Andorra La Vella skiing. What hotels in Andorra la Vella have nice views? Flights, hotels, excursions and tours to Andorra
The capital of the country (principality) of Andorra is the city and ski resort - Andorra la Vella - a Guinness Book record holder, because... It is considered the highest capital of Europe: the city is conveniently located in the Pyrenees mountains, at an altitude of 1055 m.
Attractions of Andorra la Vella
Andorra la Vella is the cultural and commercial center of the country. The architecture of the city organically intertwines the past and the present: next to huge business centers, hotels of different categories, shopping complexes and ultra-modern buildings there are cozy small cafes and restaurants, ancient temples and castles. Architectural masterpieces antiquity and modernity do not contradict each other. The latest designs made of concrete, steel and glass fit perfectly into the medieval stone streets.
The city is divided into two parts: old and new. Historical monuments concentrated in the old part, while the new one is considered the business center. In the old part of the city, tourists can see beautiful buildings of the 12th century, made in the Romanesque style - the Church of St. Stephen and the Church of Santa Colomna. And in the very center of Andorra la Vella there is the famous Plaza la Poble square, where holidays and folk festivals are held annually. Tourists also take part in them with pleasure.
Transport in Andorra la Vella
Andorra is a small country, so you can get around it by regular bus. These buses run strictly on schedule (every 15–20 minutes), and their fare depends on the duration of the route. There is also free transport in the city - Ski-bus - but it runs only twice a day, which makes it not very convenient.
You can also get around the city by taxi, but the fare in this case will be quite high. In addition, you won’t be able to simply catch a car on the city streets: you need to order it in advance, preferably 1–1.5 hours before the intended trip.
You can rent a car. But you need to remember that traffic in Andorra la Vella is very heavy. Therefore, you can leave your car only in special parking lots.
Shopping in Andorra la Vella
Many tourists come to the capital of Andorra just for shopping. After all, duty-free trade is carried out in this country, and prices for quality goods from leading European brands are often much lower than in the country of origin. Discounts can reach 60%.
And you can buy everything here: clothes and shoes, watches, jewelry, cosmetics and perfumes, equipment, alcohol and tobacco, chocolate. And there is no doubt that all products will be of the highest quality.
After successful shopping, a tourist can go to one of the nice restaurants and enjoy local dishes that resemble a mixture of French and Spanish cuisine.
Things to do in Andorra la Vella
Andorra la Vella offers tourists a wide range of entertainment. Fans skiing will be able to go to Vallnord or Grand Valir and go skiing or snowboarding.
Lovers over have a relaxing holiday can visit the famous Keldea spa center. There is a jacuzzi, baths, saunas, and a massage room. It is believed that thermal waters, which are the basis of the spa program, heal many skin diseases.
Nature of Andorra la Vella
Andorra la Vella is surrounded on all sides by picturesque mountain ranges, which so attract fans of alpine skiing. The air here is surprisingly clean. There are no large industrial enterprises in the capital that would spoil the natural charm of this wonderful corner.
Many Europeans come to Andorra la Vella to improve their health. Pines, fir, spruce and juniper bushes planted at every step saturate the atmosphere with phytoncides. They have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.
The Valira River flows through the city. Once it was a rapid mountain stream, but now Valira calmly carries its waters, pacified and encased in concrete.
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One by one ancient legend, the king of the Franks, Charlemagne, went to war against the Moors. His path was blocked by the Pyrenees mountain range. The inhabitants of one of the valleys treated the king with understanding and led his army along a secret path through the mountains. The Frankish troops suddenly found themselves behind the enemy and completely defeated him. For this, Charles granted independence to this valley. This happened in 805.
Features of Andorra
Since then, this dwarf state has been called the “Valleys of Andorra” and lives on its own. The authenticity of the legend can be debated; Andorra finally formed itself as a state only in the 19th century. Until then, she was under the patronage of one or another sovereign. This country does not have political independence and is under the direct influence of Spain and France. Like other similar countries, it is a large offshore zone, as well as a territory where goods are sold duty-free.
The country's parliament is located in the city of Andorra la Vella. Its size can be judged by the number of residents in the capital - there are just over 22 thousand of them.
