Andorra

Essential Andorra Information

• Language: Catalan (official), Spanish and French widely spoken
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Timezone: Central European Time (CET) UTC+1 (UTC+2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
• Travel: Not part of the EU or Schengen Area, but accessible with a Schengen visa
• Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service

Where to Stay in Andorra: Top Areas for Visitors

Andorra la Vella

Central Shopping Historic Busy

The capital and largest city of Andorra, Andorra la Vella is the heart of the principality. It’s known for its duty-free shopping, historic old town, and modern amenities. Stay here for easy access to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, as well as good transport connections to ski resorts.

Soldeu

Sightseeing Family Quiet

Part of the Grandvalira ski area, Soldeu is a charming village that’s perfect for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. In summer, it transforms into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers. The village offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the capital, with family-friendly amenities and stunning mountain views.

Pas de la Casa

Nightlife Shopping Budget

Located on the French border, Pas de la Casa is known for its lively atmosphere and affordable accommodations. It’s popular with younger visitors for its vibrant après-ski scene and duty-free shopping. The town offers direct access to the slopes of the Grandvalira ski area.

La Massana

Local Quiet Sightseeing

A picturesque town surrounded by mountains, La Massana offers a more authentic Andorran experience. It’s a great base for outdoor activities in both winter and summer, with access to the Vallnord ski area. The town center has a laid-back vibe with local restaurants and shops.

Arinsal

Family Budget Quiet

Part of the La Massana parish, Arinsal is a small, friendly resort town ideal for families and beginners in skiing. It offers a good range of affordable accommodations and has a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. In summer, it’s a popular starting point for hikes in the surrounding mountains.

Must-See Sights in Andorra

• Caldea Thermal Spa: Europe’s largest mountain spa complex, offering a unique thermal experience.
• Casa de la Vall: The former parliament building in Andorra la Vella, now a museum showcasing Andorran history and culture.
• Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this glacial valley offers beautiful hiking trails and traditional rural landscapes.
• Sant Joan de Caselles Church: A beautiful Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century.
• Grandvalira and Vallnord: Andorra’s main ski areas, offering world-class slopes and facilities.
• Meritxell Sanctuary: A modern architectural marvel and important religious site for Andorra.

Discover Andorra’s Hidden Gems

• Sorteny Valley Nature Park: A lesser-known park with diverse flora and fauna, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
• Tobacco Museum: An interesting look at Andorra’s tobacco industry history in Sant Julià de Lòria.
• Lakes of Tristaina: Three beautiful glacial lakes accessible by a scenic hike.
• Margineda Archaeological Site: The largest archaeological site in Andorra, showcasing medieval ruins.
• Radio Andorra Building: An art deco building with a fascinating history, once home to a powerful radio station.

Food Highlights: Must-Try Andorran Dishes

• Escudella: A hearty meat and vegetable stew, considered Andorra’s national dish.
• Trinxat: A traditional dish made with potatoes, cabbage, and pork.
• Cunillo: Rabbit cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
• Trucha a la Andorrana: Local trout stuffed with ham and cooked in butter.
• Crema Andorrana: A creamy custard dessert similar to crème brûlée.

6 Essential Tips for Visiting Andorra

1. Plan Your Transport: There’s no airport or train station in Andorra, so plan your route via nearby airports in Spain or France.
2. Check Seasonal Opening Times: Many attractions and some smaller towns have different opening hours in summer and winter seasons.
3. Bring Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted, some smaller establishments and mountain huts may only accept cash.
4. Buy a Multi-Day Ski Pass: If you’re planning to ski, multi-day passes offer better value and access to multiple resorts.
5. Use the Free Bus Service: Andorra offers free bus services in many areas, making it easy to explore without a car.
6. Be Aware of Altitude: Andorra’s high altitude can affect some visitors. Stay hydrated and take it easy when first arriving.

How to Get to Andorra

Andorra doesn’t have its own airport or train station, so visitors typically arrive via nearby cities in Spain or France:

Air: The nearest airports are:

• Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): Located about 200 km from Andorra, it’s the largest nearby airport with numerous international flights.
• Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS): In France, about 170 km from Andorra, offering many European connections.
• Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): About 200 km away, serving many low-cost carriers.

Bus: Regular bus services connect Andorra with major cities in Spain and France, including Barcelona, Toulouse, and Madrid.

Car: Andorra is accessible by road from both Spain and France. The drive from Barcelona takes about 3 hours, while from Toulouse it’s about 2.5 hours.