Andorra Travel Blog by Crackly

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I hope youve been practicing your Catalan. Yes, the only country in the whole wide world where the official language is Catalan. But its OK, French, Spanish or English will get you around - no worries!! Another interesting thing is, that out of the population of around 80,000, Spanish make up 37%, Andorran 34% and French, around 15% - the Andorran population is outnumbered by the Spanish. **** Yes, nestled neatly between Spain and France - two of Europes' biggest countries- is one of Europes smallest. Many Europeans like it here because of the shopping. This is because there is no tax on alcohol, cigarettes, and most electrical goods. In fact its like a big duty-free one shop stop. Andorra La Vella (the capital city) is packed out most days as tourists drop in for their one day "shop-a-thon". A lot of hosted European tours spend a day here because its got a reputation as a "botique" destination. While Andorra La Vella is a beautiful city (in my opinion one of the most beautiful in Europe) its when you get out of the city Andorra really comes to life. **** You will notice on your way into Andorra that it really is a principality surrounded by huge mountains. In winter, its a skiiers dream. There is a variety of accomodation for every budget. (It may seem a little expensive but it is good value when compared to the Alpine standard). But in Andorra if theres one thing you must do, it's ski. They have the worlds longest continuous ski run - called Pas de la Casa- Grau Roig. The views themselves are worth it. They almost make it worth the trip alone. (There is heaps of info on the net when you type "Andorra skiing"). ****The coffee here is awesome. I couldnt get enough. Maybe its the mountain climate, but Im telling you, there really is something special about the Andorran coffee shops. Most have menus in english and the prices arent that bad. But I think when you get there you'll realise, "Hey I could really use a coffee about now!!"**** As usual though, its when you have the courage to get to those hard-to-get-to or out-of-the-way places that you find the real flavour of Andorran life. Little villages like El Serrat or Juberri (postcard perfect) are the places to go. Take your camera because you will be snapping like mad. I guarantee it. Juberri is such a picturesque little village that I find it amazing not so many tourists visit. It is one of the quaintest little places you will ever see. So Andorra is a bit of a tourist mecca. A lot of tourists visiting in nearby areas will pass by. But very few stay for an extended period. So stay a while, ask questions, and you may just find that Andorra is much more than botique, tax-free and busy, but also that it also is truly one of Europes best kept secrets. Till next time, Crackly. (See also my travel blogs on Liechtenstein and Slovinea)

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Photos

Andorra La Vella Streetscape
A typical street full of colour and activity. The fun bit is just walikng the streets!!

Coffee Stop
Writing postcards home to Australia while enjoying a coffee & cake

Andorra La Vella Town Square
One of Europes most beautiful cities. A modern city surrounded by soaring Alpine peaks

Scenic view
A view over a valley from one the little ski villages on a summer day. Beautiful blue sky

Comments

[John and Maz]

Good info
thanks Crackly, that's very useful information, partic since we also will be there in the summer. Best shots we've seen of Andoora and gives us a good impression of the place.