Andorra Vacations

Overview

Andorra is a land locked country located in Central Europe between France and Spain. The country is located on the Pyrenees Mountains and its capital city is Andorra la Vella. The country is a popular tourist destination because of its duty free status. Since Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it can offer many things cheaper than its neighboring countries. The Catalan cuisine of the area includes specialties such as xai, (roast lamb) and escudella, chicken, sausage, and meatball stew.

Activities & Attractions

Andorra has become a popular tourist spot, particularly for skiers. People from many places come here to enjoy skiing on the mountain slopes of Andorra because the slopes are gentler than any other skiing place. Andorra has hiking trails available in the summer to keep outdoor enthusiasts happy all year-round.

Caldea is one of the largest health spas in Europe that is located in the Andorran Mountains. With full spa treatment and heat provided by thermal springs, it is the perfect place to be pampered.

The Casa de la Vall is the home of the Andorran Parliament. You can see a special cupboard with seven keys, which at one time protected the national documents. Churches, museums, and castles make other interesting sights in Andorra. The Santa Coloma Church is one of the oldest churches in the country with a bell tower built in the 12^th century and a 17^th century portico.

Shopping is a popular activity in Andorra. Most electronic goods and many other items cost nearly 30 percent less than those bought in other European countries.

Lodging

There are many varieties of hotels in Andorra, from budget to luxurious, with most starting at around Euro 40 per night. Ski resorts are also popular options for ski fans. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hotel Cassany, Hotel Hesperia, Andorra Park Hotel, and Aparhoel Sant Andreu are some great hotels you can stay in. Accommodations include hotels, bed and breakfast services, and camp sites.

Transportation

A highway links Andorra la Vella with France and Spain, with smaller roads crossing both borders. These roads many sometimes be closed in winter due to heavy snows. Major bus services are available from Sanremo in the west and to Finale Ligure in the east. The chief forms of mass transit in Andorra are busses and cable cars. There is a rail transport between Ventimiglia (in France) and Genoa. The nearest airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and Nice Cote d'Azur Airport in France. You can either trek the high mountains or go by roadways into the country.