Andorra

Capital Andorra la Vella

Population 78,014

Area 468 km2

Key facts

Andorra is a small country located in southwestern Europe, nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. It has a population of approximately 78 thousand and is the sixth-smallest nation in Europe. The official language of Andorra is Catalan, which is spoken by the majority of the population. Spanish, French, and Portuguese are also commonly spoken due to the country’s close proximity to these countries.

Andorra is a parliamentary democracy with a president as its head of state. The country has a strong economy and is known for its tourism industry, as it is a popular ski destination and has a number of well-developed resorts. Andorra is also known for its duty-free shopping, as the country has no sales tax.

In terms of geography, Andorra is mostly mountainous, with over half of the country being covered by the Pyrenees Mountains. The highest peak in the country is Coma Pedrosa, which reaches an elevation of 2,942 meters (9,652 feet). The country also has several rivers, including the Valira and the Madriu. Despite its small size, Andorra has a diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and rocky peaks.

The national currency in Andorra is Euro (EUR). The euro (€) is subdivided into 100 cent (c).

Andorran
Banknotes

€5€10€20€50€100€200€500

Andorran
Coins

€1€25c10c20c50c1c2c

Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.

Ookla® Speedtest No data available.

ATM Density No data available.

SIM Registration No data available.

Socket types

There are 2 socket types used in Andorra. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries.

Type C 230 V, 50 Hz  Type F 230 V, 50 Hz  

The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).

Public holidays

In the year 2024, Andorra will celebrate 14 national public holidays. The next one Assumption Day will take place on August 15.

Date Holiday name
January 1, 2024 New Year’s DayAny nou
January 6, 2024 EpiphanyReis
February 12, 2024Moving holiday CarnivalCarnaval
March 14, 2024 Constitution DayDia de la Constitució
March 29, 2024Moving holiday Good FridayDivendres Sant
April 1, 2024Moving holiday Easter MondayDilluns de Pasqua
May 1, 2024 Labour DayFesta del Treball
May 20, 2024Moving holiday Whit MondayDilluns de Pentecosta
August 15, 2024 Assumption DayAssumpció
September 8, 2024 National HolidayMare de Déu de Meritxell
November 1, 2024 All Saints’ DayTots Sants
December 8, 2024 Immaculate ConceptionImmaculada Concepció
December 25, 2024 Christmas DayNadal
December 26, 2024 St. Stephen’s DaySant Esteve

Tourism

Andorra is a small country located in southwestern Europe, nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. It is known for its mountainous terrain, with over half of the country being covered by the Pyrenees Mountains. The country has a number of natural landmarks and attractions that draw visitors from around the world, including:

  1. The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley:
    This valley is located in the southeast of the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its beautiful landscape and is home to a number of rare plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in the valley.
  2. The Pyrenees Mountains:
    The Pyrenees are a mountain range that runs along the border between France and Spain. Andorra is located in the center of the Pyrenees and is home to a number of peaks and valleys that offer stunning views and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The country has a number of ski resorts and other winter sports facilities located in the mountains, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.
  3. The Natural Park of Sorteny:
    This park is located in the northwest of the country and is known for its diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and rocky peaks. The park is home to a number of rare plant and animal species and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Andorra also has a number of cities and towns that are popular with tourists, including the capital city of Andorra la Vella and the town of Escaldes-Engordany. These cities are known for their duty-free shopping and are home to a number of cultural attractions, including museums, churches, and galleries.

In terms of unique experiences, Andorra is known for its thermal baths, which are located in the town of Caldea. The baths are known for their therapeutic properties and offer a range of treatments and therapies, including massages and thermal baths. Andorra is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including traditional music and dance performances, parades, and food festivals.

What hotel chains are present in Andorra?

There are no Mariott hotels in Andorra.

There are no Hilton hotels in Andorra.

The IHG hotel chain operates in Andorra.

There are no Best Western hotels in Andorra.

