Andorra la Vella
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Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra. It is a small alpine city that draws visitors primarily for skiing, hiking and tax-free shopping. Even if those activities don't appeal to you, there is enough in the city to fill a day or two. There is a large spa complex, an interesting old town, and several museums This article also covers the adjoining parish of Escaldes-Engordany.
Understand
[edit]Andorra la Vella means "the city of Andorra", to distinguish it from the Principality of Andorra as a whole. In 2023, Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany had a population of about 28,500, or about a third of the total of the country. It is the country's cultural and commercial centre.
At an elevation of 1023 m, it is Europe's highest capital, and the only one located over 1 km above the sea level.
The city's old town is characterised by old stone streets and houses. It was built in a Romanesque style in the eleventh century. The old town also includes the country's historic parliament building.
Native Andorrans account for only a third (33%) of the population, with the plurality being Spanish (43%), and notable minorities of Portuguese (11%) and French (7%) (2013).
History
[edit]The settlement of Andorra la Vella has been the principal city of Andorra since 1278 when the French and the Episcopal co-princes agreed to joint suzerainty. Andorra la Vella's old town—the Barri Antic—includes streets and buildings dating from this time. The city continues to maintain its medieval character, but simultaneously undergoing a process of development and modernisation. As a modern city, Andorra la Vella was largely developed relatively late, during the 20th century. Many ski resorts developed around the city around this time, including a thriving tourism industry.
Since 1993, Andorra has also developed as a tax haven, resulting in the construction of modern banking offices in Andorra La Vella.
Economy
[edit]Andorra la Vella is the main economic centre of the country, where most of the nation's economic activity takes place. Similar to Andorra as a whole, a significant portion of the economy is based on the tourism industry, which brings about ten million tourists to the country each year, with almost all of them visiting the capital, Andorra la Vella.
In addition to tourism, the capital of Andorra is an important and thriving banking and business hub, serving as the headquarters for many large companies that benefit from Andorra being a local tax haven. The local standard of living is extremely high, positioning the city as one of the wealthiest in Europe.
Tourist information
[edit]- 1 Tourist Office of Andorra la Vella, Plaça de la Rotonda, ☏ +376 750 100, info@oficinaturisme.ad. M-F 08:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-21:00, Su 09:00-19:00.
- 2 Escaldes-Engordany Tourist Office, Plaça Santa Anna, 1, ☏ +376 890 881, oficinaturisme@e-e.ad.
Get in
[edit]
By bus
[edit]1 Intercity bus station (Estació Nacional d'Autobusos del Principat d'Andorra). The bus station is not far from the centre, and provides toilets and free wifi.
Bus companies operating international lines via Andorra la Vella:
- Flixbus.
- Andbus (Novatel), Estació Nacional d’Autobusos d’ Andorra, C/ de la Cúria, ☏ +376 803 789, info@andbus.net. Service to Andorra la Vella from Toulouse (€36 one-way, €64 roundtrip), Barcelona (€30 one-way, €56 roundtrip) and Girona from Estació Nacional d’Autobusos d’ Andorra station.
- Alsa. Operates between Andorra and Spain.
- Montmantell. Operates to Andorra from Lleida. Also operates a twice-daily bus from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre train station in France.
Within Andorra, Interurbana operates seven bus routes. All of the lines either start at or have stops in Andorra la Vella.
By car
[edit]- From La Seu d'Urgell, Spain: follow N-145 north for 20 km.
- From Barcelona, it's about 200 km north.
- From Toulouse, France, it's about 190 km south.
- From Carcasonne, it's 180 km.
By plane
[edit]- Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport LEU IATA near La Seu d'Urgell, Spain is 12 km south of Andorra la Vella. Andorra does not have its own airport. LEU is nearby, and is served by Iberia Regional-Air Nostrum airlines twice weekly from Madrid-Barajas Airport, and twice weekly seasonally from Palma de Mallorca Airport. Andbus provides a free shuttle between the airport and Andorra La Vella co-ordinated with the flight arrivals and departures.
