There are just a few places in the world that are countries entirely devoted to tourism and relaxation and Andorra just may be the coolest one – literally! We’ve visited some beautiful and unique small countries on our travels including; Vatican City, San Marino, Monaco, Malta, Macau, Montenegro and Cyprus. We’ve also visited some excellent ski resorts like; St. Moritz, Salt Lake City, Geneva, Lapland, Ushuaia and, of course, the iconic Whistler. Andorra however, an enclave between France and Spain in the Pyrenees Mountains, is the only small country that is also an excellent ski resort. That makes it an entire country devoted to fun, outdoor pursuits and relaxation!
Andorra is a principality; meaning that it is ruled by a prince (like Monaco). In fact, Andorra is ruled by two princes: one is the Bishop of Urgell in Catalonia, Spain and the other is the President of France. Yes, you read that correctly.
I’m more of an après ski kinda gal!Andorra has been continuously inhabited since about 9,500 BCE when a permanent settlement was created at La Balma de la Margineda. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew Andorra well and Hannibal Barca marched his elephants through Andorra in route to ravage the Italian peninsula from his base in Carthage. Andorra was created as a political unit by Charlemagne who granted Andorra 5000 troops to keep the Muslim forces of Andalusia at bay from invading France.
During the early 20th century, Andorra began to organise as a tourist attraction because of its beautiful mountains, lakes and wonderful scenery. Today, this tiny country of just 77,000 permanent residents is a wealthy, hospitable enclave that welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year from all over the world to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy this wonderful place!
You may fly into Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell Airport, but it is small and does not offer a lot of air services. It is not even in Andorra but is instead in nearby Spain. More likely, you’ll fly into Toulouse or Barcelona and then either drive or take the train into the enclave. For a beautiful and thrilling flight, you can take a helicopter into three of the resorts. I’d recommend that you drive a rental car into the enclave but you can also rely on buses and local taxis which have somewhat limited availability.
Here’s a Pro-tip: The currency of Andorra is the Euro even though this city is not technically part of the EU. That makes it convenient and, much like its rulers, its currency is not from Andorra!
While the country is best known for its ski resorts, there are some other fun and interesting sites in Andorra. Here are my favourites:
- Centro Historico – this beautiful area of Andorra la Vella is full of Romanesque buildings, fountains and other ancient structures. I love walking through this Medieval cityscape and thinking about life more than 800 years ago.
- Casa del la Vall – this is a nicely curated small museum that shows what life in Medieval Andorra was like.
What did the Romanesque ever do for us?!- Saint Esteve Church – this elegant and powerful structure is full of beautiful frescos and statuary. This place is awesome even if you’re not religious.
- Mirador Roc del Quer – this is a gut-clenching lookout point that hangs 400 meters above the valley below that make you feel like you are flying over Andorra.
- La Noblesse du Temps – this surrealistic sculpture by Salvador Dali decorating Andorra la Vella is made from 1400 kgs of solid bronze.
- Illa Carlemany Shopping Mall – one of the big pastimes in Andorra is shopping because the country is entirely duty-free. This means that high-end fashions, alcohol, tobacco products and similar luxuries are a great price. This mall is named after Charlemagne.
- Hiking – there are stunning lakes, wonderful vistas and quiet groves available on trails that are ancient. This is a trekker’s paradise.
Reflect on the beauty of Andorra!
Andorran cuisine has lots of Catalan and French flavours and spices. Most meals, as you would expect are hardy. Here are my favourite restaurants in Andorra:
- Borda Estevet – this classically styled Andorran restaurant features authentic Catalan meals in a beautifully rustic décor complete with stone walls and a big fireplace.
- Restaurante Celler d’En Toni – this iconic restaurant has been family owned for three generations since it opened in 1964. It offers wonderful local food with ultra-fresh ingredients and has the largest selection of wines in the country with over 12,000 different labels!
- Plat’In – this restaurant offers excellent quality food with Andorran and Catalan recipes that are served with a contemporary twist. Expect unusual combinations that surprise the palate.
