Andorra

Overview of Andorra

Andorra is a tiny dot on the map. An independent principality dwarfed by France and Spain, it is most famous for being a tax haven and is a popular tourist destination peppered with summer and winter resorts.

Following centuries of struggle between the counts and the bishops of Urgell for the surrounding valleys, Andorra came into being in 1278 when the Spanish bishop of La Seu d'Urgell and the French House of Foix established co-sovereignty of the area.

The French and Spanish continued to tussle over the region and it was only in 1993 that it officially became an independent state, obtaining its first written constitution. With this mixed history, it is no surprise that true Andorrans are a minority in their own country. Spaniards, French, and Portuguese make up the majority of the population.

The country occupies 181 square miles (468 sq km) and is mountainous and beautiful, dotted with lakes, forests, and three major rivers, along with the typical flora and fauna of the Pyrenees. Its principal and most populated town is Andorra la Vella with several museums and monuments to explore, including the Miniature Museum, a perfume museum, and an ethnographic museum.

However, the principal reason for visits to Andorra is for the excellent skiing. The country boasts several major ski resorts, including Grandvalira (formerly called Soldeu/El Tartar) and Vall Nord (formerly Arcalis/Ordino), which cater for all types of skiers.

But if skiing is not for you, Andorra also offers plenty of hiking opportunities, horse riding, and golfing. You can also enjoy relaxing in some fine restaurants and cafes, and, of course, partake in some excellent duty-free shopping.

map of Andorra

Key Facts

Language:
The official language of Andorra is Catalan, which is used in administration and business. More than half the population speaks Spanish, and French and Portuguese are also spoken.
Passport/Visa:

All visitors must have a valid passport with a recommended validity of at least six months past the date of departure from Andorra. The passport must have one unused page for visa issuance. Although there are no visa requirements for Andorra, travellers must have the relevant documentation for either France or Spain, depending on which country will be transited to reach Andorra, and should apply to the relevant embassy in their home country. Visitors must also hold onward tickets, all other documents required for next destination, and sufficient funds.

Currency:

The unit of currency in Andorra is the Euro, divided into 100 cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Most major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely available.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round pin attachment plugs and Shuko plugs and receptacles with side grounding contacts are in use.

Travel to Andorra

Climate in Andorra

Andorra's climate is typical of mountainous areas, with cold winters and mild summers. The climate is dry, with a large number of sunny days. Autumn experiences the highest rainfall, while winter gets plenty of snow, guaranteeing excellent skiing conditions and drawing in the crowds to the various ski resorts. The average temperature range is between 28ºF (-2ºC) and 75ºF (24ºC).

Health Notes when travelling to Andorra

There are no health risks associated with travel to Andorra, but it is recommended that travellers are up to date with routine immunisations. Medical care in Andorra and neighbouring Spain and France is excellent, but can be expensive and medical insurance is advised.

Safety Notes when travelling to Andorra

There are no risks associated with travel to Andorra, but travellers should always be vigilant and not display valuables.

Customs in Andorra

Andorrans tend to be friendly and courteous. Smoking is common, although restrictions have been placed in neighbouring Spain.

Duty Free in Andorra

Visitors may exit Andorra without paying duty on the following items: 3 litres of alcohol not exceeding 22 percent volume; 300 cigarettes or 75 cigars; 75 grams of perfume. Certain agricultural products as well as tea and coffee are restricted, it is best to clarify these allowances before travelling through customs.

Doing Business in Andorra

Catalan is the official language of Andorra, although Spanish is widely spoken. A small minority speak French, and English is minimal. It is best to ascertain before meetings which language will be used. Punctuality is important, handshakes are the norm on greeting, and business attire should be smart and formal.

Communication in Andorra

The international access code for Andorra is +376. City/area codes are in use. Andorra is well covered by a GSM 900 network and most international mobile companies offer roaming agreements. internet cafes are widely available.

Tipping in Andorra

Tipping is not expected in Andorra. However, one can round off to the nearest euro for waiters and taxi drivers.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors must have a valid passport with a recommended validity of at least six months past the date of departure from Andorra. The passport must have one unused page for visa issuance. Although there are no visa requirements for Andorra, travellers must have the relevant documentation for either France or Spain, depending on which country will be transited to reach Andorra, and should apply to the relevant embassy in their home country. Visitors must also hold onward tickets, all other documents required for next destination, and sufficient funds.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

United States citizens need a passport to enter Andorra, but no visa is required. However, the relevant regulations and visa requirements of France or Spain must be met.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadians need a passport to enter Andorra, but no visa is required. However, the relevant regulations and visa requirements of France or Spain must be met.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British nationals need a passport to enter Andorra, but no visa is required. However, the relevant regulations and visa requirements of France or Spain must be met.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australians need a passport to enter Andorra, but no visa is required. However, the relevant regulations and visa requirements of France or Spain must be met.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals need a passport to enter Andorra, but no visa is required. However, the relevant regulations and visa requirements of France or Spain must be met.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand nationals need a passport to enter Andorra, but no visa is required. However, the relevant regulations and visa requirements of France or Spain must be met.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South Africans need a passport to enter Andorra, but no visa is required. However, the relevant regulations and visa requirements of France or Spain must be met.

