Andorra

Why Visit Andorra

Tucked into the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra works wonderfully as a stop on an overland journey between Toulouse and Barcelona. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, and the mountain setting of this small principality is genuinely spectacular.

Popular draws include Caldea, one of the largest thermal spa complexes in Europe, skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Beyond the obvious, Andorra also has world-class art, a number of quirky museums, and, perhaps its best-known feature – duty-free shopping, with plenty of familiar brands and designer stores.

Many people visit for the day, but with so much on offer I’d recommend staying over if you can. I’ve written about the things I found to do in Andorra la Vella, and a few I wished I’d stayed longer for.

andorra wall mural of mountain backdrop

Andorra: Useful Information

Language

Catalan is the official language. Spanish and French are widely spoken, and English is understood in tourist-facing places.

Currency

Euro (€). Andorra is not an EU member but uses the euro as its official currency. Currency converter

Time Zone

Central European Time (CET; UTC+01:00). Daylight saving time (UTC+02:00) is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Dialling Code

+376

Visas

Andorra is not part of the EU or Schengen Area, but access is via France or Spain. UK, EU & US citizens do not need a visa for short stays.

Electricity /& Adapters

Standard European plug types (C/F) with 230V power; no adapter needed for most European devices.

Tourist Information

Visit Andorra

Transport Links

Access via France or Spain by bus or car; no airport or rail station within Andorra itself.

When to Go

Summer is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter is popular for skiing. Spring and autumn are quieter but weather can be changeable.


My Article on Andorra