The Principality of Andorra is one of the dwarf states of Europe, its area is only 450 square kilometers. Its "open spaces" are located in the east of the Pyrenees, between the major countries of Europe - Spain and France. Most of the territory is located at an altitude of more than 900 meters above sea level. Due to its favorable location at the intersection of many transport and tourist routes, the state and its capital, Andorra la Vella, have long become a pilgrimage site for many tourists and vacationers. Spectacular mountain landscapes, ski and SPA resorts, geothermal and mineral springs, museums and the architecture of the capital, glacial lakes, as well as other numerous attractions of Andorra in summer and winter make these places especially attractive.
The capital of Andorra, its indigenous people and guests
Only about 70 thousand people live in the principality, most of which are visitors who have received a residence permit. Most of them are Spaniards, some French and only a third of the total number of inhabitants are Andorran. There are a few diasporas in the countries of Scandinavia, Great Britain, etc. The official language is Catalan, but the national composition of the inhabitants makes adjustments, and to one degree or another, Spanish or French is used, including for communicating with tourists.
There is practically no crime here, the activities of all kinds of political unions and associations are banned, so you can be calm: you will not be disturbed by the sounds of protests and street riots. Four and a half hundred police officers of the country are monitoring the situation.
Lovers of “strawberries” will be disappointed: strict morals, nurtured in Catholic traditions, put an end to striptease, nudism, prostitution, extramarital affairs are still condemned here. Even sexual minorities behave rather modestly. A foreigner who violates local laws or simply behaves defiantly can be expelled from the principality. And be sure that this decision will not be affected by either the financial situation or the social status of the offender.
Official website: http://www.museudeltabac.com
The principality does not have its own currency and army. Euros are used, tourist facilities, cafes and restaurants also accept US dollars, you can easily pay with credit cards of international payment systems, and the amount of currency imported and exported from the state is not limited. But the guarantee of the security of a tiny state is provided by neighboring France and Spain. As the attractions of Andorra, Wikipedia notes a high level of culture, healthcare, a developed tourism infrastructure, a loyal tax and banking system. By and large, taxes are practically absent, so the principality is attractive to both financiers and entrepreneurs.
What miniature Andorra offers
Residents, daily admiring the beauties of their capital, carefully preserve the sights of Andorra la Vella and offer them to visitors for viewing in perfect condition. Clean streets, well-groomed parks, convenient pedestrian walking areas, lots of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants - all this has a relaxing and productive rest.
The most popular attractions of the state of Andorra are:
- Caldea - the largest mountain thermal wellness center with unique opportunities;
Official website: https://www.caldea.com/en/
- Avenu Meritxell - the capital's street, in the architecture of which Roman style is seen, is considered one of the centers of diverse and profitable shopping;
- pedestrian cable-stayed bridge of unique architecture across the Valira River, crossing Andorra la Vella;
- “The Nobility of Time” - a sculpture of the odious Salvador Dali;
- Casa de la Val - “House of the Valleys” - an old castle built in the 16th century;
Official website: http: //www.casadelavall.
- Estany del Estani - a group of stunningly beautiful lakes with crystal water, surrounded by amazingly beautiful landscapes;
- Architectural Museum of Miniatures - the exposition demonstrates the beauty of the capital in mock-ups, which can be viewed only under a microscope, and created by our compatriot, Nikolai Syadristy.
Official website: http://visitandorra.com/en
This is only a small part of what will be interesting for tourists in Andorra la Vella, the sights of which will interest the most sophisticated travelers.
Having a smartphone or a professional camera on hand, you can capture Andorra's sights on a photograph, shoot an interesting video about hiking in the mountains, or use special equipment to perpetuate your dive into one of the crystal clear lakes.
Ways leading to the Principality
It is impossible to get to Andorra by air or by train, due to the lack of an airport and railway in the state’s infrastructure. However, you can use these modes of transport, reaching France or Spain. The principality is connected with neighboring states by comfortable highways. For transportation, you can choose a rental car, or use regular buses with a wide geography of routes.
It's nice to enjoy the sights along the road to Andorra from Barcelona. The track is about two hundred kilometers long from Spain, mainly through picturesque places. The windows of the car constantly change landscapes with serpentine roads, mountain peaks covered with snow, views of the ancient churches and castles of the cities of San Julia de Loria and Santa Coloma, located in the south of the principality. Having enjoyed the sights of Andorra, Spain, and more precisely, its capital - Madrid, located only 613 km away, will take you to replenish your impressions.
Life is like a holiday
Every year, the resort offers visitors a number of festivals and concerts, which are prepared and held in almost every locality. In the programs: jazz, classical, folk art and dancing. Those who appear here on September 8 are doubly lucky, because on this day, just a dozen kilometers from the capital, the “Mare de Dew de Meritsel” is held - grandiose national celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary.
The first Saturday of August opens a three-day festival in the Plaza la Poble in honor of Andorra la Vella. Catholic Christmas and New Year are widely celebrated - at this time colorful holidays for kids are also organized.
After the trip, many tourists share their impressions of participating in events, amazing photos and descriptions of the sights of Andorra, posting them on their pages on social networks.
Summer holidays in Andorra
Despite the developed infrastructure of ski resorts, which are well-deserved, summer vacations in the principality are no less interesting than winter ones. Lovers of fun in the warm season are invited to:
- cycling
- diving;
- canoeing;
- golf;
- rock climbing;
- hiking;
- base jumping.
When the snow melts, the Vallnord ski station becomes a great place for cycling enthusiasts. You can learn mountain biking here, having passed the appropriate training course under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Beginners and experienced cyclists are offered a choice of about two dozen scenic routes of varying difficulty with a height difference of up to 1 km. Hiking in the mountains and ravines is organized at the station’s base with the ability to tickle your nerves with a jump from dizzy heights, dive into the waters of the mountain lake Tristaina, and ride an amphibious car.
Grandvalira is another station that changes its profile after the end of the ski season. Its golf courses at an altitude of two and a quarter thousand meters are the highest in Europe. Here you can go horse riding, go canoeing on the surface of the cleanest lake, or master the go-kart track with a breeze.
Official website: https://www.grandvalira.com/en
Going to Andorra, you can be sure that the rest will be interesting, varied, accompanied by a service of European quality.
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