For many years, I had wanted to visit Andorra. Despite being a small country, it still has so much to offer. Many people see this tiny principality merely as a tax haven where Spaniards and French people go to buy cheaper cigarettes and alcohol. However, Andorra has a surprisingly rich history.
All across the country, you can find beautiful Romanesque stone churches, some of which, such as the Church of Santa Coloma, are over a thousand years old. The country is best known for its stunning mountains, home to numerous ski resorts that operate from December to April.
The towns are small—the capital, Andorra la Vella, has only around 26,000 inhabitants—but all of them will charm you with their cleanliness, beautiful local architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and, above all, their friendly people, who are always willing to help.
The country is also full of crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, and mountain lakes. The most beautiful ones, in my opinion, were Estany de Més Amunt and Estany del Mig, both of which can be reached by cable car. You can even swim in these lakes, but be aware that the water is very cold. When I visited, only a few people were brave enough to take a swim.
Another remarkable attraction is the Pont Tibetà Canillo, which is the fourth-longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. If you plan to visit it, I recommend booking your tickets in advance.
As for transportation, the best way to get around Andorra is by car, since the country has no railway stations and travelling by bus is considerably slower.
If you are travelling to Andorra from an EU country, keep in mind that EU roaming rules do not apply there, so you will need to buy a local SIM card. I would recommend purchasing an eSIM through Airalo.
When it comes to food prices, it largely depends on where you choose to eat. Andorra has plenty of luxurious and expensive restaurants, but you can also find affordable street food options. The country even has its own street food brands, such as Burger Brothers and La Suculenta, which is widely considered the reigning temple of smash burgers in Andorra.
To conclude, although Andorra is neither one of the most famous nor one of the largest countries in Europe, it still has a great deal to offer.
Pics:
1. Estany de Més Amunt
2. Viewpoint on Andorra la Vella
3. Pont Tibetà Canillo
4. Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra
5. Cascada de Les Moles
6. Caldea
7. Mirador Roc Del Quer
8. Casa de la Vall
9. Tristaina Lakes
10. Inside the Church of Santa Coloma d’Andorra
11. Ruta del Ferro
12. La Noblesse du Temps