What is the best way to get to Andorra. Andorra: what to see, how to get there, hotels, ski resorts. Other museums in Andorra

in the minds of most Russians is associated with ski resorts. Indeed, in a dwarf state, lost in the heart of the Pyrenees, there is a huge number of well-equipped slopes of various categories of difficulty - from the simplest to the most difficult. Also, almost everyone seems to have heard that Andorra has rather low prices for many goods, and people come here specifically for shopping. And Andorra is one of the best places for hiking in the mountains and exploring ancient sights.

In this small Andorra travel guide I will tell you how to get to Andorra, where it is better to stay, what you can do there at any time of the year, what to see and where to go.

Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra

Principality of Andorra(cat. Principat d'Andorra, Spanish Principado de Andorra, fr. Principauté d'Andorre) is located in the Eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain, with which it has been associated since 1278.

The area of the land: 468 sq. km.

Languages: the official language is Catalan, but Spanish and French are also used.

Administrative division: The territory of the principality is divided into 7 parishes (communities):

Andorra la Vella

Canillo ( Canillo),
La Massana ( La Massana),

Ordino

Sant Julia de Loria ( Sant Julia de Lòria),
Encamp ( Encamp),
Escaldes-Engordany ( Escaldes-Engordany).

Capital: Andorra la Vella (cat. Andorra la Vella- "Old Andorra", Spanish. Andorra la Vieja). Located at an altitude of 1029 meters above sea level, this is the highest mountain capital of the state in Europe.

Currency unit: euro (EUR).

Andorra is a member of the customs union with the EU and has its own customs control. Not included in the Schengen area, however, citizens who have a Schengen visa can freely enter the territory of Andorra.

Andorra is famous for its beautiful nature and ski resorts. In the photo: Ordino

When and why to go to Andorra?

Andorra is good at any time of the year. Here you can find something to your liking and have a good time.

Winter: mountain and cross-country skiing, hiking, snowmobiling or snowshoeing. The ski season usually lasts in Andorra from the beginning of December to the end of March - mid-April.

Summer: ecotourism, horse trails, cycling, mountain tourism, rock climbing.

All year round: spa and wellness, shopping, sightseeing, mountain walks, excursions to France and Spain.

Already in early March, when there is still snow in the mountains and people enjoy skiing, spring begins in the valleys and you can walk along the mountain paths for a long time, enjoying the magnificent nature. In the photo: mountains in Ordino

How to get to Andorra?

Visa and insurance to Andorra

In order to get to Andorra, you need a Schengen visa or visas from Spain or France. You can apply for a visa yourself or through various agencies. It is convenient to apply for a visa via the Internet.

Don't forget about insurance. First of all, an insurance policy is needed to obtain a Schengen visa. In addition, a trip to Andorra involves an active holiday full of unforeseen circumstances. I repeatedly observed a large number of people in plaster there. The additional option "sports and outdoor activities" is inexpensive, but in the event of an injury, the insurance company will cover the costs of treatment. Otherwise, injuries are considered non-insurable events and are not covered by insurance companies. The most convenient way to get insurance is through an online service for comparing and selling travel insurance, which is used by most independent travelers.

Flights to Andorra

There is no own airport in Andorra. Usually travelers arrive in Barcelona, and from there they get to Andorra by transfer. Travel time from Barcelona to Andorra is 3.5-4 hours. There is also the option of flying to Toulouse. I drove through Barcelona.

The road from Barcelona to Andorra is very beautiful, especially when its mountainous part begins. If you are traveling on your own, it is better to book a transfer. KiwiTaxi is very popular, but if you wish, you can find it cheaper.

Tours to Andorra

You can book a tour to Andorra. As a rule, the cost of the tour includes airfare, transfer and hotel.

Hotels in Andorra

There are many hotels in Andorra, for every taste and budget. Conventionally, hotels in Andorra can be divided into three groups:

To Andorra la Vella and Escaldes, from where it is convenient to get to all the resorts of the country, go shopping, have fun. In general, the average prices for the country.
In small cities and towns like Ordino or Encamp. The lowest prices. Secluded rest, beautiful nature, easy access to nearby ski resorts. The lowest prices.
At the foot of the mountains, in close proximity to the ski lifts. The most expensive hotels

You can view a selection of hotels in Andorra.

