The day before leaving for my little trip to Andorra, I was chatting with a travel blogger friend about our choice of destinations. Thinking about it a bit more, I believe I like it when others choose for me. I’ve always loved that. In college, I took advantage of my university’s travel opportunities, and later I frequently visited regions or countries simply because family or friends had settled there.
Ultimately, I love the fact of having no preconceived notions about a destination. I let myself be guided by opportunities because I believe I would love to travel anywhere in the world. And the more I travel, the more I realize that it is sometimes the most unexpected destinations that surprise me the most. That’s a bit of what I thought when I was offered the chance to discover Andorra. I might never have gone there on my own, but I was absolutely thrilled by this invitation.
In my imagination, Andorra was a sort of vague principality, nestled at the bottom of a valley in the heart of the Pyrenees. Indeed, on that point, I wasn’t entirely wrong; this small European state is located right in the middle of the mountains, in a magnificent and preserved natural setting, with its capital at the center: Andorra la Vella.
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Table of Contents
Practical Information about Andorra
This parliamentary co-principality is shared between two co-princes (purely honorary, of course): the Bishop of Urgell (in Spain) and the President of the French Republic! Yes, really! However, since 1993, Andorra has signed its first constitution, making it a state governed by the rule of law today.
Outdoor sports are one of the country’s most significant attractions, especially in winter with 2 ski areas accessible. Catalan is the official language of this state, but due to the diversity of nationalities present in Andorra, Portuguese, Spanish, and French are also very widely spoken locally.
Getting there: The easiest way from Paris is to fly to Barcelona, then it’s about a 3-hour drive to reach Andorra. Another option is via the south of France, arriving by car along the Pyrenees route.
To get around within the country, there is a public transport system, but the city of Andorra itself can largely be explored entirely on foot.
Tips: No need for a passport to go to Andorra, an ID card is sufficient, and the good news is that you can do your shopping in Andorra without worries, as the official currency is now the euro.
I also advise you to download the Andorra Go app upon arriving in Andorra, which will allow you, for example, to take advantage of discount coupons for Andorra Shopping and plenty of other great deals. Plus, it’s free!
All info about the country via the official Andorra tourism website: visitandorra
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Hiking in Andorra
If there is one aspect of their country that the Andorrans are very proud of, it is their beautiful nature.
A preserved nature that represents more than 80% of their territory. The best way to discover it is still to go for a little walk or a real hike in the surroundings of Andorra or in one of the country’s two natural parks.
Recommendation: Xplorand, a particularly friendly mountain guide, offers a very accessible 2.5-hour hike in the surroundings of Andorra la Vella to the small church of Cami Ral.
The tip: The country’s tourist offices offer a “Paths of Andorra” guide in which you can find 54 trails for all levels.
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Visiting Andorra la Vella
Don’t hesitate to take a walk in the capital; there are some quite charming alleys in the old part of the city, and I particularly encourage you to visit Casa de la Vall, the former Andorran parliament. Built around the year 1580, it is the historic seat of the General Council of Andorra and was once the headquarters of the Council of the Land. Inside, the historic hall of the General Council of Andorra is truly worth seeing.
On the square adjacent to the House, you will find the sculpture La dansa, a work by the Andorran artist Francesc Viladomat, a sculpture that represents the country’s traditional dance. On the main door, you can also find the coats of arms of the Busquets Family and those of Andorra.
Free guided tours (by reservation only) are organized every day, except Sunday afternoons and Mondays (closing day)
Another tourist attraction of the region that I didn’t know about: Andorra is a territory very rich in Romanesque churches (it has more than 40), and a tourist bus allows you, I believe, to tour these buildings easily. You can also visit a few in the center of Andorra la Vella.
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The Inuu Wellness and Caldéa Center
This immense wellness center in Andorra with its very futuristic architecture is well worth spending at least half a day there. It contains two distinct parts: Inuu wellness and Caldéa.
On the agenda: the benefits of thermal water, treatments, numerous pools (outdoor and indoor) with mountain views, Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna, water jets, bubbling seats, massage bed, a detox restaurant, …
In short, it is the ideal place for a moment of relaxation and unwinding.
