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Andorra is located in the middle of the Pyrenees between Spain and France. It
is one of the most mountinous areas in Europe as well as being one of the smallest
countries covering just 468 km2.
The highest point in Andorra is 'el pico
de Coma Pedrosa', which is 2942 metres above sea level and the lowest point is
on the border with Catalunya at 838 metres above sea level. Andorra is characterized
by its mountinous landscape. The climate: Andorra has a typical
climate for a mountinous area - very cold winters, with a lot of snow and cool
summers with pleasant temperatures. The population: It has a population
of approximately 68000 inhabitants, although this figure goes up considerably
in high season. Only 36% of the population is made up of people with Andorran
nationality the rest being 37% Spanish, 13% Portuguese and 6% French as well as
other nationalities. The average age of the population is just 37 years old partly
due to the fact that Andorra's economy is based on Tourism and commerce. The
Official language: This is Catalan although Castellano and French are also
used. The country is divided into 7 towns known as 'parroquias':
- Andorra la Vella; This is the Capital of Andorra, with 20,724 inhabitants
-
Escaldes; 15,528 inhabitants
- Canillo; 3,205 inhabitants
- La
Massana; 6,660 inhabitants
- Ordino; 2,485 inhabitants
- Sant
Juliá de Loria; 7,785 inhabitants
- Encamp; 10,772 inhabitants
Andorra has become a popular tourist
destination above all famous its
skiing resorts - it has the highest
number of ski slopes in the whole
of the pyrenees with over 200kms.
It is also a popular destination
for rural tourism given its beautiful
landscapes. It has beautiful places
to relax in and wonderful scenery
as well as offering the possiblilty
of all doing all types of sports.
Given that goods are all tax free
in Andorra it is also a popular
place to stop for those looking
for bargains even if for just a
few hours when driving from France
to Spain.
Andorra
has some dazzling villages too. There are lots of shops and hotels and a large
number of historical monuments, some dating as far back as Roman times. The Andorrans
welcome visitors and are very good hosts. Tourists who visit Andorra tend to be
either very sporty or those interested in nature. Given the possibility
of buying tax free goods, Andorra has a large number of shops catering for this.
The most popular tax free goods are perfume, tabacco and electronic items...The
road which joins Andorra la Vella and Escaldes, the two most important towns in
Andorra, is lined with hundreds of shops. However, it is one of the least attractive
areas in this small country.
 Places
to visit in Andorra:
- Caldea, in Escaldes-Engordany.
This is one of the biggest thermal
spas in Europe set in a futuristic
building. A fantastic place to
go to relax.
- Castillo de Sant Vicenç,
2 kms from Andorra la Vella. You
get some wonderful views here.
- Santa Coloma Church,
in Santa Coloma. This is an ancient
church with a Roman style circular
tower
- La Geltrú neighbourhood.
This is a medieval area from where
the town developed and grew.
- Funicular, 6 kms from
Canillo, for those daring enough
to go for a balloon ride.
- San Clemente Church,
in Pal. Roman style it has an
interesting bell tower.
- Palacio de hielo de Andorra
(ice rink)
- Museo de la Miniatura.
A curious museum featuring the
best microminiatures in the world.
Exhibits can only be seen through
a microscope.
Fiestas
in Andorra: - Sant Jaume, 26th July (in Escaldes)
- Diada
de Meritxell, 8th September
- Constitucion day in Andorra, 14th March
- Fiesta
del Canillo, 13th June (in el Canillo)
- Fiesta Mayor de El Tarter, 29th
June
- San Corneli, 16th and 17th September.
 Hotels
in Andorra - visit our page on the best hotels in Andorra with online
booking
Andorran Gastronomy: Thanks to the importance of tourism
the gastronomic possibilities in Andorra have improved considerably over the last
few years and there are now many restaurants where you can eat very well. Andorran
cuisine has both French and Spanish influences. Excellent ingredients and local
recipes offer an interesting culinary experience. Try a typical dessert such as
'los torreznos de miel' or "el trinxat"... Andorran cuisine
is traditionally based on meat dishes especially pork. There are many different
types of cold meats such as 'el abat', 'el mondongo' or 'la llonganiza'. There
is also a delicious variety of cheeses such as tupí' which is fermented
with garlic and kept in a clay pot.
Restaurants in Andorra:
- Aquarius, in the thermal
spa in Caldea. Imaginative cuisine
using traditional ingredients.
It is said to be the best restaurant
in Andorra. Tel: 37 6800980
- El Rusc, Specializing
in Basque Cuisine - lots of fish
dishes. Creative cuisine. Tel:
37 838200
- La Cúpula in Andorra
la Vella. Original cuisine with
Catalan influences using excellent
ingredients. Good value for money.
Tel: 37 6879444
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