Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

The Madriu-Perafito-Claror Valley is a glacial valley in the southeast of Andorra, which has an area of 42.47 square kilometers, which is nine percent of the country's territory. Containing a significant number of rare species, the valley became in 2004 the first and only site in Andorra to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2006 the protected area was expanded.

The valley of Madriu-Perafitu-Claror is a glacial gorge with high-mountain meadows and wooded ledges of rocks. From the south, west and east it is surrounded by mountains. In the north of the valley flows the river Valira, to which no roads lead, except hiking trails. However, the remains of residential buildings and traces of iron melting prove that people have lived here for more than 700 years.

Today, there are two small inhabited summer settlements in the valley, which number about 12 granite houses with a shale roof. In the Middle Ages, grapes were grown here. Agriculture is now being replaced by livestock. Forests until the XIX century were used for charcoal. Until 1790, iron ore mining and blacksmithing were practiced in the valley.

The valley is protected by rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, it is isolated from the rest of Andorra and can only be reached on foot through mountain crossings. Many tourists visit the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley to enjoy the amazing landscapes decorated with sheer cliffs, glaciers, valleys, forests and pastures.