Andorra is a charming micro state tucked away in the picturesque Pyrenees Mountains. The country is popular with visitors for hiking, skiing, an abundance of duty free shopping and many thermal spas. Around 80% of Andorra’s economy centers around tourism, which provides a high standard of living for locals.
Andorra La Vella is Europe’s highest capital, nestled at an elevation of around 1050 meters (3445 feet). We recently enjoyed staying there at the end of September, with sunny skies and cool temperatures. We found it especially relaxing during the week, before the Saturday crowds pack the pedestrian shopping streets.
Getting to Andorra
Andorra is one of the few countries in the world to lack both an airport and train station. But it’s a 2-3 hour drive or bus ride from Barcelona, Spain and Toulouse, France. It’s also just a 2 hour and 15 minute direct bus ride from Lleida, Spain, which is how we arrived in Andorra after spending time in Zaragoza.
Andorra is also the world’s only country with Catalan as its official language. But Spanish, French and English are also widely spoken, so it’s easy for many visitors to communicate.
Andorra’s geographical location between France and Spain mean most visitors to the tiny nation reside in those countries. After visiting several of Europe’s small countries, Andorra is worth visiting for a variety of travelers for several great reasons. While it does not have beaches like Malta or within close proximity like San Marino, the picturesque Pyrenees Mountains offer a year round outdoor playground.
An Abundance of Thermal Spas for Wellness Getaways
There are many resorts in Andorra, especially in the capital town of Andorra La Vella. Many of the resorts have their own spas, where guests can soak in thermal waters and relax in saunas. You can also plan to have a relaxing therapeutic massage to enhance the experience.
Caldea Spa is one of Europe’s largest thermal spas, covering an area of around 6,000m². But we read mixed reviews of that spa, with some saying it is more like a family waterpark than a place for couple’s relaxation. If you have children, Caldea Spa is very family friendly.
I’m a big fan of wellness getaways and have written multiple articles on the subject, covering thermal spas in Greece as well as the best Budapest spas. Thermal waters are rich in minerals that can help alleviate a variety of ailments that affect the body and mind. I always feel much more relaxed after soaking in thermal waters that I did prior to entry.
Idyllic for a Romantic Couples Getaway
Andorra is idyllic for a couples getaway as it is a gorgeous and relaxing locale. Many resorts throughout the country have rooms with sweeping views of the mountains, including many in Andorra La Vella. The country appeals to a variety of couples with ample hiking, shopping and wellness opportunities.
Truthfully, we did not want to leave Andorra La Vella after spending six days there (which might be too much time for some and perfect for others). We especially did not want to return to bustling Barcelona after spending some relaxing time amidst the clean mountain air – albeit the city’s excellent culinary scene and vibrant energy are a cool consolation.
Duty Free Shopping Galore
Taxes are low in Andorra so a wide variety of goods can be purchased at prices lower than in many European countries. Choices range from luxury items like Rolex watches and jewelry to clothing and alcohol. Another popular shopping item is good value ski equipment.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you may want to compare prices in multiple shops. You may also still find better deals on line for goods like electronics. But that also depends where you live.
One of the quirkiest duty free offers are cigarette carton specials with complimentary gifts taped to them. The gifts include small bottles of whisky, other spirits or even olive oil bottles! Cigarettes and whisky are a common pairing during a night out – olive oil less so, throughout most of the world!
Excellent Hiking Opportunities in and around Andorra La Vella
The picturesque Pyrenees Mountains greet you before entering Andorra from either Spain or France. The entire country is at high elevation in the mountains. Even from the capital town of Andorra La Vella it’s easy to go for a hike in the surrounding mountains.
You can also rent a car and hike in other scenic spots. Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The area retains a cultural landscape of value, as it reflects traditional high-mountain agricultural and livestock activities.
A Surprisingly Good Culinary Scene for a Touristy Destination
Andorra’s quality culinary scene is somewhat surprising for a country where the economy is based around 80% on tourism. Prices don’t break the bank either, with ample quality restaurant dishes costing around €15-€20 on average.
Andorra’s culinary scene reflects its Catalan Heritage, sprinkled with a blend of French and Spanish influence. That means it’s easy to find French favorites like magret de canard (duck breast) and paella influenced rice dishes. There’s also several great Italian restaurants offering an ample choice of delicious pizzas, pastas and gnocchis.
Escudella is one of Andorra’s most traditional dishes. The Catalan stew is made with seasonal vegetables, meat and local cured products. It is especially popular in the winter, with locals seeking a warm and balanced dish.
Andorra vastly surpasses fellow micro state San Marino for restaurant meals. While that tiny principality surrounded by Italy is equally beautiful, its restaurants are mostly mediocre tourist traps. I enjoyed the scenic terraces in San Marino, but not the frozen pizzas and microwaved pasta dishes there.
Andorra is Among the Safest Countries in the World
Andorra is one of the safest countries in the world, with very little crime. It is not part of the European Union and has a border control with both Spain and France. It is part of the Schengen agreement though, meaning days spent on a tourist visa count towards the 90 day maximum, unlike visiting the United Kingdom for example, which has a separate policy.
Andorra La Vella is an exceptionally clean, safe and friendly place. Over several days, we did not see any panhandling or major social issues. It certainly has a different feel compared to most capitals around the world. Andorra is generally well off, with good social services and quality healthcare for its citizens and legal residents.
Andorrans are used to peace as the country has not been at war in around 800 years. The principality doesn’t even have a standing army. Instead they rely on France and Spain for their security, with a major figure head from each country serving as a prince. One prince is the current President of France, Emmanuel Macron. The co-prince of Andorra is the Bishop of Urgell, currently Joan Enric Vives Sicília. The titles are largely ceremonial.
It helps that Andorra is not viewed as geographically important by its more powerful neighbors. But France did send troops to Andorra during World War II as a security measure, as they were concerned that the Spanish civil war could spread.
Good Value for Money
Andorra offers excellent value for money on accommodation compared to popular nearby destinations like Barcelona. You simply get so much more bang for buck, especially in a month like September when we visited. The weather was generally lovely too, with mostly blue skies and refreshing temperatures compared to Spain and southern France.
Andorra also has a great culinary scene with prices that don’t break the bank. Most tasty dishes in charming restaurants cost between €15-€20 on average. There are also ample fine dining restaurants to enjoy during a luxury getaway.
Andorra somewhat reminds me of Liechtenstein, another European micro state tucked away in the Alps. But Liechtenstein is pegged to the Swiss Franc, and is among the most expensive countries in the world (similar to pricy neighboring Switzerland).
Andorra Recap
Whether you’re a luxury or budget traveler, Andorra makes for an interesting escape. When I texted back to a friend recently and said I was in Andorra, he replied that he’s never known anybody that’s traveled there. I replied that most of the tourists are French and Spanish, but it is still English friendly thanks to a variety of other international visitors. So for English speakers, it’s a refreshing change of pace destination offering an abundance of beauty, relaxation, shopping and outdoor activities.
It is also interesting to visit a non European Union country that uses the euro as its currency. That’s a parallel to Montenegro, another non-EU country pegged to the euro. After visiting all 27 European Union countries, it is fascinating to continue exploring the continent’s magnificent beauty, strange quirks and fun facts.
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