At the heart of the Pyrenees hides a natural and cultural gem that is not too well known: Andorra. With its numerous ski slopes, its tall mountain peaks and its typical villages, this little principality can be a dream destination for families looking for adventure, relaxation, and shopping. Andorra is able to meet all your vacation needs.
ANDORRA AT A GLANCE
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Government: Parliamentary co-principality
Official language: Catalan
Currency: Euro
Cost of living: Not overly expensive
Best time to travel to Andorra: Between June and September
WHERE TO STAY IN ANDORRA
At Serras Andorra*****, the adventure is just beginning! Come to Andorra and stay in this hotel with a stone and wood façade, a blend of elements from the region. Whether you’re looking to relax, enjoy the Grandvalira ski area or go hiking in search of the parish tamarro, this is the accommodation for you. The Little Extra: free meal for children who eat with their parents during their stay (up to 12 years old).
The Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa ***** is a luxury hotel located in Soldeu, in the north of Andorra. Nestling at an altitude of 1817 m, in the heart of Europe’s largest ski area, this hotel, built in typical Andorran dry stone, is a corner of paradise for a holiday close to Andorran nature: on skis, by bike or on foot. The Little Extra: free accommodation and meals for children under 4. So there’s no excuse to come and experience the cycling capital of Andorra this summer!
Disconnect to reconnect, the promise of the Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa*****. Here, adventure and luxury are one and the same, with explorations of all kinds on the menu. This hotel is a cosy address offering unrivalled comfort nestled in the Andorran mountains. Your stay will be unforgettable, marked by the culinary experience offered by the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurants. The Little Extra: free entry to the kids’ club and free equipment.
Duo to its location in the high mountains, Andorra does not have an airport in its territory. However, the Principality is easily accessible from Andorra-La-Seu (LEU) Airport which is located in the region of Urgell in Spain. Open only during the summer season, it is used for private flights. Travelers that wish to fly in with commercial airlines can fly into Toulouse, Carcassonne, Barcelona, or Gerona.
There is a lot of public transport in Andorra. Cooperativa Interrurbana Andorrana’s 7 bus lines serve the entire Principality. Count between 1.85€ and 6.10€/ ticket depending on the area concerned.
If you want to explore the country without having to worry about timetables, car rental is also a great option. Andorra has an extensive road network. You can also cover good distances while also carrying a stroller and the children’s bicycles. One small suggestion: avoid traveling during rush hour.
Andorra is known as a paradise for two-wheelers. Whether you are a mountain biker or a road biker, there are a large number of paths that will surely awaken the cyclist that sleeps within you. Don’t forget to pick up a circuit map available at every tourism office.
DID YOU KNOW…
The Tibetan Bridge, located in Canillo, is 603m long and is one of the country’s must-sees.
You can cover the whole country on foot, walking only on footpaths.
This country is the world capital of cycling: the greatest cyclists come to challenge these high mountains to train for the major international races.
Citizens of Andorra live an average of 80 years.
Andorra has a higher concentration of museums per square kilometer than any other country.
Andorra has never had an army, nor a minister of defense.
10% of the country’s territory has been declared a UNESCO National Heritage site.