I have always believed that a vacation is not a real vacation if my furry best friend cannot come along. I recently took a trip to a tiny country tucked in the Pyrenees mountains called Andorra. This place is the sixteenth smallest country in the world by landmass. It has a population of only about 85,000 people. Though it is small, it is a paradise for people who love the outdoors. Dog friendly Andorra is a dream come true for travelers who want to explore nature with their pets. I found that more than 90 percent of the territory is natural surroundings. This includes lakes, mountains, and three natural parks.
First of all, I had to make sure my dog could legally enter the country. Andorra is not part of the European Union, but it follows similar rules. My dog needed a microchip that meets ISO 11784/11785 standards. Additionally, a valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. If it is a first-time shot, you must wait 21 days before you travel. I also had to carry a pet passport because I was coming from the EU. If you come from a non-EU country, you will need an official animal health certificate. Finally, your pet must be at least 15 weeks old to enter.
The Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Andorra
I spent a lot of time looking for the best pet friendly hotels in Andorra. There are so many options that it can feel overwhelming. However, I have narrowed down my favorites based on my personal stays and research.
Hotel de l’Isard
This hotel is right in the center of Andorra la Vella. I loved being in the middle of the shopping district. The rooms are very spacious and have great mountain views. The cost is 15 Euros per day per pet. One thing I appreciated was that I could leave my dog in the room if I told the reception desk first. They allow up to two pets. On top of that, the Wi-Fi is free and the rooms have a minibar.
Acta Arthotel
I stayed here because I wanted a bit of luxury. It is a four-star hotel in the capital city. They have a Turkish bath, a spa, and a gym. They allow up to two dogs per room. Your dog must weigh less than 30 kilograms. Similarly to other top spots, they provide dog bowls in the room. The best part? I could have breakfast with my dog right next to me. This made my mornings much more relaxed.
Roc Blanc & Spa
This is a legendary spot in Escaldes-Engordany. It is located on the famous Plaça Coprínceps. They charge 19 Euros per night per pet. This fee covers a bed, a water bowl, and extra cleaning. I found it very helpful that they accept pets of all sizes and weights. Plus, you can hang out with your pet in the hotel lobby or the cafeteria. They even have a special area in their restaurant, L’Entrecôte, where pets are welcome.
Els Llacs Mountain Apartments
If you prefer more space, these apartments in Soldeu are perfect. They are located at an altitude of 1,960 meters. The flats are huge, at least 60 square meters. They have a kitchen, which made it easy to store my dog’s food. They charge a supplement of 10 Euros per pet per night. Additionally, they have a spa with an outdoor jacuzzi. I loved the balcony because my dog could go out and sniff the mountain air whenever he wanted.
Abba Ordino Babot Hotel
This hotel is in a very quiet area of Ordino. It is ideal for families. Every room has a terrace with fantastic views. They allow up to two small pets per room. The maximum weight is 20 kilograms. The price is 30 Euros per day, which is a bit higher than others. However, the peace and quiet are worth it.
Sport Hotel Hermitage and Spa
To find ultimate luxury, you must go here. It is a five-star hotel at the top of the mountain in Soldeu. It is a ski-in, ski-out property. They have eight different restaurants and three Michelin-star chefs. The rooms have luxury linens and even a pillow menu. While it is very fancy, they do accommodate pets. You get daily access to their massive spa if you stay there.
Exploring the Outdoors: Trails and Parks
Andorra is famous for its nature. I took my dog on several hikes that were simply breathtaking. First of all, the Incles Valley is a must-see. We walked the Camí de l’Obac. It is only 2.94 kilometers long and almost flat. This makes it perfect for small dogs or older ones. The path follows a river through woods and meadows.
Later, we visited the Sorteny Natural Park. This park is a biosphere reserve. We took a circular route that is 2.3 kilometers long. It has a very small gradient of only 50 meters. My dog loved crossing the meadows and woods. We even saw a botanical garden with local plants. If you are feeling more active, you can hike to the Estanyó Lake. That hike takes about two hours each way and is a bit steeper.
Another great spot is the Engolasters Lake. It is a very easy route to walk around the lake. The scenery is a mix of nature and culture. At that time, the water was very clear. Many families bring their pets here because it is so accessible by car.
