Andorra: what to see, how to get there, hotels, ski resorts. How to get from Barcelona to Andorra and how long will it take? How to get from Spain to Andorra
How to get to Andorra
Its airport in Andorra. The nearest major airports are located in Spanish Barcelona and French Toulouse. Aeroflot flies to Barcelona airport 4 times a week from Moscow (4 hours 30 minutes), as well as charter flights from different cities of Russia. The easiest way to get to Toulouse airport by Air France with a stopover in Paris. A number of airlines offer flights to these airports with connections in other cities.
The nearest main railway stations are also Barcelona and Toulouse. There are no direct trains from Russia there, you can travel with at least two changes, the journey will take about two days and will cost more than an air ticket. From Toulouse, you can also travel by regional trains to the L'Hospitalet or Tour de Carol stations - these are the stations closest to Andorra.
A special bus takes tourists to the ski slopes
Ski area - 1780-2358 m
Arinsal's short and steep pistes are more suitable for experienced skiers
Ski area - 1550-2560 m
Thrill seekers can slide down the most difficult slope in Andorra (1010 m)
Snowboarders will undoubtedly be attracted by the 24 km trail
There are hotels and restaurants in Arinsal near the ski lift station
In Pale, you need to get to hotels by bus
There are few bars and discos in these resorts, so it is best to spend your free time in nearby La Massana.
There are two sports centers in this town: "D" Aldosa Multisports Center "and" D "Aldosa Sports Center", where tourists can play tennis or squash , visit the sauna, solarium, gyms, swimming pool
It is good to have a rest from sports in numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Those who wish can go to the capital, which is only 13 km away
Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig - ski area in Andorra, located in the eastern part of the country, on the border with France
In terms of its size and the number of tourists, it surpasses all other ski areas of the country.
This resort (the first in Andorra) opened in 1957 and was built here in 1998 cable car, by which you can get from Andorra la Vella, Escaldes or Encamp to the upper slopes of Pas de la Casa - Grau Roj
Each skier, regardless of the skiing class, will find a trail here to his liking, and then he can easily meet friends, since all the lower lift stations are located in one place.
Some trails are illuminated at night
If you prefer an airplane, then in order to reach Andorra, you need to fly either to French Toulouse or to Spanish Barcelona. It is in these cities that the nearest airports are located, the distance to Andorra from which can be called small. Many airlines offer an abundance of flights to the aforementioned airports with connections in other cities and only Barcelona can be reached with a direct flight. It is better to buy Andorra airport flights with a flight from Moscow to Barcelona. From the Spanish and French airports to Andorra can be reached by bus or by private transfer.
If you are closer railway transport, then tickets must also be taken to Toulouse, or to Barcelona. Unfortunately, Russian trains do not go there, so you will have to go with transfers. This, of course, is not very convenient when you have a carriage and a small cart of personal belongings, but you can see a lot of interesting things from the train window. Upon arrival in Toulouse, you will need to get to L'Hospitalet or Tour de Carol - these are the nearest stations and the final destination of your journey. To do this, you need to use the regional trains. And from there take a bus to Andorra. It's not so scary traveling to a country without airport as it seems!
Andorra is hiding high in the Pyrenees. The route to the principality raises many questions, some of which I will answer. So, which visa and from which city is the easiest way to get to Andorra from Russia, Spain or France.
Visa for Andorra
To come to Andorra as a tourist from Russia, you need to obtain (or already have) a Schengen visa. Double or multi-entry, issued by any Schengen country, will do. The Principality of Andorra, by the way, is not included in it, but all visas valid on the territory of neighboring France and Spain are quite suitable for it.
A single Schengen visa for entering Andorra will not work, because you will enter its territory from Spain or France, which means that you will leave the Schengen zone for a while, and then you will have to return to it. True, at the border they check very, very selectively, but violators can be punished.
For a visa to Andorra (if you are aiming for Andorra and for less than three months), you need to apply to the Spanish or French consulate, because the principality does not have its own consular department in Russia.
