Andorra has a knack for drawing visitors in with its natural beauty, tempting them to explore through outdoor adventures or, why not, a spot of shopping. This time, though, we want you to add another reason to visit the Principality to your plans: discovering its medieval villages. A road trip sounds like the perfect way to do it, and these four places definitely deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Ordino is an essential stop on any rural road trip through Andorra. Located in the north of the Principality, it charms visitors with its stone houses topped with pitched slate roofs, its laid-back pace of life and, perhaps most intriguingly, its reputation as the country’s cultural capital.

Here you’ll find places such as Casa d’Areny-Plandolit, an early 17th-century manor house that has survived almost completely intact to the present day; historic buildings and carvings whose origins date back to medieval times; and unusual museums such as the Miniature Museum, guaranteed to fascinate anyone with a naturally curious mind.

Its old town may be small, but that certainly doesn’t mean it is short on beauty. Start by wandering through its narrow streets and let yourself be surprised by the little corners you discover along the way.

You’ll particularly enjoy coming across the River Montaup or catching sight of the Church of Sant Serni, set slightly apart from the centre and combining Baroque architecture with Romanesque features. And while we’re on the subject of churches, make sure you also note down Sant Joan de Caselles. Just a few minutes’ walk from the centre, this beautiful Romanesque church is made even more special by its surroundings.

And if you’re heading out of Canillo, here’s one more recommendation: just five minutes away by car is the Basilica Sanctuary of Meritxell, dedicated to Andorra’s patron saint.

We’ve deliberately held back from talking about Andorra’s landscapes until now, because we wanted to save them for El Serrat. The scenery accompanying you along the CG-3 road will probably give you an idea of what awaits.

Whatever time of year you visit, the views are spectacular: blanketed in white snow, bursting with vivid greens in spring and summer or glowing with warm orange tones later in the year. Their beauty is guaranteed, as is the sense of wonder they inspire.

Make sure you get out and explore them, whether on foot, by mountain bike or by trying something different, such as forest bathing. Before you leave, stop by the Church of Sant Martí. Small and sturdy, it has stood witness to the passing of time in this part of Andorra since the 16th and 17th centuries.

This is the southernmost village on our road trip. Temperatures may be slightly milder here than elsewhere in the Principality, but you’ll find the same dramatic natural surroundings and distinctive Andorran architecture lining its streets.

With the River Valira running through the town, you may be surprised by just how close the mountains feel and by the sheltered atmosphere they create. Simply wandering around without a plan or exploring the nearby trails would be enough to enjoy your visit, but we also recommend stopping at the Church of Sant Julià and Sant Germà. Take a close look at its bell tower: a sturdy, three-storey example of Lombard architecture.

You should also visit the Chapel of Sant Bartomeu, home to one of the few Renaissance altarpieces found in Andorra. And one last thing you might like to know: Naturland adventure park, famous for its Tobotronc alpine coaster, is just a 15-minute drive away.

After a day exploring Andorra’s medieval villages, Sercotel Delfos Andorra makes a convenient base for the rest of your trip. Located in Escaldes-Engordany, just 50 metres from Avinguda Carlemany and a short walk from Caldea, the hotel puts shopping, restaurants and some of the Principality’s main attractions within easy reach. Its spacious, bright rooms, buffet breakfast, restaurant and private parking make it a comfortable place to recharge before setting off on your next Andorran adventure.