Mapwork by @Slalice_Draws
Today, we will begin our virtual visit to Andorra! As one of the smallest European countries, many of us may have not even heard of it or given it a second thought prior to our visit, but the more I have learned about it, the more excited I am to check it out. Let's go!
Travel
First, we need to get there, and it won't be easy! As such a small nation, Andorra does not have its own airport. We must, therefore, fly to the closest airport and adding a leg at the end on the ground. Andorra is located right on the border between Spain and France, so those are where our options will be concentrated. I will be virtually traveling from Berlin, Germany, so that's where I will plan from. My research suggests we have two viable options - flying to either Barcelona, Spain, or Toulouse, France. Here's what I found as options for the near future:
Via Barcelona, Spain:
The trip to Barcelona will take approximately 4 hours and there are no direct flights from Berlin, but there are many flights with one stop (in either Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Amsterdam or Paris). The flights range from 250-450 Euros. Once we arrive in Barcelona, we will need to either take a bus (for between 16-35 Euros) or a rideshare (for between 12-14 Euros) to get to the capital, Andorra la Vella, where we will be staying. Both of these options will take about 3 additional hours.
2. Via Toulouse, France:
The trip to Toulouse will take approximately 5 hours and a stop in Paris along the way would be required. The flight would cost approximately 500 Euros. Upon arriving in Toulouse, we can choose either a train (2 hours) plus a car (1 hour) for an additional cost of between 22 and 45 Euros; or a bus ride that will last approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes for an additional cost of between 32 and 36 Euros.
The Barcelona option seems less expensive and shorter, so that is the one I would choose.
When we arrive in the capital city of Andorra la Vella, we will need somewhere to stay. Since this is a virtual trip, we can choose a luxury option - the Andorra Park Hotel (which would cost us about 1,000 Euros for the week), but I also looked at a highly regarded option called the Barri Antic Hostel and Pub (which would cost approximately 250 Euros for the week).
Exploring Andorra
As tiny as Andorra is, there is a lot of excitement for us to have when we get there! I have chosen to focus on an itinerary of 5 fun ideas, and will also include a list of runners up at the bottom in case we change our minds.
Relax in the Largest Thermal Mountain Spa in all of Europe
Caldea is located in the middle of the Pyranees Mountains and looks like a great way for us to shake off the stress of our extensive travels after we arrive, so I have planned this experience for our first day. The spa offers treatments such as massages, as well as exclusive areas for singles/couples or families to relax and recharge. The entire spa is an architectural marvel - glass pyramids create a greenhouse feel that will allow us to enjoy views of the mountains in the heart of the city.
2. Shop Tax-Free for Luxury and Designer Brands, as well as Discover Local Souvenirs
Andorra has become known for its shopping opportunities, since it offers a duty-free buying experience. We will focus on two areas: Centro Comercial Pyrenees will be where we will shop for any luxury and designer brands (I will probably be doing more window shopping here, as I'm not big on designer brands, but maybe you will find some treasures!); and Centro Historico - considered Andorra la Vella's 'Old Town' where we can find some truly local souvenirs and learn a bit about the local history and culture. In Centro Historico, we will be sure to check out Casa de la Vall, which is a historical property that was the seat of the Andorran parliament from 1702 through 2011!
3. Ride on the World's Longest Alpine Coaster
My family and I tend to seek out thrills and adventure when we are on vacation, and virtually visiting Andorra will be no different! On the third day of our trip, we will take a ride on Tobotronc, located in Naturlandia. This attraction is a sort of roller coaster in nature. It goes through the mountains, and unlike a more traditional rollercoaster, we will be able to control our own speed as we travel through it! At 5 km, it is considered the world's longest Alpine coaster.
4. Enjoy Some of the Most Striking Views of the City and the Mountains
Next. we will exert a little effort and be rewarded generously for our hard work! First, we will head up to the Sola Irrigation Canal Trail. We will need to wear hiking shoes for this adventure and we need to expect that it will be a little challenging to get to this trail. Once we reach it, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the city and valley from above, against a backdrop of the mountains. Along our walk, we will happen upon some really pretty flowers and gardens.
We will also enjoy a special treat by visiting Mirador del Roc del Quer. This special spot is easier to reach by car. We will find an outlook that juts out over the valley and is not for the faint of heart but will be outstanding for capturing excellent photos of Andorra.
5. Get an iconic Andorran photo
Right in the center of downtown Andorra la Vella stands La Noblesse du Temps (Translation: 'The Nobility of Time' and known more casually as 'The Melting Clock') - a surrealist, bronze sculpture by Salvador Dali. This will give us a great chance to explore the downtown area as well as get a cool photo to send home, set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Andorran Pyrenees mountains.
Additionally, we will want to try some local cuisine, of course. Common foods that are somewhat unique to Andorra are snails and wild boar! Two popular dishes we will want to sample while we are in the country are Escudella (meat and pasta stew) as well as Trinxat (cabbage, potatoes, leeks and pork).
With this list of our top five choices, we won't have time for much else during our virtual stay, but in case we do, we will want to keep in mind these popular experiences:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Hiking Through Natural Parks (including Unesco World Heritage Site, Madriu-Perfita-Claror, which covers 10% of Andorra)
Exploring Historic Romanesque Churches
Checking out Some Unusual Museums, such as:
Perfume Museum
Tobacco Museum
Miniature Museum
Postal Museum
Electricity Museum
Comic Museum
Did you learn something new today? What would you be most interested to see in person if you have the chance to visit Andorra in the future?
Thank you for introducing me to a place I rarely hear about! Definitely adding Andorra to my list. (I may skip the spline sled!!)
This is amazing - that spa and alpine sled look incredible!