Andorra
Andorra
The Principality of Andorra, one of the countries with the smallest surface area in the world, is located on the Pyrenees Mountains in the southwest of Europe. The landlocked country is located between France and Spain.
Managed by the monarchy system, Andorra is among the most popular tourism destinations in Southwest Europe as a tax-free shopping paradise. Thousands of shoppers visit casinos, outlet stores and high street stores of luxury brands every year.
The official flag of the Principality of Andorra, which took its final shape in 1996, consists of 3 different colors divided into 3 equal areas vertically. The flag has blue on the far left, yellow in the middle, and red on the right. In the country where France and Spain ruled together for a period, the blue color comes from France and the yellow color comes from Spain. Red is the common color received from both countries.
In the yellow section in the middle of the Andorra flag, the coat of arms of the Principality of Andorra is located. The first version of the flag was the Emperor of France III. It is thought to have been designed by Napoleon in 1866. Its final form was made in 1996.
Country Official Name: Principality of Andorra
Country Location: Europe
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Neighbors: Andorra neighbors with France to the north and east, and Spain to the south and west. Land border: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km.
Ethnicity: Spanish 43%, Andorrans 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6%
Religion: Catholic Christianity
Management Type: Monarchy
Area: 468 km²
Telephone code: +376
Currency: Euro (EUR) (€)
Population: 76.965 (2017)
Official languages: Catalan
Alphabet: Latin alphabet
Local Time: European Central Time (UTC + 1) European Central Summer Time (UTC + 2)
Popular cities: Andorra La Vella
Climate / Weather:
Although Andorra is a country with high altitude, its climate is mild. In the country, winters are snowy and cold, and summers are dry and warm. The lowest point of the country is the Riu Runer region with 840 meters above sea level and the highest point of the country is Coma Pedrosa region with 2 thousand 946 meters. Surrounded by steep cliffs and narrow valleys, the country is famous for its natural beauty.
When to Visit Andorra?
Andorra, which is above sea level and cold in winters, has a challenging climate in the winter months with its steep valleys and narrow roads in one round trip. The best time to visit the country, which is known for its ski tourism and natural beauty due to snowfall and cold weather, is the spring and autumn months. You can enjoy Andorra during these months when you can see the different colors of nature and take magnificent photo frames.
Information About Andorra
The Principality of Andorra, located in the southwest of Europe, is a landlocked country. This small country, stuck between Spain and France, almost leads a different life from the world. In the country whose main income is tourism, the tax system is also very attractive to many businessmen. The country was founded in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains.
Despite having a population of less than 80,000, Andorra welcomes more than 10 million tourists each year. Tourism is what keeps the country's economy alive. More than 80% of the revenues are tourism revenues. Agriculture is very limited in the country and tobacco is cultivated in almost all of these limited areas. Animal husbandry in the country can only be done with sheep. The main income of the Andorra economy after tourism is the import of cigars and cigarettes.
The country does not have a currency of its own, the euro used in France and Spain is used. The most interesting aspect of Andorra is that there are no unemployed people in the country. The entire country is employed. Almost the entire country, with the exception of a few factories, agriculture and livestock enterprises, works in tourism services or in a few government departments.
Andorra History
Andorra was a land still ruled by the Islamic Armies in the 9th century. The region was taken back from the Muslims in 803. Its independence was gained by the armies of the famous king Charlemagne.
By the 13th century, Andorra was jointly ruled by France and Spain. Since it was seen as a small region, the rulers were the princes, not the king. The borders of Andorra have never changed since 1278 until today. A feudal order was established in the country, but this order collapsed after the French Revolution. The feudal order was re-established together with the famous commander Napoleon, who was famous for the word "money money money".
Today, the country administration is carried out by the President of France and the Bishop of Urgel. Of course, that is quite symbolic head of government of France as Andorra's population, the largest district in Turkey is not even as much as half.
When to Visit Andorra?
Thanks to its warm climate, you can go on an Andorra trip almost any time of the year. Although it has a mild climate during the winter months, heavy snowfall is observed. This is an important tourism advantage for the country because the country in Southern Europe has very suitable ski slopes. In summer, it is a country worth seeing with its natural trails and magnificent views.
The ski season in Andorra starts in the first week of December. During the Christmas period, the country is almost flooded with tourists.
The ski season that started in Andorra in December continues until March. The country, which is also beautiful in autumn, offers you beautiful landscapes that you will want to take the seasonal transitions into photographs.
Andorra Attractions
Andorra is a country where a few days should be reserved for sightseeing instead of one day. Thanks to a car to be rented after landing in the country, it is possible to go to almost every part of the country in 2-3 days. In this boutique country, where no one has been involved in its management for 700 years, there are many historical buildings. The biggest attraction of the country is the mountains and nature sports that can be done in these mountains.
Its proximity to Barcelona in particular enables the country to attract tourists who visit Barcelona and then give Andorra a chance. By the way, Andorra is a tax-free country, which naturally makes many products much cheaper than European countries. When you shop in Andorran markets, you will realize how beautiful a tax-free world is.
Despite being a small country, there are a considerable number of activities that can be done in Andorra.
