While many European countries, especially Mediterranean ones, face a large number of tourists, pressure on the infrastructure and dissatisfaction of the local population, in small Andorra the situation is completely different.
This mountainous country is most often visited by day trippers who come from Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia and then quickly return home. That is exactly why the Andorran authorities launched a campaign to attract more tourists and encourage them to spend more time in the country.
A small country of great natural beauty
Andorra is one of the smallest countries in the world and covers only 468 square kilometers. It is located in the heart of the Pyrenees, between Spain and France.
More than 90 percent of the territory consists of mountains, forests and meadows, while only a small part of the country is urbanized. The settlements are mostly located in the valleys, under one of as many as 65 mountain peaks higher than 2,000 meters.
Thanks to its untouched nature, Andorra is a favorite destination among mountaineers, cyclists and lovers of active vacations.
A land of UNESCO heritage and museums
A special place is occupied by the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is interesting that about ten percent of the country’s territory is under the protection of UNESCO, and Andorra can boast of a large number of museums in relation to its area, which is right behind the Vatican.
Paradise for skiers
In addition to hiking, Andorra is also known as a top skiing destination.
It has more than 300 kilometers of groomed ski trails, and the average altitude of the country is almost 2,000 meters.
The highest peak of the country is Coma Pedrosa, 2,946 meters high.
The highest capital city in Europe
The capital of the country is Andorra la Vella, which is located at 1,013 meters above sea level and is considered the highest capital in Europe.
Andorra also has one of the most unusual political structures in the world. It is a parliamentary principality whose co-rulers are the President of France and Bishop Urgella from Spain, while the executive power is led by a democratically elected government.
It is also interesting that the country does not have its own army, but its defense is taken care of by France and Spain.
Almost everyone speaks three languages
The official language in Andorra is Catalan, but most residents are also fluent in Spanish and French.
The country never had its own currency. In the past, the French franc and the Spanish peseta were used, while today the official currency is the euro.
Residents among the longest-lived in the world
Andorrans are among the longest-lived peoples in the world. Clean air, quality nutrition and an active lifestyle are the most common reasons.
Today, tourism is the most important economic branch, and the country is also known as a tax haven and an important financial center.
More than a thousand shops
Shopping is another trademark of Andorra. In a relatively small area, there are more than 1,000 shops that attract visitors from neighboring countries.
Shops are closed only four days a year – on New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Andorra’s Constitution Day and Patron Saint’s Day.
Thanks to the combination of spectacular nature, ski resorts, mountain trails, rich history and affordable shopping, Andorra tries to show that it is not just a stopover between France and Spain, but a destination that deserves much more attention from European and world travelers.
