"The Small Mountain Country" Andorra by DSwede

Andorra Travel Guide: 678 reviews and 987 photos

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.

Hiking with Fred in mind

Fred's Art in the mountains (Grau Roig)

For those of you who don't know, Fred (PALS), a fellow VT'er, travels vicariously through us. He has a goal to have his artwork photographed in every country. When I spoke to him, Andorra was one of the countries he had not yet checked off. Here is one of many I took during my hikes of Andorra. Photo taken above Grau Roig.

I was also fortunate enough to showcase Fred's art in a few other countries (travelogue). Hopefully I'll add more places to the list in the future.

Hiking (Grau Roig)

(for more pictures, feel free to visit my Andorra Gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Rugged mountains provide ample winter and summer sports.
Cons:Having no train or airport, a long bus or drive is required.
In a nutshell:A tiny country, paved and built almost entirely out of stone.

Intro Updated Mar 21, 2011
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Reviews (8)

Food with a view and a hike if you want Restaurants (1)

This little restaurant is at the bottom of 5 small lakes. You can eat on the deck, basque in the sun, look at the... more travel advice

Romanesque Bridges - St Antoni and La... Things to Do (1)

Andorra has many old villages and buildings, but none date back past the Roman times. There are two (if not more) Roman... more travel advice

Picnic with a view - Mirador (collada de... Off The Beaten Path (1)

Similar to the Llac de Repos, this Mirador (panoramic viewpoint) is worth a stop. This view point has a wonderful... more travel advice

collado de Beixalis (Beixalis summit) - Andorra

Mountain Biking Andorra - Free Trails... Sports & Outdoors (3)

[..cont from tip #1] Cuando la pista pierde su caracteristico pendiente vemos, a la izquierda, las antenas que marcan... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
Adaptor plugs in Andorra

Transportation (1)
Overland travel to the mini country

Comments (10)

starship May 26, 2009 at 7:12 AM Report Abuse

I agree the Roman bridge is quite beautiful. The mountain biking sounds like a real challenge & not for people with weak muscles or brittle bones!
hunterV Sep 12, 2008 at 12:31 PM Report Abuse

It was a wonderful trip, I see! Thanx for sharing!
Basaic Jan 25, 2008 at 12:05 PM Report Abuse

I really enjoyed Andorra.
himalia11 Oct 27, 2007 at 1:43 AM Report Abuse

Looks nice there, I love the photo of the old Roman bridge!
Jim_Eliason Aug 12, 2007 at 6:59 PM Report Abuse

nice tips!
mtncorg May 25, 2007 at 9:34 AM Report Abuse

Nice look at a little country where most rarely venture beyond the duty free shops and the main road. Definitely a Sierran feel to the pictures which should be familiar? ;-]
Minashka Feb 9, 2007 at 12:36 PM Report Abuse

Another great page done by Dave ;-) Well listen, we have an embassy in DC and you can get your visa there for free or you can get it at the airport upon arrival and pay for it! Lemme know if you're gonna need any help :) Ciao for now...
dlandt Aug 16, 2006 at 8:26 AM Report Abuse

Maybe those Roman bridges are why Catalan speakers can understand spoken Italian so well?
Travmad Aug 3, 2006 at 5:19 AM Report Abuse

Very well written!
wanderlustI Aug 3, 2006 at 2:04 AM Report Abuse

As always, I enjoy reading of your travels and viewing through 'your eyes'. Take Care.