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The bridge over Valira in Andorra la Vella is one of the symbols of Andorra

Shopping in Andorra

Andorra is a duty-free zone. Prices for goods here are lower than in neighboring countries. The difference in prices for goods can sometimes reach 40%. However, you must comply with the customs regulations of France or Spain, depending on where you will be flying home from.

In Andorra, it is profitable to buy ski equipment, clothes and shoes, optics, jewelry and watches, cosmetics and perfumes.

Shopping malls in Andorra

Shopping Center Andorra 2000, Andorra La Vella, Av. de Tarragona, 26
Caprabo - Illa Carlemany, Escaldes-Engordany, Av. Carlemany 70
Cca - Super U, Andorra La Vella, Av. Meritxell, 94
Shopping Center Hiper Andorra - E.Leclerc, Andorra La Vella, Av. Meritxell, 93
Shopping Center Illa Carlemany, Escaldes-Engordany, Av. Carlemany 70
Shopping Center Punt De Trobada - E.Leclerc, Sant Julia De Loria, Ctra. d'Espanya, 1
Shopping Center Pyrénées Andorra, Andorra La Vella, Av. Meritxell, 11
Pyrénées Andorra Shopping Center (Pas De La Casa), Encamp, Plaça Co-Princeps, s/n
River Shopping Center, Sant Julia De Loria, Ctra. d'Espanya, s/n
Roca & Ribes, Andorra La Vella, Av. Meritxell, 118
Outlet Roca & Ribes, Andorra La Vella, Av. Meritxell, 5
Shopping Center Sant Eloi, Sant Julia De Loria, Ctra. General d'Espanya, s/n
U Express Encamp, Encamp, Av. Joan Marti, 66

Dishes of traditional Andorran cuisine

In Andorra, you can try traditional Spanish or French cuisine. And, of course, there are many of their own recipes. Below is a small list of the most popular dishes served in many Andorran restaurants.

Escudella Soup with seasonal vegetables and pork. Usually served in winter and during festivities. At Christmas, it is customary to add pasta to it, then it is called "Galets" or "Grossa".
Trinchat- a traditional Pyrenean dish of stewed cabbage, potatoes, garlic and bacon.
Canelones in Andorran style- a variant of the Catalan cuisine recipe: dough tubes stuffed with lamb, pork and chicken with bechamel sauce.
Mushrooms: white, mushrooms, rows, mushrooms, morels and others. Cream soup, sauces, as part of side dishes for meat dishes, with rice.
Aioli de Codoni- sauce with quince, garlic and olive oil. Usually served with grilled meat.
Snails "a la ljauna"- cooked on the grill with the addition of various spices. Eaten with Aioli de Codoni sauce.
Cod, fried in the oven with aioli sauce. Along with herring and sea eel, it is a traditional daily dish. It was delivered to Andorra in salty form.
"Sivets" (game) from hare or wild boar- is prepared only at the beginning of the hunting season. Usually served stewed with mushrooms and vegetables.
Andorran trout- trout fried with almonds and jamon.
Traditional dry-cured meat and blood sausages "bringera", "donzha", "bisbe", which are done in January, when pigs are slaughtered.
bitter chicory- added to salads, to dried fruits and lard.

Ski holidays in Andorra

The ski season lasts from early December to March-mid-April, depending on the year. In warm years, some ski slopes are closed, but you can always find others that are suitable for skiing. Prices are on average lower than in Europe: the cost of a ski pass is 35-39 € in the low season, 45 € in the high season per day.

Difficulty level of trails: children's trails, green, blue, red, black. So in Andorra both beginners and experienced skiers will be able to enjoy skiing. Elevation difference from 585 meters in Ordino-Arcalis to 1010 meters in Vallnord.

Gradnvalira Escaldes-Engordany (Escaldes-Engordany)

The largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, located in the east of Andorra. The length of the trails is more than 200 km. A total of 70 lifts, 110 slopes. There are hotels at the foot of the slopes.

Sectors: Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig, Pas de la Casa. The lowest point is Encamp, located at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. The highest village is Pas de la Casa, 2100 meters. Mountain peaks - up to 2500 meters, which allows you to equip long and wide tracks. Included in the top twenty of the best ski resorts in Europe.

encamp- the first zone in Grandvalira.
Canillo ideal for families and beginners.
El Tarter perfect for extreme sports, here is the "Snow Park Snowpark El Tarter.
Soldeu- here is the Avet track, where skiing competitions of various levels are held. There are areas for extreme skiing.
Grau Roig- a variety of tracks of various difficulty levels, freeride zones, various snow activities.
Pas de la Casa– different levels of tracks, excellent snow quality.

