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Admittedly, stopping into Andorra was to check another micro-nation off the bucket list, but also to explore a country I really knew very little about. It was clear on the driving approach how prominent the mountains were in the view from all of the towns along the main, winding road, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventures in any season.

Like other European micro-nations, Andorra also holds a bit of a unique status. While it is not part of the Schengen open border area, you have to enter Schengen to get there since without an airport, Andorra is only accessible via Spain or France – most commonly Barcelona or Toulouse. And it even uses the Euro as its currency.

Prices are also incredibly cheap, so the final stop leaving Andorra was to fill up the car at a gas station. When presenting the European gas card afterward, the attendant took one look at the card and said, “We can’t take this. It’s only good in Europe.”

This is the kind of seeming contradiction that makes travelling to a micro-nation so interesting. So why visit Andorra, this beautiful country that is both in Europe and not?

Hiking

In summertime when I visited, you are greeted by lush green cover along the Pyrenees mountains, and since the towns tend to be in the valley between, the heights are tempting you for a visit. There are quite a lot of hiking trails accessible from the main towns, with a range of lengths and difficulty levels, so whatever your inclination, you can find a path into nature to spend a morning or entire day.

Skiing

Although I did not visit in winter, Andorra was known as a skiing destination long before it became a summer draw. There are a lot of accommodations easily accessible to the various ski slopes, and you can also enjoy other winter sports like snowshoeing, with ample trails throughout. Many of Andorra’s small towns are essentially set up to be winter sports destinations.

Eating

Not surprisingly, food options in Andorra borrow from both neighboring countries, France and Spain (and if you speak French or Spanish, that will come in handy for ordering). I had a French-style dinner and then Spanish tapas for lunch, including some of the best papas bravas – roasted potato cubes in a spicy sauce – that I’ve ever had. I especially enjoyed eating along the river that passes through Andorra La Vella, with ample outdoor seating to do some people watching and take in the views.

Relaxing

Speaking of which, if activities in the great outdoors don’t interest you, there are plenty of pedestrian walkways in town and along the river to really relax and still enjoy beautiful views as you look up. And plenty of spa and “wellness” retreat options for really taking it slow, or relaxing after exertion hiking or skiing.

Exploring

The best part for me about visiting a country I don’t know much about beforehand are the surprises along the way. Of course, you don’t know what things you may happen upon until you take the time to wander. The two things that stand out most from my visit are a Dali sculpture in the middle of Andorra La Vella and happening upon a Cirque du Soleil rehearsal.

Shopping

Right after driving across the border from France, you begin seeing prominent signs advertising duty-free shopping. A quick stop out of curiosity revealed an adult wonderland of culinary delights and liquors produced at a local distillery as well as from around the world. I mostly stuck to things I can’t find elsewhere, like Andorran tea, but an entire trip budget could easily be spent in the span of thirty minutes.

In addition to the ample duty free wares, there are also quite a lot of brand-name stores with branches in Andorra, especially in the capital of Andorra La Vella. While it makes sense that purchasing opportunities would be plentiful in the tax haven of Andorra, this was the biggest surprise for me. Come with your shopping wish list ready!

 

Have you been to Andorra? What was the highlight for *you*?