There are no Radisson hotels in Andorra.

The Accor hotel chain operates in Andorra.

Local delicacies and must-try foods and drinks in Andorra

The cuisine of Andorra is influenced by the country’s location in southwestern Europe, as well as its history and cultural traditions. Catalan cuisine, which is popular in the region of Catalonia in Spain, has had a significant influence on Andorran cuisine. Other influences include French and Italian cuisine, as Andorra is located close to both of these countries.

Tourists visiting Andorra can try a range of local dishes and drinks, including:

  1. Trinxat:
    This is a traditional dish made with potatoes, cabbage, and bacon, which are mashed together and fried.
  2. Escudella i carn d’olla:
    This is a hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and pasta.
  3. Coques:
    These are small, flat cakes made with flour, yeast, and water, and are often served with savory toppings such as cheese or ham.
  4. Cargols a la llauna:
    This dish consists of snails cooked in a traditional clay pot with garlic, parsley, and other seasonings.
  5. Embotits:
    This term refers to a variety of cured meats, such as ham, salami, and chorizo, which are popular in Andorra.
  6. Formatge de la Pobla:
    This is a type of cheese made from sheep’s milk, which is produced in the town of La Pobla de Segur.

Andorra is also known for its wine, which is produced in the country’s vineyards located in the north of the country. The country is home to a number of wineries that produce red, white, and sparkling wines. In addition to wine, Andorra is also known for its beer, with a number of local breweries producing a range of beers using local ingredients.

In terms of unique alcoholic drinks, Andorra is known for its ratafia, which is a type of liqueur made with fruit, nuts, and spices. The country is also known for its brandy, which is made using local grapes and aged in oak barrels.

What fast food chains are present in Andorra?

The McDonald’s chain does not operate in Andorra.

The KFC chain does not operate in Andorra.

The Burger King chain does not operate in Andorra.

The Subway chain does not operate in Andorra.

The Domino’s Pizza chain does not operate in Andorra.

The Starbucks chain operates in Andorra.

Weather

What is the climate like in Andorra?

The weather and climate in Andorra can vary depending on the location within the country. The country has a mountainous terrain, with the highest peaks reaching elevations of over 2,900 meters (9,500 feet). As a result, the weather and climate can vary significantly between the lower and higher elevations.

In general, Andorra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The average temperature in the summer months (June, July, and August) is around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day and around 10-15°C (50-59°F) at night. In the winter months (December, January, and February), the average temperature is around 0-5°C (32-41°F) during the day and around -5 to 0°C (23-32°F) at night.

At higher elevations, the weather can be cooler and wetter, with more frequent snowfall in the winter months. The Pyrenees Mountains receive a significant amount of snowfall each year, making Andorra a popular ski destination. The ski season typically lasts from December to April, with the best conditions typically occurring in January and February.

At lower elevations, the weather is typically milder and drier. The spring and fall months (March, April, September, and October) are typically cooler, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F) and nighttime temperatures ranging from 0-10°C (32-50°F).

Overall, Andorra has a pleasant climate with plenty of sunshine and relatively low humidity. The country experiences relatively little rainfall, with the average annual precipitation ranging from 600-1,200 millimeters (24-47 inches) depending on the location.

When is the best time to visit Andorra?

Andorra is a popular tourist destination year-round, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors. In the winter months, Andorra is known for its ski resorts and winter sports, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. The country has a number of well-developed resorts with a variety of runs suitable for all skill levels. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also enjoy other winter sports such as ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing.

In the summer months, Andorra is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. The country has a number of hiking and biking trails, as well as a number of natural parks and reserves. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddling on the country’s rivers and lakes. Andorra is also known for its duty-free shopping, with a number of outlets and stores offering a wide range of goods at discounted prices.

