Since 1990 I haven’t visited Andorra. On a quick stop with the school bus to do some shopping that time, I was thrilled to revisit this curious country between France and Spain.

Last weekend I flew into Barcelona airport and made the 3 hour bus journey to this mountainous location.

Most people think of tax free shopping and skiing when they think of Andorra. I didn’t do either of these activities on my 48h in the country.

So here is how to spend a Summer weekend in Andorra:

Cirque du Soleil

So far I have seen three Cirque du Soleil shows Saltimbanco, Alegria and Totem. So I was thrilled to see them in Andorra. Stelar is on throughout July every night.
The show is lived through the dreams and nightmares of the protagonist. Moving through clouds and fantastic landscapes a variety of mystical creatures lead us through the show.

Get Stelar tickets for 18 euros in the seated area. A great price for this stunning show. If you prefer to stand for the show you can book Free tickets online while they are available.

• Doors open at 8pm (Food available inside from 8pm-10pm)
• Show begins at 10pm (Pre Show Entertainment at 9.30pm)

My Tips:

• Wrap up warm as the Circus Tent is partially covered. As nightfalls temperatures may cool and you may feel the chill after a while.
• Have dinner nearby at Mira K B. Delicious tapas and sharing dishes and they are next to the Cirque du Soleil Car park. Book a table and dine at 7.30pm – 8pm

Termes de Caldea

Enjoy an Adults only spa session at Caldea. Inside Europe’s largest recreational spa you have 6000m2 of water, jets and Jacuzzis to help you disconnect and unwind. The Adults only area in the upper level of Caldea costs 70 euros for a day pass or 50 euros for the morning.

They also have an area in the main spa for Children only so it´s family friendly. Of course despite it being huge it is very popular and can get busy on weekends.

I visited on Friday afternoon as soon as I arrived to Andorra and even though it was weekend it was not too busy. I loved the tunnel which stretches outside the main complex. You can swim outside the building and see the beautiful mountains around you while enjoying the pools.

Remember to take a towel with you as they are not included in all the ticket prices.

Local Andorra Food

The food in Andorra and Catalonia are unsurprisingly similar.

Trinxat and Escudella are the most typical dishes. Hearty mountain food to warm up on cold days.

• Trinxat is a dish made from cabbage and potato, with panceta or ham added. It reminds me of British dish bubble and squeak .
• Escudella is a tasty pork stew with seasonal vegetables.
• Botifarra – catalan sausage, usually served with baked potato and garlic mayonanaise
• Crema Andorrana is a creme brulee style dessert. Where the catalan version has a crispy caramleised topping this Andorra version doesnt

Where I ate in Andorra

• Borda Raubert, La Massana – A typical stone farmhouse in the mountainside of La Massana. This homely rural location serves everything thats typical in the area. Hearty cheeses, great wines, fresh vegetable dishes, catalan sausages and delicious fish. Don´t miss the Cold Nettle soup, it doesn´t sound appetising but its delicious….. and doesn´t sting either.
• Jaleo Andorra la Vella – This cosy bistro is handily located opposite the Caldea spa. They offer casual dining, sharing plates or a full meal. I tried their goats cheese salad and the lemon meringue pie. Both very recommendable.

• Mira K Be Andorra La Vella – Patatas bravas served with the tasty sauce, chicken barbecue wraps and a fresh green leaf salad. This light dinner was tasty and just right as an early mael before the cirque de soleil show. They have a special Circus menu on to speed up orders during July as they are close by.
• Restaurant Topic Ordiño –  The dishes here were good value and the portions were huge. I had a feta cheese pizza and tried some asaparagus risotto. Sitting outside on the main street of this mountain village was a great location to while away a summer day.

Hike Breathtaking Landscapes

With the mountains of the Pyrenees and lots of stunning natural lakes there areplenty of breathtaking landscapes to explore. Andorra is a great place for Hiking, horse riding and mountain biking in summer. The trails are well signposted and have good information at the trail head and along the paths.

