A few days in Andorra
Andorra became my 68th country, and what a unique one it is. This tiny principality tucked between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains is technically a co-principality - ruled jointly by the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. With just 77,000 residents and 468 square kilometers, it's one of Europe's microstates that somehow maintains its independence since the 13th century.
What I Experienced
The country is essentially one long valley surrounded by peaks, and the main town of Andorra la Vella sits at 1,023 meters - making it the highest capital city in Europe. The contrast is striking: modern shopping centers and duty-free shops line the main street, while snow-capped mountains frame every view.
We spent most of our time exploring the Grandvalira ski area, one of the largest in the Pyrenees with over 200 kilometers of slopes. The skiing was excellent, and the prices were noticeably cheaper than in the French or Swiss Alps. The mountain restaurants served surprisingly good food at reasonable prices.
The shopping scene is intense - electronics, perfumes, alcohol, and tobacco are all significantly cheaper due to Andorra's low-tax status. I saw people loading cars with bottles of wine and cartons of cigarettes. Not really my thing, but I understand the appeal for day-trippers from France and Spain.
Practical Notes
- No airport - access by road only from France (Pas de la Casa) or Spain (La Seu d'Urgell)
- Euro is the official currency, though Andorra isn't in the EU
- Catalan is the official language, but Spanish and French are widely spoken
- Ski season runs December through April
- Duty-free limits apply when leaving - check before buying
A perfect weekend destination if you're already in the region. The combination of skiing, scenery, and shopping is genuinely unique.
Photography from Andorra is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Pyrenees ski marketing or mountain destination wall art.