"Andorra, Petite Gem of the Pyrenees" Top 5 Page for this destination Andorra by dlandt

Andorra Travel Guide: 678 reviews and 987 photos

Andorra

Andorra is a very small country, and, despite the sign I'm standing before, is not a member of the European Union. In fact, until very recently it had one of the world's oldest functioning constitutions, which is another way of saying it had a medieval government.

Today, Andorra resembles any of the towns found in neighboring France and Spain, just with mountains. Andorra is perched high in the Pyrenees, and there really aren't that many towns nearby. At one time, the country was a haven for smugglers. Now it is a haven for duty free shopping.

An Interesting Place

I deliberately came to Andorra on a road trip, just to see it and get to the other side of the Pyrenees. More or less, I didn't know what to expect. It struck me as a little bigger than I'd imagined, and reminded me of a laid back Liechtenstein, and just proved to be worth the day and a night we spent here.

At first arrival, I couldn't believe the traffic, and thought I must have chosen to spend the night in some kind of auto-aerie or something, but the traffic faded, and we enjoyed the visit from there.

The Pyrenees

Snow in the Pyrenees

Miyuki liked the mountains here above all else. We didn't do any hiking or enjoy the mountains in the traditional sense, and those of you who kmow me know why this had to be for this trip. We did enjoy the scenery, and one memory I failed to photograph, are the nets aove the towns protecting them from rockfalls. Andorran towns are built at the bottom of valleys, not at the top of mountains. This picture indicates the amunt of snow in the higher altitudes.

If you are in the neighborhood, or just crossing the Pyrenees, Andorra is worth a visit, not just for the duty-free shopping and to fill your gas tank, but to see the mountains and stroll the streets as well.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Charming mountains and scenery, duty-free, and pleasant
Cons:Bad traffic at times, small, and not used to tourists
In a nutshell:Andorra is worth a visit

Last visit to Andorra: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Apr 13, 2005
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Reviews (12)

The Old Monastery at Meritxell Off The Beaten Path (3)

Behind the monastery lies the old monastery. If you poke your nose around a little you can find it. The inside has been... more travel advice

Duty-Free Shopping Shopping (2)

Andorra is littered with shops selling everything from perfume to electronics to alcohol and tobacco. The reason for... more travel advice

The Monastery at Meritxell Things to Do (2)

Just outside of the small town of Canilo is the monastery at Meritxell. Two turns up the road and you will find the... more travel advice

Andorra's Madonna Off The Beaten Path (3)

Nowhere near as extravagent or as popular as the Black Madonna is the Madonna of Andorra. She lies in the monastery at... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
An overview of Andorra
Hotels (1)
OK, affordable, nothing special
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Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 24, 2005

4 photos

A pretty place called Andorra

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Comments (11)

Toshioohsako Mar 25, 2008 at 2:56 PM Report Abuse

Yeah, i bought a shirt in this tax-free city. Why isn't Chicago a tax-free city? That would be a fun.
chewy3326 Nov 25, 2006 at 10:40 AM Report Abuse

What an amazing little country! Sounds like a fun and beautiful place to visit. Great photos!
DSwede Aug 16, 2006 at 12:55 PM Report Abuse

Did you know that Catalan is most similar to Romanian... both lands held by the ancient Romans. // Well, I found the Meritxell village by chance... but had a pleasant visit. Put you beat me to it by writing it up.
Martman Mar 16, 2006 at 4:44 PM Report Abuse

Thanks, your AnDORRA pics are aDORAble!
mickeyjane1 Feb 22, 2006 at 8:27 AM Report Abuse

Nice tips, cheers, interested in going in summer though,
lou31 Aug 30, 2005 at 4:06 AM Report Abuse

Interesting pages, interesting tips. Thanks for sharing...
FletteMette Jul 9, 2005 at 12:42 PM Report Abuse

"It's never too late to have a happy childhood" - now that's a motto I can like... :-) Andorra is yet another place I'd like to visit - nice pics here! ~Mette~
mtncorg Apr 13, 2005 at 1:34 PM Report Abuse

Actually, you can walk across the country - just like Liechtenstein:-] Maybe July is a better time for it though. Great pictures and appreciate the madonna-ettiquitte!
quime Apr 7, 2005 at 8:09 AM Report Abuse

Wow, i do like this country, havent been there yet but your pics really helps!
matcrazy1 Mar 28, 2005 at 3:29 AM Report Abuse

Very good and interesting info. My general impressions are similar to yours. I liked most the mountains around and some small architectural pearls as well.