An Andorrable Country

Andorra is one of Europe's smallest countries, yet in this pocket handkerchief-sized nation lies some of Europe's finest mountain scenery, perfect for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

Beyond this obvious generalisation of what is a genuine characteristic of the small Pyrenean principality, Andorra has much more to it. Location does not just mean mountains; it means a proximity to the rich cultural tapestries of Catalonia and Aragon.

Connections with France and Spain define the country deeply. Rather than being fully independent, it is governed jointly by France and the Spanish Bishop of Seu D'Urgell, effectively the Spanish government, although domestic affairs are overseen by an elected council. Catalan is the first language, followed by French and Spanish, while anyone sending a postcard can use either the Spanish or French postal service. The main access route through the country is on the main road from Barcelona to Tolouse.

The country's population of 72,000, of which only a third is native (outnumbered by Spaniards) live mainly in and around this route, which meanders through the Valira, the central valley around which a horseshoe of mountain peaks is ranged. These include the capital, Andorra la Vella and Escaldes, which has a huge bustling shopping mall. Those who like peace and rural beauty will head on up into the mountains, but many bargain hunters will take a different view. While the Valira often looks cluttered with the lower parts of ski developments and apartments, there are many old stone buildings and delightful Romanesque churches to be discovered by anyone keen enough to look.

But the mountains are ultimately what Andorra is about. Even the lowest point of the country is 838 metres above sea level, while the highest peak, Pic de Coma Pedrosa, stands at 2942 metres.

The ski resorts are numerous and increasingly attractive. These include the highest resort in the Pyrenees, Pas de la Casa on the French border, Val D'Ordino, Pal Arinsal and the five Ski Andorra, all listed on SkiCentral as popular resorts favoured by major tour operators. Snow is reliable, the weather fairly mild - as the country is sheltered from Atlantic weather fronts - and the costs are less than in Alpine resorts. Because the principality, at 468 square km, is so small, it is possible for visitors to sample several of them.

According to Ski Europe, the resorts are good for beginners, with plenty of tuition and mountains that won't frighten, while the nightlife is good, the lifts are modern and the duty free is cheap.

While the winter pistes are the main attraction of the mountains, they also offer excellent hiking in warmer months. According to the Cicerone guide, the summer mountain weather is excellent, better than the Alps and free of snow on all but the highest peaks after May. Most can be reached by sturdy hiking and occasionally a bit of scrambling, but nothing worse than ridges like Crib Goch on Snowdon.

Tourists looking for cheap hotels will not be disappointed. With over 25,000 hotel beds, tourists are well catered for.

One of the great aspects of being in such a small country is the ability to move so swiftly on to others. As it has no airport, visitors will arrive via France or Spain anyway. Barcelona is one good bet. Apart from the direct road route, it enables the tourist to practice their Catalan before they reach Andorra and enjoy the sights, sounds and beaches of a top European city. Given Andorra's somewhat modest standing in the sport, football fans may wish to take in a Barcelona game. After all, they are most Andorran's favourite team.

The best thing of all about moving between the countries is that Andorra, while not part of the European Union, uses the Euro as currency. With France and Spain also offering plenty of walking and skiing in their own portions of the Pyrenees, a grand tour of the range is both eminently manageable an exciting mix of cultures and languages.

Andorra may be small, but it shouldn't be missed.

This article is provided by Hotels Hotels Hotels suppliers of cheap hotels in Andorra

Updated: Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00

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