Attractions
Andorra la Vella has historical Center, where tourists go on educational excursions. Well, visitors do their shopping runs in the new part of the city. It is so small that it can be easily crossed on foot.
A visit to the old quarter can begin with the seat of parliament, which is called the “House of the Valleys” (Casa de los Vallés). In addition to being a meeting place, the building also serves as a prison, where only Andorran citizens can be imprisoned. However, the prison is almost always empty. As in other miniature states, there is no crime here.
Initially, Casa de los Valles served as a castle. There is a guided tour inside, during which you can see the General Council Hall and the ancient kitchen. Attached to the House of the Valleys is a hotel and a court (Sala de la Giustizia). This complex of buildings also houses a philatelic museum with rich collection marks. Nearby is a watchtower in which carrier pigeons were kept. Such a compact development, where “all in one”, once again emphasizes the miniature nature of Andorra.
The building of the Church of St. Armenolios was built about a thousand years ago. To this day, under its arches you can feel the atmosphere of medieval monastic life and become familiar with its sacraments. The style of construction is Gothic, strict, with a complete rejection of ancient beauty. All buildings in the historic quarter of Andorra are constructed from rough gray stone, which was mined in local quarries.
Another historical site is the ancient castle d'Enclar, where the noble Urgelskik family lived for centuries. As befits a castle, it is located on a high hill above the city, from the top of which a wide panorama opens. Its construction began in the 9th century, and there is a guided tour inside.
Tourists should not pass by the natural attractions of Andorra. In the surrounding mountains are the magnificent lakes Engolasters and Žuklar. Here you can feel lost in time. Clouds and crowns of centuries-old trees are reflected in the crystal water. Popular among tourists are trout fishing and scuba diving, which can also be done in winter. Several comfortable hotels have been built on the banks. In the mountains, you should definitely visit the unique La Botella gorge. Tourists come here for amazing panoramic photos and an avant-garde sculpture called “Storm in a Cup of Tea.”
Shopping
Prices for goods in Andorra are lower than in other European countries. You can buy branded watches decorated with gold and stones, as well as jewelry in the stores “Suïssa”, “Cellini”, “Travesset” and “Pons i Bartumeu”. The Pirenes shopping center specializes in the sale of clothing, sports equipment and household appliances. Branded clothing can also be found at Pepe Jeans and Options stores. The SUPER U shopping center mainly sells food, various drinks and cosmetics. Sports goods can be bought at the Viladomat shopping center. Exquisite perfumes are sold in the Gala store. You can also check out the popular local outlet.
Before making purchases, you should find out what restrictions on the export of goods apply in the country.
Skiing
Fans of this sport from all over Europe gather in Andorra. There are many resorts in the surrounding mountains, such as Escaldes, La Rabbasa, Encamp and others.
Cooking
Andorran cuisine includes Catalan, Basque, French and local mountain dishes. Popular restaurants are “El Refugi Alpi”, “Borda Estevet”, “Henri”, “El Tall a Taula” and others. They serve menus in Russian, or the staff speaks it fluently.
Transport
It is impossible to come to Andorra by train or by plane; the only mode of transport here is by car. The road network is well maintained.
And finally...
Andorra can be called like that lost corner, where life is unhurried and measured. Its flow is disturbed only by lively tourists who empty store shelves and ski on the slopes. Visitors can expect a fun time and successful shopping here.
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Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest European capital (1079 meters above sea level). Usually tourists choose it as a main stop for shopping, or when coming to Andorra to ride alpine skiing. The thing is that accommodation in the ski areas themselves is most often limited to skiing and nothing more. The infrastructure of these small towns is very poor compared to Andorra La Vella. In addition, being located in the center, tourists always have a choice of where they will go for a ride today.
To get here, tourists usually fly to Barcelona and then take a bus; the journey takes about 4 hours.
The climate here is very mild and warm. The average daytime temperature in summer is about +20 degrees. In winter from +2 to -2. Such weather perfect for all categories of tourists, there is no severe cold, as well as sweltering heat, if someone wants to visit Andorra La Vella in the summer, which is rare. Usually the heaviest influx of tourists here occurs from the beginning of December and ends by the end of March.
Andorra-La Vella
Andorra La Vella has a famous spa called Caldea. It offers all kinds of rejuvenation treatments, as well as medical procedures aimed at skin diseases. All this is possible thanks to the fact that Andorra is rich in natural thermal springs. Today this spa center is the largest in Europe.