Get around
[edit]You should be able to walk around most of Andorra la Vella. The town is really in two parts. There is the newer section at the north end of the town that is very commercial with lots of shops. The other half is the older half, down across the river and to the south and west. This also has shops, places to eat and the historic part.
If you stay in either of these areas, you can easily cover them on foot, but walking from the end of one half to the other will take a good half hour or more, so it may be worth taking the local bus which is cheap. Be sure to read the timetable and routes carefully at the bus stop.
With the exception of e (express) bus to Sant Julia de Loria, all of the Andorra's local bus routes (L1 through L6) have stops in Escaldes-Endogrdany. International bus line between Toulouse and Andorra la Vella also stop here.
See
[edit]Andorra la Vella
[edit]
- 1 Church of Saint Stephen (Església de Sant Esteve), Plaça Príncep Benlloch, ☏ +376 730 003, info@oficinaturisme.ad. 10:00-13:00 & 15:00-19:00. This church in the old part of the city dates from the 12th century, but was restored in 1940 by the Moderniste architect Josep Puig y Cadafalch who also undertook important works in Barcelona. Free guided tours; otherwise, the church is open to tourists outside of mass hours. free.
- 2 Noblesse du Temps (nobility of time), Plaça de la Rotonda. A sculpture by Salvador Dalí featuring his melting clock.
- Rocks in the Street Museum, also in Plaça de la Rotonda, is formed by different specimens of sedimentary, magnificent, metamorphic rocks and high-quality fossils from Andorra, it is accompanied by a panel with explanations.
- 3 Church of Sant Andreu, Sant Andreu St., ☏ +376 827 117. M-Sa. Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. It is obligatory to reserve by phone.
- 4 Casa de la Vall, Carrer de la Vall. M-Sa 09:30-13:00, 15:00-19:00; Su (May-Oct only) 10:00-14:00. Dating from the 16th century, it was the seat of the Consell General (Andorran Parliament). Access is by guided tour only. Tours are on the half hour and last about a half hour. Reservations are required for the tour, so it's best to stop by and reserve a tour in the morning and return during your tour time. €5 adult, €2.50 concession.
- 5 Consell General and old town. The parliament building is a relatively modern building and you can walk around up the hill behind it and go onto the roof where there is a type of mini park. On a nice day, there is a great view out over the valley across and looking south towards Santa Coloma. From here you can head back up the hill slightly to the right and visit the old church of St Esteve. Behind it is an interesting little area filled with narrow streets which is clearly the original location of the settlement.
- 6 Parc Central. 06:00–00:00. Park with small pond and public toilets.
- 7 El Portal de la Vall, c/ Prat de la Creu 74-76, baixos (ground floor of the Comú building), ☏ +376 823 000, portal@madriu-perafita-claror.ad. M-F 09:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00; Jun 26 - Sep 7 08:00-15:00. This visitor centre has useful information on the leisure activities offered in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, as well as facts on the tasks carried out to manage the valley and promote the values that have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free.
Escaldes-Engordany
[edit]Escaldes-Engordany is the calmer part of the city, where you can escape the tourist hordes if you walk far enough along Av. Carlemany.
- 8 Caldes Project, Plaça dels Safarejos. An outdoor art installation that uses brightly painted monumental taps and pipes to line the promenade along the river from an old stone footbridge to a whimsical sculpture of bathtub and pipes.
- 9 L’Espai Caldes, Av. Carlemany 8, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 890897. M-Sa 10:00-13:30 and 15:00-19:00; Jul Aug: also Su 10:00-13:30. Art gallery for temporary exhibitions. It is worth going in just for the great view over the river (including a glass floor) and up the valley.
