Every year, the small Principality of Andorra, located in the Pyrenees, is visited by more than 10 million tourists. This is a phenomenal figure for a country with a population of around 85,000. Andorra is famous for its ski resorts Pas de la Casa, Soldeu El Tarter, Encamp, Escaldes, Canillo and Arinsal. However, Andorra is not only high-class ski slopes, but also beautiful nature, Roman buildings and medieval churches.

Geography of Andorra

The Principality of Andorra, whose history began about 1,200 years ago, is located in the eastern part of the Pyrenees. In the north and east, Andorra borders on France, and in the south and west - on Spain. The total area of ​​this unique country is 468 sq. km. Most of the territory of Andorra is mountains, but there are also cozy narrow valleys. The highest mountain in Andorra is Coma Pedrosa (2946 m).

Capital

The capital of Andorra is the small city of Andorra la Vella, whose population is now about 25 thousand people. Scientists have proven that Andorra la Vella was founded in the first half of the 9th century.

Official language

The official language of Andorra is Catalan (sometimes called Valencian). The Catalan language belongs to the Romance languages ​​with ancient roots, its formation dates back to the beginning of the Middle Ages. In addition, most Andorrans also speak Spanish and French.

Religion

More than 97% of the inhabitants of Andorra are Catholics. The head of the Church of Andorra is the Bishop of Urgell.

State structure

The Principality of Andorra is a parliamentary democracy. The co-rulers of this country are the President of France, as well as the Spanish Bishop of Urgell. However, their power is nominal, because they do not even have the right to veto in the local parliament.

The Parliament of Andorra is the General Council of the Valleys (it has one chamber), which consists of 28 deputies. This General Council was formed as early as 1419. The country's constitution was adopted on March 14, 1993. Andorra is a member of the United Nations, and since 1991 it has a trade agreement with the European Union.

Climate and weather

The climate in Andorra is temperate Mediterranean with warm summers and cold snowy winters. Precipitation falls throughout the year. The average air temperature in Andorra is +9C. During the summer season (May-September), the daytime air temperature ranges from + 23 to +30 C, and at night from +5 to +19 C). During the ski season (November-April), daytime air temperature averages from -10 to +2C.

Rivers and lakes of Andorra

Andorra has four rivers and a large number of mountain lakes (the largest of them is Lake Juclar).

Story

Historians claim that Andorra granted independence back in the 9th century AD. "Emperor of the West", King of the Franks Charlemagne. Since 1278, Andorra has been under the joint protectorate of France and Spain. Throughout the Middle Ages and Modern times, Andorra remained outside the great European history. At this time, Andorra has only economic ties with France and Spain. Note that smuggling flourished in Andorra in the Middle Ages.

In 1607, the Head of the French State and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell became co-rulers of Andorra.

Tourism flourished in Andorra in the 1950s. In 1970, women in Andorra received the right to vote. In 1993, the inhabitants of Andorra adopt their first Constitution, and after that the country enters the UN.

Culture of Andorra

The ancient Romans had a great influence on the culture of Andorra. At the moment, about 50 Roman temples have been preserved in this country. In the Middle Ages, Spain (France to a lesser extent) had a great influence on the culture of Andorra.

If we talk about Andorran writers, the most famous of them are Albert Salvado, Anthony Morell and Juan Pruga.

Andorra annually hosts several music festivals. The most popular of them are the International Jazz Festival (June) and the Ordino Classical Music Festival (September).

Andorran cuisine

The main foodstuffs of Andorrans are meat, vegetables, pasta, and in some regions also fish. In winter, in the cities and villages of Andorra, escudella soup (escudella), prepared from meat (veal, chicken), potatoes and vegetables, is very often eaten. In general, Andorran cuisine is very similar to Catalan cuisine, although it has some elements of French and Italian cuisine.

