ANDORRA
Officially known as the Principality of Andorra, located in the eastern Pyrenees the country is clogged between France and Spain. This tiny little country of Andorra measures nearly 470kms in area and ranked as the sixth smallest nation in the Europe. The newly established ski slopes and resorts make Andorra a center for winter sports. Other than this the scenic beauty of Andorra just lures the tourists with its several Mountain streams and lakes. Andorra’s major attraction is its location and the lowest-cost duty-free shopping in Europe that attracts visitors from adjacent Spain and France. Tourism in Andorra is mainly because of the outstanding mountains, lakes, hiking, camping and skiing; nearly three million overnight visitors are attracted by duty free shopping and at least six million day visitors in a year. Other tourists who can’t ski can opt for camping and horseback riding along the mountains. As hiking is particularly popular here, hikers can take advantage of the freely available twenty six refuges formerly used by shepherds. The data for location of these twenty six refuges can be obtained from the tourist office. Total one day is required to cover the cultural sites of Andorra and one day for Andorra La Vella (capital city). Not to forget Andorra’s plus points are its stone Romanesque churches and bridges.
CULTURE
Andorra’s much populated political district is formed by the seven urbanized valleys. The citizens in this country are a minority and Catalan is their native language. Other common languages that one can find are the Portuguese, French and Spanish. Andorra is home dazzling villages that indulge in folk music and dance especially in Saint Julia de Loria. This country lacks a formal or specific religion but Roman Catholicism is hegemonic here. Romanesque art can be found in the principality’s valleys that depict Andorra’s culture, not to wonder there are over 50 Romanesque churches here. Also the Spanish influence in the city is highly noticeable.
GEOGRAPHY
Rugged mountains and narrow valleys make Andorra geographically beautiful with temperate climate, snowy cold winters and dry summers. It is centered on the triple valley complex of the Valira River that flows into Spain to form a breach in the surrounding mountains. Find here extremely rugged landscapes with high peaks towering above deep valleys and gorges that were originally carved out by glaciers. The estimated height of the mountains on an average is 1996 meters with Coma Pedrosa highest of all measuring at 2946 meters. It is inhibited by a population of approximately 68000 with 36 percent being the local Andorran nationality.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Country has favorable climatic conditions with variable rainfall, cold winters and heavy snowfalls. Spring and summers are mild and sunny. Most of the Andorra is snow-covered usually for a span of six months, so the best time to visit Andorra is from May to the end of September unless you want to go for skiing. Get a glimpse of lush green landscapes of this beautiful city in the late spring and make the most of spring time for mountain biking or hiking. Andorra seasonal time is August when many Europeans plan to spend their vacation here. The skiing season starts when November steps in and continues throughout April. The snow melting is believed to be the only unpleasant season as the snow melts down leaving a wet and cold city in isolation. If you choose to visit Andorra in summer season, activities like trekking will make your trip memorable.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Tourism being the major revenue in Andorra visitors’ interest is given importance. Anybody is undoubtedly attracted by the magnificent scenery, winter skiing, local folklore and architecture. Andorra La Vella, capital city of Andorra is a popular destination for ski lovers. The government exhibition hall, Piazza, and Escaldes- Engordany are not only favourite place for people of Andorra but also the tourists. Not to forget about the famous attractions in the northwestern region called La Massana and comes as a surprise the highest peak of the region Pic de Coma Pedrosa. Away from La Massana is Ordino one of the must sees with numerous architectural splendors.
