This Tiny Lesser-Known Country In Europe Wants More Tourists To Find It!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’re already aware of the growing anti-tourist sentiment perceived across the pond.

From the restrictive laws governing AirBnB rentals in places like Paris and Rome, to the widespread protests seen in cities like Barcelona and Las Palmas, ‘Go Home!’ picket signs and all, it’s clear now Europeans have had enough of mass tourism. Well, most of them, anyway:

This tiny European country most Americans have yet to visit, wedged between France and Spain, actually wants more visitors, having launched an ambitious campaign all the way back in April to incrase arrivals by 2 and 3%:

Welcome To Andorra, One Of Europe’s Smallest Nations

A small principality covering an area of only 181 square miles, about 261 times smaller than the city of New York, Andorra is one of Europe’s oldest countries.

Its current borders, largely defined by the Pyrenees mountain range, were already established in the year 805 AD, and have not changed significantly since, despite all the European wars, and the rise and fall of nations that ensued.

The population currently stands at 87,000 people, with around half being foreign workers from Spain, Portugal, and France, and though Spanish (and Portuguese and French to a certain degree) are widely spoken, Catalan remains Andorra’s sole official language.

Now that we’ve covered the technicalities—that are fascinating, nonetheless—it’s time we delve deeper into some of the reasons why Andorra should be on your wishlist. As an American, you already got the invite, after all:

Discover The Capital: Andorra La Vella

The capital and main settlement, Andorra La Vella is a historic city lining the scenic Gran Valira, the largest river in the country.

The riverside area is central to the city, with scenic walkways, bridges, and public art displays along its banks. Most notably, La noblesse du temps (or ‘The Nobility of Time’) is a surrealist bronze sculpture by none other than Salvador Dalí sits on the north bank.

Meanwhile, La Vella’s Barri Antic (Catalan for Old Town) is dotted with landmarks, including Casa de la Vall, a 16th century parliament building, and Sant Esteve, a Romanesque church built in stone, known for its peaceful interior.

Luxury Goods Here Are Cheaper!

Andorra has no VAT and very low import duties, so certain consumer goods here tend to be cheaper than in Spain. That’s why Spaniards cross the border all the time to shop in Avinguda Meritxell, La Vella’s main shopping hub.

Smartphones in Andorra cost between 10 and 20% cheaper, while designer fragrances like Chanel and Dior are up to 30% less expensive to buy. When it comes to alcohol and tobacco, you can find it for a whopping 30–60% cheaper.

Needless to say, you’ll want to take your sweet time in browsing the shops at the multi-level Pyrénées Andorra. Andorra’s largest mall, it is clean, modern, and centrally-located, only a few steps away from the café-lined riverside and the Old Town.

A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Most tourists take a day trip to Andorra and hop on a bus back to Barcelona before nightfall without truly experiencing the small country, and all that it has to offer.

Other than shopping, a huge part of Andorra’s appeal is its mountainous nature. Numerous walking and cycling paths traverse the national territory, making it a highly sought-after destination for outdoorsy folks.

A trekker’s paradise in summer and fall, and a skiing hotspot in winter and early spring, the Vallnord Mountain Park offers stunning mountain views and cozy chalet stays.

Over in Coma Pedrosa Natural Park, there are beautiful trails leading up to Andorra’s highest peak, and one of the most prominent peaks in the Pyrenees, Coma Pedrosa.

Though best-experienced in the colder months, when winter activities commence, the glacial Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley remains a natural wonder year-round, and don’t forget Estanys de Tristaina:

Andorra may have no access to the Mediterranean sea, but it has a series of three highland lakes surrounded by dramatic mountains, and on the odd, exceptionally-hot summer day, there will be locals and tourists alike going for short swims here.

Smaller Towns Unspoiled By Tourism

If you’re looking to beat La Vella’s buzzing shopping scene, soak up some culture, and breathe in the crisp mountain air, you’ll want to extend your stay for another day, or two, and visit Andorra’s string of well-preserved medieval villages without virtually any crowds:

Over in Ordino, about a 20 minute drive from the capital, you’ll find deserted cobblestone streets, centuries-old townhouses, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Pal, a short half-hour drive from La Vella, features stone houses, an imposing Romanesque church, built all the way back in the 11th century, and cozy taverns serving Andorran dishes—for the foodies out there, don’t miss out on Borda Can Manel’s hearty escudella stew.

Another 25-30 minutes away, Llorts oozes Andorran mountain charm, with traditional architecture, a picturesque main plaza, and snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Finally, over in Arinsal, 30 minutes driving tops from La Vella’s main residential district, there’s a sleepy alpine village awaiting discovery, with cottage-style stays, at 2560 meters above sea level, and several hiking paths starting straight from the town’s main street.

It’s also one of the least expensive towns to be based in Andorra, with nightly rates starting from $70 for 2 adults at the 3-star Xalet Besolí.

How Affordable Is Andorra?

Speaking of prices, Andorra isn’t exactly the most affordable European destination, especially compared to its southerly neighbor Spain. Blame it on the high GDP per capita, elevated cost of living, and the fact that most Spain-based millionaires use it as a tax haven and holiday escape.

That being said, you can still enjoy it on a moderate budget.

This fall, a double room at the Hotel Pyrénées, in the heart of La Vella’s commercial zone, will set you back $71 for 2 adults, or $35.50 per person.

If you’d rather stay a bit farther away from the action, in a quieter area, Yomo Eureka at Escaldes-Engordamy, less than 10 minutes driving from the city, has rooms from $79 in the fall.

For the cheap eats, add the following to your list:

• Pizzeria Primavera: pizzas and pasta dishes, around $11–$17
• Frankfurt Chester: hot dogs and sandwiches, usually under $11
• Wakatai Nikkei: Peruvian-Japanese fusion, averaging $13–$20 per order
• Blót Andorra: traditional Andorran and Catalan meals, $17–$23

How To Visit Andorra From The United States

Andorra has no international airport to host tourist arrivals. Instead, most border crossings take place at 2 landside entry points:

• La Farga de Moles (on the border with Spain): over 60% of all vehicle entries take place here
• Pas de la Casa (on the border with France): the only official access point into Andorra from France

You can either drive or take local buses to Andorra from nearby Spanish hotspots, like Barcelona (124 miles), Lleida (93 miles), or the French cities of Toulouse (106 miles) and Perpignan (the shortest distance at only 81 miles).

Most tourists will visit Andorra while being based in Barcelona, as it has the best connections and multiple bus departures per day. In that case, the journey takes around 2h45, and prices begin at $39.86 roundtrip with FlixBus.

It is important to note that Andorra is not part of the Schengen Area, and there will be a border crossing (though it is simplified), so make sure you carry your passport with you or you will not be allowed entry.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.