TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN ANDORRA
Andorra is a tiny, independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. It’s known for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping. Capital Andorra la Vella has boutiques and jewelers on Meritxell Avenue and several shopping centers. The old quarter, Barri Antic, houses Romanesque Santa Coloma Church, with a circular bell tower.
Dialing code: +376
Currency: Euro
1. Andorra la Vella
The capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella sits in the Pyrenees. The city has a population of just over 20,000 people meaning that it is small and compact and yet there is much to see here for discerning tourists. With a lively bar and cafe culture, Andorra la Vella has a vibrant main artery in the form of the main street that has galleries showcasing local art, handicraft shops, and restaurants. For those looking to get a glimpse of the history of Andorra, there are guided tours of Casa de la Vell, a historic building dating from the 16th century famed for its period artwork and historically significant documents. Also of note in Andorra la Vella is the Sant Esteve Church, built in the 12th century that features ornate wooden decorations. To enjoy all that Andorra la Vella has to offer, head over to Plaça del Poble, the main square of the city that sits atop the roof of an administrative complex, and visitors can ascend to the square and take in the unspoilt views over the city and beyond.
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2. Encamp
Head over to the town of Encamp to enjoy this picturesque spot that is bisected by the Valira d’Orient River. The town has a wealth of pretty historical buildings for visitor to explore, as well as quaint cafes, restaurants serving local fare, and boutiques selling art and crafts. One of the big draws in Encamp is its National Automobile Museum that has a vast collection of vintage automobiles including steam powered cars and motorcycles. The town is also the starting point for several key locations in Andorra, such as the Pic dels Pessons Mountain, and those who enjoy hiking and rambling can explore the area easily in a day from Encamp. Come ski season, there is a ski lift that takes visitors to Grau Roig or Pas de la Casa in order to hit the slopes in style.
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3. Pas De La Casa
Nestled on the border with France, Pas de la Casa is one of Andorra’s top ski resorts, and now features 31 ski lifts to allow visitors access to all areas below the Pic d’Envalira. Unlike some of the other ski resorts in Andorra, Pas de la Casa better serves intermediate or advanced skiers as there are a number of red pistes that span the surrounding terrain. There is also a focus on nightlife and après-ski here, making Pas de la Casa popular with younger travellers looking for some lively venues to relax in after a long day of skiing. If you want to do some shopping then there are a number of warehouses along the pass between France and Andorra that sell duty free products.
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4. Casa De La Vall
Casa de la Vall is the ancient seat of the General Council: Andorra'sparliament. The building is emblematic for its historicalignificance. In 1419, an inter-parochial organization known as the Land Council wasratified. This was subsequently to become the General Council of theValleys of Andorra.The house was built in 1580 by the Busquets family. It was acquiredin 1702 by the General Council. The layout of the building is quadrangular with three galleries, in the style of the country houses of Catalan noble families. The main facade has both the current coat of arms of Andorra and the old one (from after the 14th century) and some interesting defensive features: embrasure, tower and machicolations. The building was restored in 1962.The gardens have a dovecot tower, a boundary cross and contemporary commemorative sculptures.
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5. Grandvalira
The largest ski area in the Pyrenees (210km of runs)
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