For a longer visa, you need to apply to the Andorran embassy, which has offices in Paris and Madrid.
If you are going to visit Andorra for a day on an excursion from a Spanish / French hotel, then there is nothing to worry about. Organized tourist groups freely cross the border, but I am almost sure that a single Schengen visa will not work in this case either.
Helicopters and private flights to the principality
Andorra does not have its own airport, but there are several helipads serving communities and ski resorts principalities: La Massana ( La massana), Escaldes-Engordany ( Escaldes ‐ Engordany) and Pal-Arinsal ( Pal ‐ Arinsal).
Ten kilometers south of the principality, already in Spain, there is a small airport Pirineus - la Seu d'Urgel airport hosting private jets. He's called Pirineus - Andorra airport, the administration plans to open it to regular and charter flights.
In the meantime, you can get to Andorra in other, more affordable ways. The airports closest to Andorra, which are the easiest to fly to from Russia, are located in Spain and France.
Planes and buses through Spain
Reus Airport ( Reus Airport) is located 190 kilometers from Andorra. Irish flies into it Ryanair from London, Dublin, Glasgow, Eidinhoven, so we will not dwell on it in detail. But if you are brought here (and it is worth going for a walk to Reus), then in the city you can take a bus or train and get to Barcelona.
There are other buses running from the cities of Spain to Andorra, I will not list them all. Prepare your passport, be prepared for the fact that the service on buses in Spain will not be very hasty, and come in advance: drivers have a habit of not waiting for anyone.
Planes and buses through France
By train
There is no railway connection with Andorra. The closest railway station to the capital of Andorra in Spain is located 60 kilometers away in Puigcerda ( Puigcerdà). It's far away and pointless.
In France, the nearest railway station is 38 kilometers away (only 3 kilometers from the border with Andorra) and is called Hospitalet ( L'Hospitalet). Regular buses from Toulouse to Andorra pass by.
Andorra is a picturesque Pyrenean slopes, snowy peaks against the background of an azure crystal sky, a frosty sparkling forest and all the delights active rest on alpine skiing... Many vacationers visit this amazing country exclusively in search of new and fresh experiences.
The first thing that strikes you in Andorra is its size. The country consists of seven districts (Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Escaldes-Engordany, Ordino, San Giulia de Loriai) and covers an area of only 468 sq. Km. Andorra is located between France and Spain, but it does not have its own outlet to the sea.
The indigenous population of Andorra is a little over 24 thousand people. You can cross the country along the main highway (35 km long) in a matter of minutes. Therefore, traveling around the country for tourists is a real pleasure. Absolutely anywhere in the country, and even any ski resort can be reached in 20 - 30 minutes by car or by bus.
Andorra pleases its many visitors with extraordinary service and comfort (at the same time at a very reasonable price). Each of the country's hotels differs only in its inherent individuality. All hotels in Andorra have one thing in common - true cordiality, benevolence and hospitality.
Flight time:
(charter flights to Barcelona airport)
from Moscow - 4 hours 20 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - 5 hours 20 minutes.
from Kazan - 7 hours 10 minutes.
from Yekaterinburg - 7 hours 30 minutes.
from Novosibirsk - 8 hours
The current time in Andorra La Vella:
(UTC +1)
Cozy cities of Andorra delight with their harmonious unity of ancient gabled buildings with spiers and weather vane and ultra-modern buildings made of metal and glass. Getting into the old quarters of cities, it seems, you find yourself in a real fairy tale. Cozy interweaving of narrow streets, quaint courtyards, inexplicable dead ends and stone passages, all this creates an inexplicable high spirits.
How to get there
Based on the fact that Andorra does not have its own airport and train station, it seems possible to get to it only by car from the nearest settlements France or Spain. Considering that the nearest airports are located from Andorra at a distance of 196 km. - Toulouse, 210 km. - Barcelona, then it is most reasonable to travel to your final destination from these places.
Fans of car travel will be able to get to Andorra from Moscow along European highways, covering a distance of 3,800 km.
