The tiny republic of Andorra - with borders pegged between Spain and France - is one of the oldest independent states in Europe. It is surrounded by the great mountain peaks of the Pyrenees, and is at the same time full of tax-free shops with a highly favourable rate of VAT, so the country offers something for both the nature loving and the consumer spending tourist. So it is perhaps unsurprising that around seven million tourists visit Andorra to enjoy the unique scenery, fine winter sport facilities, and shops which are open seven days a week.Find your travel arrangement to Andorra, Principality of here
Facts
Local name
Principat d'Andorra
Capital
Andorra la Vella (21.600)
Size
468 square kilometers
Principal Languages
Catalan
Principal Religion
Roman-Catholic
Inhabitants
65.800 (1998)
Government
Republic
Geography
Andorra sits at an elevation of 900-2900 metres and, besides the surrounding mountains, the country is comprised of beautiful plains and valleys. Moreover it is crossed by the river Gran Valira.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
You can visit Andorra during both summer and winter. In the summer the temperature seldom rises above 20 degrees celsius - which makes the climate perfect for long hikes in the surrounding mountain areas.
Winter temperatures are around freezing-point - giving the opportunity for all kinds of winter sports. The hotels in Andorra are normally fully booked during July and August, and again from December to March.
Winter temperatures are around freezing-point - giving the opportunity for all kinds of winter sports. The hotels in Andorra are normally fully booked during July and August, and again from December to March.
Literature
Europe on a shoestring
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Andorra they use the following weights and measures:
Weight: kilo
Distance: the metric system
Weight: kilo
Distance: the metric system
Photography
Show common courtesy and always ask before photographing.
Drinking water
The tap water in Andorra is drinkable, but it is advisable to buy your drinking water.
Electricity
In Andorra they use the following power source:
125V/220V AC, 50HZ
125V/220V AC, 50HZ
Behaviour
As in most Roman-Catholic countries you should show respect in churches, monasteries and other religious places by avoiding the wearing of shorts and miniskirts and by covering bare shoulders.
Business Hours
The big stores are open from 9 am to 8 pm (Monday-Friday), from 9 am to 9 pm (Saturdays) and from 9 am to 7 pm (Sundays).
Other stores are open from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm (Monday-Saturday), from 9 am to 1pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm (Sundays).
Other stores are open from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm (Monday-Saturday), from 9 am to 1pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm (Sundays).
Food and drink
Besides cheese, milk, goat's meat and pork the Andorran kitchen consists of game and trout. The country's traditional meals are very much characterized by its isolated position and limited access to primary produce. The local menu includes several stews and ragouts, but pork chops and trout have also made their way onto Andorran dining tables. Moreover, as in Spain, tapas are recommended - a range of small local dishes served either as a snack in itself or as a filler between meals.
Holidays
New Years Day, 1 January
Epiphany, 6 January
Constitution Day, 14 March
Labour Day, 1 May
St Johns Day, 24 June
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, 15 August
National Day - Mare de Deu de Meritxell, 8 September
All Saints Day, 1 November
St Charles Day, 4 November
Immaculate Conception, 8 December
Christmas Eve, 24 December
Christmas Day, 25 December
2nd Day of Christmas, 26 December
New Years Eve, 31 December
Epiphany, 6 January
Constitution Day, 14 March
Labour Day, 1 May
St Johns Day, 24 June
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, 15 August
National Day - Mare de Deu de Meritxell, 8 September
All Saints Day, 1 November
St Charles Day, 4 November
Immaculate Conception, 8 December
Christmas Eve, 24 December
Christmas Day, 25 December
2nd Day of Christmas, 26 December
New Years Eve, 31 December
Accommodation / Hotel
Andorra has a comprehensive network of hotels, but for the outdoor person it is of course also possible to stay overnight at camping sites or the charming little mountain inns.
Book your Hotel in Andorra, Principality of here
Book your Hotel in Andorra, Principality of here
Camping
Andorra has 25 well-marked camping sites - of which the main ones are situated near towns (useful also for caravans).
Despite its size Andorra boasts a total of 350 hotels. Most of them are open only during summer and the skiing season, but a few hotels are open all year.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
Andorra's charming little mountain inns offer cheap accommodation for the night, but usually with no more than the most basic comforts.
Local transport
In Andorra there is neither airport nor railway, so travel by car or bus is the only way into the country. The country is connected with Spain via a pass through the Valira Valley, which is usually open - whilst the two passes which connect the country with France can be closed for months on end, depending on the weather.
The country is traversed by three main roads which interconnect the country - in conjunction with a whole series of secondary roads. Andorrans drive on the right hand side of the road.
The country is traversed by three main roads which interconnect the country - in conjunction with a whole series of secondary roads. Andorrans drive on the right hand side of the road.
Planes
There is no airport in Andorra, but a series of helicopter operators make it possible to travel by air.
Bus
Andorra has a comprehensive bus transport system which connects most towns in the country. And in winter there are shuttle buses to the many ski resorts from the nearest villages.
Taxi
There are taxi companies in Andorra's cities.
car rental
It is possible to rent a car in Andorra la Vella.
