A north Andorran mountain town with direct access to ski slopes and lifts. Local restaurants serve regional dishes, making it a practical base for French border exploration.
Encamp, a mountain town at 1,300 meters in Andorra, connects to the Grandvalira ski resort via a 6-kilometer cable car. Walk through its medieval center to see the Torre dels Moros defense tower and two 16th-century dovecotes. Visit the National Automobile Museum to explore 80 vintage cars, or step inside Casa Cristo to experience daily life from the early 1900s. In summer, follow hiking trails to Lake Engolasters or climb to Pic dels Pessons at 2,865 meters.
Getting to Encamp
Reach Encamp in 10 minutes from Andorra la Vella via the CG-2 road. Public buses connect to the capital every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. From Girona or Barcelona airports, the drive takes 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Use the free Park and Ride service to park in town and take a shuttle bus to the Funicamp station.
Winter Activities in Grandvalira
The Funicamp gondola carries you to the Solanelles area of Grandvalira ski resort in 15 minutes, ascending 1,200 meters across 6 kilometers. Solanelles includes multiple blue runs for beginners and intermediate skiers. Stop for meals at the self-service restaurant or El Racó de Solanelles grill. Follow marked trails for ski mountaineering and snowshoeing, with local guides available for excursions.
Medieval Buildings in Town Center
The Torre dels Moros tower dominates the medieval center, with two 16th-century dovecotes nearby - the smaller Rossell and larger Cotxa. Visit Les Bons to see the Sant Romà church's 12th-century frescoes, both original and reproduced. The Santa Eulalia church combines architectural elements from different periods, with modifications from the 17th through 20th centuries.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Walk through Casa Cristo Ethnographic Museum's rooms to see early 1900s furnishings, including a kitchen with original cooking tools and period-furnished bedrooms. The National Automobile Museum displays cars from each decade of the 20th century, including rare models and vintage motorcycles. Near Lake Engolasters, visit the former Radio Andorra building, which broadcast across Europe from 1939 to 1981 using its high-altitude transmitter.
Summer Activities and Climate
Take the Camí de les Pardines trail, starting 3 kilometers up the CS-220 road, for an easy 3-kilometer walk to Lake Engolasters. Summer temperatures average 19°C (66°F), making it comfortable for hiking and climbing. May receives the most rainfall, while January temperatures average 2°C (36°F). Take guided tours on the Hydroelectric Route to learn about the lake's role in local power generation.