Andorra La Vella
Geographically positioned between Spain and France the capital city is the most visited tourist destinations. The name of the city means ‘Andorra the Old’ based on the age of city that is home to buildings dating back to 9th century. The town displays photogenic collection of stone streets and ancient buildings in addition to the 16th century Casa de la Val that is situated in the center of Andorra La Vella. It’s a plain building of undressed stone built about 1580 and currently the seat of government. Visit the ski resorts and Pyrenees in the city that is crammed into a mountain valley. There are number of attractive Romanesque churches that are usually well displayed against the country’s beautiful scenery. Don’t miss the Church of Saint Estevez known as the town’s principal church dating back from the 12th century that displays one of the finest wood carvings. One place that offers hundred percent relaxations is the city’s uniquely designed spa called the Caldea that is largest in the whole Europe. The total built up area of this spa is surprisingly 6000 square meters. The spa features complex structures of inside-outside lagoons, Jacuzzis, saunas, a grapefruit pool, an Aztecian pool, Indo-Roman baths, cascades, bubble beds and warm marble slates.
Escaldes-Engordany
A tourist destination that is famous for parishes in Andorra and villages like El Fener, Engordany, and Engolasters are gradually becoming famous tourist attractions. The beauty of this place as said by John Keats lies in the eyes of beholder, its simplicity that is untouched modernity assures of trip free of hustle and bustle of the city. Rugged by the mountain terrains the spot creates an environment of hiking making you amazed by the natural splendor of the place. The vibrant culture, dance and music of Escaldes are equally famous and special attraction is the Jazz festival that takes place every year attracting several tourists to take part. Jazz festivals is a meeting point for the old and new where you can enjoy performances given by seasoned Jazz singers from all over the world.
La Massana
Popular for its mountain ranges La Massana adorns beautiful landscapes. Home of highest peak called Pic de Coma Pedrossa, the peak raises to a spectacular height of 2942 meters above sea level. A place for outdoor persons as there are interesting activities in the city like scaling the heights of different peaks, mountain biking and hiking.
Ordino
Place of Architectural splendors like ancient buildings, old constructions and artistic specimens of architectural styles of the world. It’s well known for a old church called the Church of Saint Marti that stands in the center of the city dating back to 16th century and regions like Ansalonga, Segudet, Arans, Somas, Liorts, El Sarat and La Cortinada fall in the must see list. Also visit the Casa d’Areny-Plandolit Museum that traces three centuries in the life of an Andorran noble family. The museum restores great knowledge about the family that lived since 1633 and explains how Andorran People lived.
Apart from being famous for its lovely cities, Andorra is known for its outdoor pursuits. Winter sports like skiing and other snowbound pursuits there are a multitude of activities to be undertaken in Andorra. Equally summer season activities are popular offering the obligatory rest and relaxation in what can only be described as an incredibly beautiful environment. To decide on the most accessible Ski resort take a glance of ski resorts all over the Country, they are: Grand Valira Ski Resort, Vallnord Ski Resort, La Rabassa Ski resort, SoldeuEl Tarter Ski, Pas de La Casa-Grau Roig Ski, Pal-Arinsal Ski, Ordino-Arcalis Ski and the Andorra Snowboarding. Other sights of attractions are Museums in Andorra that are typical types of paintings hung all over, instead most of the frescos that decorated the walls of Romanesque churches that have been moved to the museums of Barcelona. Again there’s exclusive postage and miniature pictures museum in Ordino. The miniature pictures are so small that are only viewed through microscopes. Elsewhere there are automobile and sculpture museums where you get a glimpse of ancient Andorran life.
Other major attraction is shopping that have variety of items at display and you can get best bargains because of the duty free shopping in the country. The best seasons for Shopping in Andorra La Vella is January, February and July because in these months the goods get cleared and their prices are lowered. Tourists from all over the world come here to make good use of duty free shopping; most them buy Alcohol and clothes that are very cheap.
HOW GET HERE
Andorra being small in size and because of mountainous surroundings, there are only two roads that lead to Andorra. One can get here by taking the roadway from both France and Spain. There are no railways or an airport in Andorra, but the roads are in very good condition and there is a helicopter service if you want look at the country from the air. The city depends on the airports of Barcelona and Toulouse, Carcassonne and Perpignan. The nearest train station to Andorra is l'Hospitalet in France close to the Andorran border. The best way to move around inside Andorra is either by bus, or by using the services of car rental in Andorra.
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