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Andora is primarily famous for its ski resorts, which are visited annually by about nine million tourists. But besides this, the principality attracts a large number of shopping lovers, since there is a free economic zone and prices for goods in Andor are lower than in neighboring countries by up to 40%. 
For guests of the capital of the Principality of Andora la Velle, with a population of just over 22,000 people, the doors of numerous shopping centers and supermarkets are open. Perhaps you will find the most attractive prices for goods in the “Pyrenees” shopping center, which is located on the main street of the capital Avinguda Meritxell and another good shopping center called “Andorra 2000”. It is located on Avinguda de Tarragona street.
Andorra la Vella is the capital and one of the the most beautiful cities small principality of Andorra. The city is located in picturesque place high in the Pyrenees mountains, where rivers and roads, past and present, intersect.
The city dates its history back to 805 AD: then it was first mentioned in chronicles. His education began with a small community created by shepherds and peasants from Catalonia. Neighboring states - France and Spain - did not abandon their attempts to subjugate this new territorial entity with the beginnings of statehood. As a result, a protectorate of both countries was established here.
Almost half of the capital's residents are native Andorrans, the rest come from France, Spain and many other European countries. They speak Catalan, French and Spanish.
Important transit routes from south to north pass through Andorra la Vella. There are no large industrial enterprises that pollute the environment. The capital's production sector includes a tobacco factory, a lime plant, a food processing plant, as well as a spinning, carding and woodworking enterprise. The city budget is formed from revenues from services provided to tourists, trade and banking institutions.
The capital has a developed network of hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment and health centers.
Climate and weather
The territory of the Principality of Andorra is not large enough to state significant differences in climatic features different parts countries.
The weather is greatly influenced by warm air masses coming from outside Mediterranean Sea. This is why the climate here all year round soft and warm. In summer the air warms up to +15...+20 °C, and in winter the thermometer varies between +2...-2 °C.
Andorra has a large number of sunny days - about 250 per year. All these climatic factors create ideal conditions for mountain tourists ski resorts felt cozy and comfortable at any time of the year. The ski season starts in December and ends by mid-April.
Nature
Andorra la Vella is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest European capital: it is located at an altitude of 1079 meters above sea level. She is surrounded Rocky Mountains, coniferous forests and picturesque gorges.
Two rivers connect in the city: Valira d'Ordino(Valira d'Ordino) and Valira d'Encamp(Valira d'Encamp), forming a river Valira. Active economic activity caused damage to this waterway, which is considered the most important in the country. The banks of the river are encased in concrete, and therefore its natural replenishment with water from melted glaciers running down from the mountains in the warm season is very difficult. However, this does not prevent the use of Valira water as a medicine, because it is completely harmless and, moreover, is saturated with sulfur.
Speaking about water sources and their healing properties, one cannot help but talk about the largest southern Europe spa center " Caldea", built in Andorra la Vella. It uses water coming from thermal springs. It contains dissolved minerals that help get rid of skin diseases and various allergies.
The clean air in Andorra la Vella will be the envy of many capitals around the world. A large number of plantations of spruce, pine, fir and juniper make it healing, helping to get rid of various diseases of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. That is why people from all over Europe come here to strengthen their body. Doctors state that prolonged stay in the high-mountainous capital of Andorra helps to increase vitality.
In the forests and gorges of the mountains that are around Andorra la Vella, you can find mountain goats, Pyrenean chamois, martens, squirrels, foxes, Catalan hares, and Pyrenean muskrats. Birds include pheasants, wood grouse, eagle owls, royal eagles and buzzards. Representatives of the animal world can be seen during specialized excursions dedicated to the nature of Andorra.
Attractions
In Andorra la Vella, ancient and modern architecture are surprisingly subtly and harmoniously combined. New buildings built from glass, concrete and steel do not at all spoil the overall ambiance of the medieval buildings. Walking along the streets of the city, you often get the feeling of flying in a time machine, when moving from one street to another is like moving from century to century. The greatest interest, of course, are buildings and structures that are hundreds of years old. Thus, tourists willingly visit official residence government " House of the Valleys" The building was erected in 1580 and belonged to a noble family. Over the years it has been rebuilt several times. It acquired its final form only in 1702, becoming Palace of the Andorran Parliament.
