Unless you have lived under a rock, chances are that you are already aware of the growing anti-tourist sentiment about the pond.
From the limiting laws that Airbnb rental regulate in places such as Paris and Rome, to the widespread protests that are seen in cities such as Barcelona and Las Palmas, “Go Home!” Picket signs and everything, it is clear now that Europeans have had enough of mass tourism. Well, most of them, anyway:
This small European country that most Americans still have to visit, sandwiched between France and Spainwants to more Visitors who have a ambitious campaign Completely back in April to increase arrivals by 2 and 3%:
Welcome to Andorra, one of the smallest countries in Europe
A small principality that an area of Only 181 square milesAbout 261 times smaller than the city of New York, Andorra is one of Europe’s oldest countries.
The current borders, largely defined by the mountain chain of Pyrenees, had already been established in the year 805 and have not changed significantly since all European wars, and the rise and fall of the nations that followed.
The population currently stands at 87,000 people, about half of whom are foreign employees from Spain, Portugal and France, and although Spanish (and Portuguese and French to a certain extent) are spoken broadly, Catalan remains the only official language of Andorra.
Now that we have treated the technical details – they are fascinating – it is the time that we elaborate on some of the reasons Why Andorra should be on your wish list. As an American you have already received the invitation:
Discover the capital: Andorra La Vella
The capital and the most important settlement, Andorra La Vella is a historic city along the picturesque Gran Valira, the largest river in the country.
The river area is central to the city, with picturesque walkways, bridges and public art displays along its benches. The most striking, La Noblesse du Temps (or ‘the nobility of the time’) is a surreal bronze sculpture by none other than Salvador Dalí Sit on the northern bank.
Meanwhile, La Vella’s Barri Antic (Catalan for the old city) is littered with orientation points, including Casa de la VallA 16th -century parliament building, and Sant Esteve, a Romanesque church built in stone, known for its peaceful interior.
Luxury goods are cheaper here!
Andorra has no VAT and very low import duties, so Certainly Consumer goods are usually cheaper here than in Spain. That is why Spaniards always cross the border to shop indoors Avinguda MeritxellLa Vella’s most important shopping hub.
Smartphones in Andorra costs Between 10 and 20% cheaperWhile designers such as Chanel and Dior are a maximum of 30% less expensive to buy. When it comes to alcohol and tobacco, you can find it no less than 30-60% cheaper.
Needless to say, you want to take your sweet time in browsing the stores on the Multi-Level Pyrénées Andorra. Andorra’s largest shopping center, it is clean, modern and centrally located, just a few steps away from the river and the old city surrounded by café.
A paradise for nature lovers
Most tourists take a day trip to Andorra and jump back to Barcelona in a bus to fall without really experiencing the small country, and Everything it has to offer.
Apart from shopping, a large part of the attraction of Andorra is the mountainous character. Numerous hiking and cycling paths cross the national territory, making it a highly sought after destination for outdoor people.
The paradise of a tractor in the summer and autumn, and a ski hotspot in the winter and early spring, the Vallnord Mountain Park offers Beautiful view of the mountains and cozy chalet stay.
About in Coma Pedrosa Natural Park there are beautiful paths in the run -up to Andorra’s highest peakAnd one of the most prominent peaks in the Pyrenees, Coma Pedrosa.
Although it experiences best in the colder months, when the winter activities begin, the icy Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley remains a natural miracle all year round and Estanys does not forget the Tristainina:
Andorra may not have access to the Mediterranean Sea, but it has a series of three Highland lakes surrounded by dramatic mountains, and on the strange, exceptionally hot summer day there will be both locals and tourists for short swimming here.
Smaller cities unspoilt by tourism
If you want to defeat La Vella’s buzzing shop scene, save culture and inhales the crispy mountain air, you want to extend your stay with another day or two and visit Andorra’s series well -preserved medieval villages without virtually each rush:
Over OrdinoAbout a 20 -minute drive from the capital, you will find abandoned paved streets, age -old mansions and a relaxed atmosphere.
FriendA short half hour drive from La Vella, has stone houses, an impressive Romanesque church, built all the way back in the 11th century, and cozy taverns that serve Andorran dishes-for the gourmets there are, don’t miss it from Borda Can Manel escudella Stew.
Another 25-30 minutes away, Lorten Andorran Mountain-Charme slicks out of traditional architecture, a picturesque main square and tips covered with snow in the distance.
Finally, over in Arinsal30 minutes’ drive from Tops from the most important residential area of La Vella, there is one Sleepy Alpine Village pending discoveryWith a stay in Cottage style, 2560 meters above sea level, and various hiking trails that start directly from the main street of the city.
It is also one of the least expensive cities that are located in Andorra, with nocturnal rates from $ 70 for 2 adults at the 3-star XALET BESOLí.
How affordable is Andorra?
Speaking of prices, Andorra is not exactly the most affordable European destinationEspecially compared to its southern neighbor Spain. Blame the high GDP per head of the population, increased costs of living and the fact that most millionaires in Spain use it as a tax haven and escape from vacation.
That said, you can still enjoy it with a moderate budget.
This fall, a double room at the HotelpyrénéesIn the heart of the commercial zone of La Vella, you will return $ 71 for 2 adults, or $ 35.50 per person.
If you prefer to stay a little further away from the promotion, in a quieter environment, Yomo Eureka Escaldes-English” Less than 10 minutes’ drive from the cityHas rooms from $ 79 in the fall.
For the cheap food, add the following to your list:
- Pizzeria Primavera: pizzas and pasta dishes, around $ 11 – $ 17
- Frankfurt Chester: hot dogs and sandwiches, usually less than $ 11
- Wakatai Nikkei: Peruvian Japanese merger, on average $ 13- $ 20 per order
- BLót Andorra: Traditional Andorran and Catalan meals, $ 17 – $ 23
How you can visit Andorra from the United States
Andorra does not have an international airport to organize tourist appointments. Instead, most border crossings take place at 2 access points on the landside:
- La Farga de Moles (on the border with Spain): More than 60% of all vehicle entry takes place here
- Pas de la Casa (on the border with France): the only official access point to Andorra from France
You can drive or take local buses to Andorra from nearby Spanish hotspots, such as Barcelona (124 miles), Lleida (93 miles), or the French cities of Toulouse (106 miles) and Perpignan (the shortest distance at only 81 miles).
Most tourists will visit Andorra while they are located in Barcelona, because it has the best connections and several bus abnormalities per day. In that case, The journey lasts around 2h45And the prices start at $ 39.86 round trip with Flixbus.
It is important to note that Andorra is not part of the Schengen area, and there will be a border crossing (although it has been simplified), so make sure you wear your passport with you or that you do not get access.
Subscribe to our latest messages
Enter your e -mail address to subscribe to the latest Breeknieuws from Path, directly to your inbox.