Tourist Offices

Ministry of Tourism and Environment: http://www.andorra.ad

Andorra Embassies

In the United States:

Andorra Embassy, New York, United States: +1 (212) 750-8064.

In the United Kingdom:

Andorra Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 8874 4806.

Foreign Embassies in Andorra

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Madrid, Spain (also responsible for Andorra): +34 91 587 2200.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy, Madrid, Spain (also responsible for Andorra): +34 91 382 8400.

British Embassy

British Consulate, Barcelona, Spain (also responsible for Andorra): +34 902 109 356.

Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy, Madrid, Spain (also responsible for Andorra): +34 91 353 6600.

Irish Embassy

Irish Embassy, Madrid, Spain (also responsible for Andorra): +34 91 436 4093.

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand Embassy, Madrid (also responsible for Andorra): +34 915 230 226.

South African Embassy

South African Embassy, Madrid, Spain (also responsible for Andorra): +34 91 436 3780.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Andorra

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Traveler View

Map - Andorra

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

 get_vaccinated hygiene

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Andorra, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

 get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

 get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Rabies

Rabies is present in bats in Andorra. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
 get_vaccinated animals

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Andorra, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated animals
Rabies

Rabies is present in bats in Andorra. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Andorra, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards in Andorra are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.

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Prevent bug bites

Although Andorra is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Andorra include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
    • If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
  • Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Andorra’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Make sure there are seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Andorra, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Andorra for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

There are no notices currently in effect for Andorra.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The unit of currency in Andorra is the Euro, divided into 100 cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Most major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely available.

Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro
1.12 BMD
Bermudan Dollar 		1.12 USD
U.S. Dollar 		0.77 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling 		121.65 JPY
Japanese Yen 		1.46 CAD
Canadian Dollar 		1.10 CHF
Swiss Franc
1.54 AUD
Australian Dollar 		28.05 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia 		377.26 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge 		1,682.21 LBP
Lebanese Pound 		0.80 LYD
Libyan Dinar 		7.66 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
120.52 NPR
Nepalese Rupee 		0.43 OMR
Omani Rial 		4.07 QAR
Qatari Rial 		1.54 SGD
Singapore Dollar 		9.26 SEK
Swedish Krona 		7.41 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
11.15 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar 		51.20 DOP
Dominican Peso 		7.51 HRK
Croatian Kuna 		20.82 MXN
Mexican Peso 		654.97 XOF
West African CFA Franc 		3.54 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
1.12 BSD
Bahamian Dollar 		2.36 FJD
Fiji Dollar 		25.29 HNL
Honduran Lempira 		123.47 DZD
Algerian Dinar 		1,330.84 MMK
Myanma Kyat 		12.50 BWP
Botswana Pula
3.76 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol 		774.75 CLP
Chilean Peso 		534.10 AMD
Armenia Dram 		27.00 CZK
Czech Koruna 		22.32 MDL
Moldova Lei 		138.84 ISK
Icelandic Krona
3,282.94 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum 		4.31 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel 		0.79 JOD
Jordanian Dinar 		0.34 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar 		35.02 UYU
Uruguayan Peso 		39.68 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
31.85 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba 		9.32 NOK
Norwegian Krone 		4.38 PLN
Polish Zloty 		4.19 SAR
Saudi Riyal 		163.12 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee 		39.79 THB
Thai Baht
4.10 AED
U.A.E Dirham 		4.02 BRL
Brazilian Real 		4.52 RON
Romanian New Leu 		8.68 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar 		656.46 XAF
Central African CFA Franc 		25,106.99 VND
Vietnamese Dong
15.58 ARS
Argentine Peso 		3.01 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar 		8.75 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal 		10.92 MAD
Moroccan Dirham 		0.42 BHD
Bahrain Dinar 		1.12 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
1.67 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat 		3,482.98 COP
Colombian Peso 		76.30 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som 		312.53 HUF
Hungarian Forint 		8.79 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble 		15,285.70 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
9.92 EGP
Egyptian Pound 		1,330.60 KRW
South Korean Won 		6,333.44 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní 		4.65 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit 		601.85 CRC
Costa Rican Colón 		1.64 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
117.01 PKR
Pakistani Rupee 		74.62 RUB
Russian Rouble 		17.43 ZAR
South African Rand 		2.37 TND
Tunisian Dinar 		2.23 BBD
Barbadian Dollar 		1.96 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
3.30 TRY
Turkish Lira 		52.08 PHP
Philippine Peso 		36.44 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar 		219.51 NGN
Nigerian Naira 		119.70 XPF
CFP Franc 		4.37 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
139.55 JMD
Jamaican Dollar 		2.01 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder 		1.54 BND
Brunei Dollar 		123.51 RSD
Serbian Dinar 		7.35 CNY
Chinese Yuan 		22,229.06 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
7.43 DKK
Danish Krone 		3.84 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat 		75.14 INR
Indian Rupee 		     
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Euro

