The Ultimate A-Z of Andorra

Andorra in snow

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…

Andorra la Vella

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.

Snowboarder freeride
Snowboarder freeride

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)

Alpine rollercoaster
Alpine rollercoaster

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.

Female skiing in world cup
World Cup

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.