Look out sausage, DUCK!As you would expect from a resort area, Andorra offers a fun Après Ski culture. That vibe continues throughout the year. Here are my favourite nightspots:
- Underground Bar – this club offers a wild party every night! The crowd is enthusiastic, the drinks are free during Happy Hour and the music is vibrant. Go here if you have a lot of energy to burn.
- Monopol 80’s Andorra – this retro-themed nightclub is straight out of the early 1980s with music and décor to match. The crowd isn’t old but it’s like stepping backwards in time.
- Eivissa Experience Lounge Club – this huge venue has many different rooms for activities from dancing to video games. Eivissa hops all year round but really comes alive during ski season.
Andorra has some of the nicest boutique hotels in the world with stunning views over the mountains and surrounding valleys. Here are my favourites:
Enjoy and ancient feeling of peace in Andorra- Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa – This beautifully presented ski resort is world-class. The spa is wonderful and relaxing after a morning on the slopes.
- Hotel Plaza – this comfortable and welcoming property is conveniently located in the centre of the action in Andorra la Vella. I love the art in this super-cool venue!
- Park Piolets MountainHotel & Spa – this property is the perfect spot if you are visiting to ski. Amenities include a heated pool that is so relaxing, a full spa and wonderful restaurants.
Andorra has been inhabited for so long precisely because it is a beautiful and bountiful place. Enjoy this wonderful gem nestled between Spain and France.
Love,
Isabella
Andorra is on our bucketlist! Do you think it’s easy to travel without a car?
I recommend best to hire a car to explore it properly. Although there are some public buses around Andorra, in my experience it’s best to hire a car if you really want to explore the country properly and visit all the small charming villages, as well to be able to access remote hiking routes.
I didn’t know a lot of what you wrote about Andorra. I only stopped in Andorra la Vella for a few hours and it’s a charming town. I don’t ski but I think spending a few summer days exploring the hiking trails would be amazing.
I am sure Andorra has a special treat for every season, definitely a location to have a visit any time during the year.
Love,
Isabella
Have always wanted to go to Andorra. These are certainly some great tips, and a great insight.
Plat’In sounds like a cool different type of restaurant
Yes, it is a great restaurant, you will be surprised by the sophisticated type of food and its presentation.
We are glad you find our tips useful.
Love,
Isabella
Have always fancied Andorra. Great post, thanks for the tips
We are glad to hear you find it useful, Andorra is a two-country gem!!!
Greetings,
Isabella
This is so interesting! I was completely unaware of the history and peculiar arrangements in Andorra. I am a skier, but have never skied Andorra – yet! It looks so beautiful, we must rectify this.
Happy to know that our travel experience can make your next trip to Andorra a more joyful adventure.
With love,
Isabella
I would love to visit Andorra! I’m not a ski bunny, but summer and fall sound wonderful with hiking and those views! I would definitely rent a car to explore as much as I can.
At JourneyHero, we appreciate your comment on the post about Andorra, a place for all exciting adventures all year round!
Thanks,
Isabella
Beautiful article ! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by and giving us a read. We are glad you like it.
With love,
Isabella
I’m not much of a skier but I’m do love hiking and history. Those views and some of the other attractions you listed sound great. Sounds like it would be a nice 1-2 day stopover if visiting that part of Spain or France.
Like I said there are just a few places in the world that are countries entirely devoted to tourism and relaxation and Andorra just may be the coolest one. Andorra is best known for its ski resorts, do not forget to check my favourites sites for some fun and some top outdoors activities.
Greetings,
Isabella
Love to ski and love to have fun. A ski up country with a great apres ski scene sounds like my kind of place.
Yes, the perfect city for a ski vacation and enjoying lovely outdoor activities.
Love,
Isabella
Thank you so much for putting an entirely new country on my bucket list! I had *no* idea about Andorra! I’m also more of an après ski kind of gal, but it seems like there is a ton to do beyond the slopes in this tiny, beautiful place!
We are happy to know that this amazing and old country can be in your bucket list. Andorra is a place for a ski holiday and other great outdoor activities, and a foodie destination.
Love,
Isabella
Absolutely beautiful! I’m not a skier anymore but I still love the ski destinations!
Not to worry Andorra offers all kinds of outdoor activities, top restaurants, the best Andorran cuisine and spa resorts to have a lovely winter holiday or a summer vacation.
Love,
Isabella