Services:

School of skiing and snowboarding,
Kindergartens and clubs for kids,
Ski equipment rental,
booking center,
Restaurants, cafes, bars,
snow parks,
Igloo Hotel,
WiFi zones.

Address: Av. Carlemany 82 Ed. Illa Carlemany, 4t pis, Despatx 401

Website: http://www.grandvalira.com/

In some years, almost all the snow can melt in the mountains in March. But there is still snow on the ski slopes. In the photo: the ski slope in Encamp on a warm day in mid-March. The snow cannons did a great job at night.

Vallnord (Vallnord) La Massana (La Massana)

The second largest ski resort in Andorra. Located near Ordino and La Massana, in the northern part of Andorra. The length of the trails is about 100 km.

Sectors: Pal - Arinsal and Ordino - Arcalis. An ideal place for a family vacation and learning to ski.

Pal — Arinsal- a variety of snow activities for the whole family: children's snowmobiles, dog teams, trampolines, sleds, ski bikes and more. Off-piste areas for professionals, freestyle park in Pale for beginners.
Ordino - Arcalis- great snow, 8 km green trail for beginners, the longest in the Pyrenees. 4 freeride zones, about 50% of the tracks are red and black.

Services:

ski school,
Shop and equipment rental,
booking center,
Restaurants, bars, terraces and barbecues,
WiFi zones,
snow parks,
Zones for children and kindergartens.

For those who do not ski, various activities are provided.

Address: Av. del Traves 2, Ed. Casa Ferre, 1r

Website: http://www.vallnord.com

Road to Ordino, early March. Higher in the mountains there is snow, and after a day everything will be white and white here.

Cross-country skiing

Naturlandia La Rabassa (Sant Julia de Loria)

In Andorra, you can ski not only on downhill skiing, but also on cross-country skiing. The only resort for cross-country skiing is Naturlandia. It is located in the south of Andorra, in the region of Sant Julia de Loria, in the upper part of the forest of La Rabassa, near the border with Spain. The length of the trails is 15 km.

Ski slopes are laid and marked in winter. In summer, the Naturlandia amusement park operates.

In addition to skiing, there are attractions Tobotronc and Airtrekk (the largest cable ride in Europe).

Services and entertainment: snow scooters, snowshoes, electric cars, a slide for "cheesecakes" and "mini cheesecakes", ponies, inflatable structures, children's needlework workshops, archery, mini-golf, etc.

Website: https://www.naturlandia.ad/

March in Ordino. It snowed the day before

Unusual winter activities in Andorra

Mini freestyle for toddlers in Grandvalira (Encamp). Located in the new mini-snow park in the "Snow Garden" of the Grau Roig sector.

Igloo Hotel in Encamp. Built from snow and ice. 5 isolated rooms for up to 6 people. The temperature inside the room is around 0°C.

Snowshoeing in Grandvalira. One of my favorite things to do in Andorra. Sectors: Canillo, El Tarter, Grau Roig, Pas de la Casa.

Thermal complex Caldea

Many people go to Andorra not only to go skiing or go shopping, but also to visit the unique Caldea thermal complex. Water treatments from different countries and eras based on Caldea thermal water, water entertainment facilities on an area of 30345 sq.m. and much more. "Caldea" is ideal for a holiday for the whole family.

The Inuu Center is located in the same building as Caldea. Its main focus is an individual approach to each client. You can consult with a specialist who will prescribe the best treatment programs for you.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00, on Saturdays until 24:00; every day at 9:40 pm, the light and musical performance of Mondaigua begins.
"Caldea" - for children over 5 years old, "Inuu" - for people over 16 years old.
Address: Carrer Josep Viladomat, 30, AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra

Thermal complex Caldea in Escaldes-Engordany

Hiking trails and viewing platforms

Andorra is famous for its beautiful nature, clean high-mountain air and interesting architecture. It is a great place for leisurely walks in the mountains.

Throughout the country, special eco-tourist hiking trails of varying difficulty and length are laid. There are about 80 of them in total. All routes are marked, maps are installed at the beginning of the route indicating the level of difficulty and approximate travel time, elevation difference, natural and cultural attractions.

They are equipped with 14 observation platforms, from where beautiful views of the surroundings open.