Amazes with its magnificent decoration St Stephen's Church, which is located near the old part of the city. This religious building was built in the 12th century and is made in the Romanesque style.
For connoisseurs of architectural heritage, a visit to the church in Santa Colomna, a village located near the capital, will be of interest. The first stone of its foundation was laid at the beginning of the 12th century. Then it was repeatedly rebuilt and modified. Inside this masterpiece of architectural art, a fresco with the Virgin Mary depicted on it, which was painted by an unknown author in the first days of the opening of the church, has been preserved.
The main church of the country is St. Stephen's Church- the largest in size. It rises above the city, symbolizing the power of faith in God.
In Andorra la Vella there is the only courthouse in the country, located in the Sala de la Giusticia palace.
A favorite vacation spot for citizens and tourists - historical square Plaza la Poble, which is also cultural center capital, where various ceremonies, holidays and festivals are held. The State Theater and the Academy of Music are within walking distance from here.
Nutrition
The national cuisine is in many ways similar to French and Spanish.
The most popular restaurants are Can Benet, Borda Estevet, Angel Belmonte and Papanico.
Can Benet is located in the historical part of the city. Its spacious and antique-style interior gives visitors a sense of tranquility. Here you can taste international and purely Andorran cuisine. For those who are looking for new and unique tastes, the restaurant's chef will prepare his signature meat dishes. average price A three-course dinner, excluding drinks, will cost 30 € per person. The helpful and competent restaurant staff will leave a pleasant impression. Business people usually come here.
The Borda Estevet restaurant has a lively rustic character, the interior of which is somewhat old-fashioned, but this does not lose its attractiveness and sophistication. Here you can book a table by the window overlooking the Valira River. Visitors are offered original French cuisine. The menu includes traditional dishes prepared from fresh ingredients. A standard dinner per person at this restaurant costs only 20 €.
In the simple and friendly atmosphere of the Angel Belmonte restaurant you can taste the dishes spanish cuisine, of course, the highest quality preparation. The menu is based on traditional recipes. Grilled fish is a specialty at Angel Belmonte. The average cost of dinner per person is 48 €.
A romantic atmosphere reigns in the Papanico restaurant. This is an exceptional place serving Spanish cuisine with authenticity and fine taste. The signature dish of the restaurant is tapas, as well as fish delicacies prepared by the chef creative approach. The regulars of this restaurant are tourists and local connoisseurs of Spanish cuisine. The average cost of a three-course dinner is 15 €.
Accommodation
Andorra la Vella has a developed network of hotels and inns of varying comfort.
The cheapest hotels are usually occupied by students, young people and hitchhikers. For €18, the capital's only one-star hotel, Alberg la Comella, offers rooms with 8 beds, marble or tiled floors, heating, wardrobe, shower, shared bathroom, and beautiful views of the mountain range or valley. Bed linen and towels are provided at an additional cost.
For more comfortable conditions you can stay in two-star hotels: Hostal Cisco De Sans, Hotel La Pedrera, Hotel Les Fonts, Hotel Santa Barbara, Hotel Valmar, Residencia Indalo, Sant Jordi. The family room has satellite TV, a bathroom with a set of toiletries, a telephone, and adjustable heating. The price of a room depends on the range of services and amenities: from 26 € to 104 € per day.
When choosing where to stay in Andorra la Vella, you should carefully study all offers local hotels and hotels. The fact is that some three-star hotels offer rooms much cheaper than their two-star counterparts, but at the same time they are an order of magnitude higher in comfort. Thus, rooms at prices per day from 35 to 55 € are offered by the Jaume I hotel. In addition to the fact that the rooms here are well and tastefully furnished, you can use the services of a safe to store valuables, sunbathe on a specially equipped terrace, access the Internet via free Wi-Fi. In addition, the hotel offers a wide range of recreational activities for guests, from walking and cycling to skiing and snowmobiling. A similar service is available at the hotels Andorra Palace, Annapurna, Bon Repos, Casa Vella, Comtes De Urgel, De L"Isard, Eurotel, Florida, Hotel Bellpi, Hotel Festa Brava, Ibis, La Cabana, Marco Polo, Paris Londres, Roc Del Sola, Salvia, Salvia d'Or, Silken Eurotel and others.
