Andorra

Andorra Flag

Why visit Andorra?

Adventurous outdoor lovers seeking camping, festivals, fishing, hiking, mountain cycling, mountains, skiing, spas and shopping.

Alpine Andorra Hills, Andorra. Photo Credit:  johnnpas/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Alcohol, brand clothing, cameras, chocolates, cured meats, furs, honey,  jams, leather goods, liqueur, perfume, shepherd cheeses, stamps, syrup and watches.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Cargols a la lluna (snails). Coca (pastry). Cunillo (rabbit stew). Embotits (sausages). Escudella (stew). Mató (fresh cheese). Pa amb tomàquet (bread). Trinxat (like bubbles and squeak). Trucha a la Andorrana (trout).
• Local Drink to Try: Acqua d'Or (brandy). Granizado (fruit juice). Mulled Wine. 
  

Arinsal, Andorra. Photo Credit: Alexander Lesnitsky/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 805, found by Charlemagne "Charles the Great" (748AD - 814AD). 
• In 1419, created the Consell General. One of the oldest and smallest functioning parliaments.
• During Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), was a smuggler's passage for goods from France to Spain.
  
• During World War II "Second World War" (1939-1945), was a smuggler's passage for goods from Spain to France.
  
• In 1991 & 2005, hosted the Games of the Small States of Europe.
  
• In 1993, joined the United Nations.
  
• In 1994, Europe's largest spa opened, Caldea (Escaldes).
  
• One of the highest living standards in the world.
  
• Smallest country in Europe bordered between France and Spain.
  
• Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe (3,356 feet above sea level).
  
• Approximately 10 million visit annually, 7 million account for winter skiing. 
  
• Considered one of the highest life expectancy in the world. Attributes because of air quality, altitude, cuisine and nature surrounding.
  
• Does not have their own armed forces but defending responsibility from France and Spain.
  
• During Natural Disaster Emergencies able-bodied men (21-60) must serve. By law, the head of households has a rifle, otherwise the local police will offer a firearm.
• Not suitable for farming, most crop foods are imported.
• One of four European countries to sign the Council of Europe Framework Convention on National Minorities.
  
• Influenced by southern France Rugby is a popular sport.
  
• Nearly 92% of the land is forest and only 4% of the land has been built on.
• The Economy is commerce, financial services and tourism.
• Has two heads of state, Archbishop of Urgell and the President of the Republic of France.
  
• Producer of high altitude wines: Albernio, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

Andorra Homes. Photo Credit: Carmen Carbonell/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Big Snow Festival (March), Canólich Gathering (May), Montserrat Caballe Singing Contest (May), International Women’s Clown Festival (May), Revetlla de Sant Joan (June), Summer Solstice Fire Festivals (June), Andorra’s International Jazz Festival (July), Festival de Sant Julià de Lòria (July), Roser d'Ordino (July), Andorra la Vella Festa Major (August), The Bagpipers’ Gathering (August), Andorra la Vella Fair (October), Narciso Yepes International Festival (October) and Andorra Shopping Festival (November).
  
• Holidays: Andorra Constitution Day (March), Sant Jordi Day (April), Meritxell Day (September) and Feast Day of Our Lady of Meritxell (November).

Photo Credit: Michel Huché/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Does not have an airport or a train station.
  
• Duty free shopping! Be mindful, the government does charge a nominal duty 4% on imported goods.
  
• Native language of Catalan is a blended mixture of French and Spanish. French, Portuguese and Spanish is commonly spoken. English is not commonly spoken.
  
• Retailers usually close between 1-4PM for siesta (rest or nap).
  
• City/Town parking space is limited.
• Border congestion is common with entry and exiting.
• Andorra Telecom (STA), exclusively operates local fixed telephone, internet services and mobile services.
  
• Offers 60 mountain trails and 29 mountain refuges for overnight camping.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 190 days.

By the way...

• Best Time to Visit: May - September & November - April
• Coldest Months: November - March
• Hottest Months: July - August
• Peak Season: November - April

Photo Credit:  jribes/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Photo Credit: damedia/Pixabay 

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.