Andorra is a small country located in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, and it is known for its scenic natural landscapes, charming villages, and excellent ski resorts.
Andorra is very small, only 468 square kilometres. Andorra has a population of around 65,000 inhabitants.

Origin and history of the name

The name “Andorra” probably originates from a Navarrese word andurrial, which translates as shrub-covered land.

Communities

Andorra consists of seven communities, known as parròquies (singular parròquia Engl.: parish)

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

History of Andorra

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

For you this is the country to Ski or hike the clean slopes of the Pyrenees or indulge in duty-free shopping.

The mountainous landscape of Andorra is characterised by steep rocksa, narrow valleys and green valley, varied by giant mount tops. The lowest point is not released under the 900 meters and the highest mountain, Pedrosa, 2946 meters are high and lie in the west on the border with Spain. With an average altitude of 1996 meters Andorra has been lain the highest country of Europe. The port d’Envalira is the highest pass in the Pyrenees and lies on 2408 meters. Andorra is divided in parts by two clear rivers: the Valira d’Orient or Gran Valira and the Valira del Nord or d’Ordino. The Gran Valira lies on an altitude of 840 meters and with that it is the lowest point of Andorra. The two rivers flow in the Segre, an affluent of the Ebro, the longest river of Spain. Beside rivers Andorra has also a number of small and large glacier lakes. The lakes are surrounded by the the Tristaina (2879 m) and the Fourcat (2862 m).

In the luxurious Caldea springs on 1000 meters altitude water of 68°C from the source.

Here are some of the touristic highlights of Andorra:

1. Ski Resorts: Andorra is famous for its excellent ski resorts, including Grandvalira, Vallnord, and Pal Arinsal. These ski resorts offer a wide range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
2. Natural Landscapes: Andorra has stunning natural landscapes, including the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country is also home to several nature parks, such as the Sorteny Valley Natural Park, where visitors can explore hiking trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy scenic vistas.
3. Shopping: Andorra is a tax-free shopping destination, and visitors can find a wide range of goods, including luxury fashion brands, electronics, and souvenirs, at competitive prices.
4. Historical Landmarks: Andorra has several historic landmarks, including the Casa de la Vall, which is a 16th-century parliament building, and the Sant Joan de Caselles church, which is a Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century.
5. Adventure Activities: Andorra offers a wide range of adventure activities, including mountain biking, hiking, climbing, canyoning, and rafting. Visitors can also try their hand at horseback riding, golfing, and fishing.

These are just a few of the touristic highlights of Andorra, but the country offers much more to explore and discover, including its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming people.

Skiing in Andorra

Tourists who want to go skiing in Andorra can choose between the Vallnord and Grandvalira ski stations.  The Vallnord ski station consists of over 70 different slopes scattered throughout the towns of Arcalis, Arinsal and Pal.  There are three freestyle areas here for extreme winter sports enthusiasts as well as special areas for very young skiers and beginners.

The Grandvalira ski station is, by far, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees Mountain range, encompassing of over 193 kilometers of slopes opened to skiers of different experience levels.  In addition, this ski station has three snow parks filled with lots of activities to fancy the young and old alike.

Availing of a ski pass in one of the many ski resorts located in these ski stations is highly recommended.  Tourists can choose between a 5-day ski pass (priced at 193 euros for adults and 170 euros for children 17 years and under) and a Season ski pass (adult passes range between 422 and 900 euros while children passes range between 515 and 813 euros).  In addition of providing access to use the slopes in any of the two ski stations in Andorra, these passes also provide discount rates on equipment and snowmobiles as well as free entrance to a number of tourist sites and attractions around the Principality of Andorra.

More information

• Andorra : Hotels – Complete list of hotels, with phone numbers, websites, and addresses. Intern finder.
• ANDORRA.COM – Web Portal-Andorran portal with the best information about the cultural offer, sports, leisure and shops. Free e-mail.
• World Travel Guide – Andorra – Tourist and business travel information with facts on climate, visa, health, passport, currency and customs requirements
• Andorra Tourist Board www.turisme.ad
• Andorra Online Comprehensive site with accommodation, restaurants, shopping, banks even webcams.
• GuiAnd – Andorra information guide
• Visit Andorra – Official Tourism Website: Comprehensive information on attractions, activities, and travel tips.
• How to Get to Andorra: Detailed guide on reaching Andorra by car, bus, train, and plane.