Andorra is a small mountainous country located in the Pyrenees, on the border between France and Spain. People travel to Andorra primarily for the beautiful mountains. It offers many hiking trails for summer tourism, as well as several ski resorts for winter activities. The main language spoken in Andorra is Spanish, followed by French, and with some effort, English can be understood. The currency used is the Euro. If you’re a nature lover and enjoy mountains, you can easily spend a week here.
Transportation
The best way to reach Andorra is by car. If you’re traveling through France or heading to Spain, be sure to stop here. When arriving from France, you have two route options: a paid tunnel that runs flat or a mountain pass that takes about 15-20 minutes with sharp curves. Once you crest the 2400 meters high summit, you’ll face a steep descent. This mountain road is free, and offers beautiful views.
However, a minor disadvantage of traveling by car in Andorra is the paid parking in larger towns. The system is well-organized, but free parking is not available. Outside the cities and in the mountains, though, parking is not a problem.
If you’re in Andorra without a car, there is the option to use local buses for transportation.
Prices
Andorra is significantly cheaper than neighboring France. A liter of gasoline can be up to 50 cents cheaper, so definitely wait until you reach Andorra to fill up your tank. The price of food in restaurants is also half of what it costs in France. Upon arrival, you’ll notice crowded gas stations and many stores that resemble duty-free shops at airports. Especially on weekends, it can be more difficult to enter Andorra, as many French families come here for cheap shopping, cheaper gas, and alcohol, which is less expensive than in the Czech Republic. Long traffic jams can form as a result. There’s only one road leading into Andorra from France, so you can’t avoid the queues, and you’ll have to slowly move up the mountain.
Places to Visit
Cities
The main attraction is the mountains, but the capital Andorra la Vella is also worth visiting, where you can expect a bit of chaos and paid parking (only the first 30 minutes are free). You can also visit the nearby town of Les Escaldes, famous for its thermal springs and an aquapark. There are also beautiful mountain villages with traditional architecture and small churches, such as Canillo or La Cortinada.
Mountains
A beautiful yet challenging hike is to the highest peak in Andorra – Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2946 m above sea level. The starting point is Arinsal. The route to the top is about 8 km long with an elevation gain of over 1500m. The trail is demanding and time-consuming, so make sure to allocate plenty of time. It is best to start early in the morning. If you make it to the base of the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully clear mountain lake. From there, a final steep climb awaits you. The last kilometer may seem endless, and some people even turn back at this point. But that’s a shame! At the summit, you’ll have a unique view of the Pyrenees peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. You can even spot the highest snowy peak of the mountain range – Pico de Aneto (3404m above sea level).
It is theoretically possible to return via another route, which is about 2 km shorter. The elevation gain on this route is the same, making it very steep. The best option is to return the same way. The trail is well-marked, and no special equipment is required. If you’re not up for the full hike, it’s possible to split the route into two days. There are camping sites along the way or you can stay in a mountain hut for a fee.
Another beautiful and popular destination is the three lakes Tristaina (Estany de Més Amunt, del Mig, Primer). You can reach them by car to a high elevation (2200m above sea level) via the only road from El Serrat and then hike to the lakes (2400m above sea level). The hike is not difficult, but if you’re looking for more physical activity, you can hike up to the border peak Pic de Tristaina (2878m above sea level). The ascent is short but very steep, almost like a climbing route, though you won’t need any special equipment.
It is also worth mentioning the Madriu River Valley, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The famous GR11 trail also passes through here, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea, traversing the entire Pyrenees.
If you love mountains, panoramic views from the highest peaks, mountain towns, and skiing, then Andorra is exactly what you’re looking for.