Because many visitors are French and Spanish residents seeking bargains, there is a very authentic European flair to a vacation here on the one hand (most of the tourists here are European). On the other hand, the shopping deals also lend the principality’s capital, Andorra la Vella, an unfortunate bargain-basement feel. Catalan is the national language, but French and Spanish are widely spoken.
This is an ideal destination for lovers of both the city and the great outdoors. Quite possibly one of the globe’s best adventure travel destinations, the capital city itself is also an urban oasis perched at an altitude of 3,300 feet.
Although it is a bit of a nuisance to get to, it is well-situated for exploring other countries. It will involve a drive (that includes some mountainous routes), but Toulouse, Barcelona, Perpignan are within a few hours’ drive. You could easily visit Andorra and use it as a base to dabble in Spain and France.
History and Geography of Andorra
The first documented evidence of Andorra’s existence dates back to the ninth century, when the consecration of Santa Maria of Urgell’s cathedral mentions the principality as part of its parish. Legend has it that Andorra was founded a few years earlier by Charlemagne.The Andorran valleys fell under the rule of the counts of Urgell during the early Middle Ages, but not without resistence. During the 1200s, disagreements abounded over who ruled Andorra. It eventually ended in 1288, when an agreement between various area rulers established a co-ownership of the territory and the official Principaity of Andorra.
In the 1400s, a piece of the ownership passed to France. In the 18th century, because of the feudal basis of the agreement, France loosened its ties with Andorra. In 1993, the first written Constitution of Andorra established the independence of the principality.
The principality of Andorra is divided into seven parishes, each with its own local government. Andorra’s landscape is marked most notably by the Pyrenees Mountains, with the highest peak (Coma Pedrosa) at nearly 10,000 feet in altitude.
Getting to Andorra
Andorra does not have its own airport, so foreign visitors must fly into Barcelona or Toulouse. There are Novatel shuttles from either airport (info@autocars-nadal.ad for Barcelona arrivals, or novatel@andorrabybus.com for Toulouse). Reservations beforehand are highly recommended.There are no train stations in Andorra. The nearest station in France is L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre, and the nearest Spanish station is at Puigcerdà. There are bus lines running from both stations into Andorra.
Instead of lugging bags onto various shuttle buses or trains after a long flight, consider renting a car and spend one night in Barcelona or Toulouse before setting off.
There is also a bus system that connects several towns in Andorra, the Cooperativa Interurbana Andorrana.
During the winter ski season, there are several shuttles running from the principalities major cities to the ski resorts.
Quick tip: While Andorra is beautiful in winter, and snowing is a major allure, be sure you are aware of driving conditions before you travel by car. There are several windy, mountain roads that remain snow-covered for long stretches of time. Be sure to request tire chains when you reserve your car rental, and drive carefully. It is not unusual for Andorran roads to be closed entirely due to bad weather.
