Date of travel: Jun 13, 2024
The Holy Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, but there are many tiny countries in Europe with their unique culture, system, histories and panoramic landscapes making them fascinating places to explore.
Andorra is the sixth smallest country in Europe (16th in the world) and is definitely one of them.
This tiny independent landlocked principality is situated in the eastern Pyrenees mountain bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south.
Some unique facts about Andorra are that it does not have a standing army but has defense agreement with France and Spain, it does not have income tax system making it a heavenly place for shopping and banking, and it has a parliamentary democracy with two co princess – Bishop of Urgell and President of France. Also it is not part of European Union and does not have central bank, however has monetary agreement with EU to use Euro has its currency.
When we were touring in Barcelona, we booked a day trip to beautiful Andorra. It was a small group of eight with a guide and we departed at 7 am from the city. Drive was through a very scenic route and after crossing over French border we took coffee break in a charming little village Ax-les-Thermes. This village is famous for its natural thermal water which is said to have healing properties. There were many spa and wellness centres, a good many cafés and restaurants and small nice hotels. After soaking our feet in a natural fountain we wandered around the village, had some refreshments and purchased souvenirs.
We continued our trip over the Pyrenees Alps towards the charming capital city Andorra la Vella, and stopped at several scenic spots to capture breath taking pictures of the mountain and valley. As we entered Andorra our guide informed us that we could have our passports stamped at the border control on request and can keep this as a memento or souvenir. Delightedly we did the same and then stopped at a small picture perfect town El Pas De La Casa at Encamp.
Encamp is one of the seven parishes (administrative division) of Andorra situated at northeast region. Pas De La Casa is a popular ski resort and one of the main access points of famous Grandvalira ski resort. Grandvalira is one of the largest ski resorts in the Pyrenees and offers more than 200kms ski trails. It also has facilities for ski lifts, gondolas, night skiing, sledding, tobogganing etc and hosts many restaurants and wellness centres. Grandvalira is world class ski resort and offers unforgettable winter sports experience.
We were awestruck looking at magnificent scenic views on our way and clicked many pictures and then reached next parish Canillo which boasts of a beautiful 12th century Romanesque church and has a charming village centre. We drove on to next parish Escaldes which is famous for spa, vibrant town centre and a beautiful tranquil valley.
World’s largest spa Caldea Spa (6000 sq ft area) is located in this area offering various services of variable duration.
Other than skiing and snowboarding, hiking, trekking, cycling, mountain biking are
very popular in all these regions and world class facilities are there for all these activities which attract tourists and adventure enthusiasts from many countries from different corners of the world.
We reached the charming, vibrant and colourful capital city Andorra la Vella. After having a great lunch in the main square Placa del Poble we opted for one hour guided walking tour. We visited Casa de la Vall, a 16th century parliament house and Sant Esteve church. Next stop was Placa del Coprinceps, a modern and vibrant public square featuring a monument to the two co princess of Andorra. Many shops and restaurants are situated here. We reached a beautiful meadow known as Del Prat Gran which is surrounded by mountains offering spectacular views.
Our tour ended at Avinguda Meritxell, a long and lively shopping street with restaurants, cafes and shops selling duty free goods like electronic items, perfumes, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
Enjoying stunning views and peaceful atmosphere of this tiny, lovely, vibrant principality we started our journey back to Barcelona city.
3 thoughts on “Amazing Andorra”
We always enjoy travelling with you. Nice blog . Loved it.
Thanks Rakesh.
One of the most memorable trip.. Need to spend more time exploring the shops and the friendly people