Four-star hotels are the most popular among Russian tourists. Here the level of service and the interior of the rooms claim to be of the highest category. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay for a long time: safe, air conditioning, work desk, spacious closet, bathroom with toiletries, telephone, TV with satellite channels, minibar... Prices for apartments in such hotels range from 60 to 998 € per day. Hotels in this category include: Acta Arthotel, Andorra Center, Apht Prisma, Arthotel, Centric Husa, Cervol, Diplomatic, El Serrat, Font De Argent and others.
In the highest price position are five-star hotels, of which there are, it should be noted, many in Andorra la Vella: Andorra Park Aparthotel, Andorra Park Hotel, Carlton Plaza, Crowne Plaza, Diana Parc, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Hotel Starc, Plaza and others. They are usually located in the most picturesque corners of the capital, within walking distance from ski slopes and large stores. Their interior is extremely luxurious, and the range of services and customer service will satisfy the needs of the most demanding clients. Such hotels operate business centers, entertainment and health centers, beauty and recreation salons, bars and restaurants. A day's stay in one of these hotels will cost from 100 € to 1485 €.
Entertainment and relaxation
Andorra la Vella is resort area consisting of two skiing regions: Valnord And Grand Valir.
Grand Valir has excellent schools for beginner skiers. Experienced skiers and snowboarders will also find trails that suit their level.
Those who like to ski steep slopes and on virgin soil go to Vallnord. There are also gentle, well-equipped trails for people just starting to ski.
The trails in the Pas de la Casa snowpark have been rolled out especially for snowboarders of beginner and intermediate levels. But the El Tarter snowpark will appeal to professional snowboarders.
In addition to snowboarding and skiing, you can have a pleasant time at the Caldea thermal spa complex. Wellness water procedures taken in jacuzzi, waterfalls, baths, saunas, geyser pools. At the service of clients are massage rooms, VIP clubs, cafes and restaurants, tennis courts and much more.
All entertainment and health facilities, as well as bars, restaurants, cafeterias are open until 24:00. Siesta time lasts from 13:00 to 17:00.
Purchases
Andorra la Vella connects the transport routes along which goods are transported from France to Spain and vice versa. Due to the fact that duty-free trade has been introduced in the country, these goods can be purchased at very low prices- 60% lower compared to European prices. Since the capital is a center of trade, all tourists and simply shopping lovers go here, where there are large stores and fashion boutiques. The largest shopping mall in Andorra la Vella - Pyrenees. Chic boutiques occupy a large area of this store, which feature branded clothing and shoes, household appliances and accessories.
Elite shopping centers Andorra 2000 and Olympia are also considered, where you can buy everything from toothpicks and handkerchiefs to sports equipment and sophisticated household appliances and electronics.
All stores accept plastic cards as well as euro cash. However, the country restricts the export of goods without first declaring them if the total purchase price exceeds 525 € for one adult and 270 € for one child under 15 years of age.
Most shops on weekdays are open from 9:30 to 20:00-21:00, lunch break is from 13:30 to 16:30, supermarkets and department stores are open without lunch. On Sundays, stores close at 19:00.
Banks are open for customers from 9:00 to 16:30-17:00 (break - from 12:00 to 14:00).
Transport
To move around the city you can use regular buses (paid), ski-bus(free), as well as taxi.
Regular buses run every 15-20 minutes. Their routes extend to the popular ski areas of Soldeu el Tarter and Pas de la Casa. Free ski-buses run only twice a day. This is where their inconvenience lies.
It is almost impossible to catch a taxi on the street; it must be ordered in advance by phone. The cost of travel within the city will be 5-6 €, and to get to the ski lift you will have to pay 15-20 €. At night, taxi fares double.
For those who want to actively move around the country, you should rent a car. The rental price will be from 60 € per day.
Please note that from October 10 to May 15, winter tires must be installed on the car, and chains must be wrapped on the wheels for trips to the mountains. The implementation of these rules is strictly monitored by law enforcement officers.
The speed limit on city and rural roads is limited to 40 km/h; on highways you can accelerate no more than 70 km/h. For exceeding the established speed limits, a fine of 30 € is imposed.