- 10 Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre (Centre d'Art d'Escaldes-Engordany (CAEE)), Avinguda Carlemany, 30, ☏ +376 802 255. M-Sa 09:30-13:30, 15:00-19:00. An art gallery that used to be a cinema. It has sculptures by Josep Viladomat, Romanesque models of Andorra buildings and temporary exhibitions. First floor is a library with washroom facilities. Free.
- 11 The Carmen Thyssen Andorra Museum (Museu Carmen Thyssen Andorra), Av. Carlemany, 37, ☏ +376 800 800. Tu-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 10:00-14:00. Art museum that opened in 2017. General €9, seniors €5, under 18 free.
- 12 Casa Creu, 67 Carlemany Street. Modernist style, designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. It is not possible to visit inside because it is a private home. From the 1930s.
- 13 Roc del Metge, Av. Carlemany, 4-8. A hot spring water fountain, considered one of the hottest in Europe (70ºC). Bring a water bottle, but be careful.
- 14 Sant Miquel d’Engolasters, ☏ +376 844 141. Jul Aug: daily 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00. The rest of the year only at mass hours. Romanesque style, dated from 12th century and restored on 20th century. It is notable the disproportion between the nave and the 17-m bell tower. It is obligatory to reserve beforehand. Free-guided tours.
Nearby
[edit]
- 15 Bridge of la Margineda (Pont de la Margineda), Santa Coloma. This bridge dates from medieval times but is still in perfect condition. Nearby there is a metallic sculpture made by the Valencian sculptor Andreu Alfaro.
Do
[edit]
- Rec del Solà. A paved path with handrails illuminated in the night. 2.5 km long. From 1 Collegi Sant Ermengol road to 2 Carrer Mestre Xavier Plana. Look for the green marker signs.
- Rec de l'Obac hiking trail (trail of shade). A easy, shaded and paved 3-km trail along the south edge of the city with nice views. From 3 Bar Nobega to the 4 Rotonda de Gall (a roundabout with a large gold rooster in the middle). Look for the green marker signs.
Escaldes-Engordany
[edit]- 5 Caldea spa, Parc de la Mola, 10, ☏ +376 800 999. A spa, sauna and swimming complex. It is at the top of the town in the dramatic glass spire structure. €46-70 for 3 hours.
- There are some wonderful walks up the Riu Madriu direction Pics del Pessons, the "lakes" and the Coll de Vall Civera.
- The 5-day Coronallacs hiking trail starts and finishes in Escaldes-Engordany.
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
[edit]
The cultural landscape of Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, which is a 
UNESCO World Heritage Site, can only be accessed on foot. It offers great hiking and climbing possibilities in summer and in winter ski mountaineering or walking with snowshoes is an option.
One entrance to the valley is a short bus ride or just over an hour walk from the oldest part of Andorra la Vella. Start at Estació de Servei REPSOL gas station. Take Cami de la Muntanya (mountain path) until it crosses a road (Ctra de la Comella i de la Plana) which takes about 20 min. At this point you will be in the valley and can continue hiking on the mountain path for hours.
Buy
[edit]
Av. Carlemany is the pedestrianised main shopping street that is packed with tax-free stores selling liquor, perfumes, tobacco products, designer clothing and shoes, electronics and so on.
It is a paradise for shoppers and perdition for non-shoppers.
The best bargains can be obtained in electronic goods and jewellery. High-cost items tend to be cheaper than anywhere else because of the low tax. The great thing about electronic goods like digital cameras is that there is a huge range of shops and a huge stock range, so you really get to see all the different makes and models.
Some of the larger shops seem to stock a lot of brand-label clothing. Don't miss out on the Via Moda Group, a chain of stores under different names, especially during sales.
There are loads of ski gear shops. Shop around.
- 1 Pyrenees, Avinguda Meritxell 11. Daily 09:30-21:00. Department store with several floors. There are various family-friendly restaurants, a large electronic goods floor, designer label floors, and a supermarket notable for interesting Andorran and Spanish specialty foods and red wines.
