Things to Do In Andorra gets you into the Pyrenees to ski deep powder runs, hike to stunning vistas, and shop for duty-free bargains in this charming European microstate.
Where is Andorra?
The Principality of Andorra is a tiny, sovereign, landlocked microstate on the Iberian Peninsula, in the eastern Pyrenees. It borders France in the north and Spain in the south. Despite less than 70,000 Andorrans living here, over ten million tourists visit each year to ski and shop. It results in a strange, sometimes charming mix of traditional Catalan culture and mass-market ski-shopping tourism. If you are in Catalonia, it is easy to make a day trip to Andorra from Barcelona. You can see most of the top attractions in one day.
What are some things to do in Andorra?
Ski at Grandvalira or Vallnord or Soldeu.
Consider getting the Ski Andora Pass. It’s more expensive than a single resort pass, but gets you into all of Andorra’s slopes for five days.
Trek the Tristaina Lake Hiking Trails.
Drive to Scenic Lookouts and Historic Churches
See Mirador del Collet de Montaup, or Mirador del Roc del Quer. Visit Santa Coloma church, Sant Joan, and Sant Esteve. BusTuristic offers 7 different bus tours around Andorra starting from Andorra La Vella for $22. We reached the Principality of Andorra via a long drive from Valencia, Spain. What should have been a five-hour trip, soon turned into six, then seven. A wrong turn near Barcelona, then some white knuckle switchback driving in the Pyrenees had me near the end of my rope. I was ready to run down the next Andorran cow who strayed into my path. Just when the swearing had reached its apex, our hotel magically appeared before us. Once I shut off all 63 horses of our Citroen, and took a deep breath, I realized we were in a beautiful mountain valley! Andorra is a mini-Colorado, much like Liechtenstein. Lindso and I went for a run on a mountain trail, next to a bubbling brook, that slowly climbed a thousand feet or so. For the first time on the trip we were really out in nature, and it was wonderful.
Go Duty-Free Shopping
Andorra La Vella is a good destination to buy electronic goods, cigars, and jewellery, due to the country’s status as a “duty-free tax haven.” Keep in mind there are controls on how much stuff you can take out of the country. You are limited to 1.5 liters of spirits, 5 liters of table wine, 300 cigarettes and 357ml of perfume. Andorran customs WILL check your car on the way out.
Visit Quaint Ordino Town
We found a pub in the town of Ordino that served Spanish beer and olives, and listened to the ringing church bells and watched children run around the cobblestone streets. The pub had a bullfight on TV, which I kept popping in to watch, though I do agree in principle with Lindso that they are horrible and should be banned.
Only one restaurant was open (Andorra’s high season is winter for skiing), and the French couple running it were very friendly and helpful, perhaps because we were their only customers. They made us a meal to go. Open returning to our hotel we realized we had no utensils. I walked back to the restaurant and meekly asked if we might borrow some forks and knives. The owner laughed and gave me a bundle, and asked if I wanted to take a chair as well! We both agreed that Andorra was a place that deserved a second look next time we’re in town.
Since Andorra is wedged between France and Spain, we wondered; “Is it more French or more Spanish?” The answer is: neither. It is Catalan.
Things you need to know about Andorra:
Backpacker Daily Budget:
$50 in summer, $100 in winter as hotel rates go up.
Cheap Beer index:
$3.75 – 3 Euro for a 12 ounce bottle of Spanish beer.
When to visit Andorra:
It really depends on if you ski or not. Mid-June through Mid-September are warm, with highs in the 70’s perfect for hiking. In ski season, December through February, highs are in the 40’s.
What languages do they speak in Andorra?
The official language is Catalan, although Spanish is the dominant language between people of different abilities. Portuguese and French are also commonly spoken, as well as English among people in the tourist industry.
Do you need an Andorra visa?
Visas are not required for nationals of USA, UK, AUS, and CAN for visits of up to 90 days. Andorra is NOT part of the Schengen Zone or the EU. There ARE border controls. Upon re-entry to the Schengen zone, your passport should have at least 90 days validity. If you require a Schengen visa to enter Europe, be sure your visa entitles you to multiple entries to safeguard against being refused re-entry to Spain or France following a stay in Andorra.
Getting to Andorra:
Andorra has no airport. You will have to arrive by vehicle from either the single road to Spain or the single road to France. There ARE border controls, so be prepared to have your car searched. Direct buses are available via AndBus to/from Toulouse, France for $41 (3.5 hours). Several bus services go to/from Barcelona, Spain for around $38 (4 hours).
You can get around Andorra by the local bus service for fares of one to three Euros.
Learn how to get to Andorra for free on my page: Nine Steps to Free Flights Worldwide.
Andorran currency and how to get it:
Euro (0.86=$1 as of 2018) from numerous ATMs. For more info on your cash-versus-credit card options when travelling, check out my post on How to Access your Money in Foreign Countries.
Stay Connected:
Be aware that Andorra is not part of the EU, nor the EEA, where international roaming rules are enforced. So, roaming rates are not capped or regulated in Andorra and can be much higher. Each European provider treats Andorra differently: a few charge the same as within the EU zone, but some add a substantial surcharge for usage while roaming in Andorra. Better check your EU/EEA provider before use.
Best options: Andorra is included within the EU zone of French Orange SIM cards and charged at the domestic French rate.
For all Spanish Orange SIMs like Mundo you can activate their “Everywhere” option in your clients area, by app or texting “EW” to 22095. This gives you 100 MB per calendar day at 7 € in Andorra.
All other providers will charge extortionate roaming rates. For more info on your telecom options, check out my post on How to Get Cheap Mobile Phone Service Worldwide.
Hotels in Andorra:
Hotel Sant Jordi at $23 a night is the cheapest in town in summer.
Where to eat:
- K L’Irina
- Atelier By Aitor Estela
- Pizzeria Primavera
- The Family Arms
Andorra Nightlife:
The small amount of year-round nightlife in Andorra la Vella is located in bars around the Plaça Guillermó Square. There are also two discos: Pikolo and La Mafia.
The best party scene in the country during wintertime is certainly Pas de la Casa, the ski resort town known as “the Ibiza of the Pyrenees”.
Get a guidebook:
Barcelona & Catalunya Focus Guide: Includes Andorra & Eastern Spanish Pyrenees (Footprint Focus)
What to Pack:
You can wear whatever you normally wear in Europe. To learn how to pack light and be prepared for anything, check out my post The Worldwide Travel Packing List.
Is Andorra safe?
Very safe. Andorra has practically no crime whatsoever.
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