Viewpoint Camí De Les Fonts (Cami de les Fonts, Road to the Springs). Located at an altitude of 1645 meters, on the 5-6th km of the CS-200 highway in the Escaldes-Engordany area. Pine forest with admixtures of deciduous trees, in the undergrowth of azaleas, junipers. Berries - strawberries, raspberries, blueberries. There are squirrels and foxes.
Observation deck Coll De Jou (Coll de Jou). Located at an altitude of 1140 meters, on the 3rd km of the CS-140 highway in the area of Sant Julià de Loria. Sub-Mediterranean shrub vegetation, boxwood thickets. Birds of prey: kestrel, peregrine falcon, common vulture, black kite and others.
Observation deck Collet De Montaup (Collet de Montaup). It is located at an altitude of 1946 meters, on the 6-7th km of the CS-240 highway in the Canillo region. Glacial landscapes, birds of prey, there is a mouflon (a ruminant artiodactyl from the genus of sheep).
Observation deck Cortals D'Encamp (Cortals d'Encamp). It is located at an altitude of 1923 meters, on the 6-7th km of the CG-220 highway in the Encamp region. The ancient barns and stockyards of Encamp, a pine forest with mountain pine, in the undergrowth - juniper, azaleas and blueberries.
Viewpoint Encamp (Encamp). Located at an altitude of 1374 meters, on the 6-7th km of the CG-2 highway in the Encamp region. Dry masonry stone walls, old buildings built without mortar.
Viewpoint Font De Besurt (Font del Besurt). It is located at an altitude of 1786 meters, on the 8-9th km of the CG-4 highway in the La Massana area. Wet forest thickets, numerous traces of wild animals.
Viewpoint Font De La Navina (Font de la Navina). Located at an altitude of 1800 meters, on the 7th km of the CG-340 highway in the Ordino region. Hazel and woodlands with a predominance of hazelnuts, rhododendrons in the undergrowth, mushrooms. Of the animals, you can see roe deer and marten.
Observation deck La Comella (La Comella). Located at an altitude of 1319 meters, on the 2-3rd km of the CS-101 highway in the Andorra la Vella region. Oak forests humid sub-Mediterranean climate, fauna of oak forests.
Observation deck Planell D'Encodina (Planell d'Encodina). Located at an altitude of 1722 meters, on the 19th km of the CG-3 highway in the Ordino region. Animal husbandry of Andorra, thickets of hazel.
Observation deck Pont De La Margineda (Pont de la Margineda). Located at an altitude of 937 meters, on the 5th km of the CG-1 highway in the region of Andorra la Vella. Floodplain forests, mountain flora and fauna, river birds.
Viewpoint Prats De La Farga (Prats de la Farga). It is located at an altitude of 1317 meters, on the 5-6th km of the CG-6 highway in the area of Sant Julià de Loria. Deciduous groves framing the banks of the Os River, fauna - birds, fish, amphibians.
Viewpoint Roca De La Sabina (Roca de la Sabina). It is located at an altitude of 1896 meters, on the 4th km of the CS-520 highway in the La Massana area. Panoramas of alpine meadows, birds living in the highlands.
Viewpoint Sa Calma (Sa Calma). Located at an altitude of 1117 meters on Sant Jaume Street in the Escaldes-Engordany region. Panoramas of the cities of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes, urban flora and fauna.
Viewpoint Vall D'Incles (Incles Valley site). Located at an altitude of 1840 meters, on the 3rd km of the CS-520 highway in the Canillo area. The meadows of the Prats de Dal, overgrown with wild herbs, the beautiful mountain slopes framing the valley, the blossoming of the broom.

Mountains at Encamp in early March. Spring is already in full swing in the valley, but there is snow on the ski slopes in the mountains

What to see in Andorra?

Andorra is mentioned in Roman chronicles from the 2nd century BC. BC. From ancient times, routes from Spain to France passed here. Here you can find Roman bridges, the ruins of Arab fortresses, medieval churches and mountain-style houses.

Old houses near Encamp

Churches in Andorra

In Andorra, you can see a lot of churches, many of which were built in the Romanesque style in the 11th-12th centuries. Some of them are open only during the summer period, their visit is possible only with a guide.

(Church of Sant Esteve, Església de Sant Esteve) is the oldest building in Andorra la Vella. Built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style. Address: Andorra la Vella, Plaça Princep Belloch.

Church of Sant Jaume d'Engordany. Escaldes-Engordany. A modern church built on the site of an ancient temple from the 11th century, destroyed in the 1950s. Consecrated July 24, 1992. Address: Carrer de l'Anglada, 5, AD700 Escaldes-Engordany.