Moscow - Toulouse - Andorra
Also, other airlines operate flights to Toulouse, with transfers at other airports:
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara
- Brussels Airlines (Brussels): Moscow.
- Air Malta (La Valletta): Moscow.
- TAP Portugal (Lisbon): Moscow.
Two shuttles and two regular buses leave from Toulouse to Andorra twice a day.
While in France, you can take a fascinating road trip to Andorra, enjoying scenic views and high quality roads on the following routes: Foix Andorra (55 km); Perpignan-Andorra (128 km); Biarritz - Pau - Saint-Gaudin - Foy-A-les-Termes - Andorra (451 km); Marseille - Narbona - Perpignan - Burg Madame - Andorra (451 km); Paris - Toulouse - Foix - A les Termes - Andorra (882 km). No registration required to visit Andorra from France entry visa, a Schengen visa in this case will be quite enough.
Moscow - Barcelona - Andorra
We have described how to get to Barcelona. There are three buses from Barcelona Airport to Andorra. Three more buses leave from Barcelona Station to Andorra. In addition, you can get from the airport to Andorra by hotel shuttle (if the hotel provides such a service). ...
In addition to shuttles and regular buses, you can also use the services of taxis or numerous rental companies.
Transfer from Barcelona to Andorra from KiwiTaxi:
Transfers from Barcelona
Barcelona → Andorra la VellaShow transfers to Barcelona
| Economy. |
RUB 24,325 | |
| Comfort. |
RUB 27,245 | |
| Business |
RUB 33,382 | |
| Minivan, 4 seats. |
24 101 rub. | |
| Minibus, 7 seats. |
RUB 27,319 | |
| Comfortable minivan, 6 seats. |
RUB 38 397 | |
| Minibus 10pax |
RUB 40,418 | |
| Minibus, 13 seats. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Coaster, etc. |
RUB 40,867 | |
| Minibus, 16 seats. |
RUB 47,528 |
| Economy. An economical option for a company of up to 3-4 people. VW Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Audi A3, BMW 3, etc. |
RUB 24,325 | |
| Comfort. For long-distance travel in comfort. VW Passat, Toyota Camry, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Suburban, etc. |
RUB 27,245 | |
| Business A comfortable car for business trips. Mercedes E-class, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, etc. |
RUB 33,382 | |
| Minivan, 4 seats. A compromise between spaciousness and comfort. VW Touran, Ford Galaxy, Opel Zefira, Peugeot 807, etc. |
24 101 rub. | |
| Minibus, 7 seats. For a group of 4-7 people or large luggage. VW Multivan, Toyota Hiace, Opel Vivaro, Hyundai H-1, etc. |
RUB 27,319 | |
| Comfortable minivan, 6 seats. Business class transfer for a group of 4-6 people. Mercedes Viano Premium, VW Multivan Premium, etc. |
RUB 38 397 | |
| Minibus 10pax A universal option for a group of up to 10 people. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Coaster, etc. |
RUB 40,418 | |
| Minibus, 13 seats. A universal option for a group of up to 13 people. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Coaster, etc. |
RUB 40,867 | |
| Minibus, 16 seats. Great option for groups of 10-16 people Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer, etc. |
RUB 47,528 |
From Barcelona to Andorra, you can make a fascinating and completely stress-free road trip different routes, for example via Solsona (196 km) and Server (208 km).
Being in the neighboring Spain from Andorra, you can make a fascinating journey along one of the following routes: Lleida - Andorra (141 km); Tarragona - Andorra Via Tarrega (210 km); Girona - Olot - Puigcerda - Andorra (219 km); Madrid - Zaragoza - Lleida - Ponts - Andorra (613 km).
Considering that the nearest railway tracks and stations are also located in Toulouse and Barcelona, and there are no direct flights from Russia to these stations, getting to Andorra by rail is very tiring and unprofitable. Especially taking into account that the travel time takes from two to three days with several changes (from two or more).
From France to Andorra by train
There are the following railway routes that bring the traveler as close as possible to Andorra: Perpignan - Latour de Carol, Paris - Toulouse - A les Termes and Paris - Toulouse - L'Hospitale. From the terminal stations you can get to Andorra by bus, by route taxi using the services of a taxi or a rented car.