Connection
Andorra la Vella has all types of communications with high quality connections. For example, from an ordinary pay phone (powered by a magnetic card) on the street you can call anywhere in the world. At night and in holidays rates are cheaper, but calls from hotels tend to be more expensive.
On the streets of the capital you can always catch Wi-Fi lines, most of which are password-protected. However, with due persistence, you can find among them those available for general use.
The mobile operator in Andorra is represented by the only national company. You can only purchase a SIM card at her office. It is important to note that the services mobile communications They're not cheap here.
Safety
The state of Andorra is considered one of the safest in Europe. There is not even a prison on its territory. True, experienced tourists warn that when traveling from Barcelona airport to Andorra, you should keep an eye on your suitcases, as cases of theft are not uncommon.
Business climate
The key business interests of the country and a number of other European countries are concentrated in Andorra la Vella. Doing business here can have great prospects. The country does not have taxes on sales profits, property and inheritance, but there are annual mandatory contributions and payments.
The banking sector is especially developed in the capital. Investments in the form of long-term deposits from neighboring countries. Banks are predictably stable in their operations. This is also facilitated by the wide range of services they offer.
Real estate
Andorra la Vella is considered the most profitable place to invest in real estate, the market price of which is constantly growing. Thus, a two-room apartment costs on average 200,000 €, and a comfortable country house - from 2,000,000 €. High prices due to high demand and lack of free space for residential development.
Real estate purchase and sale transactions must be formalized through a notary, to whom a fee of 2.5% of the value of the goods is paid. In Andorra la Vella, you need to pay a municipal tax for real estate once a year, the amount of which is differentiated by the size of the occupied area.
When vacationing at ski resorts, remember that it is prohibited to enter buses or other public transport in ski and snowboard boots. It is also not customary to ride the bus while standing. Therefore, do not be surprised if the bus passes by the stop: it is simply full of passengers. Rush hour occurs at 19:00 in the evening, when most tourists return from ski resorts to hotels.
Europe is rich in dwarf states, each of them has its own unique story and even its own chronicle, which, for example, like that of, begins around 778 AD. is in 178th place out of 194 in terms of area and is located in most beautiful place between France and Italy in the Pyrenees. The capital of Andorra is considered the highest mountain European city– Andorra la Vella, rising 1029 meters above sea level.
Let's get acquainted: Andorra la Vella!
Andorra la Vella is the most Big City principality (12 sq. km.), we can say that it is located in its heart on the banks of the mountain river Valira. The capital is home to about 22,700 residents - this is approximately a little more than a third of the total population of the state. About 7,000 are hereditary Andorrans, the rest are mainly Catalans, Spaniards and French. Their children even go to local national schools. The capital's suburb, Escaldes, begins across the bridge over Valira.
The city authorities are actively developing the tourism industry as the main source of income, in the form of shopping and a ski resort. Therefore, come for shopping at any time, and for skiing adventures in winter. You can get to the capital of the principality without any problems from international airport in Barcelona (220 km).
Climate of Andorra la Vella
The entire territory of the principality is small enough to indicate significant differences in weather conditions in different cities.
Warm air from the Mediterranean Sea shapes the weather conditions of the capital of Andorra all year round. This makes the climate mild and warm. Summer temperatures reach +16+20 degrees, and winter temperatures fluctuate around +2 degrees.
The capital has about 250 sunny days, and winter is always very snowy, this creates ideal conditions for any relaxation and good mood.
Everybody go skiing!The capital of Andorra is conveniently located in a valley surrounded by a ring of the Pyrenees mountains; the height of the peaks in some places reaches 3000 meters above sea level. The mountain range is replete with gorges, complex and gentle ridges. The proximity of the Mediterranean Sea ensures a comfortable winter with average temperature about 0+1 degrees. And it would be completely short-sighted to miss such conditions and not create a real ski resort in Andorra la Vella. There are four skiing regions with extensive possibilities in terms of complexity, length and equipment.
Tourists who come to ski on the slopes mostly travel by taxi; it is relatively cheap; no one comes with equipment to the ski lifts. You can order a car either by phone or at the hotel both there and back to the lift itself or the descent. By the way, regular city buses also go to the slopes.