Church of Sant Pere Martir. Escaldes-Engordany. Located at the top of the main avenue Escaldes-Engordany. Built in 1956 in neo-romanesque style. The main retablo was created in collaboration with the Brotherhood of Spinners and Weavers. The outer facade of the church is decorated with ceramics and compositions on the theme of the Beatitudes by the sculptor Sergi Mas, as well as a sculpture of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary by Josep Viladomat. Inside there is a statue "Pieta" of his work. There are several traditional Andorran buildings around the church, such as the Tosca Bridge and the Engordany Bridge. Address: Avinguda Carlemany, 39, AD700 Escaldes-Engordany.

Basilica Meritxell. Canillo. Basilica-sanctuary of Our Lady Meritxell, patroness of Andorra. An example of Romanesque architecture. It was rebuilt in the 17th century. Destroyed by fire in 1972. The restoration project was carried out by the prestigious Catalan architect Ricardo Beaufil. A copy of the Romanesque statue of Our Lady of Meritxell, the figures of the seven saints - the patrons of the parishes (parish) of Andorra; open cloister, mirror hall. Permanent exhibition "Memory of Meritxell". Address: Carretera de Meritxell, AD100 Canillo.

Cross Merichel. Canillo, Camí Ral de Canillo a Meritxell. Roadside cross that stands on the old "royal" road going from Canillo to Merichel via Prats. Address: Camí Ral, AD100 Canillo.

Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows de Lumeneres. Lumeneres (Sant Julia de Loria). A small private chapel built in the traditional way in the traditional Andorran style. Inside are some interesting antiques. Address: Camí Llumeneres, AD600 Sant Julià de Lòria.

Church of Sant Juli and Sant Germa. Located in the center of Sant Julia de Loria. Has been recently renovated. The main shrine is a statue of Christ in glory (XVI century), a baroque retablo dedicated to St. Julian, Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (XVIII century) and St. Herman; two figures - the Virgin Mary Kanolik and the Virgin Mary the Savior (XII century). Address: Avinguda Verge de Canòlich, 21, AD600 Sant Julià de Lòria.

Church of Sant Pere d'Aixirival. Aixirival (Sant Julia de Loria). It was built in the 17th-18th centuries in the Romanesque style. Inside is a baroque retablo dedicated to St. Peter. Address: Carretera de la Peguera, 23, AD600 Sant Julià de Lòria.

Church of Sant Esteve de Bischessarri. Bischessarri (Sant Julia de Loria). Built in 1701. 1701. Baroque retablo of the 18th century depicting St. Stephen. Some objects and wooden choir stalls from the Baroque era (XVIII-XIX centuries) have been preserved. Address: CG-6, AD600 Sant Julià de Lòria.

Sanctuary of Kanolik. Canolik (Sant Julia de Loria). Located off the CS-600 highway that runs from Bischessarrie to Col la Gallina. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the foundation of a 12th-century church. Baroque retablo of the 18th century, several ceramic panels by the artist Sergi Mas. Address: Carretera de Canòlich, AD600 Sant Julià de Lòria.

Chapel of the Virgin Mary Ecology. Encamp, Camí de les Pardines. A modern outdoor retablo installed in 1999 on the Les Pardines road. Magnificent view of the Encamp valley. Carretera de les Pardines, AD200 Encamp.

Chapel of Les Bones. Les Bons (Encamp). It is a small shelter with a portable retablo in honor of the Virgin Mary. It is located in Encamp, in the upper part of the Les Bons region, from where the difficult section of the “royal” road to Merichell and Canillo begins in the past. According to legend, it was founded in the 19th century by three peasants. Address: Camí de l'Oratori, 48, AD200 Encamp.

Church of Sant Jaume Dels Cortals. Encamp, Vall dels Cortals. Opened in 1999. From the huge window of the church, the Kortals valley is visible, thanks to which visitors become, as it were, part of the landscape surrounding them. Address: Carretera dels Cortals d'Encamp, AD200 Encamp.

Church of Sant Andreu D'Arinsal. Arinsal (La Massana). Located in the historic center of Arinsal, La Massana. It was built in the 17th century and subsequently rebuilt many times. In 1963-1964, it was completely restored according to the project of the Catalan architect Cesar Martinel. It was built without a foundation, right on the rock. An interesting pictorial depiction of the Virgin Mary of the Snow dating back to the 18th century has been preserved. Address: Riu Pollos.