Spain to Andorra by train
From Spain to Andorra can be reached by rail from Barcelona (Barcelona - Puigcerda) and Madrid (Madrid - Lleida). And the distance from the terminal railway stations to Andorra will still have to be covered by bus or car.
Transfers to Andorra
Transfers in Andorra La Vella
Show transfers from Andorra La Vella
| Where | Where | Price | ||
| Andorra la Vella | Bellater | from 22379 p. | show | |
| Andorra la Vella | from 22454 p. | show | ||
| Andorra la Vella | from 23278 p. | show | ||
| Andorra la Vella | Barcelona | from 24101 p. | show | |
| Andorra la Vella | Lloret de Mar | from 24849 p. | show | |
| Andorra la Vella | from 25298 p. | show | ||
| Andorra la Vella | Sea port Of Barcelona | from 25298 p. | show | |
| Andorra la Vella | Salou | from 28068 p. | show | |
| Andorra la Vella | Gerona | from 30613 p. | show | |
| Andorra la Vella | Cambrils | from 30912 p. | show | |
| Andorra la Vella | Santa susanna | from 50073 p. | show | |
| Andorra la Vella | Tossa de Mar | from 50522 p. | show | |
| Where | Where | Price | ||
| Bellater | Andorra la Vella | from 22379 p. | show | |
| Barcelona Airport "El Prat" | Andorra la Vella | from 22454 p. | show | |
| Girona Train Station | Andorra la Vella | from 23278 p. | show | |
| Barcelona | Andorra la Vella | from 24101 p. | show | |
| Lloret de Mar | Andorra la Vella | from 24849 p. | show | |
| Estacio Sants train station (Barcelona) | Andorra la Vella | from 25298 p. | show | |
| Barcelona seaport | Andorra la Vella | from 25298 p. | show | |
| Salou | Andorra la Vella | from 28068 p. | show | |
| Gerona | Andorra la Vella | from 30613 p. | show | |
| Cambrils | Andorra la Vella | from 30912 p. | show | |
| Santa susanna | Andorra la Vella | from 50073 p. | show | |
| Tossa de Mar | Andorra la Vella | from 50522 p. | show | |
Climate and weather in Andorra
What to see
Andorra la Vella
The heart of miniature Andorra is Andorra la Vella, which is surrounded by majestic mountains... There are several historical architectural monuments on the territory of the city.
Andorra la Vella traces its history back to those ancient times, when the most ordinary village was founded in a mountain valley. Now this very place has a name, which means - the Old Quarter. The main attraction of the Barri Antik area is the seat of the Andorran government - which means - the House of the Valleys. This unique building was erected on three floors in 1580 and belonged to a noble family. Then, over the course of time, the building passed from hand to hand, was repeatedly completed and rebuilt.
Near the Casa de la Val, the following attractions are located: the house, (the building of the Parliament of Andorra, while the Museum of Philatelicism is located on the upper floors) and Sala de la Giusticia - the Andorran courthouse (the only one in the country).
In addition to the unique House of the Valleys, with its extraordinary and colorful history, Andorra la Vella boasts the following places of worship:
- the ancient church of Saint Armenola, built in the 11th century;
- the oldest church in Andorra - Santa Coloma, built in the IX-X centuries;
- the picturesque church of Santuario de Meritsel.
The most important place in the capital is. This square hosts the most significant events in Andorra. The square also houses the Academy of Music of Andorra and the Main Theater of the State of Andorra. And next to Plaza la Poble is a famous large.
La Margineda
The village of La Margineda, which is a small town located in close proximity to the capital of Andorra, has been preserved in perfect pristine condition, built in the Middle Ages. Many tourists visit this place to admire the majestic structure, as well as beautiful views.
Les Escaldes
In Les Escaldes, which is a suburb of Andorra la Vella, there is a unique one, known far beyond the borders of the country. Caldea is the largest thermal complex in western Europe. The complex is located on the territory of 600 sq.m. and is completely covered with a glass dome.
