Just three hours drive from Barcelona, on the border with France and Spain, is one of the largest tourist centers in Europe - the Principality of Andorra. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is located in a valley, at an altitude of 1079 meters above sea level. It is surrounded on all sides by the fabulous beauty of the landscapes of the Pyrenees mountains. It is the highest European capital.
Due to its proximity to the ski resort of Andorra la Vella annually attracts a huge number of winter sports enthusiasts. Tourists come here not only from European countries. Here you can meet alpine skiing fans from the USA, Canada and Australia. In recent years, many tours are organized from Russia.
Numerous shops and attractions of Andorra la Vella and its unique beauty, the architecture of the Romanesque era made the city an ideal place, a kind of Mecca for fans of shopping and ancient monuments.
How to get to Andorra la Vella
The highland principality of Andorra is connected with the outside world only by highways. You can get to it from Barcelona, which is located at a distance of just over two hundred kilometers. Although the road passes through the mountains, it’s not a serpentine, which makes it safe enough even for those drivers who have no experience driving in such a terrain.
The most convenient way to get to Andorra la Vella is by bus. It leaves from Barcelona International Airport every two hours, from 6 in the morning until midnight. This route is served by three road carriers: Alsa, Novatel and Direct Bus. A trip from Barcelona to Andorra la Vella costs from 28 to 44 euros, but if you book a round-trip ticket in advance, it costs a lot cheaper.
Andorra can also be reached by taxi. The fare depends on the number of passengers and can range from 180 to 260 euros.
Where to ski
If you came to the principality not only with the aim of exploring the numerous attractions of Andorra la Vella, but also skiing, then in the vicinity of the city you will find five ski stations located in two ski areas - Grandvalira and Vallnord.
The first contains 118 tracks of varying difficulty. Their total length exceeds two hundred kilometers. Grandvalira is one of the largest areas for skiing in the Pyrenees. The elevation differences are about 930 meters.
The Wallnorde area is about half the size of Grandvalira. But he gained his fame because of the 8-kilometer Megaverda highway. This is the longest run for beginners. Trail safety guarantees a comfortable descent even for those who are skiing for the first time. In the Vallnorde area, 69 tracks have been laid with a total length of 93 km.
Trails in both areas are equipped with modern lifts. They are always well maintained. Both beginners and experienced alpine skiers can ride here.
What to see in the Principality of Andorra
The capital of the Principality of Andorra is the most charming city located high in the mountains, surrounded on all sides by the pointed ridges of the Pyrenees mountains. In addition to the famous ski resorts there are many more places that are worth a visit. Both in the city itself and in its environs are many historical attractions. In Andorra la Vella, they are mainly concentrated in its historical center. Many architectural monuments of the Romanesque style and Baroque have been preserved here.
In the city and the environs of Andorra la Vella, according to the reviews of numerous guests of the city, it is first of all worth visiting the following monuments:
- the medieval city quarter of Barri Antic, where Parliament meetings are held today in the castle of the 16th century Casa de la Vall;
- architectural monuments - the courthouse of Sala de la Giustisia and the house of Saint-Panis;
- IX century castle d'Enclar;
- an old church in the village of Santa Coloma, which is located two kilometers from Andorra la Vella (it is on the UNESCO List of Objects);
- Church of St. Armenopus and others.
Treatment in Andorra
In addition to the historical sights, Andorra la Vella is also famous for its natural resources, such as thermal waters. The abundance of healing water sources made it possible in the early 90s to build the first Baldea center “Caldea”, which is located near the capital. Currently, it is the largest thermal water resort on the European continent.
Here, the therapeutic treatment of various skin diseases is successfully carried out. At the center, professional doctors for visitors develop special treatment programs that include individual wellness treatments and diets. The cost of visiting the Caldea Center for adults is 37 euros. Children's admission fee is 25 euros.
Shopping in Andorra
The Principality of Andorra gained worldwide fame not only as a center for skiing and historical monuments, but also as a duty-free zone. Therefore, shopping in Andorra la Vella is the most attractive not only for tourists from neighboring European countries, but also for guests from countries of the former Soviet Union.
The sales season here begins in mid-December and lasts until the end of February. During this period, in stores in Andorra la Vella, you can buy goods for every taste with a 20%, 40% and even 70% discount! Seventeen largest shopping centers and about 2500 boutiques are waiting for their customers on the main avenues of the capital. Especially popular, judging by the reviews, are:
- Meritxell Avenue. Here are concentrated stores that offer tourists a wide range of products such as jewelry, luxury perfumes, fashionable clothes.
- Santa Coloma Ave. This is a real paradise for motorists. Here they will be able to purchase various accessories for motorcycles and cars, overalls, equipment, etc.
- Shopping center Pyrenees. In its stores you can find the widest range of fashionable clothes of the most famous brands.
- Shopping center Andorra 2000. Food products from the best world manufacturers, electronics, cosmetics, etc. are sold here.
Hotels in Andorra la Vella
Before each traveler, upon arrival in a foreign country, the question always arises of which is the best hotel. Andorra la Vella can offer its guests many hotels for every taste and budget. Most of them are in the center of the capital. We will get acquainted with those of them that Russian tourists most often recommend in their reviews:
- Andorra Park Hotel 5 * is a comfortable hotel, which is located near the Pyrenees shopping center. It offers guests comfortable rooms equipped with all amenities. The hotel has an indoor pool, gym, spa and sauna.
- Horel Plaza 5 * - the hotel is dominated by traditional English style. Many deluxe rooms. There is a gym with exercise equipment, a sauna, a salon for spa treatments, etc.
- Holiday Inn Andorra 5 * - perfect for families with children. The rooms are specially designed for families. The hotel has a play area for children, a restaurant and a buffet where you can eat for a very reasonable price. Free parking is provided for guests.
Vacation with children
An important fact that tourists note in the reviews: if you decide to go to the ski resort in Andorra with your children, then you can not worry about them. While you ride, they will not remain unattended. Here, children will be looked after by professional educators. If your child is more than 4 years old, then experienced ski instructors will help him to ski and take his first steps.
Also not far from the capital is the largest Naturlandia adventure park in the region with many breathtaking attractions. And in the city of Canillo, the Palau de Gel ice palace, popular with tourists coming for a vacation as a family, is located. There are many activities for children, such as karting, ice skating, etc.