Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra, a principality nestling between France and Spain. Lying at the confluence of the Gran Valira, the Valira del Oriente and the Valira del Norte rivers, Andorra La Vella is dwarfed by stunning snow-capped mountains of up to 2500 metres high.
For a long time, Andorra la Vella remained relatively isolated from the outside world. Its modernisation began in the 1930s with the construction of carriage roads, and its population increased after World War II as a result of the growth of the tourist industry. In the 1960s and ’70s it was transformed from a rustic town into a busy commercial centre catering to shoppers and tourists. Indeed, shopping is hugely popular in the capital and across the country thanks to Andorra being duty-free.
Andorra has no airport and can be a little tricky to get to. The only ways in are by road, or on foot, across the mountains. By air, the nearest airports are at Toulouse(180km), and Barcelona (225km), both of which have plenty of connections into the principality. For the return journey, daily buses and minibuses run from Andorra to both airports.
The French railway station closest to Andorra is L'Hospitalet, two hours south of Toulouse by train. From there, daily buses make the two-hour trip to Andorra la Vella. Trains run from Barcelona to La Tour de Carol, on the Franco-Spanish border, from where you can catch an onward bus to Andorra. Buses between France and Andorra run as far as Toulouse. Buses from Spain leave from Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza and Lleida, which is served by fast trains to/from Madrid.
Be warned that getting in, out of, and around Andorra la Villa by road can be nightmare due to the bottleneck traffic jams that build up because of the shopping crowds.
This depends mainly on whether you’re coming for sun or snow. The summer months of May to September are the best time to visit for the former, but if you’re here to ski, the snowy season runs from November to April. In the summer, day temperatures will range from low 70s to mid 80s F. No matter when you go, you’ll need at least a sweater for the nippy evenings.
Andorra la Vella is a town of simple pleasures. It has a number of interesting monuments and owing to its size it is ideal for lazy ambling.
The Barri Antic (old town) was the original heart of the town when it was little more than a village. It stretches from the Esglesia de Sant Esteve to Placeta del Puial and is characteried by atmospheric cobblestoned streets and arresting stone houses.
Here you will find perhaps the town’s most impressive attraction, the church of Santa Coloma. Built in the 9th and 10th centuries, it is one of the oldest in the country, pre-Romanesque in style and with a 12th century circular bell tower. Also worth visiting is the Casa de la Vall, the seat of parliament and the judiciary, which dates from the end of the 16th century.
For a relaxing stroll, head for the Placa del Poble – the large public square atop the Edifici Administratiu Govern d’Andorra. It’s a great place for people watching of an evening and is home to the town’s theatre and concert venue.
For a spot of heavenly relaxation head for the Caldea spa complex where you can enjoy a Turkish bath, a sauna, a jacuzzi or even a hydromassage. For dinner, try the Placa de Guillemo or the Barri Antic.
Many visiting Andorra will be here for winter sports, and the capital is a great base from which to reach a number of Andorra's ski resorts. The main ski areas are in the east (Pas de la Casa and Soldeu) and north-west (Arinsal, Pal and Ordino) of the country. The eastern resorts are the biggest and generally held to be the best. If you like quieter resorts in more picturesque surroundings or are on a budget, you may prefer the north-west.