- 2 Illa, Av. Carlemany, 70. M-Th 10:00-20:30, F Sa 10:00-21:00, Su 10:00-22:30. A large commercial centre with several floors of shops, many of which are clothing and fashion stores. There is a food court on the 3rd floor and a supermarket at the basement level.
- 3 Carrefour Andorra 2000, Avinguda Tarragona 26. Daily 09:00-21:00. Supermarket sells electronics, clothes and food.
Eat
[edit]There are reasonably priced restaurants, although many of them tend to be Italian restaurants serving pizza and pasta. You find almost nothing open after 22:30, and many restaurants close Su or M.
Budget
[edit]All these are in the city centre:
- 1 Bar Els Manyos, Av. de Tarragona, 61, ☏ +376 825653. M-Sa 08:00–00:00. Small and popular with locals, this restaurant is a great place to try some local cuisine, including escudella. The food is rustic and portions are generous. Around €15 for two courses.
- 2 Bar Restaurant Las Vegas, Carrer Callaueta, 15, ☏ +376 824 555. Tu-Su 06:00-23:00, M 06:00-21:3. An excellent place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or tapas.
- 3 Pizzeria Primavera, Carrer Callaueta, 8, ☏ +376 800 530. Daily 13:00-16:00, 20:00-23:00. Tasty homemade menu. Very good atmosphere. Warm welcome. Pizza €11-15; pastas, meats, fishes €13-18.
- 4 Pizzeria La Piazza, Passatge de l'Aigüeta, 1, ☏ +376 868 600. M-Th 13:00-16:00, 20:00-23:00; F Sa 12:00-23:30; Su 12:00-23:00. The pizzas and hamburgers are great. Attentive and friendly service. It is somewhat hidden from the shopping area. Dine-in or delivery. Order or reserve online. Puzza €10-15, pasta €12-13.
- 5 Bar Nou, Avinguda Doctor Mitjavila. M-F 07:00-01:00, Sa Su 08:00-01:00. Tasty tortilla sandwiches and Francesinhas. Directly at the river. The terrace is nice.
- 6 Restaurant les Closes, Av. Carlemany, 95 (in the centre of Andorra, hidden in the main street). M-Sa 08:00-23:00, Su 08:00-17:00. Very nice place. They have a wide variety of food. They serve you quickly. The staff polite and efficient. 3-course menu €23 with a.
Mid-range
[edit]- 7 L'Escenari de pizzes, Avinguda Doctor Mitjavila, ☏ +376 818 899. 13:00-15:00, 20:00-22:30. The pizzas are very good, especially the signature ones; you can see how they are making it. Friendly treatment. Cozy place. It is run by some Argentines. It is tiny, it has 4 tables so it is essential to book on Friday and Saturday. Pizzas €12-16.
- 8 L'arroseria, Carrer de la Vall. Tu-Su 12:30-16:00, 07:30-23:00. Spectacular black rice. The place is very cozy. The attention is great. Warm welcome. A little hidden, small room (remember to book). Mains €14-26.
- 9 L'Alternativa, 8 Plaça Guillemó. Perfect place to dine or have some tapas. Homemade food. A cool place. The whole team is professional, attentive and friendly. Mains €16-22.
- 10 Marisqueria Don Denis, Carrer Isabelle Sandy, 3, ☏ +376 820 692. 08:00-15:45, 19:30-22:45. A Mediterranean restaurant with local cuisine. The restaurant also has a wall of photos of "who's who" celebrities, politicians and dignitaries eating at the restaurant. 3-course menu €26.
- 11 Restaurante Hong Kong, Passeig de l'Arnaldeta de Caboet, ☏ +376 829 029. Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant. Dishes €13-21.
Splurge
[edit]- 12 El Refugi Alpí, 73 Avinguda Meritxell, ☏ +376 808 100. Daily 12:30-16:00, 19:30-23:00. The place is beautiful. The food is good. The attention of the waiters is excellent. Mains €20-30.
