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Andorra, Gem of the Pyrenees

by Peter Steyn - Editor, GlobeRovers
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Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, lies in a valley in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains

Andorra may not be well known as a tourist destination around the world, though for many people in Europe it is synonymous with brilliant ski slopes! Vallnord, 10 km north of the capital Andorra la Vella, is a true winter wonderland and draws skiers and snowboarders from across Europe. 

Known for its superb ski slopes, hiking trails, and lovely mountain scenery, Andorra lies high in the Pyrenees Mountains squeezed between Spain and France. 

With no less than three ski resorts: Arinsal, Pal, and Ordino-Arcalis, it offers 93 km of marked runs serviced by 44 lifts. North of the resorts in the lovely village of La Cortinada, surrounded by the mountains, is the 12th-century Sant Martí de la Cortinada Church, notable for its Romanesque frescoes.

Another popular ski area, Grandvalira lies in the mountains to the northeast of the city. In the nearby little village of Canillo, check out the 11th century Saint Joan de Caselles that is regarded as one of Andorra’s finest Romanesque chapels.

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The streets of Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra.

Andorra la Vella, the capital, lies in a picturesque valley at an elevation of 1,023 metres, which makes it the highest capital city in Europe.

The city’s old town is characterized by old stone streets, stone houses, and the Gran Valira River flowing through the city. The centrally located Església de Sant Esteve (Saint Stephen Church) was built in a Romanesque style in the 11th century. Some churches in the city date back to the 9th century.

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Gran Valira flowing under the Pont de Paris in Andorra la Vella

Casa de la Vall, a historical house, was built in 1580 as a manor and tower defence. It currently houses the General Council of Andorra and is an interesting place to visit.

Casa de la Vall, Andorra
Casa de la Vall

Directly east of Andorra la Vella, a beautiful 15 km winding road leads to the oblong-shaped Lake Engolasters at an elevation of 1,616 m.

The world’s only co-principality:
A prince from France and a bishop from Spain.  

Andorra’s peacefulness has been demonstrated for at least 1,000 years. That’s how long it has gone without being involved in any war on its home turf. With its non-strategic location in the Pyrenees and its lack of any significant natural resources, it has been without conflict since about the time Charles the Great fought the Islamic Moors.

Jamón at Supermarket, Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Jamón at Supermarket, Andorra la Vella

Another explanation for Andorra’s lasting peace is likely that it is a co-principality with two princes who jointly share the title of Prince. One is the sitting President of France, and the other is the Bishop of the Diocese of Urgell in Spain’s Catalan County of Urgell. So, if one of your princes is from your big squeezing neighbour on your right side, and the other prince from the neighbour on the left side, you should feel quite safe!

While Andorra is not part of the European Union, it uses the Euro. Prior to the Euro, it used the Spanish Peseta and the French Franc.


☛ Read more: Europe’s 10 Lilliputian Countries


If after visiting Andorra you run out of great travel stories, you can always tell odd facts about this amazing country known for its ski resorts, mountains, valleys, shopping, and best of all: Andorra is not an expensive place to visit!


Get to know your Andorra

  • Andorra is the 6th smallest country (by area) in Europe.
  • Land area: 468 km².
  • Population: 77,281 (67% foreigners).
  • Tourist arrivals: 2,831,000 (2016).
  • Capital: Andorra la Vella.
  • Neighbouring countries: Spain and France.
  • Andorra is most famous for its ski resorts.
  • People of Andorra are trilingual by nature – Catalan as an official language, as well as Spanish and French.
  • The country’s military budget depends on voluntary donations.
  • Capital Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe (1,023 m).


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