Andorra - This is a European state, which in terms of space can be compared with a small city. The population of this dwarf country is only 84,129 people, of whom 45% are Spaniards, 31% are Andorran, the rest are French, Portuguese and other diasporas.
Andorra has a mainland location without access to the seas or oceans. It is located between Spain and France, in the Eastern Pyrenees. Translated from the Basque language, the name of the state means "wasteland".
Andorra is a principality that is developing dynamically today. The impetus for the economic surge was a powerful upsurge in the tourism business.
Andorra is not part of the Eurozone, but Euro is the state currency.
Since about 100 Jews live in Andorra, in the recent past, the first synagogue was opened here. Judaism exists along with other religions, the dominant of which is Catholicism (99%).
The official language is Catalan, in addition to which Spanish and French are also used.
Andorra - the capital and major cities
The capital of this state is the city of Andorra la Vella, which means "old Andorra". It is the largest metropolis in which a significant part of the entire population of Andorra (24 574 people) lives. The city was founded in the 9th century. Due to its geographical location, Andorra la Vella is the highest mountain capital in Europe.
The population of the capital is involved in the main activities - tourism, trade and banking.
The main attractions of the city are the residence of the Government, the Church of Saint Armengole and the building of the Casa de los Valle.
In addition to the center of the state, tourists are interested in visiting other cities of the principality - Grandvalira, Ordino - Arkalis, Pal - Arinsal, Soldeu - El Tarter, Vallnord, Caldea.
Andorra - holidays and tours
Andorra attracts tourists from all over the world with its magnificent ski resorts. The skiing and snowboarding season is very long, so the flow of guests who prefer this type of recreation does not stop for six months. Pas de la Casa is the country's oldest resort ski area.
Tourists in resort towns have all the conditions for outdoor activities: well-equipped slopes and lifts allow sports not only for professionals, but also for beginner skiers.
In addition, all resort towns have a well-developed infrastructure. The abundance of hotels, shops and restaurants will not allow lacking in anything.
When the winter season is closed, vacationers will go to Andorra, keen on hiking, climbing and horseback riding. Excursion trips are available all year round.
Andorra - attractions
The National Automobile Museum in Encamp is one of Andorra's most notable attractions. It contains exhibits (cars, motorcycles) of different years of release, starting in 1898.
Of great interest to tourists is the Museum of microminiatures in Ordino. The products of the minimalist master Nikolai Syadristy are exhibited here. All exhibits are available for viewing only under a microscope, which is an indisputable indicator of the high level of skill of the artist, who uses gold, platinum, as well as paper and plant grains as the main materials.
A real surprise for Slavic tourists is the Museum of Russian Nesting Dolls in Escaldes. In addition to the exhibition of dolls, the organizers released a film telling about the history and methods of making these original toys.
Andorra - weather
The Mediterranean determines the climate in Andorra. Due to the influence of warm air masses and the impossibility of cold penetration from the north (the country is surrounded by mountain peaks) it is always moderately warm or moderately cool, depending on the season. In summer, the air temperature warms up to +22 degrees. In winter, daytime temperatures can reach +10 degrees, at night - up to -3.
Andorra has a lot of rain in spring and autumn in the form of rains. In winter, snowfalls quite often occur. On average, up to 1000 mm of precipitation falls annually.
For skiing, the best time is from December to mid-spring.
Weather in Andorra now:
Andorra - cuisine
Andorra mixes not only languages, cultures, but also cuisine. It is a kind of synthesis of the traditions of France and Spain with the introduction of its own Andorran zest.
All restaurants in Andorra offer dishes of different directions, so any tourist will probably choose for himself something suitable. The kitchen is particularly cozy and warm, all dishes, even of European style, are cooked at home, simply and tasty.
Especially popular dishes from several varieties of meat (assorted). They are cooked on the grill under pressure, over an open fire.
The famous rabbit with tomato sauce is also often ordered at local establishments. A special dish, which is a delicacy for many residents of the mainland areas, is the “mariscade” - a mixture of several types of shellfish, which are also baked on the grill.
Bacon, sausages and other meat products form the basis of any menu in this small but very hospitable country, so lovers of a good and dense meal will surely become fans of local cuisine.
Andorra - interesting facts
An interesting fact is that in this miniature state there are so many supermarkets and shops per capita that any European can envy the assortment. But the main advantage of local retail outlets is cheap goods. Such a policy is possible due to duty-free trade, which dates back to those dashing times when goods were brought in and distributed exclusively through smuggling.
Incidentally, laden with a bag of all kinds of stuff is still quite a respected figure in Andorra, and no one considers him a criminal. On the contrary, he provides the people of his country with the necessary things, respectively, he is a national hero.
Andorra - visa application
The principality does not have its own airport, but borders with Spain and France are open. It is from these countries that the entry into Andorra is carried out.
To do this, you need a visa, which is issued to enter any Schengen state. You can get the right to enter the Spanish Embassy in Russia.
The following documents must be submitted:
• International passport. Its validity period must be no less than +4.5 months from the date of return from Andorra,
• Application form
• 4 photos,
• Original document - an invitation to the country (business, guest or tourist),
• Certificate on the purchase of foreign currency in the amount of 50 euros per day of stay abroad.
• Photocopies of documents.
An alternative to obtaining a Schengen visa is the national visa of France or Spain.
Andorra - embassy
The Embassy of Spain, representing the interests of Andorra, is located in Moscow at the address: Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, 50/8.
Tel: (495) 202-26-57, 916-54-00, 202-21-80, 291-91-71.
Map of Andorra