1 USD = 0.90 EUR

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Euro

1 CAD = 0.68 EUR

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Euro

1 GBP = 1.29 EUR

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Euro

1 AUD = 0.65 EUR

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Euro

1 NZD = 0.61 EUR

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Euro

1 ZAR = 0.06 EUR

Soldeu
Grandvalira

Nestled high in the Pyrenees, Soldeu may not be Andorra's most attractive or popular holiday ski resort, but it's a great place for family holidays and provides excellent value for money for travellers on a tight budget. It's renowned for being cheerful and family orientated, and is rated as one of the best places in Europe for beginner skiers.

The village is located in the greater Grandvalira region, which incorporates neighbouring Pas de La Casa and has four other resort bases in the eastern half of Andorra. During the summer months, Soldeu is a popular destination for hiking, mountain climbing, and even white water rafting. During the winter months, the pistes below Pic d'Encampadana are covered in snow providing perfect conditions for skiers, snowboarders, and those who just enjoy the beauty of the frosted Pyrenees peaks.

Nightlife in Soldeu

Soldeu's nightlife is not as lively as neighbouring Pas de la Casa, but it does offer a number of fantastic bars and nightclubs providing plenty of after dark entertainment for holidaymakers. There are bars with live entertainment, with others showing sports events. Anyone looking for a night out after a long day on the slopes can head to Fat Alberts, where happy hour après ski drinks can be enjoyed, and live music and DJs keep the place going until the early hours. Barcode is another popular venue for those after a quieter après ski drink.

Shopping in Soldeu

Despite the fact that Andorra is one of the few countries in the world that is blessed with duty free shopping, the resort of Soldeu is fairly limited when it comes to shops, with a sprinkling of small sports stores providing equipment and a supermarket for supplies. Most shoppers head to nearby La Vella, located about 30 minutes away via public bus, to go duty free shopping.

Things to do in Soldeu

There is a wide range of activities available in Soldeu in all seasons. In the summer, mountain climbing, hiking, and even white water rafting are popular. Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in the winter months, but dog sledding, skidooing and snowshoe walking are also options.

Things to be aware of in Soldeu

Holidaymakers who are hoping to experience a wilder nightlife with a greater option of bars and clubs should consider staying at the nearby Pas de la Casa resort. Shopping options are also limited.

Dining in Soldeu

Soldeu's restaurants and cafes offer world-class cuisine and the majority of them can be found sprinkled along the main street and throughout the village. With French, Spanish, Italian, and local Pyrenean fare to choose from, visitors will have a tough time deciding where to dine. The highly popular Fat Alberts serves a delicious fillet steak, while other establishments offer fantastic views and a la carte menus. There is a plethora of cosy cafes and small takeaways along the main streets selling everything from baguettes and sandwiches to slices of pizza and more.

Pas de la Casa
Grandvalira

The tiny mountain principality of Andorra sits atop the Pyrenees between France and Spain. In the last decade or so, it has become a world favourite for winter sports enthusiasts helped along by its good snow, sunny clear weather and unreal natural beauty. Another plus is the fact that the tiny country's mountain resorts are just a short hop away from Barcelona International Airport, and close to the French border. Pick of the Andorran ski resorts is Pas de la Casa.

Set at an altitude of 6726 feet (2050m), this lively resort town is linked to the nearby Soldeu resort and the wider Grandvalira ski area, providing miles of pistes suited to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With its high altitude and good snow making facilities, snow conditions here are excellent and the resort rarely closes before April.

Pas de la Casa, or 'Pas' as it is fondly known by loyal regulars, can hardly be described as picturesque, consisting mainly of modern, unattractive box-like apartment blocks and hotels. But all the accommodation and facilities are conveniently situated near the slopes and provide all the trappings necessary for an entertaining winter holiday at affordable prices.