Encamp
The city is located just 5 km. from the capital of Andorra. In addition to the picturesque architecture, the town attracts tourists with the following attractions:
Encamp is also famous for its large-scale sports complex - Multiport Center, which offers everyone the widest range of services. 4 Russian guides and companies in Andorra
Andorra delights and surprises its tourists with its natural thermal, fascinating Naturlandia park with unique attractions, including Tobotronc with an ice field and a lot of entertainment.
Andorra offers a wide range of travelers the most varied sports entertainment(tennis, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and of course alpine skiing).
In addition, leisure in Andorra can be diversified with educational activities such as visits to museums, exhibitions and concert halls, theaters and so on.
Kitchen
Unforgettable impression leaves a visit to cafes and restaurants with Catalan cuisine. It should be emphasized right away that the prices for the dishes are very reasonable and the portions are quite large. The most capricious gourmet will appreciate the rich thick soups, fragrant with aromatic herbs and spices, meat cooked over hot coals, or an appetizing chicken with a fried crispy crust cooked on a spit.
Special attention should be paid to the freshest seafood prepared according to special recipes, which are served with unusual sweet and sour sauces. Any of the ordered dishes is served to the client as a crowned person - decorated with fantastic patterns, surrounded by vegetables or fruits (fried, baked, fresh or pickled).
Purchases
For some, the very question of shopping in this tiny Pyrenean principality may seem absurd. Indeed, what large-scale purchases can we talk about if Andorra is half the size of Moscow? It turns out, how can it be, and shopping in Andorra is a very popular phenomenon! The fact is that Andorra is a kind of large duty free zone or, if you prefer, an outlet village. Here you can buy the same thing as in neighboring France and Spain, only 25-40, or even 60 percent cheaper. Many, by no means cunning, call Andorra the new capital of European shopping. In addition, Andorra is also a great ski resort. Is this not a reason to look here for a couple of days, or even a week? Not with empty pockets, of course.
The main shoppers in Andorra's shops are, of course, residents of Spain and France, who come here for shopping on the weekends, just as residents of big cities travel to shopping centers located in their suburbs. For example, it takes only 10-15 minutes to get to the Spanish border from the capital of Andorra la Vella. For tourists from Russia to Andorra, it will also not be difficult to get to Andorra - there are tours to this principality from resort areas, you can also rent a car and come here yourself. Although the country is not a member of the European Union, the euro is the currency there, so there will be no unnecessary delays.
More than 2,000 modern shops and boutiques scattered throughout the country offer their visitors an unusually large selection of various goods at discounted prices, but the preference is given to goods related to tourism. First of all, shopping in Andorra is sports equipment, electronics and household appliances, branded clothing and accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, although, in addition, people come here for cars and even for cheaper gasoline! It should be noted that all goods in Andorra are exclusively High Quality, so low price should not arouse suspicion.
However, it should also be emphasized that there is a limit to everything, including the amount of tax-free goods exported from Andorra without declaration. There are certain limits for certain types of goods regarding weight, quantity or total value. If these limits are not exceeded, then goods can be freely exported outside the country. If exceeded, then they will have to be declared at customs.
All the nuances of shopping in this tiny kingdom - restrictions on the export of goods, the opening hours of stores, the purchase of sporting goods, electronics, jewelry, tobacco, alcohol, optics, clothing and shoes, as well as sales times and a list shopping centers with contact details - you can find it in the article "Shopping in Andorra: pleasure in the Duty Free format".
Connection
Telephone communications
In Andorra, telephone communication is in the world modern system. That is why from an ordinary street phone booth you can contact any part of the world at any time.
Payphones work by means of a magnetic card. Weekend rate, holidays and during non-business hours (from 20.00 pm to 08.00 am), it is much lower than usual.
After dialing the numbers: 8-10-376- you need to dial the area code, and then the number of the called subscriber. Calls from a public phone located on the street are significantly cheaper than from a hotel room.
cellular
All subscribers of large Russian operators have the opportunity to use roaming, the prices must be checked with your telecom operator. STA (Mobiland) provides cellular communication in the GSM 900 range.