Sights of Andorra la Vella
It would be weird like that old place there is nothing interesting or spiritual to see except the tips of your skis or the inviting counters. The main objects of excursion tourism are:
In addition, the city is full of simply nice old buildings, against which you can take beautiful and bright photographs.
Cuisine and restaurants of Andorra la Vella
Hotels in Andorra la Vella
In the capital of Andorra, there is a room for every tourist according to his capabilities and desires:
In Andorra la Vella, in addition to hotels with 5, 4 and 3 stars, there are very budget hotels, as well as hostels where you can spend the night and use a shower for only €18. Moreover, 2 and 3 star hotels periodically offer discounts and promotions, which is always beneficial for budget-conscious tourists.
Shopping in Andorra la Vella
The capital of Andorra is a true shopaholic's dream. As a free trade zone, Andorra has become the European center of goodness. With rare exceptions, all the world's leading brands and boutiques have their stores and representative offices here. Several hundred signs from chic spots to modest shops are concentrated mainly on the streets of Avenue Meritsel and Avenue Charlemagne. Andorra is very profitable for imports and offers trading companies good tax conditions.
The mountain capital is famous good prices for high-quality tobacco and alcohol, video equipment and other advances in technology and electronics. You can buy sporting goods, clothes and shoes, watches and jewelry, ski equipment, perfume and much more with a guarantee and at an excellent price, so tourists don’t even have to think about it as a souvenir. For security reasons, your currency will only be exchanged for euros in banks.
How to get to Andorra la Vella?
Since the Principality of Andorra does not have its own airport or railway station(the mountainous terrain does not allow them to be built), the most convenient route is an air flight through international terminal airport in Barcelona, Spain. Sometimes there are similar flights to Toulouse - this is the French side.
There is a daily scheduled bus service from the airport, both a municipal and hotel shuttle. The first flight leaves at 6:15, the last at 23:45. The journey will take you no more than three hours from any airport with beautiful scenery outside the window the cost is about €33, in both directions - €57. For the convenience of tourists, buses are equipped with comfortable footrests, DVDs and TVs, and there is also an equipped toilet.
If you decide to take a walk around Barcelona before your trip, please note that some routes to Andorra depart from the Barcelona-Nord bus station in Barcelona, in which case a one-way ticket costs €27-30, and a return ticket costs €47.
Those who like to travel independently can rent a car in advance. Taking into account gasoline, parking and rental costs, a round trip will cost about €100. From Barcelona you have to cover a distance of 210 km, from Toulouse a little less - 194 km. In addition, when driving, you can always stop for a good shot or sightseeing.
TransportTo get around Andorra la Vella and any other city, you can use regular buses, free ski-bus and taxi service. There is no concept of urban transport here. The transport network is common throughout the country and is connected by cities and resorts.
Ski boots are not allowed on buses, and all your belongings must be placed in the cargo area. Typically only used seat place, V mountainous areas It is prohibited to stand in transport. Although during the city rush hour around 19:00 there is no way to breathe in public transport.
Regular buses operate routes daily at intervals from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. From the ski resorts towards the city center, the last bus leaves at 18:30. There are 8 routes around the capital to neighboring towns and ski resorts. bus routes. The fare is €1.5-4, but for distant resorts and international flights Additional charges may apply. And to some ski slopes there are special night routes.
Ski bus - special routes that go to the ski lifts. They run every 15-20 minutes, the fare is €2. But there are only two free routes: in the morning and at lunch.
The Funicamp cable car connects Andorra la Vella with the neighboring towns of Escaldes and the largest ski resort– Grau-Roich. This is the longest road in Europe, in about 25 minutes you will reach from the center of the capital to top station ski lodge.
Usually, cable car opens until 17:00, fare is €3.5.
Taxi is very popular look transport, you won’t be able to catch it on the street of Andorra la Vella; you need to order a car in advance by phone. The cost of travel within the city is about €5, to the ski lifts €15-20. At night the price is always twice as high.
If you are used to moving actively, it is better to rent a car. The daily rental cost will be €60 or more, depending on the car. Remember that from October 10 to May 15, the car must have winter studded tires, and when driving to the mountains, chains are wrapped around the wheels. Minimum fine for breaking a rule traffic – €30.