In terms of specific events, Andorra hosts a number of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Some examples of events that may be of interest to tourists include:

  1. Festa Major de Sant Joan:
    A festival held in June to celebrate the summer solstice, featuring traditional music and dance, parades, and fireworks.
  2. Festa Major d’Andorra la Vella:
    A festival held in August to celebrate the patron saint of Andorra la Vella, featuring traditional music and dance, parades, and fireworks.
  3. Festa de la Gastronomia:
    A food festival held in September, featuring a range of local dishes and drinks, as well as cooking demonstrations and workshops.

What is the weather like in Andorra la Vella?

Today the sun in Andorra la Vella, rises at 6:41 AM and sets at 9:19 PM. The climate of Andorra la Vella may be categorized as a Marine west coast (Cfb), according to Koppen’s classification system.

TodayJul 27Partly cloudlyLow: 19.7°C (67.46°F)High: 31.7°C (89.06°F)
SundayJul 28SunnyLow: 20.6°C (69.08°F)High: 33.2°C (91.76°F)
MondayJul 29SunnyLow: 21.4°C (70.52°F)High: 34.1°C (93.38°F)
TuesdayJul 30DrizzleLow: 21.6°C (70.88°F)High: 36°C (96.8°F)
WednesdayJul 31Partly cloudlyLow: 21.2°C (70.16°F)High: 32.5°C (90.5°F)
ThursdayAug 1Partly cloudlyLow: 14.6°C (58.28°F)High: 31.6°C (88.88°F)

Weather data for Andorra la Vella (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com

Transport

How easy is it to get around Andorra by train?

Andorra does not have a railway network within its borders. The country is small and mountainous, and the challenging terrain makes it difficult to build a railway network. As a result, the country relies on roads for transportation.

The nearest railway stations to Andorra are located in L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre (France) and La Tour de Carol (Spain). From these stations, visitors can travel to a number of major cities in France and Spain, including Barcelona, Toulouse, and Paris.

How easy is it to get around Andorra by car?

Andorra is a small country located in southwestern Europe, nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. It has a population of approximately 77,000 people and is the sixth-smallest nation in Europe. The country has a well-developed road network that is relatively easy to navigate.

The main road connecting Andorra to the rest of Europe is the N-20, which runs from the capital city of Andorra la Vella to the border with Spain. This road is the main thoroughfare in the country and is well-maintained. The road is approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles) long and is a two-lane highway.

In addition to the N-20, Andorra has a number of other roads that connect the different towns and villages within the country. All of the roads in Andorra are free to use, with no tolls or fees. The roads in the cities and towns are generally well-maintained, as are the roads in rural areas. Overall, the road network in Andorra is well-developed and provides easy access to all parts of the country.

Railways There are no passenger trains available.

Subway Systems There is no subway system in any city.

Taxi Apps Uber is available only in one city: Andorra la Vella. Bolt is not available in Andorra.

Car Rental Avis is available, but Sixt , Hertz are not present in Andorra.

Road Connectivity Index (2016)  No data available.

Driving Side In Andorra traffic is right-handed.

Safety

Theft Occurrence Rate  1,341.00 thefts per 100,000 people in 2015.The global average is 544.

Road Traffic Casualties 7.60 deaths per 100,000 people in 2013.The global average is 16.74.

Travel Advisory Level (U.S. DoS)  Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. 

Emergency phones in Andorra

112 Police
112 Ambulance
112 Fire police

Sources

Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking ban Smoking is forbidden in all public indoor locations, with limited exceptions.

Cananbis legality Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is prohibited.

You are not entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco or alcohol if you are under the age of 17.

Alcohol allowance

  • 1.5 litres of liquors exceeding 22% ABV (38.6 proof, UK) or 3 litres of liquors, aperitifs or sparkling wines under 22% ABV
  • 5 litres of table wine

Tobacco allowance

  • 300 cigarettes or 150 cigars (under 3 g per unit); or 75 cigarettes (exceeding 3 g per unit); or 400 g of pipe tobacco
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