Andorra is not only a destination; it is a stepping stone between two countries, with one foot back in time and one on the verge of tomorrow. It is nestled in the steep mountain valleys of the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Being smaller than a dot on most maps, it covers a whole 179 sq miles (464 sq km), only a few feet of which are flat.
Besides the wonderful outdoor grandeur of the mountains, the ample hiking and biking paths, the trails for motor bikes and ATV’s, there is more to Andorra than the beauty of the mountains and the rustic architecture of the old villages. But that is what most people see.
Andorra is a young democracy, but an old country with deep history and culture. Back in 1278, it was a feudal state under the Spanish (from
La Seu d’Urgell) and the French (from Foix). Therefore the noticeable ties to both France and Spain are quite obvious, but their desire to remain independent from both is equally as impressive. For example, the official language is Catalan, which many consider a medley of French and Spanish, mixed with many unique words of its own. Officially, Andorra became a democratic country with its first elections in 1993.
The best way to see Andorra, after you have walked the many small towns with buildings of rock, is to get on the paths and head for the hills. There you will find the true rustic, country feel of the timeless life as well as enjoy the scenery.
Among other things that I did here, I went mountain
biking in
La Massana and
Ordino, wandered some of the trails, visited
Andorra la Vella and the
Convent of Meritxell.
Andorra
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