Among the traditional Andorran dishes are various sausages, "la parillada" (fried meat), Andorran veal carpaccio, Andorran trout, Pan con Tomate (toasts on rustic bread with ripe tomatoes, garlic and olive oil), and onion salad with honey (sounds funny, but actually very tasty).

Cheese is common in the north of Andorra (French influence is felt). In Andorra, many Catholic families still do not eat meat on Fridays.

Sights of Andorra

Despite the fact that tourists come to Andorra to ski, we advise them to definitely see the sights of this country. The top five attractions in Andorra, in our opinion, include:

Cities and resorts

In addition to Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, this state has several other small cities, among which the following should be mentioned: Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, and Escaldes.

Every city in Andorra is a high-class ski resort. In addition, there are entire resort areas in this country - Soldeu-El Tarter, Encamp, Canillo, Arinsal, La Massana, Ordino, and, of course, Cortinada. Some of the above settlements are small towns, while others are just villages.

Souvenirs/Shopping

At the moment, there are more than 4,000 shops in small Andorra, which are visited by millions of tourists every year.

We advise tourists to pay attention to Andorran handicrafts - “musicature” (a special type of wood or metal carving with folk motifs) and handmade furniture (of course, it is difficult to pack it in a suitcase).

In Andorra, you can always find T-shirts, cups, postcards, fridge magnets, key chains, etc.

Office Hours

In Andorra, on weekdays, shops are open from 9.00 to 20.00, on Saturday - from 9.00 to 21.00, and on Sunday - from 9.00 to 19.00.

Bank opening hours:
Mon-Fri: - 09.00-13.00 and 15:00-17-00
Sat: – 09:00-12:00

Visa

Citizens of Ukraine who want to visit Andorra receive a visa at the Spanish consulate.

Currency

The main currency in circulation is the euro.

Andorra is one of the dwarf states of Europe. It is located on the southern slope of the Eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain, in the basin of the Valira River. From the west, north and east, Andorra is surrounded by 65 high mountains, most of the time covered with snow. The highest point of the country is the peak of Coma Pedrosa (2946 m), the lowest is Rio Runer (840 m).

State

State structure

Officially, Andorra is considered a principality, but in fact it is a republic. The co-rulers of the country are the President of France and the Bishop of the Spanish city of Seo de Urgel (a joint protectorate over Andorra was established back in 1278). Andorra is represented in the international arena by France.

Language

Official language: Catalan, Spanish, French.

Many speak English, Portuguese.

Religion

The majority are Catholics (99%).

Currency

International name: EUR

History of Andorra

Traditionally, the foundation of Andorra is attributed to Charlemagne, although there is no evidence for this. In 1278, the so-called Act-Pareage was signed between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell (city of Seu de Urgell), according to which they shared power among themselves in the valley. Subsequently, the rights of the Count of Foix passed to the king, and then the emperor and president of France.

In 1419, the "Council of the Land" (Consell de la Terra) was created, in fact, the parliament of Andorra, later - the General Council.

In 1866, the so-called. The "new reform" changes the feudal system of government that existed before.

At the beginning of the 20th century, highways were built that connected the country with Spain and France.

In 1933-34, riots took place in Andorra, primarily related to restrictions on the electoral right. In July 1934, the white emigrant Boris Skosyrev seized power in Andorra for 9 days, declaring himself king and proclaiming universal suffrage for men and freedom of the press. Then he was overthrown by the civil guard (Spanish gendarmerie), called by the Bishop of Urgell.

During the Second World War, small units of the Spanish and French troops were in Andorra. After the war, the country "opens itself to the world" and becomes a fairly popular ski resort, in addition, the liberal tax system allows you to open many inexpensive shops by European standards.

In 1982, the first government of the Principality was created, and in 1993 a constitution was adopted that abolished the remnants of feudalism (although the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell remain nominal co-rulers), the country joins the UN.

Traditionally, the foundation of Andorra is attributed to Charlemagne, although there is no evidence for this. In 1278, the so-called Act-Pareage was signed between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell (city of Seu de Urgell), according to which they shared power among themselves in the valley. Subsequently, the rights of the Count of Foix passed to the king, and then the emperor and president of France ....

