Pas de la Casa

Pas de la Casa Earth : Europe : Iberia : Andorra : Pas de la Casa Pas de la Casa in the summer El Pas de la Casa (French: Le Pas de la Case), more commonly known as Pas de la Casa, is the name given to a town, ski resort and mountain pass in Andorra, a small mountainous country in the Pyrenees mountains in Europe. The town is located on the Andorran - French border quite high in the mountains. As a result, the town and the surrounding area has the best snow reliability in Andorra. It is a fantastic ski resort which also has a variety of different bars to visit during the evening. Contents 1 Talk 2 Get around 3 See 4 Do 5 Buy 6 Eat 7 Drink 7.1 Sleep 8 Get out Talk As with the rest of Andorra, the official language is Catalan. However, due to the fact that the town lies on the border with France, and is popular with French tourists, French is widely spoken and understood. Due to the touristic nature of the town, English is also understood, albeit not as widely as Catalan or French. Get around It is served by the local bus (L5) up from Andorra La Vella about 3 times per day. See Do Pas de la Casa is the highest and sunniest resort in Andorra, perched right on the French border within the extensive Grandvalira ski area. Good snow often lasts until the first week of May, and Pas de la Casa is linked to nearby Grau Roig, making this the best resort in Andorra for advanced skiers. Buy Eat Drink There is a good selection of bars in the village and one nightclub. Drink promos are common and alcohol from the SPAR is extremely cheap. Caution: the night life is dominated by men; welcome to Mandorra! Sleep Hotels in Pas de la Casa Hotel Alaska (+ 376) 756 000 Hotel Sporting (+ 376) 755 355 Hotel Cristina ( +376 ) 855 828 Hotel Magic (+ 376) 756 900 Font D'Argent Hotel, ☎ 376 753 753, [1]. edit Llac Negre Hotel, Carrer S Jordi, Pas de la Casa, Andorra, ☎ +376 755025, [2]. edit Holidays in Pas de la Casa Pas de la Casa Pas de la Casa is considered to be one of the highest resorts in Europe, set on the Pyrenees at an astonishing 2000m in northern Andorra. An attractive and lively ski resort, it is well reputed for its first-class ski school, extensive facilities and buzzing après ski. Pas de la Casa attracts a lot of young snowboarders and first time skiers, giving it a fun and vibrant atmosphere. The distinctly French vibe, given its proximity to the boarder, lends itself to the plenty of good shopping and eating opportunities. Ski holidays to Pas de la Casa are perfect for snow bunnies of all persuasions. Activities and attractions in Pas de la Casa Pas de la Casa is popular with skiing novices due to its impressive ski school, reportedly the largest in the Pyrenees. Friendly, English-speaking ski teaches will help you get to grip with the basics and test out your ski legs on the nursery slopes. The huge amount of pistes and trails will provide lots of exciting challenges for intermediate skiers, and there are plenty of hidden gems to test out you pros. The region is also well-loved among young snowboarders for its freestyle areas, parks and courses. Take a little time out from skiing and explore the area. If you’re a shopaholic, then you’ll love Pas de la Casa. Andorra is a tax haven, making duty free shopping a favourite pastime of visitors. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts such as jewellery, as well as electronic and sporting goods. Want to try something new? Head to the impressively extensive Grau Roig activity centre and try your hand at snow shoeing, drive a snow mobile or build in igloo. As for non-snow activities, paintballing and archery are also popular. There are several resorts in Andorra becoming well-known for being a spa resort. With the natural beauty, fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere, it can certainly make for a relaxing break. To indulge a little on your holiday to Pas de la Casa, visit one of the nearby resorts of Soldeu, or the capital Andorra La Vella, for a blissful day of pampering. Nightlife and entertainment in Pas de la Casa Ski holidays to Pas de la Casa promise that all-important fun après ski. It is known as being the party capital of Andorra, and attracts a young crowd for its lively entertainment, choice of bars and clubs and great restaurants. Foodies will love the mix of traditional Andorran food, which tends to have Catalan influences, with the occasional French touch. Pas de la Casa is the perfect skiing holiday for mates wanting to have a great time on the slopes and fun nights in the bar. Look forward to winter this year with an affordable ski break to Andorra, and make a saving when you book your flights and accommodation