Important Rules for Pet Owners
I had to follow specific rules while wandering around. Pet friendly hotels Andorra usually require you to keep your dog on a leash in public areas. You must also clean up after your pet. If you do not, you might face a fine.
I learned that Andorra has strict laws about dangerous animals in andorra. This mostly refers to specific dog breeds. Breeds like the Pit Bull, Rottweiler, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are on this list. If your dog is one of these breeds, it must wear a muzzle in public. Also, the leash must be non-extendable and no longer than 1.5 meters. Owners of these breeds need civil liability insurance and special documentation.
You should also know about the barking rules. You can be fined if your dog barks too much during certain hours. For example, a fine of 200 Euros can happen if a dog is noisy between 10 PM and midnight. Between midnight and 6 AM, the fine goes up to 300 Euros. Therefore, it is important to keep your pet calm.
Unique Dog Experiences
One of the most surprising things I found was a dog spa called GosSwim. It is a hydrotherapy center for dogs. They have a pool heated to 88 degrees. This helps a dog’s muscles relax. I saw a dog named Laila there who was recovering from an injury. She wore a life vest and swam with the help of a trainer named Silvia. After the swim, she got a bath and a blow-dry. It is a great place for senior dogs or those who just want to play in the water.
For shopping, I took my dog to the Shopping Mile in Andorra la Vella. Many stores are happy to let dogs inside. I also visited the Noblesse du Temps sculpture by Salvador Dali. We strolled through Parc Central in the afternoon. The city is very easy to walk through with a pet.
Travel Tips and Logistics
I drove to Andorra from Barcelona, which took about three hours. There is no airport in the country, so you have to arrive by road. The border can be very busy, especially on weekends. I once sat in traffic for two hours just to move 10 kilometers! If you visit in the winter, your car must have snow tires or chains.
Regarding public transport, things are a bit limited. Only small dogs in carriers are allowed on public buses. The carrier cannot be larger than 45x35x25 centimeters. However, taxis are usually helpful if you call them ahead of time. I used an app called CityXerpa, which is like Uber, to find pet-friendly rides.
Some people ask, “is della resorts pet friendly” or compare Andorra to “pet friendly resorts in uttan” or “pet friendly hotels in anaheim”. While I have been to many places, Andorra feels unique because the whole country is focused on the mountains. In places like Anaheim, you are in a busy city near theme parks. In Andorra, you are in a quiet village where every trail is a new adventure.
Traditional Andorran Food
After a long hike, I was always hungry. I found several pet-friendly restaurants. Borda Eulari in Anyós serves traditional food in a cozy setting. I also enjoyed L’Entrecôte at the Roc Blanc hotel. If you want a vegetarian meal, Veggie’s World in the capital is fantastic. The staff is very friendly and the food is super fresh. I also loved Odei Cafe, which is owned by a cycling fan. They have great coffee and healthy bowls.
FAQ
Which hotel chain is the most dog friendly?
I found that Abba and Plaza Hotels & Resorts (like the Grand Plaza and Suites Plaza) are very prominent chains with clear rules for pets.
Is Andorra pet friendly?
Yes, it is very pet friendly. The country is a paradise for nature lovers because more than 90 percent of the area is natural surroundings.
Can you leave pets in hotels?
It depends on the specific hotel policy. Some places allow it if you tell the staff, but many others require your pet to stay with you.
Can I leave my pet alone in a hotel room?
You can leave your dog alone at Hotel de l’Isard if you notify the reception desk. ApartHotel RIALB and Aparthotel Sant Andreu also allow this. However, hotels like Roc Blanc and Grand Plaza strictly forbid leaving pets unattended.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Andorra is an ideal destination for a holiday in the mountains with your dog. It offers trails for all levels and tastes.
What is Andorra most famous for?
This country is famous for its mountain scenery, ski resorts, and duty
Concluding words
I realized that Andorra is one of the most welcoming places for dogs in Europe. From the dog friendly andorra trails to the high-end pet friendly hotels andorra, everything is set up for a great time. I met a woman named Olga who runs a B&B called Cal Batlle. She has a dog named Bola. Her place is for adults only, which means it is very quiet—just dogs and grown-ups.
Andorra is a magical place between Spain and France. It has a Mediterranean climate in the summer and plenty of snow in the winter. Whether you want to ski, hike, or just relax in a spa, your dog can be right there with you. I cannot wait to go back and see the mountains again.
