Andorra Nature Parks
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In Andorra there are three Nature protected spaces, probably the highest concentration of protected areas in the world. They are the Valle de Sorteny, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror and the Valles del Comapedrosa.
Sorteny Valley
This protected park in the parish of Ordino extends across both sides of the river Sorteny, covering an area of more than 1,000 hectares. Although it is the smallest park, it is very rich in biodiversity, with more than 700 species of flowers and plants. A large part of the area has been set aside for education purposes. It has its own botanic garden, with species found in the park that are only found in the Pyrenees, as well as routes for all levels. In terms of animals, the park is home to the Pyrenean chamois, the Pyrenean newt and the common frog, among other species. The car park at the park entrance has an information point, which is open in summer and winter. The parish has a huge variety of accommodation options, as the Ordino Arcalís ski resort is very nearby. In relation to the natural park, it is worth mentioning that Ordino is one of UNESCO’s protected natural mountain sites. In 2020, the international organisation designated the parish as a Biosphere Reserve and, in 2022, Ordino became a member of the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves.
Madriu-Perafita-Claror
This is the biggest natural space in Andorra, with over 40,000 protected hectares in the parishes of Andorra la Vella, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany and Sant Julià de Lòria. It covers 10% of the surface area of Andorra and its landscape is spectacularly beautiful, which is why it was declared a UNESCO cultural landscape world heritage site. Guided tours for visitors are organised in summer to discover not just the fauna and flora, but also the footprint left by humans, who have made sustainable use of its resources for over 700 years. The "bordas" (small buildings for farm animals) and remains of forges are just two such examples. It has four big car parks at the main entrances in each parish. In Andorra la Vella you'll also find the Portal del Valle (c/ Prat de la Creu 74-76), a visitors' reception centre. The nature park also has a number of mountain shelters.
Valles del Comapedrosa
This is the westernmost of the two Nature Parks in Andorra, in the parish of La Massana. Its legendary Alt de Comapedrosa (2,942 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 mouse-ear. The park's regular inhabitants include Aurelio's rock lizards, golden eagles and bearded vultures. The Interpretation Centre is in Arinsal, with exhibitions and audiovisuals on the park. Given its proximity to the Pal Arinsal ski resort, there is a wide range of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions on offer.