together with easyJet holidays. Private Airport Transfers Probably the most relaxing start to your holiday, you can have your own taxi, minibus or coach waiting for you when your flight arrives. You don't have to wait around for other people on other flights, and you don't need to worry about driving in Europe or working out the route! We work with Grup Montmantell to provide private transfers from Barcelona, Girona, Reus, Toulouse, Carcasonne & Perpignan. A driver will be waiting for you at the airport when your flight lands ready to take you directly to Pas, and depending on your group size it can work out very cost effective - have a look at the great prices below! Prices are each way, and are per group. The easiest way to book is via the booking bar below, if you have some specific questions or queries then you can also contact us with your requirements. Private Airport Transfers Size of Group Price Per Group (Each Way) Cost Per Person From Up to 4 €329.00 €82.25 5 - 8 €393.00 €49.13 9 - 16 €616.00 €38.50 17 - 34 €722.00 €21.24 35 - 55 €902.00 €16.40 Shared Airport Transfers We work with AndBus (formerly Novatel) airport transfers for those of you looking for shared transfers. Due to driving regulations in Pas de la Casa all transfers pick up and drop off at the bus station. If travelling from Barcelona or Girona you may need to change buses in Andorra la Vella. Journey times are approximate. To book your AndBus airport transfers start by entering your details in the booking bar. The age categories for shared transfers are: Adults: Age 26+ | Youth: 12-25 years receive a 10% discount | Children: 4-11 years are half price | Infants: 0-3 years are free Shared Transfer Prices Barcelona Toulouse Single €49 Single €32 Return €84 Return €53 AndBus Timetable 2017-18 (To/From Pas de la Casa) NOTE: Most transfers run daily, however please check notes below for transfers marked with a star (*). The times below are the scheduled times and may be affected by weather and traffic. Please aim to arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours prior to your flight departure. Airport to Pas de la Casa Barcelona - 4¼ hours Depart BCN T1 Depart BCN T2 Arrive Pas 10:00 10:15 14:15 12:00 12:15 16:15 14:00 14:15 18:15 16:00 16:15 20:15 18:00 18:15 22:15 20:00 20:15 00:15 22:00 * 22:15 * 02:15 * * This transfer runs daily 01/12/2016 to 30/04/2017 Toulouse - 2½ hours Depart TLS Arrive Pas 11:00 13:30 15:30 * 18:00 * 20:00 22:30 * This transfer runs daily 01/12/2016 to 30/04/2017 Pas de la Casa to Airport Barcelona - 4¼ hours Depart Pas Arrive BCN T2 Arrive BCN T1 04:00 08:00 08:15 06:00 10:00 10:15 08:00 12:00 12:15 10:00 14:00 14:15 12:00 16:00 16:15 14:00 18:00 18:15 16:00 * 20:00 * 20:15 * * This transfer runs daily 01/12/2016 to 30/04/2017 Toulouse - 2½ hours Depart Pas Arrive TLS 05:35 08:00 10:35 * 13:00 * 15:35 18:00 * This transfer runs daily 01/12/2016 to 30/04/2017 Car Rental The most flexible option is car hire, so long as you are confident in driving in Europe, plus you'll have a car whilst you're here. The only down side to this is where to park in Pas because there is very limited free parking. Make sure you go over the driving information before you come. When it snows in Pas de la Casa sometimes it may take a while for the roads to get cleared so you should be well prepared with snow tyres and chains. All major airports have a selection of car rental companies that you could use, but if you book car rental it is very important to make sure you let the hire company know that you'll be driving to Andorra because it is across an international border as well as being outside the EU. Don't forget to find out about snow chains and snow tyres, which you will probably have to pay extra for! Last but not least, don't forget to make sure you are going to have enough space in the car for all your baggage plus skis if you are bringing your own. Pas de la Casa Information We offer up to date travel, resort and accommodation information for Pas de la Casa in Grandvalira, Andorra, and aim to save you money too! If you are an independent traveller go to our travel pages for information about flights, plus times for your transfers from Toulouse, Barcelona & Girona to Andorra la Vella. We've also put together some great ski pack offers to save you money on your lift passes, ski hire and tuition. Throughout winter our resort team will bring you a regularly updated snow report direct from the mountain as well as weather forecasts and all the latest resort information.Pas de la Casa is a town in Andorra, a small mountainous country in the Pyrenees mountains in Europe. It is located on the Andorran - French border quite high