Nightlife in Pas de la Casa

Pas de la Casa stands out as the liveliest ski resort in Andorra, keeping the young crowd partying throughout the night with throbbing music and cheap drinks. Local bars can often extend happy hour to extremes.

Shopping in Pas de la Casa

Pas de la Casa, like the rest of Andorra, stands out as one of the world's best duty-free shopping enclaves, its shopping precinct a gold mine of holiday bargains. There are, of course, sports shops for snow gear, but shoppers here also stock up on electronic goods, perfumes and cosmetics, designer clothing, and car and motorbike accessories, from tyres to leathers.

Things to do in Pas de la Casa

There is plenty to do when you need time out from the slopes, with a gym, indoor and outdoor pool, movies, tenpin bowling, snow-shoeing, and hiking. Nearby there is a spa offering thermal baths, and there are other facilities in nearby resorts. Alternative snow fun includes snow-mobiling and tobogganing.

Things to be aware of in Pas de la Casa

The village is not much to look at and can become quite rowdy in the evenings, and at weekends it's busy with traffic and weekend crowds from France. Pas de la Casa is not the ideal destination for a family holiday with young children, and advanced skiers will find more interesting skiing in the Alpine resorts.

Dining in Pas de la Casa

With dozens of restaurants in and around Pas de la Casa, no one working up an appetite on the slopes need go hungry. Local cuisine is largely Spanish (with paella as a favourite) but there are plenty of French influences on the local menus. Most restaurants are family-run, with favourites including La Familia and El Marselles. There are some excellent mountain restaurants too, and many more cafes and restaurants in town offer everything from quick snacks to gourmet delights.

Vallnord
Grandvalira

Vallnord is one of Andorra's most popular ski holiday resorts, appealing to all kinds of holidaymakers and travellers. The diversity of pistes draws thousands of tourists each year, from experienced skiers to beginners and families looking for the ultimate in skiing holidays. With green, blue, red and black rated runs, skiers of all skill levels can enjoy the resort of Vallnord, and there are even ski schools for beginners and children keen on trying their hand at the sport.

Pal and Arinsal, which are linked by cable car, form part of the largest ski area in Vallnord, offering very different types of skiing terrain, while the Ordino-Arcalis Valley area in the extreme northeast is highly popular with experienced locals for its off-piste skiing.

The summer months are also a great time to visit this mountainous resort, where activities like mountain biking, horse riding, and fly fishing are highly popular. Most holidaymakers who visit Vallnord generally stay in Arinsal, but the town of La Massana also makes a great base as the gondola to Pal is nearby and Arcalis is located within close proximity, too.

Nightlife in Vallnord

The après-ski in Vallnord is lively, despite the resorts small size. With many local favourites and even some English and Irish pubs to choose from, Vallnord provides the perfect environment for a great night out after a long day on the slopes. In Vallnord, food and especially drinks are much cheaper than in other parts of Europe, making it the perfect destination to begin a night out at a restaurant, before heading out for a night on the town at one of the resort's many clubs, discos and bars until the wee hours.

Shopping in Vallnord

Like other ski resorts in Andorra, there are a few specialist shops, fashion boutiques, and sports stores scattered throughout the town. But since Vallnord is located just three miles (5km) from the capital of La Vella, many keen shoppers choose to head through to this mountain town for a day of duty free shopping where items such as perfume, designer wears, electronic goods, alcohol, and tobacco can be scooped up at bargain prices. With thousands of stores and boutiques, shopaholics can shop to their heart's content in one of the world's greatest shopping meccas.

Things to do in Vallnord

Vallnord offers more to holidaymakers than just a great variety of slopes to ski and snowboard on, but there are also activities like mountain bike trails, bungee-trampoline activities, horse trails, canyoning, quadbiking, fly fishing and hiking to enjoy, which are highly popular during the warmer summer months. During the winter months though, Vallnord's pistes are arguably some of the best in Western Europe and skiers of varying abilities from beginners to experienced will enjoy a day on the slopes.

Dining in Vallnord

Food and drink in Vallnord is much cheaper that in any other European resorts, and it's not surprising that eating out is a favourite pastime while on holiday here. There is a huge array of restaurants to choose from, offering all kinds of fare, from Italian and Mexican to Japanese and French, visitors will not be disappointed. Many of the finest restaurants in Vallnord are located in the very swish hotels, but there are also plenty of other eateries to choose from catering to all kinds of tastes.

Overview of the Attractions in Andorra

Public Holidays in Andorra

 

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