Popular Attractions

Andorra Tourism

Where to stay

Andorra attracts tourists from all over the world with its ski resorts. As a rule, hotels in this country are small three and four star hotels, which, in turn, are divided into three conditional subtypes.

Thus, the first group includes hotels located in the largest cities of the country and belonging to major international hotel chains. Such hotels correspond to 4 and 5 stars and are located at the same distance from the most important ski resorts, to which there is a free shuttle every day. Depending on the level of the hotel, you will be offered additional services - a swimming pool, sauna, gym, spa services, sports grounds (as a rule, you need to pay extra for these services).

For those who prefer home comfort and reasonable prices, accommodation is offered in small mountain villages of Andorra, where you can stay in a three-star hotel or rent an apartment. The cost of living here is an order of magnitude lower than in large cities, the transfer to the ski-bus lifts takes about 10-15 minutes.

For those who prefer a luxurious holiday, there are hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the ski lifts. Rooms in this hotel should be booked in advance.

Well, for fans of extreme sports, accommodation is offered in igloo houses, which are completely built of snow and ice. Additional services include dog sledding or snowmobiling.

It is worth considering that the most common languages ​​in Andorra are Spanish and French, not all staff speak English. Buffet-style meals are included in most hotels, but drinks must be paid extra. Playgrounds are equipped for children, it is possible to use the services of a nanny.

Andorra- or, as it is correct, the Principality of Andorra is a dwarf state in Europe, located between France and Spain. A beautiful and sunny state is a resort.

The Principality of Andorra - the heart of the Pyrenees

Neighborhood, with these two countries, let's say, is quite pleasant. Probably the only thing that “sads” Andorra is the lack of access to the sea. The name of the country was given by the ancient Basques, in whose language andurrial means "wasteland".

I don’t know what the ancient Basques had in mind when giving the name to this territory, but reliable sources assure that Andorra is one of the most beautiful and sunniest European ski resorts.

A small principality with a population of about 70 thousand people is flourishing in the literal and figurative sense. Under the snow caps of the Pyrenees, it is buried in a sea of ​​flowers. And the lion's share of its economic prosperity is provided by the tourism business. All over the world, this dwarf country is called the Heart of the Pyrenees. Watch the video (unfortunately with German voice acting, but very beautiful), and enjoy the views of this country, scenes from the life of ordinary Andorans.

Yes... it is not for nothing that tourists from all over the world adore the Pyrenean resorts. Especially impressive is the dog sledding in the Pyrenees))))

About a dozen dwarf states are lost on the territory of Europe, and one of them is the amazing Principality of Andorra. Its real own official name is the Andorran Valleys, which are not so easy to see on the map of the Pyrenees in the border zone with France and Spain. Once it was a completely closed state, but for more than half a century, the principality has gained worldwide fame thanks to ski resorts, sheep wool products and local tobacco.

A little about the country

Andorra occupies the southern slope in the Eastern Pyrenees in the valley of the river Valira, its average height is more than 1200 meters above sea level. In the north, it borders on France, the total length of the border is 60 km, in the south - on Spain, here the border line is slightly longer - 65 km.

Andorra has no access to the sea, is considered the most environmentally friendly country in Western Europe and the fourth largest European dwarf. According to global standards, Andorra ranks 178 out of 194. is that according to its own data, the area of ​​​​Andorra is 468 square meters. km, and the UN archives report a figure of 453 sq. km.

Climate and weather in Andorra

Andorra occupies the southern valley of the Pyrenees, protected from the west by high mountains. The lower limit does not fall below 880 meters, and the highest peak is Coma Pedrosa - 2947 meters. It is the mountains that form the local climate of a small country.