I celebrated the 13 years of the Vall de Madriu being declared UNESCO World Heritage with a morning hike up to El Ramio. This uphill route began at 1347m and climbs up to 1620m when it reaches El Ramio barnhouse. With views of Andorra La Vella and the river Madriu this route is surrounded by water, hazelnut trees and other plants too.

More information> Madriu Perafita Claror 

Discover Ancient Stone Buildings

Some of the wonderful building I visited on my Andorra trip was this Pre Romanesque Church. The Church of Santa Coloma was built in the 8th-9th century and has a beautiful Lombardian style circular tower. Standing 18 metres high this stone church is nestled amongst stone walls and a small village. It stands still in time. Unbelievable that it has reached 2017 so effortlessly. Guided tours are available in Summer months.  (Bookings: Andorra Tourism)

We also visited the Traditional Mountain House of Casa Rull at La Massana. This grand home was one of the most important in Andorra 100 years ago. Living off the land, sheep, goats and tobacco production. This house has been kept as it was in the last century to show how life in Andorra was traditionally.

Part of the Museum Pass. Casa Rull can be visited together with the Tobacco Museum, the Carmen Thyseen Museum or the Motorbike Museum. There are actually 20 in Andorra to choose from and this pass gets you in with discounted tickets.

Enjoy this Sweet Exhibition

Find your country flag in the ‘Sweet Candies Caramels´ exhibition by French artist Laurence Jenkell. This outdoor exhibition is dotted around the main streets of Andorra la Vella. It is on throughout the summer until 11^th September.  The main exhibition is inside the ArtalRoc Gallery on Avinguda Carlemany d’Escaldes-Engordany.

• Saturday 5^th August at 6.30pm Craft Workshop – Making Sweet Pots Sign up as places are limited by email: [email protected]
• Saturday 26^th August at 6.30pm Craft Workshop – Making Butterfly Sweets – Sign up as places are limited by email: [email protected]
• Instagram Competition ´Banderes dolces’ Tag @accioculturalandorra in your Instgram photo of one of the Flag Sweets in Andorra and add the Hashtag #banderesdolces . You could win an exhibition catalogue from Laurence Jenkell. (Sent to International Addresses) More information cultura.ad

Andorra la Vella Shopping

Tax Free shopping in Andorra is best for Cosmetics and Electronic items. Make your list before you travel. There are also lots of Outdoor and Sports Stores, as well as designer clothes shops.

With so much going on that weekend I only had a short time to see the shops myself but I can recommend the Mango Outlet which is huge. (Carrer Pau Casals)

The main shopping area is along the Avenida Meritxell and surrounding streets.

Andorra has its own customs laws when you enter and leave the country. So please check when you are purchasing highly price items such as jewellery or goods such as tobacco, alcohol etc. More information> VisitAndorra/Customs Allowances

Useful Andorra Info

• By plane: Fly to Barcelona. The Direct bus by Julia Bus Company leaves from Barcelona airport and Sants Bus Station. There is no airport in Andorra.
• Please note that the bus journey takes 3 hours and you cannot eat on board. At the border control going in and coming out of Andorra passports and ID will be requested by the local police.
• Driving from France and Spain. Make sure you have the correct documentation for everyone in the car. You are crossing into another country remember.
• Language The official language here is Catalan. You will hear lots of Spanish and French being spoken and some English too.
• Local currency is Euros
• The Phone Company here is MovilAnd. Check you roaming tariffs before you travel. Andorra is non EU country. You may not be covered as by your mobile operator and generate unexpected costs.
• Wifi is available in most restaurants and hotels at no extra cost.
• Healthcare Make sure you have Travel & Medical Insurance when travelling to Andorra. The EHIC (European healthcard) does not cover Andorra.

Andorra Fun facts

Highest Capital City in Europe of 1,023 meters.

Area: 181 square miles – 468 sq km

Founded in 1278 its are unchanged since then

Andorra participated 6 times in Eurovision in the Semifinals.

The flag of Andorra looks similar to the Romanian Flag.

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