and household items are a faithful reflection of the family's lifestyle and social status, showing objects from a period when luxury was far from common in the Andorran Valleys. The tour takes visitors back to 19th and 20th century Andorra and includes a free strollaround the Gardens, which used to house the Museum of UnnaturalAnimals (1930), now renovated as the Andorra National Auditorium.[ESP]La Casa de Areny-Plandolit es uno de los museos mas emblematicosde Andorra. Esta casa esta fechada en el siglo XVII, pero la mayoria delas estructuras son de mediados del siglo XIX, momento de maximoesplendor economico de la familia Gracias a la figura de Don Guillemde Areny-Plandolit.El mobiliario y el menaje se conservan fieles al estilo de vida de esta familia y a su condicion social, y se exponen todos los objetos de una epoca donde el lujo y los caprichos eran totalmente inexistentes en los valles andorranos. La visita os traslada a la Andorra de los siglos XIX y XX, e incluye un paseo libre por los jardines del recinto, en el que tambien se encontraba el antiguo Museo de Animales Desnaturalizados (1930), actualmente rehabilitado como Auditorio Nacional de Andorra.
Reviewed By ManilaKwan - Manila
A view into the past, the only stately home that has survived the times. The original building dates back to the 12th century and has been refurbished several times. The tour shows us something about life in 19th and 20th-century Andorra and the artefacts used by the only family with nobility titles in the principality at a time when luxuries and comforts did not exist in Andorra. Guided tour with very good explanations.
8. Vallnord Pal-Arinsal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
Reviewed By AJerseyBean - Jersey, United Kingdom
We visited during half term, very busy, but we all had a fab time. Three skiers and one non skier and we all enjoyed ourselves. I utilized the Spa at our hotel, walked and popped up the mountain to watch, hubby and kids enjoyed their lessons. Staff at The ski school were very helpful, it turned out to be great for beginners. The village is compact, with some nice restaurants, just wish Andorra itself was a little easier to get too.
9. Museu Nacional de l'Automobil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
The National Automobile Museum shows the entire evolution of vehicles: from Pinette's steam engine (1885) - the museum's oldest exhibit to the second half of the 20th century. The collection is considered one of the most important in southern Europe, comprising eighty cars, some sixty motorbikes and a hundred bicycles. The collection is complemented by a set of objects related to the automotive world: miniatures, posters, advertising, accessories, etc.The tour allows visitors to discover how these mechanical artefactshave been used to transport people and merchandise around theworld, making them one of the most important achievements of the20th century.
Reviewed By Kev012 - Bridlington, United Kingdom
We were on a Leger Coach Holiday to Green Spain & Andorra, this was one of the places we visited on our excursion from Andorra la Vella.
Our drivers negotiated a 1 euro discount per person as we were a group.
It is a very compact museum over 5 floors with lift access.
All the vehicles on display are in imacculate condition, I think thay must spend hours polishing them.
An unexpected interesting visit
10. Pas De La Casa Ski
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By DMH99 - Knutsford, United Kingdom
Good access to the Grandvalira ski area. Tends to get more foggy low cloud than the rest of the area. Lots of hotels close to the ski lifts. Late night floodlit skiing up to 8pm on 2 nights a week. Sadly there are lots of late night bars and clubs resulting in very raucous behaviour, including fights on the streets, as late as 3-45am! The noise affects hotels throughout the town.
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