Andorra is located in a subtropical mountain climate: it is snowy and cold in winter, and cool and dry in summer. 1000-2000 mm of precipitation falls annually, snow depth is from 50 to 300 mm, and in the mountains up to two meters. Average winter temperatures fluctuate around +2+8 degrees, summer +15+20 degrees.

As a rule, it becomes rainy in autumn, when the winds bring clouds from the Atlantic.

Form of government in Andorra

Since 1278, Andorra has had two co-princes: formerly the king, and today the current president of France, and a Spanish bishop from the town on the border of La Seu d'Urgell. Each co-ruler in the country is represented by a vicar. The bishop's vicar changes every three years, and the vigier of France is appointed for life prefect of the Eastern Pyrenees department.

In 1993, after the adoption of the Constitution of Andorra, the state acquired the form of government "parliamentary principality", but in fact Andorra is practically a republic. The payment of tribute to their princes was also somewhat abolished. Nowadays, it is paid only in cash equivalent in the amount of about $ 300, in even years - to the French side, in odd years - to the Spanish bishop.

Andorra has its own government and parliament - these are 28 people, 4 from each community, elected to the General Council. Further, the Council already appoints the government and its chairman.

Despite the fact that the independence of Andorra, its security and protection of the territories are provided by Spain and France, the principality has its own small army. According to the law, all healthy men serve in it, who then receive an officer rank. There are no soldiers in the army, there is no allowance and uniform, all this has been abolished, since Andorra has not been at war for more than seven centuries, since the beginning of the 13th century.

Population of Andorra

The indigenous people of Andorra are the Catalans, or rather the descendants of the Catalan peasants, who were the first to move from the territory of the Spanish Empire to the mountain valleys. The last census showed that there are about 11 thousand inhabitants, and in total almost 70 thousand people live in the principality.

45.98% are considered Andorran citizens (Andorrans), the rest of the population are migrating Spaniards, French, Portuguese. Slightly more than 1% are English, other nationalities, incl. Russian speakers - 7.32%.

According to the Constitution of the country, Catalan is recognized as the official language in Andorra, it is spoken by more than a third of all inhabitants. French and Spanish are also well spoken, incl. Castilian dialects. Many residents speak English fluently.

Religion and traditions of Andorra

The territorial location of Andorra and its history have led to the fact that today the inhabitants of the principality are almost completely (99%) religious and profess Catholicism. This is reflected both in respectful hospitality and courtesy, and in respect for nature and honesty with the state.

Striptease and pornography are legally prohibited in the country, serious crimes do not occur here, rather punishment in the form of fines for violating silence and traffic rules.

The culture of the country is rather Catalan, but with its own mountainous and alienated bias. Andorra is the historical homeland of such rare dances as "sardana", "contrapass" and "marratha", the latter, by the way, has been preserved only in the city of Sant Julia de Loria. The mountainous terrain contributes to the fact that culture develops in regions and valleys, preserving the traditions of antiquity as much as possible.

Administrative divisions and heraldry of Andorra

The capital of the principality is the city (translated as "Old Andorra"), and the country's territory is divided into 7 parts, they are called communities, or parishes, or parroques: Andorra, Canillo, Les Escaldes and San Julia de Loria. Large, by the standards of the Principality of Andorra, cities, except for the capital, beloved by tourists:, - El Tarter, Escaldes, Arcalis, and others.

Like any state, Andorra has its own flag and coat of arms. In addition, the capital of Andorra la Vella and each of the seven parroques have their own coat of arms. The predominant colors are red and yellow. "Unity gives strength" - the sonorous motto of the principality since its foundation.

Currency and its exchange in Andorra

Currently, Andorra does not have its own currency, all payments are made in euros, but Andorra has not entered the eurozone. Banknotes up to 500 euros and coins up to 50 cents are in circulation. Since the end of 2014, Andorra has been minting European-style coins.

Money is changed at the exchange offices of banks. The commission is charged in the form of a fixed amount, so it is more profitable to immediately exchange a large amount. In most hotels, the exchange service is not provided, and where there is, the commission, of course, is much higher.

