This article is part of our weekly tourist advice column.

Nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, the Principality of Andorra has many attractions that go well beyond the simple fact of being able to do good deals in local stores thanks to the duty free which has been practiced there for many years. . In this 468 square kilometer territory, everything is at your disposal to have a great time. And if in the coming days, after having had a good New Year’s Eve, you are looking at the destination of your next vacation, study the possibilities that Andorra offers. To help you, to guide you, here is why this Principality could interest you.

A mild climate: those who want to avoid the hot weather in summer will appreciate the average of 25 degrees which is used in Andorra in summer. Staying in the mountains also offers a certain freshness.

Affordable rates: leaving with your whole family in summer can quickly blow your budget. By choosing Andorra, you will be able to do good business while maintaining a good standard of accommodation and a certain quality of food without blowing your budget.

Holidays that move: with its natural spaces which occupy 90% of its territory, Andorra offers a wide range of activities for those who want to move during their holidays. Walking shoes on, you will be able to discover magnificent landscapes by traversing the many paths and paths that cross the Principality. Lakes, rivers and mountains will be your companions for hours of fun. And thanks to detailed sheets which include the route map, the time to do it, its difficulty but also the flora and fauna that you may encounter, you will find exactly what you want. Having become a spot very recognized and appreciated by professional cyclists, it is also possible for everyone (thank you electric helpers) to discover the charms of the local nature on two wheels. The Andorran authorities have also invested a lot in recent years to offer its cycle tourists quality roads as well as clear and precise signage. The more daring will be able to leave the roads to embark on the more than 200 kilometers of unmarked routes for mountain bikes. Between dizzying descents and demanding climbs, you can enjoy magnificent landscapes. Aware of the Principality’s high potential with regard to this specific tourism, many hotels specialize in welcoming cyclists with bicycle rooms or more spacious rooms. And many brands make a living from the rental and / or sale of bicycles and their accessories. And if you prefer to trade your two wheels for four legs, you will be able to take ancestral paths on horseback that cross the woods that decorate the mountain. The more adventurous who want to increase their adrenaline rate will equip themselves with their harness and carabiners to navigate the 25 routes of varying difficulty that exist in Andorra. On these climbing walls, these paths on the mountainside and via ferrata of the country (routes built in a rock face, Editor’s note), you can enjoy magnificent landscapes and viewpoints. And thrill seekers will continue their stay by testing themselves at canyoning. With seasoned instructors, you will evolve in the bed of a stream, passing through gorges or narrow ravines. Located in the mountains, these steep canyons have waterfalls of different heights that can be crossed in multiple ways: jump, slide, or abseil. Pure happiness where your heart will pound during certain passages. Finally, the whole family can enjoy the three Andorran parks where children can try their hand at ziplining, tree climbing or kayaking. The highlight of the show is perhaps the Tobotronc which is the longest alpine slide in the world: 5.3 kilometers long with a drop of 400 meters! A hectic descent aboard a two-seater sled mounted on rails that crosses the forest of La Rabassa.

Relaxing holidays: you are looking for a place to live a little quiet trip with your other half. With its wellness centers set in the heart of green landscapes, Andorra can meet your expectations. For hours, escape the stress of everyday life thanks to adapted care. It will then be time to go to one of the many shopping streets of the Principality where good deals on branded and quality products await you thanks to the duty free present in Andorra. And before returning to your hotel, it will be time to indulge your taste buds by tasting the specialties of the country in a small local restaurant. Which ones? The mountain trinxat which is made with potatoes, collard greens, bacon and garlic or Escudella, a stew typical of Catalan cuisine. And those who love cold meats will salivate over the ham or sausages of the region.

How to come to Andorra

The road is the only way to get to the Principality of Andorra. The car is the most used vehicle, the country being served neither by air transport nor by rail. It is nevertheless possible to get closer to the borders of Andorra by train or by plane, then take the frequent shuttle buses that allow you to reach Andorra.

By car : there are two routes. One from France, entering the country via Pas de la Casa, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, by climbing the Port d’Envalira. The tunnel (paying) located at the entrance to the city avoids the Envalira pass. The other from Spain leads directly to Andorra la Vella.

By bus : Toulouse-Andorra is a common connection provided by various bus companies. Allow 2 hours and 30 minutes of travel to cover the almost 200 kilometers. The distance and time of the journey are almost identical to reach Andorra la Vella by bus from Barcelona.

By plane : taking a direct flight to Andorra is currently impossible. The nearest airports are: Barcelona, ​​Toulouse, Reus, Perpignan, Girona and Carcassonne.

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Tourist office https://visitandorra.com