Andorra Travel Guide

Full Name

Principality of Andorra

Former Name

None

Capital City

Andorra la Vella

Government Type

parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain, who are represented locally by coprinces' representatives

Area Size

468 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +1 hour

Climate

Andorra's climate is typical of mountainous areas, with cold winters and mild summers. The climate is dry, with a large number of sunny days. Autumn experiences the highest rainfall, while winter gets plenty of snow, guaranteeing excellent skiing conditions and drawing in the crowds to the various ski resorts. The average temperature range is between -2ºC and 24ºC.

Geography

Befitting its location in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra consists predominantly of rugged mountains of an average height of 1996 meters with the highest being the Coma Pedrosa at 2946 meters. These are dissected by three narrow valleys in a Y shape that combine into one as the main stream, the Valira river, leaves the country for Spain. The Andorra surface is 468 Km2.

Languages

Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

Culture

The official and historic language is Catalan. Other languages stemming from the immigration such as Spanish and French are also commonly spoken. Portuguese is also noticeable. The predominant religion is Catholicism. Andorra's long history has provided it with a rich folklore and an abundance of folk tales, with roots originating as far as Andalusia in the south and the Netherlands in the north. Andorran culture is Catalan in essence. It has given a significant and easily identifiable contribution to the conglomerate of Catalan culture. Two writers renowned in Catalonia and the region, Michèle Gazier and Ramon Villeró, both come from Andorra. Andorra is home to folk dances like the contrapàs and marratxa, which survive in Sant Julià de Lòria especially. Andorran folk music has similarities to all of its neighbors, but is especially Catalan in character, especially in the presence of dances like the sardana. Other Andorran folk dances include contrapàs in Andorra la Vella and Saint Anne's dance in Escaldes-Engordany.

History

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

Travel Information

Andorra does not have an international airport. Closest international airports: Barcelona (BCN) in Spain, 225km from Andorra and Toulouse (TLS), in France, 180km from Andorra. For more information on the airports and their facilities, consult the Spain and France sections. Shared taxis and buses are available. Routes from Perpignan, Villefranche, Toulouse and Barcelona go to La Tour de Carol, 20km from Andorra. The nearest station is L’Hospitalet, but buses run from both L’Hospitalet and La Tour de Carol. Routes from Madrid (Spain) go to Lleida and then a connection by coach leads to La Seu d'Urgell. Routes from Barcelona (Spain) go to Puig Cerda and then a connection by coach leads to La Seu d'Urgell. Mountainous roads exist over the Envalira pass from Perpignan, Tarbes and Toulouse (France); and southwards to Barcelona and Lérida (Spain). Buses run regularly from Barcelona, Tarragona, Valencia and Madrid (Spain); and Toulouse (France). Taxis may also be taken and sharing is common practice to cut costs. The bus journey from La Tour de Carol takes 2 hours 20 minutes. From L’Hospitalet the service takes 2 hours 40 minutes and runs early enough to permit a day-return trip from France. A seasonal service runs from Aix-les-Thermes and services may be available from Seo de Urgel in Spain. Eurolines serves destinations in Andorra. Daily services from Toulousse, Lleida (Spain) and Madrid are available for coach trips to Andorra.

Accommodation

There are hundreds of hotels and guest houses, principally catering for the summer months and ski season, although some stay open all year round. Rooms during the summer months (July to August) should be booked well in advance. Hotels and restaurants are registered with the tourist office (Sindicat d'Initiativa) and are bound to keep to the registered prices and services.

Visa Requirements

There are no visa requirements for entry into Andorra for stays of up to three months; however, the relevant regulations for France or Spain should be followed, depending on which country is transited to reach Andorra. Visitors wishing to have their passport stamped with the Andorran coat of arms should apply to the Sindicat d’Initiativa in the capital. Valid passport required by all except: nationals of France and Spain, providing they hold a valid national ID card.

Getting Around

Traffic drives on the right. A good road runs from the Spanish to the French frontiers through Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, Encamp and Canillo (about 40km/25 miles between frontiers). There is a road to El Serrat, and a secondary road from Ordino to Canillo, which is usually closed in winter. There are buses and minibuses linking Andorra’s villages.

Health & Safety

There are no health risks associated with travel to Andorra, but it is recommended that travellers are up to date with routine immunisations. Medical care in Andorra and neighbouring Spain and France is excellent, but can be expensive and medical insurance is advised. There are no risks associated with travel to Andorra, but travellers should always be vigilant and not display valuables.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 6 Jan - Epiphany. 14 Mar - Constitution Day. 6-9 Apr - Good Friday to Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 17 May - Ascension. 28 May - Whit Monday. 24 Jun - St John’s Day. 15 Aug - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. 8 Sep - National Day. 1 Nov - All Saints’ Day. 4 Nov - St Charles’ Day. 8 Dec - Immaculate Conception. 24 Dec - Christmas Eve. 25-26 Dec - Christmas. 31 Dec - New Year’s Eve.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Electricity

230v AC, 50Hz

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm. Some offices open Mon-Fri 8.00am - 3.00pm (summer only).

Emergency Numbers

118(Ambulance/Fire) 110(Police)