A miniature state in the Pyrenees with dramatic mountain landscapes, enjoyable spas, and inviting duty-free shopping possibilities, Andorra offers attractions suitable for many tastes. There is a famous spa in Andorra's capital, and the mountains around are a scenic wonderland for skiing, trekking and other mountain activities. With Andorra it is hard to believe so many interesting things fit in such a small place!
Independent history. Independent since 1278, Andorra is one of the oldest independent nations of the world. With an area of 468 square km, it is also one of the smallest and one of the few countries with only one city, which in Andorra's case is the capital Andorra La Vella. In addition to the capital which offers best services for shopping in Andorra, Andorra is home to many small villages which offer skiing in Andorra in the winter, and facilities for trekking in Andorra in the summer. Andorra offers ideal settings for anyone who wants to try the best skiing slopes of the Pyrenees, or to go trekking in Andorra's refreshing mountain scenery.
Miniature size. Due to Andorra's small size and its mountainous surroundings formed by the Pyrenees, there are only two roads leading to Andorra. You can get into this city-state by road from either France or Spain. These are also the two countries Andorra's autonomous principality has closest cultural, administrative, and economical ties with. This is seen also in the fact that although Andorra's government is elected independently, the heads of state in Andorra are the bishop of Urgel in Spain and the president of France.
Andorra, mountainous city-state in Southern Europe
Andorra is a small mountainous state located in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, offering dramatic mountain landscapes which please the eye of even the most demanding nature lovers. More than that, Andorra is a city destination offering interesting reflections from both French and Spanish cultures, and a dream come true for those who want to shop duty-free high-end consumer goods. Except for shopping, Andorra la Vella offers you fertile surroundings also for relaxing. There most popular site for this purpose is Europe's largest health spa, Caldea, which is open all year round and offers you a variety of enjoyable services. This spa in Andorra is one of the main attractions of Andorra la Vella.Independent history. Independent since 1278, Andorra is one of the oldest independent nations of the world. With an area of 468 square km, it is also one of the smallest and one of the few countries with only one city, which in Andorra's case is the capital Andorra La Vella. In addition to the capital which offers best services for shopping in Andorra, Andorra is home to many small villages which offer skiing in Andorra in the winter, and facilities for trekking in Andorra in the summer. Andorra offers ideal settings for anyone who wants to try the best skiing slopes of the Pyrenees, or to go trekking in Andorra's refreshing mountain scenery.
Miniature size. Due to Andorra's small size and its mountainous surroundings formed by the Pyrenees, there are only two roads leading to Andorra. You can get into this city-state by road from either France or Spain. These are also the two countries Andorra's autonomous principality has closest cultural, administrative, and economical ties with. This is seen also in the fact that although Andorra's government is elected independently, the heads of state in Andorra are the bishop of Urgel in Spain and the president of France.
Practical information for your trip to Andorra
Weather in Andorra is variable with warm summers and cool winters.
Photo: Alfonso benayas, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Most of Andorra is snow-covered usually for five or six months a year, but summers in Andorra are warm. In spite of Andorra's small size, there are big regional differences in climate which are caused by altitude. The best time to visit Andorra for summer activities like trekking is from May to September, and for skiing between December and April.
How to get there. As Andorra has no airports, air traffic to this tiny county is dependent on airports of Toulouse in France and Barcelona in Spain, both of which are located about 200 km away from Andorra. You can travel to Andorra easily by road from Spain or France. The nearest train station to Andorra is l'Hospitalet in France close to the Andorran border. The best way to move around in Andorra is either by local bus or by using the services of car rental in Andorra.
Visitor services.Tourism is the mainstay of the economy in Andorra and the country offers excellent services for visitors. The many hotels in Andorra offer you enjoyable services and restaurants in Andorra have no problem feeding you after a busy day of skiing, trekking, or shopping. Apart from the dangers provided by its mountainous nature, Andorra is a safe destination with no major crime problems. Spanish and French are widely spoken in Andorra, and you can get by also in English.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Pyrenees, Barcelona