Internet
Almost every hotel in Andorra offers Internet services. In large (if this word is applicable to Andorra) cities of the country, Internet cafes are also common.
Sport
The main attraction of Andorra is its ultra-modern ski resorts... It is during the winter season that the population of the country increases tenfold. It cannot be said that Andorra has unique heights (the height of the ski slopes in the country does not exceed 2,600 meters) or a huge selection of resorts.
Andorra conquers its many holidaymakers with sincere benevolence, excellent and helpful services, and the highest class of slopes. The approach to the arrangement of ski slopes is of particular admiration. The presence of snow cannons in sufficient quantity ensures a sufficient thickness of the snow cover (0.4 - 3.0 m.) Even in the least snowy weather. Each slope must be carefully rolled with specialized equipment. The presence of dangerous zones on the route is necessarily signaled by warning signs, and themselves dangerous places have fencing made of softening bumpers. Without exception, all routes have their own markings, distance marks and direction indicators of the route.
Andorra is a tiny country located in the Pyrenees. It is a ski resort and a shopaholic's paradise. Despite its size, Andorra has all the conditions to attract new and new tourists.
general information
Andorra is a dwarf state located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Officially called the Principality of Andorra. The capital is Andorra la Vella.How to get there
There is no airport in Andorra, so you have to get there via or. The nearest airports are in Barcelona and Toulouse, travel time is about three hours. From Russia it is most convenient to fly to Barcelona, then take a bus to Andorra at the airport.Andorra la Vella bus station
Climate
Andorra is the sunniest mountain region in Europe, with up to 250 sunny days a year. In summer, the temperature rises to +22 degrees, and in winter it can drop to -16 in the mountains, while the weather may differ depending on the altitude. Snowfalls are common in winter.Visa
To enter Andorra, you need to have a visa from Spain, France or any other Schengen visa. When applying for a visa, you should pay attention to insurance: Andorra must be separately entered into it.Cities and regions
Andorra consists of 7 communities:- Andorra la Vella - the capital of the country
- Canillo
- La Massana
- Ordino
- Sant Julia de Loria
- Encamp
- Escaldes-Engordany
Where to stay
To search for housing, you can use the standard and. In summer, prices are quite affordable, since the peak tourist season in Andorra is in winter, and in summer the hotels are half empty.Transport
The bus service covers the whole country, in addition, you can reach Barcelona and Toulouse. V ski season launch a free ski bus. In cities, you can move on foot, since the distances are very small.Communication
The main languages are Catalan, Spanish and French. English is also understood in basic tourist spots. 
Money
The currency of Andorra is Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.Kitchen
Andorran cuisine is borrowed from and. Popular here are grilled meats (la parillada), thick soup (escudella), trout, local sausages and bacon, and traditional Spanish churros for dessert.Souvenirs
Andorra is a duty-free zone, and therefore prices are lower than in neighboring Spain and France. People often come here for shopping, especially during the sales period. There are many shops with ski equipment, you can also buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, watches and much more. 
What to see and where to go
In summer, it is worth taking a walk along one of the mountain trails and enjoying nature. In winter, tourists are attracted by the ski resorts of Grandvalira and Vallnord.Andorra has interesting museums, for example, the Museum of Electricity and the Museum of Historic Cars in Encamp, the Museum of Miniatures in Ordino, the Museum of Russian Matryoshkas in Escaldes.
The Caldea Thermal Complex will help you to relax and gain strength.
Connection
100% coverage mobile communication throughout the country, including mountainous areas. You can both use roaming and buy a local SIM card. Wi-fi works in cafes, hotels, there are also public hotspots.Security
Andorra is a calm, safe country.What to visit around
It is convenient to combine a trip to Andorra with; it is also worth getting to the castle of Carcassonne vaud. Mountain roads may be closed in winter due to snowfall, do not forget to keep an eye on the weather forecast when planning your trip. 