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Andorra is a tiny country nestled in the scenic vistas of the Pyrenees mountains squeezed between Spain and France. With an average elevation of 2000 meters, it’s easy to see why Andorra is home to the largest winter sports area in Southern Europe encompassing over 300 km of ski slopes throughout.
The Grandvalira is Andorra’s biggest ski area and covers two of its seven provinces. It was founded in 2003 when the two oldest resorts, Pas de la Casa and Soldeu-El Tarter, joined forces. Over the past twelve years the resort has upgraded the ski-lift network to now move over 100,000 skiers per hour making waiting in lift lines a thing of the past! With slopes for all skill levels, award winning ski and snow boarding schools, amazing après-ski options, it’s perfect for those who enjoy both on and off piste fun! For the true adrenaline junkies can hit the fresh powder off-piste with heli-skiing. And for the kiddos there is even igloo construction and archery activities available.
Not a Skier? No problem!
Obviously the main attraction in this winter wonderland is skiing and snowboarding. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun if you aren’t a skier. Like shopping? Andorra is the low cost shopping capital of the EU. You’ll find clothes, electronics, and alcohols are on average 15%-20% lower than in neighboring Spain and France. Christmas shopping anyone?!?
Enjoy a little pampering session? Andorra La Vella is home to the largest spa in Europe. The Caldeuspa complex is a beautiful feat of futuristic architecture over 80 meters high, making it the tallest building in Andorra. Mineral rich thermal mountain springs feeds the manmade lagoons, geysers, and baths covering 6000m2 over 18 floors. There are indoor / outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, cold rooms, waterbeds, and jacuzzis galore! With floors and areas divided into children allowed and child-free, you’re sure to find the perfect combination of fun and relaxation. Entry prices start at €28.
Take a tour of Casa de la Vall to catch a glimpse of the true Andorra. The tour is only 30 minutes long and best of all it’s free! Walk through the history of the legislative and parliament rooms and check out the beautiful furnishings and great views over the valley.
There are tons of gorgeous hikes throughout Andorra. Explore theMadriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, the only UNESCO site in Andorra.You can also find tubing inGrau Roig. In case you aren’t familiar this involves sliding down snow covered hills in specially made intertubes and is fun for the whole family. You can enjoy the mountainous forests on snow machines, in snow shoes, or even enjoy a mushing experience.
Traveling by car from Javea to Andorra la Vella will take you 567 km and about 6 hours and 15 minutes along the AP-7. It’s a lovely drive up the coast to Tarragona and then heading due north up through the mountains to Andorra La Vella. The tolls and petrol will run about €100 each way more or less. (Petrol costs based on an Audi A4, which is what we drove.)Directions
You can also take thetrainfrom Xeraco to Valencia and then onto Barcelona. From Barcelona there is anAndorra Directbus that runs non-stop from 6:15am to 11:45 pm. The bus takes three hours and all are fitted with reclining seats and flat screens. The fares run €29.50 one-way and €49.50 return.
Andorra Tourist Information -http://visitandorra.com/en/
Google Maps Driving Directions –click here
Grandvalira -http://www.grandvalira.com/en
Renfe Combo Bus / Train tickets -http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/tarifas/combinadotrenbus.html
Andorra Direct bus -http://www.andorradirectbus.es/en/
Caldea Spa -http://www.caldea.com/es
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