Andorra

Quick Facts

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Capital

Andorra La Vella

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Nationality

Andorran

Population

69,000

Languages

Catalan (official). French, English, Spanish and Portuguese also spoken.

Religions

Christianity (Catholic)

Currency

Euro (EUR) €

Calling Code

+376

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

Summer (DST)

CEST (UTC+2)

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Introduction

Andorra

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Long under the wings of its two big brothers, France and Spain, 1993 saw Andorra stepping into independence after more than seven centuries of being under joint French and Spanish rule. As an independent nation, Andorra actively promotes its duty-free shopping; a trend which developed, interestingly enough, out of being a smuggling middle-agent between France and Spain in major wars.

But while its duty-free shopping opportunities may be an incentive to travel to Andorra, Andorra's real crowd-drawer is the Pyrenees. During the snowy season, visitors flock to the country from all over Europe. Beyond its fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities, the natural beauty of the Pyrenees rewards travellers with great hiking terrain as well.

Brief History

Geography

Andorra shares international borders with France and Spain.

Regions

Andorra consists of 7 municipalities, known as comuns

• Andorra la Vella
• Canillo
• Encamp
• Escaldes-Engordany
• La Massana
• Ordino
• Sant Julià de Lòria

Cities

Andorra revolves around the capital city Andorra la Vella.

Other towns in Andorra are:

• Canillo
• Encamp
• Escaldes-Engordany
• Santa Coloma
• Sant Julia de Loria
• La Massana
• La Cortinada
• Ordino

Sights and Activities

Coma Pedrosa

Coma Pedrosa, also known as Mount Pedrosa, is the highest point in Andorra. This beautiful mountain is a great climb in the Pyrenees. It rises to 2942 m (9,665 ft), which makes it a tough climb that is not technically difficult. There are several mountain lakes and tarns can be found on the slopes of this wonderful mountain.

Skiing

CANILLO_PORTELLA 2532mts

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Go hit up the slopes in this little nation. Hit up some world classes areas like Grandvalira or Vallnord. There are also plenty of smaller areas to check out and get some good turns at to. There is some great snow to be found in these mountains so any level of skier will have a fun time.

Santa Coloma Church

Santa Coloma Church is one of the oldest churches in Andorra. There is a great 12th century bell tower and a 17th century portico on the southern wall. Although one of the must sees in the church is a 12th century wooden icon of Our Lady of Mercy. Although some of the frescoes have now been relocated to the Cultural Museum in Berlin.

Other Sights and Activities

• Caldea - Is one of Europe's largest health spans and located in the heart of the Pyrenees giving it great veiws. These wonderful pools fed by natural hot springs are a great way to relax in the mountains.
• Castle of Sant Vicenc d'Enclar - Resting on the top of a hill at 1126 m this wonderful 12th century castle over looks the village of Santa Coloma.
• Shopping - With very low taxes and duties expect to pay 20% to 30% less then in the neighboring countries of France and Spain.

Events and Festivals

Weather

As Andorra is mostly located above 800 meters, most of the country has a relatively mild climate, at least in summer, compared to other areas in southern France or northern Spain, outside the Pyrenees Moutains. Temperatures during the summermonths of May to September are between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, sometimes hitting over 30 degrees. Nights are relatively cool, mostly arond or just above 10 degrees Celcius. Of course, temperatures drop the higher you get in the moutains. Winters are cold, especially higher up in the moutains, with frost during the nights, but surprisinly mild temperatures are possible in the lower areas. The higher parts are great for skiing from December to March. Rainfall is possible during every month, but tends to be somewhat lower during the summer high season compared to spring and autumn.

Getting There

By Plane

There are no airports in Andorra. The nearest airports are in Perpignan, France; Barcelona, Spain and Toulouse, France.

By Train

SNCF serves Andorra. Hop on the line Toulouse - Tor de Carol.
The name of station is Andorra-l’Ospitalet an it are 13km of Pas de la Casa.
There are a regular bus services from Andorra-l’Ospitalet to Andorra.

By Car

Good roads lead into Andorra from both Spain and France. If you can, wait until you reach Andorra to fuel up as it is about a quarter cheaper compared to the neighbouring countries.

By Bus

There are daily coach services from Barcelona and Toulouse.

Getting Around

Andorra La Vella can be explored on foot, but outside the capital you need a car or take the bus. Taxis are available, but phone ahead. They are relatively expensive as well.

By Car

Roads are good and mostly tarred, but some roads are narrow and winding. You can rent cars in Andorra La Vella but most people have their own cars or have rented cars in France or Spain. Traffic drives on the right and your national driver's licence or international driving permit will be sufficient.

By Bus

Cooperativa Interurbana runs eight bus lines from Andorra la Vella to most of the towns. Frequencies are generally 2 to 3 times an hour to places closeby, but sometimes only several times a day to places further away like El Serrat, Arinsal and El Pas del la Casa. It costs €1 to €4 depending on the length of the trip.

Lines are:
L1 Sant Julia de Loria - Escaldes-Engordany
L2 Andorra la Vella - Encamp
L3 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Canillo
L4 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Canillo - Soldeu
L5 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Encamp - Canillo - El Pas de la Casa
L6 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Arinsal
L7 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Ordino
L8 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Ordino - El Serrat

During the ski season, there is a free shuttle bus Canillo and Bordes d'Envalira, serving the Grandvalira slopes.

Red Tape

Money

See also: Money Matters

Andorra does not have an official currency. However, Euro is commonly used in the country and it is in the process of negotiating with EU regarding the official status of the Euro in Andorra.

Work

Study

Language

The official language of Andorra is Catalan. French and Spanish is also widely spoken.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The country calling code to Andorra is: 376
To make an international call from Andorra, the code is: 00

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