in the mountains. As a result it has the best snow reliability in Andorra. It is a fantastic ski resort which also has a variety of different bars to visit during the evening. Get around It is served by the local bus (L5) up from Andorra La Vella about 3 times per day. See Do Pas de la Casa is the highest and sunniest resort in Andorra, perched right on the French border within the extensive Grandvalira ski area. Good snow often lasts until the first week of May, and Pas de la Casa is linked to nearby Grau Roig, making this the best resort in Andorra for advanced skiers. The One Minute Guide To... Andorra: Pyrenees, princelings and pristine scenery in a (small) less-explored corner of Europe By Chris Leadbeater Updated: 13:39 BST, 10 May 2010 e-mail View comments In the latest of our occasional series on lesser-spotted destinations ideal for exploration, Chris Leadbeater pays a visit to the small - but undoubtedly intriguing - mountain country of Andorra. What: The Pyrenean principality that ranks as the sixth smallest nation in Europe (and the 16th smallest on the planet) – a lofty nugget of territory that occupies a mere 181 square miles of land. Nevertheless, despite its diminutive size, Andorra has been an independent state since way back in 1278 – an impressive mark of individuality only mildly besmirched by the fact that, by longstanding arrangement, the President of France (and yes, in this current era, that means Monsieur Petit Pantalon himself, Nicolas Sarkozy) is one of the two co-princes in charge. The other, for the obscure record, is the Bishop of Urguell in Catalonia. And you thought the British Parliament was unwieldy. Andorra Peak practice: Although isolated, Andorra offers a wealth of pristine scenery - even outside ski season What’s that? You want to know which five European nations are so small that they are smaller than small Andorra? This isn’t a pub quiz, you know. But all right, if you insist. In order, they are Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein and Malta. Can we move on to the next section now? Where: Trapped between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, just to the right of centre in western Europe’s second most famous mountain range. And while bereft of some of the truly high terrain seen in the Alps, this is still elevated territory. Andorra’s tallest peak is the Coma Pedrosa, a brute of 2942 metres (9652ft). The pinnacle of the Pyrenees – Mt Aneto, which lurks 30 miles west of the Andorran border, in Spain – is less than 500 metres greater in stature, at 3,404 metres (11,168ft). RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 2 Next More One Minute Guide features The One Minute Guide To... Courchevel The One Minute Guide To... Aalborg Share this article Share Why go? Because despite its isolated location, Andorra is a curious – and decidedly distinctive – pocket of European life. Certainly, for all its proximity to France (and President Sarkozy’s token suzerainty), you can find very little Gallic influence in the principality. This indifferent shrug of the shoulder is partly down to physical geography – until recently, thanks to the spine of hard-to-cross, road-unfriendly mountains that bristle on the northern border, it was far trickier to reach Andorra from France than Spain. And so the nation has traditionally looked south to the Iberian peninsula. Its official language is Catalan, and there is a Spanish tinge to everything from its accents to its food. That said, Andorra has an identity of its own – something that was demonstrated by its performance in the First World War. It declared hostilities against Germany at the appointed hour of 1914, but didn’t actually fight. Nor did it officially call off the attack dogs until, erm, 1957 – as it wasn’t part of the warm handshakes and cold drinks that was the Treaty Of Versailles in 1918. Still, these days it is more up to speed with modern life, operating as a tax haven and banking enclave. Details that, while vaguely interesting, are less of note to visitors than the fact that Andorra is also a skiing hotspot. Chairlift, Andorra Up, up and away: Andorra - seen here from the chairlift to Valnord - lacks Alpine beauty, but has real charm Random fact: Andorra’s capital city, Andorra La Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, tipping the scales at 1023 metres (3356ft). And while you wouldn’t describe it as beautiful (or indeed, much of a city. Your back garden is probably bigger) – its dark granite buildings lack the orange roof tops and charm of the average Alpine village – there is still a fair amount of buzz (and traffic) to its narrow streets, busy restaurants and (best of