Cold February outside and I´m dreaming of the white sands and blue waters. Nevertheless, here in Europe, it´s still gonna be at least 2-3 months till I get to enjoy the beach season. In the meantime, a weekend in the mountains got me energized…
Aside from my Spanish and French friends, the story about this relaxing weekend in Andorra is immediately followed by one simple question “Where is Andorra?” So, what about you? Have you ever heard of Andorra?
Andorra
Andorra is a small country (population: 85,000 people) with a very interesting history. You can find it on the map right in between France and Spain. It is officially governed by two countries and even has two monarchs: the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (Catalonia, Spain). Initially, Andorra belonged to the Count of Urgell(Spain), then to the Kingdom of Navarre and of course, it´s also been a part of France. Nowadays, Andorra is a member of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Nevertheless, both France and Spain still have a strong presence in Andorra and you can hear both languages everywhere.
It is actually fun driving to Andorra. Our hotel was in Seu d’Urgell (Spain), only 10 km from the border of Andorra. So, we found ourselves crossing a border a couple of times per day lol have you ever crossed a border for a dinner? As you´re still within the EU, the customs officers don´t check your papers. However, they do stop random cars when you´re leaving Andorra. Mainly, cause the prices for alcohol, tobacco, electronic devices and some other products are relatively cheaper in Andorra than in the rest of Europe.
Shopping paradise?!
Andorra is often called “a shopping paradise”. It is true – the prices are cheaper than in regular stores across Spain. However, for me, shopping in Andorra doesn´t make sense. It´s so crowded everywhere, while nowadays thanks to the e-commerce you can find almost everything cheaper if you want to. I don´t smoke and drink alcohol – so here can´t really take an advantage of low taxes in Andorra. Moreover, even my Canon camera was cheaper in Hong Kong and my brand new sunglasses cheaper with the holiday season discounts. The only thing I brought from Andorra was cosmetics – creams and perfumes: these were cheaper than in Spain, but again if you add the cost of the trip (car+hotel) it´s obviously not worth it.
Andorra is still a great place to spend a while in between the mountains, especially when you´re a ski lover. I love winter sports and do both ski and snowboard. I liked skiing in Andorra. However, Spanish Baqueira-Beret is still my absolute favorite for the “cold” vacation.
As I´ve already mentioned, our hotel was in Seu d’Urgell and from these pool pictures you could imagine I was dying to spend a relaxing weekend with SPA, nice dining and fresh mountain air. Unlike most of my trips, full of intense sightseeing – this one was mainly relaxing: probably, cause it was not my first time in the area. Therefore, aside from strolling down the streets of Andorra and delicious dining in the nearby villages, the weekend was happily lazy.
-5°C outside and +40 in my jacuzzi
The most delicious thing I´ve had during my trip – poached eggs with potatoes, mushrooms and truffles – simple and yet perfect…
With love💗
Anna
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This post is linked up with The Weekly Postcard 
I have heard of Andorra but couldn’t have told you where it was before your post. The mountains look really love and I would love to hang out in that hot tub! I agree with you not sure it is worth doing shopping there. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks Anisa!
Looks kind of gloomy in Andorra at this time of year. I’d love to visit it, but in a warmer season. #TheWeeklyPostcard
It is a great place for hiking and other nature activities in summer!
Not only have I heard of Andorra and know where it is, but I have been there. It was great fun to visit because it is such a small country but I agree with you – the shopping is overrated and no reason to go. I do admit I am not much of a shopper.
Thanks for stopping by Lyn !
I’ve heard about Andorra before, but haven’t considered going, but anything with a great spa totally has me interested! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Lolo!
yes i’ve heard about Andorra because i have vacationed in Costa Brava and passed Andorra exit several times on my way to north of the Spanish border to the south of France:)
Thanks for your comment Victoria!
I wouldn’t have guessed that Andora is so stunning, Anna! Thanks to your post, it is now on my bucket list!
Thanks for stopping by, Agness!
I’m Spanish, so I think t doesn’t count I know where Andorra is 😛 We have a pending visit to Andorra
If you´re Spanish – you know it for sure 😉 Hope you get to visit soon!
Andorra is one of my last remaining European countries to visit, but sadly shopping isn’t really my thing. The hotel does look good though, so it may be worth the visit to Andorra, even though it’s in Spain. #theweeklypostcard
The landscapes in the Pyrenees, including Andorra, are amazing! So even without shopping, you could do a lot of “walks with nature”!
I am glad someone is writing about Andorra. I would love to vosot one day as it seems amazing! Doesn’t matter about shopping, as I hardly ever go shopping on my holidays, but the spa is something I really miss. I would love to relax just like you did! I wonder if there is any mountain climbing in the mountains? Would you happen to know?
Thanks for your comment, Kreete! There are a lot of awesome hikes in the area, especially great in summer! This map is in Spanish, but you could have the general idea of how many options there are around Andorra http://www.rutaspirineos.org/mapa-rutas-pirineos