Since Andorra is a free trade zone, transactions in the country are made in any currency, there is no control over this in Andorra. Many shops and restaurants accept dollars, traveler's checks and credit cards of the world's most popular systems as payment.

Legislation of Andorra

Andorra has been a closed country for a very long time, and even now the resort lifestyle is dictated by the strictness of the local population - Orthodox Catholics, who especially honor the ancient foundations and traditions. Local law enforcement officers are very vigilant, they regularly selectively check the documents of vacationers on. Therefore, it is quite reasonable to always carry your passport or driver's license with you. It must be remembered that excessively noisy rest, violation of the laws of the principality and indecent behavior will cause you to be expelled from the country. It is forbidden to smoke in all public places, and drinking any alcohol is allowed only in drinking establishments: restaurants, bars, pubs. Any violation carries a heavy fine.

The inhabitants of the Principality historically believe that any dispute can be resolved peacefully and amicably, therefore mass meetings and strikes are also prohibited on its territory, and the activities of parties and communities are possible only within very narrow limits.

From the capital of the principality, along an excellent highway, you will quickly get to the most famous resorts. The highest point of the massif is 2358 meters, Peak de Culib. These are two ski centers, which are connected by ski lifts. You are offered groomed slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers. There is almost no wind here, and the northern slopes are well covered with snow.

The resort - Arcalis is the most remote from the center of the principality. The valley is simply replete with sharp peaks. There is a special area for snowboarders, and experienced skiers are waiting for the steepest slopes.

The largest resort in the Principality is Graush Row. It includes four valleys. There are trails of any type, incl. red with elevation changes and trails for night skiing.

The inhabitants of the Principality make a lot of efforts to make your stay in Andorra unforgettable.

What can you see in Andorra?

Andorra Hotels

There are plenty of places in Andorra where you can stay overnight or even spend your entire vacation in great comfort. Basically, everything falls into three categories:

1. Elite hotels in which tourists are invited to luxurious double and triple rooms and apartments with the best views of the Pyrenees and the valleys on their slopes. The decoration of the rooms is often done in the old style of the historical sites of the country, which soothes and relaxes. Although there are also ultra-modern rooms.
2. Budget hotels in small villages near ski lifts. The rooms have a comfortable minimum and a sports menu for skiers.
3. The closest hotels to the ski lifts and, accordingly, the most expensive. You will not have a gorgeous view from the window, and the street is always crowded nearby. But you don’t have to spend energy, time and money on transport and climbing.

In any case, the service is unobtrusive and inconspicuous.

Kitchen

It is formed on the mountain slopes and absorbs the traditions of its neighbors, which over time have been somewhat changed, improved and become the basis of the Catalan menu. You will be pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of homemade dishes and the aroma of local spices. offer menus whose dishes have become classics over the decades.

The most popular orders: grilled meat platter, lamb or rabbit in tomato sauce, Andorran trout, mint soup, grilled duck with apples and much more delicious. And the recipes for Andorran sausages and bacons according to an old recipe are kept in the strictest confidence.

Transport of Andorra

Geography and terrain are the main obstacles to the construction of an airport and a railway in Andorra. All flights are made through neighbors: the airports of Toulouse, Barcelona, ​​Girona, Reus and Perpignan. The nearest railway station connecting Andorra with Toulouse and Paris is located more than 10 km from the border area with France.

The territory of the principality has a good road network connecting absolutely all cities, resorts and villages. On city and private buses, you can easily move from one city to another. The interval of movement is approximately 15-20 minutes, stops are made at each designated place.

In Andorra, due to its small size, a taxi service (about € 5-20) and car rental (about € 40-50 per day) are very developed, both with and without a driver.

The most important highways connect Andorra with Spain (CG1 highway) and France (CG2 highway). Any roads are promptly cleared of snow, the Andorran government takes great care of this.

How to get to Andorra?