Arriving into Andorra last winter like most people, all I knew about this little country, landlocked between France and Spain, was it offered great skiing and low tax! So this year I set myself the task of compiling the ultimate A – Z guide of Andorra. Read on for my list of highlights, as well as some lesser known insights into Andorra…
A is for Andorra La Vella… The capital city where you can find a brilliant selection of tax-free shopping as well as Southern Europe’s largest indoor thermal Spa: Caldea.
B is for Beginners… Andorra is known for its brilliant selection of English speaking instructors, and there are 9 ski schools to make sure you learn and improve.
C is for Catalan… the official language of Andorra.
D is for Diverse… In the mountains, Andorra really has something to offer everyone, from areas perfect for learning to the most challenging freeride.
E is for Extreme Sports… with not only skiing and snowboarding popular in Andorra, in the summer mountain biking has a large following with bike parks in both domains.
F is for Freeride world tour… with the adult tour visiting Arcalis and the junior tour in Grandvalira again this year.
G is for Grandvalira… the largest resort in the Pyrenees with 210km of skiable terrain.
H is for Huskies… with mushing/dog-sledding a popular activity available in both Vallnord and Grandvalira, you can even go and visit the husky puppies in El Tarter.
I is for Iglu Hotel… a unique experience in Grandvalira Grau Roig where you can spend the night in a real life Igloo.
J is for Jumps… with a large snow-park in Arinsal, Vallnord and a further 3 snow-parks in Grandvalira including the Sunset Peretol Park (open until 9pm) there are plenty of opportunities to improve your freestyle.
K is for King… on the 12th July 1934, adventurer Boris Skossyreff issued a proclamation in Urgell, declaring himself “Boris I, King of Andorra”, simultaneously declaring war on the Bishop of Urgell. His self-proclaimed reign lasted 8 days as he was arrested on the 20th July.
L is for L’Abarset… the outdoor Apres bar in El Tarter which hosts famous DJs throughout the season.
M is for Michelin Star… which belongs to chef Nandu Jubany at the Restaurant Arrels in the Sport Hotel in Soldeu.
N is for Naturlandia… An outdoor activity paradise, with activities such as Tobotronc (at 5.3km long it is the longest alpine slide in natural surroundings in the world)
O is for Ordino-Arcalis…. The hidden gem of Vallnord, famous for its freeride area.
P is for Paragliding… available as an adrenaline filled activity in Grandvalira, you can even do it with skis on (speedriding) in Arcalis.
Q is for Quick… with chairlifts in Grandvalira and Vallnord capable of transporting 162,640 people per hour.
R is for Refugi… the Catalan word for rest stop, you will find these respites on hiking routes and on the slopes.
S is for Steak… with a lot of Argentinians settling Andorra you will find a variety of Argentinian Steakhouses, make sure you ask for the Chimichurri dressing, it’s delicious.
T is for Tour de France… Arcalis hosted the finishing point of Stage 9 in 2016.
U is for Unwind… after a hard days skiing, there are a variety of spas in each resort to enjoy, from the Princesa Parc in Arinsal to the Hermitage Wellness Centre in Soldeu or even Caldea Spa in Andorra la Vella.
V is for Vallnord… the award-winning ski area in Andorra comprising of 93km of slopes across Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalis.
W is for World cup… this year Grandvalira will be hosting the Speed Skiing World Cup and has been chosen to host the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup finals in 2019.
X is for the X of Grandvalira… a recognisable landmark that makes the logo of Grandvalira, based in El Tarter.
Y is for You… Andorra looks after an approximate 10.2 million tourists per year.
Z is for Zipline… located in Grandvalira Canillo, this 550m route lets you enjoy mountain views at a speed of up to 80km/hour.
To explore this amazing country yourself, click here to let us help you plan, book and ski your holiday to Andorra.