Drink
[edit]Drink and spirits especially are very good value in the supermarkets. Especially at the Hiper Andorra.
- 1 The Cellar Door, Avenida Meritxell (beside E. Leclerc Hipermarket). Daily 10:00-20:00. This wine and alcohol shop does wine tastings, including of Andorran wines, which you will otherwise get only at the wineries (€4 a tasting, €8 a glass, €45-50 per bottle).
- 2 Entre Nous, Carrer de la Sardana, 3, ☏ +376 873 434. Su-Th 19:00-01:00, F Sa 19:00-03:00. A "heterofriendly" gay cocktail bar.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]- 1 Hotel Yomo Centric, Av. Meritxell 87-89, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 877 500. Located centrally in the main shopping area. Formerly Husa Centric Hotel. from €72.
- 2 Hotel Sant Jordi, Princep Benlloch 45, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 876 200. Check-in: 14:00-24:00, check-out: 12:00. Cheap price, no air-conditioner, breakfast buffet and parking are available. Double room €50/night.
Mid-range
[edit]- 3 Hotel Andorra Palace (formerly Ibis Hotel), Avenue Meritxell 58, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 873 601. 59 rooms in the middle of the Meritxell Avenue shopping district. From €104.
- 4 Hotel Yomo Eureka, Avinguda Carlemany 36, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 880 666. A hotel beside the Av. Carlemany pedestrian street. €58-238.
- 5 Hesperia Andorra, Carrer del Prat Gran, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 760 760. A hotel with underground parking. Next to Av. Carlemany pedestrian street. This hotel offers some fantastic views of the Pyrenees. €61-237.
Splurge
[edit]- 6 Novotel Andorra, Prat de la Creu s n, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 873 603. 24-hr parking, buffet restaurant. From £94.
- 7 Hotel Andorra Center, Carrer Dr. Nequi, 12, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 824 800. Nice 4-star hotel in the centre of the town. Andorra Center is part of the Best Hotels chain. From €90.
- 8 Hotel Spa Termes SERHS Carlemany Andorra (Hotel Carlemany), Av. Carlemany, 4, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 870 050, info.carlemany@serhs.com. Spring-fed thermals, jacuzzi, sauna, massage and other services available in the hotel. Queen room with access to the spa: from €87.50.
- 9 A Casa Canut Hotel Gastronòmic, Av. Carlemany, 107, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 739 900. From €291.
Connect
[edit]The stretch of Avinguda Meritxell in downtown Andorra la Vella and Avinguda Carlemany that continues Av. Meritxell in the adjacent Escaldes-Engordany has free public Wi-Fi.
Cope
[edit]- Oficina Nacional de Turismo, Carrer del Doctor Vilanova 13, info@andorra.ad. Information for tourists; they give also the maps of Andorra.
Embassies
[edit]
Belgium, Carrer Bonaventura Riberaygua 39-4-3, ☏ +376 386-598, fax: +376 851-316, consul.bel@andorra.ad.
France, Carrer Sobrevia 7-BP 155, ☏ +376 73 67 30, fax: +376 73 67 31, ambassade-de-france@andorra.ad.
Portugal, ☏ +376 805305, fax: +376 805875, mail@cgand.dgaccp.pt.
San Marino, Ave Princep Benlloch, 62-72, ☏ +376 860532, ambassade@andorra.be.
Spain, Prat de la Creu, 34, ☏ +376 80 00 30, fax: +376 86 85 00, embespad@correo.mae.es.
Switzerland, Crowne Plaza Andorra, Carrer Prat de la Creu 88-89, ☏ +376 874444, fax: +376 874445, crowneplaza@andorra.ad.
Go next
[edit]Andorra la Vella is not a bad location if you want to go skiing because you can get either the local bus or the "Snow" bus up to most of the ski resorts. Most hotels during the ski season should have details.
If you're leaving Andorra, Toulouse, France, and Barcelona, Spain, are the obvious destinations, 3-4 hours away by direct bus.