Escaldes-Engordany, one of Andorra’s seven parishes, offers a unique combination of natural beauty, rich history, and active culture. Established as an independent entity from Andorra la Vella in 1978, the parish has quickly grown into an important region within the country. In 2014, it had a population of 13,634, making it Andorra’s second most populous parish. Its peculiar qualities and vibrant community distinguish it from the surrounding Pyrenean landscape.

Les Escaldes, the parish’s urban region, is named because its abundance of hot springs. These geothermal marvels, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 66°C, are renowned for their high sulfur and nitrogen concentration, a combination that has sparked interest for many years. The Romans were among the first to understand the medicinal benefits of these springs. Despite their early awareness, efforts to construct bathhouses around these natural beauties were met with opposition in the 1800s, as local officials worried potential health dangers to tourists. Today, Les Escaldes has embraced its geothermal wealth, with the famed Caldea spa resort utilizing the region’s natural resources.

The parish also has a significant industrial background. Les Escaldes has long been known for its thriving textile industry, which had skilled guilds that produced woven textiles and umbrellas. Though no longer the backbone of the local economy, this heritage recognizes the past’s hardworking spirit and commitment to Andorra’s economic progress. The Santa Anna, a traditional dance that the local community still values, adds to the area’s cultural richness.

Escaldes-Engordany is strategically positioned and borders a number of other Andorran parishes. It is located to the north and northeast of Encamp, south of Sant Julià de Lòria, west of Andorra la Vella, and northwest of La Massana. It also touches the Spanish border to the east, south, and southeast, making it a cultural and geographical crossroads. The region’s climate is cool, with an average annual temperature of 8.5°C. Summer temperatures peak around 17.3°C in July, while winters can drop to 1.9°C in January. Rainfall is moderate, with an annual average of 799.9 mm, and May is the wettest month. Notable temperature extremes include a blazing 33°C in August 1974 and a freezing -21°C in January 1935.

Escaldes-Engordany is particularly well-known for its yearly jazz festival, a cultural extravaganza that draws people and performers from around the world. This event gives the region a modern energy that complements its natural and historical beauty.

Engordany, another important location in the parish, adds to the charm of Les Escaldes. Together, these areas form a unified community in which innovation and tradition live peacefully. Escaldes-Engordany, with its historic hot springs, lively city center, and cultural energy, symbolizes Andorra’s essence: a place where natural beauty and cultural diversity meet. The parish’s current attractions, ranging from spa resorts to cultural festivals, illustrate its dynamic growth while being strongly steeped in its historical underpinnings.