Inside Europe’s highest capital city with no airports or train stations – but welcomes EIGHT MILLION tourists a year
EUROPE’s highest capital city sits on the Pyrenees mountains with no airport or train station to access it.
Nestled between Spain and France, the capital of the tiny country Andorra welcomes eight million tourists a year despite lacking transport links.
Andorra la Vella is located 1,023m above sea level and covers only five square miles but has plenty to offer.
Tourists flock to the small city for its stunning scenery, duty free shopping and one of the biggest SPA complexes in Europe.
Andorra la Vella can be a perfect day trip destination while you stay in bigger cities in France or Spain.
The Andorran capital is a haven for shopaholics with a so-called Shopping Mile lined with department stores and duty-free shopping.
Avinguda Meritxell offers a shopping scene with one of the lowest VATs across Europe which means luxury goods for cheaper prices.
The Caldea Spa, the biggest thermal spa in southern Europe, is the city’s other major draw.
It was created in 1987 with the use of the area’s naturally occurring hot springs.
There are hammams, saunas, and different kinds of baths inside, as well as an outdoor lagoon where you can unwind while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains.
Three hours of access is included in the basic package, which costs €30.50.
The city’s Old Town is a must-see for anyone hoping to take in some of its charming architecture.
Casa de la Vall, a stone mansion constructed in 1580 for a wealthy family and formerly the seat of Andorra’s parliament, can be found here.
Although Casa de la Vall is currently closed for renovations, visitors can still view the General Council area from 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Meanwhile, history lovers could head to a pre-Romanesque church which dates back to the 9th century.
Adventure-seekers would love Andorra’s hiking and cycling trails in the mountains, suitable for different ages and skill levels.
Summers in Andorra get hot with average temperatures of 24C but winters can get chilly with just 8C in January and February.
However, if you’d like to try local cuisine, especially the famous Escudella, it is best to come during Christmas time.
Escudella is Andorra’s national stew made from seasonal vegetables, meats and local sausages.
You can find it in traditional “bordas,” which are former storehouses converted into restaurants.
But to get to Andorra la Vella, visitors will have to switch multiple transport modes or hire a car.
Without airports or railway, the only way to the small capital is through France and Spain.
If you’re travelling from France, the closest station to Andorra la Vella is Andorre-l’Hospitalet, just seven miles away from the country’s border.
Those coming from Spain can take a high-speed train from Madrid or Barcelona to Lleida Pirineus.
A one-way journey from Madrid costs €75.75 and takes 2 hours and 8 minutes.
Once you reach these train stations, you can simply grab a taxi to the city centre.
Travellers from Barcelona also have an option of taking a coach from Barcelona Sants Coach Station directly to Andorra La Vella.
A one-way Flixbus coach costs just £27.41 and takes three hours.