Church of Sant Ermengol. L'Aldosa (La Massana). Located in the small village of Aldoza in the La Massana region. Built in the XVIII-XIX centuries. A 19th-century retablo with a baroque table and painting on fabric has been preserved. Address: Camí de les Molleres, 3, AD400 La Massana.

Church of Sant Iscle and Santa Victoria. La Massana. It was reconstructed and expanded in 1622, the bell tower was added in 1802. In the 1960s, it was again reconstructed. Inside there are several baroque retablos, two wooden reliquaries, a medieval candelabra and a baptismal font, which is believed to be Romanesque. Address: Plaça del Poble, s/n, La Massana.

Church of Sant Joan de Sispony. Sispony (La Massana). Built in the 17th century on the site of an old Romanesque church. Belfry and rectangular nave. Address: Camí dels Coberts, 1, AD400 Sispony.

Church of Sant Roma D'Erts. Erts (La Massana). It was built in the 19th century, not far from the ruins of an 11th-century temple (the northern wall and part of the apse have survived to this day). A three-tiered baroque retablo of the 18th century from an old church has been preserved. Address: Carrer de Sant Roma, AD400 Erts.

Church of Sant Serni de Llorts. Llorts (Ordino). It is located on the site of an ancient temple of the Romanesque era. The baroque altar dedicated to St. Sernin, and crucifixion. Address: Camí el Corral, AD300 Llorts.

Church of Sant Roque de Sornas. Sornas (Ordino). Located in the center of Somas village. Built in 1730. Address: Plaça del Poble, AD300 Sornas.

Ordino. The medieval building was rebuilt in the 17th and 19th centuries. The church houses a 44 cm Romanesque sculpture of the Virgin Mary made of polychrome wood from the late 11th and early 12th centuries. Five altar paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries dedicated to the patrons of the church have survived. The wrought ironwork in the church was made in the 17th and 19th centuries in the forges of Ordino, which belonged to such influential families as the Casa Rossel and the Casa d'Aregne-Plandolit. In the square not far from the church there is a small open building, where in the past they prayed for protection from the storm. Address: Carrer del Turer, AD300 Ordino.

Church of Sant Corneli and Sant Sebria in Ordino

Casa de la Val (House of the Valleys)

Casa de la Val (House of the Valleys, Casa de la Vall) is one of the oldest buildings in Andorra la Vella and in the Principality as a whole, a former fortress. The facade of the building is decorated with the coats of arms of the seven parishes of Andorra. The Hall of the General Council, where court sessions once took place, the guest room and the kitchen, where you can see old utensils, are open to the public. The coat of arms and the flag of the Principality of Andorra are kept in the chapel.

In the past, the parliament (it has been sitting since 1702), a prison, a court, a hotel and the chapel of San Ermengol were located here. The Postal Museum is located on the second floor of the building.

Address: Casa de la Vall, 28, Andorra la Vella.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Museums of Andorra

Ethnographic Museum d'Areny and Plandolite. The House-Museum of the Areni-Plandolit family (Museu Casa d'Areny-Plandolit) is located in Ordino. It occupies a building built in 1633 and belonging to the Andorran family of landowners D'Areni Plandolit. Many rooms have survived to this day in their original state: a guest room, a dining room, a kitchen, a library, a bedroom, and wine cellars.

There is also a national concert hall and a zoological museum.

Address: Carrer Major, Casa d'Areny-Plandolit, AD300 Ordino
Opening hours: May-October: 10:00 - 14:00 and 15:00 - 18:00. Closed Sunday afternoon and Monday; November-April: 10:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 18:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.

St. George's Museum of Orthodox Icons (Museum of Orthodox Iconography). The St. George's Museum of Orthodox Icons presents icons of the 16th-19th centuries from Russia, Ukraine, Greece and Bulgaria, as well as photographs of places and temples from which they were brought.

Address: Edificio Maragda, Ordino.
Opening hours: 9:30-19:00, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30-13:30, 15:30-19:00; closed on Sunday afternoon.

Museum of microminiatures. The Museum of Microminiatures exhibits the works of the Ukrainian master Mykola Syadristy. Works can only be seen under a microscope. The most famous of them is the Camel Caravan in the Eye of a Needle.

Address: Edificio Maragda, Ordino
Opening hours: 9:30-19:00, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30-13:30, 15:30-19:00, closed Sunday afternoon.