Shopping in Andorra
We mentioned that Andorra is a suitable country for shopping because it is a tax haven. There are many boutique brands in the field of textile in the country and it is possible to see all of them on the central streets. In the big markets, all products are very cheap, the peoples of Spain and France attack here on weekends just for this reason.
The most famous shopping center in the country is the Pyrenees. It is possible to find stores of many famous brands here. The stores where you can find the latest clothing products of jewelery and fashion are also located around the Pyrenees. In this shopping mall, you will also see the tobacco shops where Andorra's famous cigars are sold.
Caldea SPA Center
It is not only a SPA, it is actually a giant care center. It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The complex, which also includes a jacuzzi and massage pools, also has the tallest building in Andorra. Some parts of Caldea, Europe's largest thermal center, are reserved for adults only. There are also very nice and clean areas for families with children.
It is almost a tradition for everyone who comes to Andorra to visit Caldea. Because the business welcomes more than half a million visitors every year.
Since the building of the business is entirely made of glass, it is a great pleasure to watch the stars from inside the building at night. Especially visitors who participate in ski sports come here after skiing to relax their muscles. It is possible to experience a wide variety of massage treatments. At night, the pools are open and light shows are held in the pools.
There is also a Turkish Bath in Caldea SPA center. You can even go to the Turkish Bath and have a scrub, so we can find something of ourselves even in Andorra, one of the smallest countries in the world. There are 3-hour, daily and multiple entries in the business.
Skiing in Andorra
Andorra is a country 2 thousand meters above sea level. Its highest point can reach 3 thousand meters. We can simply call Andorra a country of mountains. Andorra, which has suitable tracks for Alpine skiing, is a country where many winter sports can be practiced. In the evening, various entertainment organizations are organized in the ski area. The only thing that people living in Andorra know is tourism, so you are very likely to have a good time.
Although skiing and snowboarding is the most common in the area, you can also participate in many ski sports, from dog sledding. There are more than 110 lift systems in the Gran Valira ski center. 160 thousand skiers can be taken to the tracks per hour. There is huge demand for a small country.
Andorra Churches
We could have titled historical buildings, but almost all of the historical buildings consist of churches. When you take a tour of the country with more than 40 churches, it is very likely that you will come across a church building that has been standing for centuries at the latest in 10 minutes. Visiting churches is often free, and you can collect good memories with a few photos.
What to Eat in Andorra?
You can enter any building that says "Board". Andorra restaurants mainly eat meat. The country, which attracts many visitors especially on cold winter days, provides the visitors with the necessary energy with delicious meat products. Generally, the meats cooked in barbecue style are served with amazing sauces. If you are sensitive to pigs, you must indicate this.
Also, if you like it rare when ordering meat, order it as medium cooked. Since the French are fond of undercooked meat, you may find raw meat. Less cooked is considered raw in our opinion. If you want a pink meat dish, you can order it medium or even medium-well cooked.
Andorra Natural Attractions
The mountains of Andorra offer numerous trekking routes to their visitors, especially in the summer and spring seasons. You can take fascinating trips and take pictures with magnificent lake and mountain views.
You may come across sheep and cows many times while traveling. This is how livestock farming is done in Andorra, animals feed freely in their natural areas. For this reason, the meats you eat in restaurants are very tasty.
Andorra Ice Hotel
Andorra also has its own ice hotel. Melting every year, the hotel is built from scratch again when the season comes. The hotel, which has 5 rooms, can accommodate 30 people at the same time. As the interior of the hotel is below 0 degrees, you will naturally need thick clothes.
The hotel only gives out sleeping bags. I think it is a hotel that can be tried for a different experience. The name of the hotel is Igluu Hotel.
How To Get To Andorra?
The country does not have an airport of its own, so access can only be achieved by road. Andorra, which is squeezed between two countries and has no coast, is similar to a few countries in the world in this respect. There are no airports in countries such as Monaco, Vatican and San Marino in Europe.
The closest airports to Andorra are Toulouse-Blagnac, Carcassonne, Barcelona, Reus and Brava airports. You can enter the country within a few hours by renting a car after you land at any of these airports. The country's roads are highly developed. I recommend Barcelona airport because it is very close to the country.
Best Hotels in Andorra
Since it is a tourism paradise, there are many hotels in the country. The country, which attracts tourists especially in winter, is famous for its hotels designed in this direction. The same hotels provide services for visitors who want to make camping, nature trips or cultural trips during the summer season. Most of the hotels are located around the ski area.
Sport Hotel Hermitage & SPA
Andorra Park Hotel
Ros Caldes
Hotel Ski Plaza
Hotel Plaza
They are all luxurious and highly satisfied facilities. The first Hermitage is quite expensive. Of course, prices may be lower or even higher on some days and periods.
What You Need to Know About Andorra?
No airport
No train station
The best transportation option is renting a car
One of Europe's best ski countries
The number of activities that can be done in the summer months as well as in the winter months is very high.
Its official language is Catalonia. The only country in the world that uses Catalonia as its official language
Area 469 square kilometers
It has the largest thermal center in Europe
Many historical buildings
No taxes, it is a complete tax haven country.