Andorra Travel Guide & Overview

Sant Esteve's Church in Andorra la Vella

Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra, is a small landlocked country in western Europe, nestled in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and surrounded by Spain and France. Though it was isolated for many years, it is currently prospering courtesy of its tourism and its status as a tax haven. The people of Andorra are known to have the highest human life expectancies on Earth, at an average of 83 years old.

Due to its location between France and Spain, Andorran cuisine is predominantly Catalan with a touch of Italian influence. Pasta, meat, and fish are commonly on the menu. Trinxat, made of bacon, cabbage, and potatoes, Cunillo, a rabbit stewed in tomato sauce, Xai, which is roast lamb, and Escudella, a hearty stew of chicken, sausage and meatballs, are but a few of the local dishes.

Andorra is the home of many ski resorts. The vast majority of these resorts were once small mountain villages which have grown during recent years due to the increase in skiing. The resorts have, at this time, congealed together so that a ski pass covers admission in neighbouring areas. There are now only two areas, Vallnord and Grandvalira.

Vallnord governs the areas of Arcalis and Arinsal-Pal. Though they are rather distant from each other, they have recently been joined by a cable car system. The Arisnal-Pal ski area is accessible from the town of La Massana. Grandvalira maintains the areas of Soldeu and Pas de la Casa. The Soldeu ski area is accessible from Encamp and Canillo.

Also in Andorra, is Caldea, the largest spa centre in the south of Europe. This unique location is a water palace located at an altitude of 1000 m, with stunning architecture and amenities. There are also many routes in Andorra for the hiking fan. Montmantell lakes and the Pic del Pla de l'Estany, Pic de Coma Pedrosa, and Treks from Arinsal are just a few of the possibilities.