Museum of architectural miniatures(Centre d'interpretació Andorra romànica). Here are miniature copies of the most famous buildings of Andorra.

Address: Era i ereta de cal Torres, carrer de Sant Climent, Pal AD400 La Massana
Opening hours: from May to October: 10:00-14:00 and 15:00-18:00. Closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays, and from November to April. In addition, the museum is closed on 1 May and 8 September.

National Automobile Museum(Museu Nacional de l'Automòbil). In the museum, you can see how vehicles and ideas about the aesthetics of a vehicle have changed over time. The oldest exhibit is the la Pinette steam engine. 1885. In addition, more than a hundred motorcycles and bicycles are presented.

The collection of the National Automobile Museum in Andorra is one of the most interesting in Europe.

Address: Av. de Joan Marti, 64, AD200 Encamp
Opening hours: from May to October: 10:00-14:00 and 15:00-18:00. Sunday and Monday are days off. From December to April: 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-20:00. Sunday and Monday - closed. The museum is closed: 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 8 September and 21 December.

Nature Center La Cortinada(Centre de Natura de la Cortinada). Located in La Cortinada and is a facility of the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Development. It houses the permanent exhibition "2104 meters", which tells about the Pyrenees and climatic phenomena that have shaped the landscape of Andorra. Thematic exhibitions dedicated to the flora and fauna of Andorra are held.

Address: Casa Masover, la Cortinada, AD300 Ordino
Opening hours: from May to June and in September - October: from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 until 18:00. July - August: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. The museum is closed from November to April, however, it is open for groups, especially school groups, upon prior reservation.

Postal Museum(Museum Postal). The museum has philatelic collections since 1928. The exposition also introduces the process of developing and printing stamps.

Address: Carrer Major, borda del Raser, AD300 Ordino
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

Other museums in Andorra:

Open air stone museum. Andorra la Vella, Pl. de la Rotonda, s/n.
Perfume Museum. Escaldes-Engordany, Av.Carlemany 115, Center Júlia. 1r pis.
Escaldes-Engordany Art Center. Escaldes-Engordany, Av. Carlemany, 30.
Museum of Sacred Art. Encamp, Placeta de Santa Eulalia.
Ethnographic House-Museum of Casa Cristo. Encamp, C/ dels Cavallers, 2, La Mosquera.
Les Bons Historical Ensemble. Les Bons (Encamp).
Electricity Museum. Encamp, Av. de la Bartra s/n (Sortida d'Escaldes en direcció a Encamp per la CG2 - Edifici FEDA).
comic book museum. La Massana, Plaça de les Fontetes, s/n.
Casa-Rul House Museum. Sisponi (La Massana), C/ Major, s/n.
Tobacco Museum. Sant Julia de Loria, C/ Doctor Palau, 17.
Motorcycle Museum. Canillo, Ctra. General 1, s/n.

Church of Saint Stephen in Andorra la Vella

How to get around in Andorra?

To any settlement in Andorra there is public transport. The ticket price usually does not exceed 4 euros. In addition, buses go to Barcelona and Toulouse.

Another convenient option for traveling around Andorra is, which may turn out to be the most profitable option. However, in the capital, Andorra la Vella, the traffic is heavy, and there may be problems with parking. When renting a car, a deposit of 150-300 euros is usually paid, depending on the brand of the car. The driver must be over 21 years old, driving experience - more than 2 years.

Excursions in Andorra

Andorra is rich in its natural beauties and cultural and historical sights. If you want to get a general idea of this country, drive through its most beautiful places and not miss anything, it makes sense to take excursions. If you came to Andorra as part of a tourist group, then, most likely, some excursions will be offered to you by the leader of the group. You can also book private tours, which are more expensive but, in my opinion, more informal and comfortable.

Excursions to Andorra are also carried out from Barcelona and other nearby cities in Spain and France.

I hope my Andorra travel guide will help you prepare and carry out this trip.

Harsh nature in the northern part of Andorra

How to get to Andorra

Its own airport in Andorra. The nearest major airports are located in Spanish Barcelona and French Toulouse. Aeroflot flies to Barcelona Airport 4 times a week from Moscow (4 hours 30 minutes), as well as charter flights from different cities of Russia. The easiest way to get to Toulouse airport is with Air France with a transfer in Paris. A number of airlines offer flights to these airports with transfers in other cities.