Inuu Wellness Center Parc de la Mola 10, AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra Price: 65 € per person for a day pass providing access to both centers / 49 € for a half-day
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Andorra A Taula Festival
This gastronomy festival takes place in Andorra in May and October/November every year. It offers, in participating restaurants, tasting menus featuring 2 appetizers, 2 main courses, and a dessert at very favorable prices between 25 € and 35 € per menu. It is an opportunity to discover many traditional recipes of the Principality and to enjoy Andorran gastronomy, which mainly offers mountain dishes featuring mushrooms, meat, etc. Andorra also produces wines in very small quantities; unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to taste them… That will be for another time.
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Iö Restaurant at the Inúu wellness center
This restaurant, nestled in the Inúu wellness center (which I mentioned just above), offers detox and light cuisine in harmony with the concept of the place.
To taste:
- Octopus carpaccio with seaweed emulsion and olive oil.
- Artichoke quiche with romesco sauce.
- Creamy rice flavored with Iberian ham and sautéed squid.
- Cod confit (a little souvenir from Lisbon) with seasonal mushrooms and white beans.
- Iberian pork secret with chestnuts and shallots in bordelaise sauce.
- Delicious red fruit dessert, mascarpone, dark chocolate, and crunchy cake, accompanied by a glass of Cava Llopart.
Restaurant Iö
Inúu Wellness Center
Parc de la Mola
10, AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
Menu price: 27 €_
És Andorra Restaurant at the Andorra Park Hotel
The hotel restaurant where I stayed offers very high-end, very fine cuisine. Definitely the best table I had the opportunity to discover in Andorra, so even if you are not a guest of the hotel, it is worth coming just for its restaurant.
To taste:
- Scrambled eggs with fresh garlic
- Duck ham salad and tomato and strawberry carpaccio
- Octopus stew with mushrooms.
- Veal tail stew in sauce with truffled old-fashioned mashed potatoes.
- Lemon cream with candied chestnut and crumble.
Restaurant És Andorra
Andorra Park Hotel
Les Canals, 24 AD500 Andorra la Vella
Menu price: 30 €_
Minim’s Restaurant
This restaurant is located in the city center of Andorra la Vella and offers rustic local cuisine.
To taste:
- As an appetizer, a glass of copa de cava (a type of local champagne) with a local tortilla.
- As a starter, a pumpkin cream with crispy Iberian bacon.
- Another starter with this porcini mushroom risotto, seasonal, with mascarpone.
- As a main dish, tuna tataki with soy sauce, pineapple syrup, and vegetable chips.
- Another main dish with a piece of tender Andorran veal (super tender and melting), cooked at low temperature with an endive salad and button mushrooms in vinegar.
- For dessert, quince with cinnamon, blackberries, béchamel, and white chocolate.
Restaurant Minim's
Antic Carrer Major 5 Andorra la Vella
Menu price: 25 €_
Andorra Shopping Festival
This festival was held in Andorra this year from October 9th to November 1st, 2015 (and a quick 2019 edit, this year the festival will be held from November 8th to 17th). The destination is indeed best known for its shopping attraction, and this is due to the very competitive prices (most exempt from European taxes) offered in stores.
On the program for this festival: offers, promotions, and themed window displays in stores participating in the operation, an installation of ephemeral art works created by Andorran artists and placed in the city’s commercial arteries, as well as street entertainment on the weekends.
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Where to stay in Andorra? The Andorra Park Hotel
This prestigious 5-star hotel in Andorra la Vella, where I was lucky enough to stay, is located on the heights of the city, which allows it to offer a magnificent view of the valley to its guests. Breakfast is served in a very complete buffet style, also with a gluten-free section, which is worth noting.
The perks: the hotel has a private tennis court, sauna, outdoor and indoor pool (be careful not to forget your swimming cap!), a gym, and massage jet tubs in the rooms (amazing!).
The tip: there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel!
Andorra Park Hotel Les Canals, 24 AD500 Andorra la Vella Price: from 102 € per room with many promotional offers, paired with ski packages or even tickets to the Inuu center I mentioned earlier
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I hope that with all this I have made you want to discover Andorra, and if you too have your favorite addresses and tips for this destination, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments!
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos not royalty-free, photographer's permission required before any use
