• Location: Andorra is located in the south-west Europe, in the heart of the Pyrenees.
  • Time zone: CET or CEST
  • Currency: Euro
  • Language: Catalan
  • Climate: High-mountain climate with influences from the Mediterranean, meaning a hot summer and cold winter. The average temperatures you might face in October would be between 11.0°C and 19.5°C, with exceptional possible peaks as low as -5°C and high as 29°C as observed in previous years.
  • Altitude: Andorra is the country with the highest average altitude in Europe. The Digital Elevation Model shows a value of 2.044m

Population

Only the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, which multiply their population by 63 and by 35, respectively, between the 1910 and 2000, they grow more than what Andorra does between 1930 and 2021. If we take exactly the same period as for Andorra (1930-2021), two more countries of the Arabian Peninsula, Kuwait (× 41) and Jordan (× 34), join the leadership of the countries which grow more demographically, together with the UAE and Qatar, which multiply their population by more than a hundred. Andorra is right behind. The fifth country in the world that has grown the most in population in one century of all history.

What to do in Andorra

The Madriu Perafita Claror Valley

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, which was declared in 2004, UNESCO Heritage of Mankind in the category of Cultural Landscape, is located in the south-east of the Principality of Andorra and occupies 10% of the country’s territory, spanning 4,247 hectares. 

This valley is the most important secondary river basin in the country and is 12 km long from end to end and drops 1,855m. Its highest point is the Pic de la Portelleta (alt. 2,905).

Visit the official link for more information.

Andorra Comapedrosa Starlight la Massana

Andorra is tremendously happy to have one of the darkest and most starry skies in the Pyrenees. The quality of the sky over the Comapedrosa National Park and other natural spaces in La Massana offers exceptional conditions for practicing astronomy. Very low light pollution, together with the low population density and the population distribution around small- and medium-sized settlements, are qualities that have granted us the recognition of Starlight Destination and Reserve, a seal of international prestige that recognises us as a destination for astronomy. 

The exceptional conditions of La Massana’s skies are a singular and exclusive fact that allows astronomy to be explored further by both the seasoned amateur and those who want to start contemplating the stars and the wonder of the night sky. 

Although visiting the Comapedrosa National Park already guarantees you views of the sky in its immensity, you can also visit the two stargazing viewpoints in the parish. The Roc de la Sabina viewpoint in Arinsal and the Coll de la Botella viewpoint in Pal are perfect spots for stargazing. 

Cosy refuges

For mountain lovers, the staffed refuges are an oasis where you can find shelter and recover your strength after a long day of hiking. Among the 20+ refuges distributed throughout Andorra, there are four that enable you to enjoy a unique stay with a special range of services including food and accommodation, in winter as well as summer. 

Eating and sleeping is transformed into an unforgettable experience that is sure to exceed your expectations. Perched high up in the mountains and surrounded by wilderness, the refuges will offer you a warm welcome, whatever the weather.

Visit the official link for more information.

Trail maps hiking in Andorra

Andorra is simply stunning – a tiny jewel in the Pyrenees with so much to see and do, three National Parks to discover, and some of the best hiking in the whole of Europe. Its mountains, lakes and stunning scenery are all there for the taking – this principality has so much on offer for tourists and visitors. And one of the best ways to take it all in is on foot – so grab an Andorra hiking map and make sure you don’t miss a thing. 
 
Andorra has gorgeous valleys and 65 peaks of over 2,000 meters, so it’s perfect if you want to add a bit of extra resistance to your hike. These leaflets also tell you all you need to know about the incredible diversity of the plants and animals you may come across en route with treks of more than 300km. 

Visit the official link for more information.

Hiking route: Coronallacs

Coronallacs is one of the physically most demanding mountain routes in the Pyrenees. That’s why it’s of utmost importance that you are well equipped and prepared before setting out on your journey, making sure to continuously check for any changes in the weather conditions. 

Coronallacs is a circular route which links all four of the Principality’s manned shelters. The 92 km-long route is designed for you to spend a night at each of the shelters, where you’ll be able to recharge your batteries and get some well-deserved rest. 

You’ll be able to take in amazing panoramic views along the entire trail, as the route crosses high mountain terrain. It is divided into five stages ranging between 13 and 22 km each, with an average of 18.4 km/day. It follows hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length, and nights are spent in Andorra’s four manned high-mountain shelters.

Visit the official link for more information. 

Casa de la Vall

The Casa de la Vall is Andorra’s most emblematic historic building. In 1702 it became the seat of one of the oldest parliaments in Europe and for more than three centuries it was the heart of parliamentary life and the seat of the country’s courts. Beyond its symbolic and representative significance, the Casa de la Vall has witnessed the changes and transformations in the political and social history of Andorra. 

Visit the official link for more information. 

Gastronomy

Made in.. 

Andorra is a country which even to this day retains customs that are firmly rooted in livestock farming and agriculture. The legacy of these deeply rooted customs lies in the hands of our local producers, who are ready to show you how we work hand in hand with tradition. Authentic local cuisine! 

Visit the official link for more information. 

Fun facts about Andorra

  1. The flag of Andorra and the flag of the Republic of Moldova share two things: the distribution of the colors and the fact that there are cows in there. They are the only two flags in the world with cows (in the flags there are mostly birds and felines). 
  2. Andorra is the only country in the world where the figure of the head of state is shared by two people, depending on their position: a civilian (the president of the French republic, as the receiver of the rights of the county house of Foix) and an ecclesiastic, the bishop of Urgell. This distribution was agreed in 1278, after a long period of conflict. 
  3. The Council of the Land, the parliament that brought together the representatives of the six parishes into which Andorra was territorially organized, was constituted in 1289, although before that there had already been general assemblies, and has functioned uninterruptedly until today, under the name of General Council (https://www.consellgeneral.ad/) 
  4. Andorra has never participated in any war nor has it been occupied – apart from some occasional incursions – by neighbouring countries, Spain and France. 
  5. The Police Force was not created until 1931, and it was formed by only six officers and one person in charge. Until this moment, the defense of the country was entrusted to the subjugation (‘sometent’ in catalan language), a citizen militia.