The nearest main railway stations are also Barcelona and Toulouse. There are no direct trains from Russia there, you can get there with at least two transfers, the journey will take about two days and will cost more than an air ticket. From Toulouse, you can still travel by regional trains to L'Hospitalet or Tour de Carol stations - these are the stations closest to Andorra.

A special bus takes tourists to the ski slopes
Ski area - 1780-2358 m
Short and steep slopes of Arinsal are more suitable for experienced skiers
Ski area - 1550-2560 m
Thrill-seekers can slide down the most difficult slope in Andorra (1010 m)
Snowboarders will undoubtedly be attracted by the 24-kilometer track
Hotels and restaurants are located in Arinsal near the ski lift station.
In Pale, you need to get to the hotels by bus
There are few bars and discos in these resorts, so it is best to spend your free time in neighboring La Massana
There are two sports centers in this town: "D" Aldosa Multisport Center "(" D "Aldosa Multisports Center") and "D" Aldosa Sports Center "(" D "Aldosa Sports Center"), where tourists can play tennis or squash , visit the sauna, solarium, gyms, swimming pool
Take a break from sports in the numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs
Those who wish can go to the capital, which is only 13 km away
Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig is a ski area in Andorra, located in the eastern part of the country, on the border with France
In terms of size and number of tourists, it surpasses all other ski areas in the country.
This resort (the first in Andorra) opened in 1957, and in 1998 a cable car was built here, by which you can get from Andorra la Vella, Escaldes or Encamp to the upper slopes of Pas de la Casa - Grau Roge
Every skier, regardless of skiing class, will find a track to their liking here, and then they can easily meet up with friends, since all the lower lift stations are located in one place
Some trails are illuminated at night

If you prefer an airplane, then in order to fly to Andorra, you need to fly either to French Toulouse or Spanish Barcelona. It is in these cities that the nearest airports are located, the distance to Andorra from which can be called short. Many airlines offer an abundance of flights to the aforementioned airports with transfers in other cities, and only Barcelona can be reached with a direct flight. Andorra airport tickets are better to buy with a flight from Moscow to Barcelona. From the Spanish and French airports to Andorra can be reached by bus or by private transfer.

If you are closer to rail transport, then tickets should also be taken to Toulouse or Barcelona. Unfortunately, Russian trains do not go there, so you will have to travel with transfers. This, of course, is not very convenient when you have a wagon and a small cart of personal belongings, but you can see a lot of interesting things from the train window. Upon arrival in Toulouse, you will need to get to L "Hospitalette or Tour de Carol - these are the nearest stations and the final destination of your trip. To do this, you need to use regional trains. And from there by bus to Andorra. It's not so scary to travel to a country without airport, it seems!

Andorra does not have its own airports or train stations, so you can only get to Andorra through Spain or France.

The nearest airports to Andorra are located in Toulouse (France) and Barcelona (Spain).

Among Russian tourists, the route through Barcelona is the most popular. to Toulouse from Moscow will have to fly with a change in Paris.

You can also get to Andorra from Moscow by car, the distance is 3,800 km through Spain and France. To do this, you need to apply for a Schengen visa,.

Getting to Andorra from Russia by train is tiring and not financially profitable. Travel time from 2 days with transfer(s).

Barcelona - Andorra

Distance: 270 km

Getting from Barcelona to Andorra is very easy. There are three regular buses from Barcelona Airport (), three more from the Estacion de Sants train station and three from the Barcelona Nord station. Bus companies: Novatel, Direct Bus, Alsa.

Buses run daily, approximately every 30 minutes, travel time to the resorts is 2.5-4 hours. To the capital 3 hours.

Price: approximately €30 one way, €50 return. You can buy a bus ticket from the driver or book online.
Hours of Operation: Vary, but as a rule, the buses do not operate 24 hours, so if the plane arrives at night, it will be necessary to book a room at the airport hotel.

At the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi (the most expensive option). The nearest railway stations to Andorra are Spain (Puccerda and Lleida), but you still have to get to Andorra from them by taxi, car or bus.

Toulouse - Andorra

Distance: 196 km

Regular buses depart from Toulouse Airport to Andorra three times a day. You can buy a bus ticket from the driver or. Travel time is 2-3 hours.

The closest French railway stations to Andorra are (Latour-de-Carol, Toulouse-A-les-Termes and L’Hospital), but from them you still have to get to Andorra by taxi, car or bus.

You can also rent a car at the airport and take an interesting route around France.