Andorra is known for being one of the smallest countries in Europe. With great natural attractions including its ski centers, it is a very popular tourist destination to visit both in winter and summer. In case you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting Andorra, I assure it is, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities. In this post I tell you the best tips for visiting Andorra for the first time.
- Tips for visiting Andorra for the first time
- How to get to Andorra
- Andorra border
- Requirements for traveling to Andorra
- Currency of Andorra
- Andorra language
- Get an eSIM
- Best time to visit Andorra
- Where to stay in Andorra
- Shopping in Andorra
- Travel insurance for Andorra
- Power outlets in Andorra
- Visit the biggest spa in Europe
- Try the typical food of Andorra
- Activities in Andorra besides skiing
- Skiing in Andorra
Tips for visiting Andorra
1. How to get to Andorra
The first thing you have to know about Andorra is its location. This country, with only 468 km² in area, is located in the Pyrenees, between Spain and France. It is divided into 7 parishes, with Andorra la Vieja being the capital of the country. Andorra does not have its own airport so the most common thing is to arrive by car or bus from Spain or France. The trip from Barcelona takes 3 hours. The closest airports are in Barcelona, Toulouse or Girona. From these airports there are direct buses to Andorra. The best websites for finding bus tickets in Europe are Flixbus and Omio. If you don’t have much time or you don’t want to rent a car you can simply take a day trip to Andorra like this day tour from Barcelona to Andorra which includes the transport to and from Barcelona by bus with a local guide.
2. Andorra border
3. Requierements for traveling to Andorra
Although Andorra is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, it has free movement agreements with Spain and France, so no special visa is required to enter or exit the country. If you are a citizen of the European Union, you can enter and exit Andorra with your ID card. If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you will need your passport to travel.
4. Currency of Andorra
5. Andorra language
Andorra is the only country where Catalan is the official language. Additionally, everyone speaks Spanish. French is also spoken by most of the population due to the country’s proximity to France. You can easily communicate in english at hotels and restaurants as they are used to welcoming many tourists from abroad.
6. Get an eSIM
Since Andorra is not part of the European Union, the phone companies used in Spain or France usualy do not have agreements with Andorra. Therefore, I recommend turning off mobile data before entering the country, as the costs can be very high. Stay connected on your trip with Airalo, an eSIM company that offers more than 200 countries and regions. I always use it on my travels and love it.
7. Best time to visit Andorra
Andorra is a country that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, depending on your interests.
8. Where to stay in Andorra
The area where you stay in Andorra will mainly depend on the purpose of your trip. If you’re traveling to Andorra for skiing or snowboarding, I recommend staying close to the ski resort you’ll be visiting. Here are some recommended hotels if you’re going skiing at Grandvalira:
- Hotel Nordic – hotel in El Tarter
- Hotel Ski Plaza & Wellness – hotel in Canillo
- Hotel Sporting – hotel in Pas de la Casa
If skiing isn’t part of your plan, it’s best to stay in the center of Andorra la Vella. It’s the most touristy area, and you’ll be close to restaurants and shops. I recommend NH Andorra la Vella or Andorra Park Hotel. For more information, I recommend reading my post Where to stay in Andorra
9. Shopping in Andorra: is it worth it?
Andorra is famous for being a shopping destination. Although for many decades it was advantageous to shop in this country, nowadays most things are priced the same as in Spain. The products that are typically priced slightly lower are alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and some luxury items. The VAT (Value Added Tax) is only 4.5%.
10. Travel insurance for Andorra
Whenever you travel abroad, it’s important to have health insurance. Here’s a 5% discount for booking your insuarance.
11. Power outlets in Andorra
In Andorra, the power outlets are the same as those in Spain or France. One of the best tips I can give you is to always carry a universal adapter when traveling. It’s much easier than buying a new adapter in every place you visit, and you can get one for just $15 on Amazon.
12. Visit the biggest spa in Europe
A very popular activity in Andorra is visiting Caldea, the largest thermal spa center in Europe. It’s a thermal water spa with treatments, perfect for when you want a more relaxed plan and a unique experience. During the winter, tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to book your Caldea entrance in advance.
13. Try the typical food of Andorra
Here are some traditional dishes from Andorran cuisine:
- Escudella: A traditional winter dish consisting of a stew with vegetables and pork. During Christmas, it’s served with pasta shaped like galets.
- Trinxat de la Muntanya: A dish made with bacon, garlic, potatoes, and green cabbage.
- Caracoles a la llauna: Snails cooked on a grill.
- Canelones a la andorrana: Cannelloni stuffed with lamb and pork, topped with béchamel sauce.
- Bacalao: Salted cod, a popular dish in Andorra.
These are just a few of the local specialties you should try while visiting!
14. Activities in Andorra, besides skiing
In addition to skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Andorra. Here are some ideas:
- Visit Andorra la Vella: The capital and center of Andorra. You can stroll through its commercial streets, visit shops, or take a guided tour to learn about its history.
- Snowshoeing in Grandvalira: A great option for those who don’t ski but still want to enjoy the mountains in winter is a guided snowshoe walk. This walk caminata in Grandvalira lasts 2 hours and includes a guide, as well as the rental of snowshoes and boots.
- Roc del Quer Viewpoint and Canillo Tibetan Bridge: For adventure lovers, you can visit the Roc del Quer viewpoint, which has a glass-floor platform. Or, why not cross the Canillo Tibetan Bridge? At 603 meters, it’s the second-longest Tibetan bridge in the world!
- Trekking: Andorra is a hiker’s paradise. There are numerous trails, and spring is the perfect time to explore them. One of my favorite hikes is the Estany de l’Estanyó trek in the Vall de Sorteny.
15. Skiing in Andorra
Skiing in Andorra is a great option. The country has 3 ski resorts and over 300 km of slopes. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, and whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, Andorra is an excellent destination for a winter sports holiday. The 3 ski resorts in Andorra are Grandvalira, Vallnord, and Ordino. Each resort has its own unique features, so if your plan is to go skiing, I recommend checking out my guide to skiing in Andorra for all the detailed information.
Other useful posts:
- Where to stay in Andorra
- A guide to skiing in Andorra
- What to see in Barcelona in 3 days
- Where to stay in Barcelona
- Winter packing list for Europe
- Where to stay in Paris: best areas and hotels
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