all) duty-free shops. Not least on a Friday and Saturday, when weekenders from Barcelona flock into town seeking to swap sea breezes for crisp mountain air. What is the highest capital city in the world? I thought we said this wasn’t a pub quiz. But OK then, seeing as you asked so very nicely. La Paz in Bolivia. At 3660 metres (11,942ft). Best bit: The majority of visitors come for the winter sports, and it is hard to argue with the idea that this is the main attraction. There are two main ski areas. Vallnord (www.vallnord.com), in the north-east of the country, is divided into three zones (Pal, Arinsal and Arcalis), and specialises in long – if not dramatically challenging – blue and red runs. Grandvalira (www.grandvalira.com), in the west, is split into four main chunks (Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu and El Tarter), and has a little more pep, offering a larger selection of black pistes. That it also has a short dog track for husky-sledding (at El Tarter) adds a spot of flying fur, canine howling and icy speed to its appeal. The dining scene is also a reason to be cheerful, inside and outside the skiing areas. Restaurant Don Denis (www.restaurantdondenis.com) in central Andorra La Vella does upmarket tapas in a softly-lit space where the walls are festooned with smiling photos of famous customers – including what seems to be the entire Barcelona football team, posing with the trophy, after winning the 2009 Champions League last May. Just outside the city, meanwhile, El Bon Raco (www.bonraco.com) sits in a former barn, and still has a pastoral feel amid its wood beams, low ceiling and lengthy wine list. Sunrise, Pyrenees Early special: Sunrise over the Pyrenees is one of the benefits of the transfer from Andorra to Barcelona Downside: Getting there. As with most mountainous corners of the globe, Andorra has no airport of its own, so making it to the wide and winding slopes of Valnord requires a relative element of persistence – and a three-hour road transfer, either from Toulouse or Barcelona (there is little difference between the two choices in time or distance). There is, though, an upside to this downside. The scenery – particularly if you are making an early-bird return journey to Barcelona to catch a morning flight and the sun is yet to rise. Dawn in the Pyrenees is quite the spectacle, with mist rising from mountain lakes and a glow burgeoning over the summits to the east (see the photo above). When to go: Ski season runs between December and mid-April, with the slopes generally quieter during the week – and packed with slaloming Barcelonians at the weekend. But while the pistes have now packed up for the summer, the warmest season of the year is also a good time to investigate this European backwater. The trails daubed across Andorra’s Pyrenean flanks are paths less beaten for those who prefer to spend the hottest months hiking and cycling. Helpfully, the tourist board website lists trekking and mountain-biking routes that take in some of the country’s most distant points. Really keen (or foolhardy) cyclists can also work their way up to Arcalis – a snake of tarmac that hosted the weary conclusion to Stage 7 of last year’s Tour De France. Neilson Active Holidays (0844 8798155, www.neilson.co.uk) offers a range of summer breaks to Andorra. A seven-night half-board package at the four-star Sporthotel Village in Soldeu costs from £346 per person (based on two people sharing), including return flights from London Stansted. How to get there: Although the transfer portion of the journey is no quick hop, there is no shortage of flights to either of the two cities that stand as the best ports of access to Andorra. Barcelona is the best catered for, with Easyjet (0905 8210905, www.easyjet.com) calling in from seven UK airports (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Newcastle, Liverpool and Belfast). Returns from around £55. The same airline also flies to Toulouse from Gatwick and Bristol, returns again starting at the £55 mark. British Airways (0844 4930787, www.ba.com) serves Barcelona from Heathrow and London City (return fares from £114), and Toulouse from Heathrow (from £123 return). Shuttle Direct (0870 7350369, www.shuttledirect.com) is one of the transport companies whose minibuses plod up and down the switchback highway to the principality - with transfers from Barcelona to Andorra La Vella clocking in at around £58 per person each way. Huskies, El Tarter, Andorra A dog's life: The El Tarter section of the Grandvalira ski zone has its own husky-sledding track Stay: The Hotel Princep (00376 806095, www.ahotels.com) is a solid four-star choice in Andorra La Vella. Twin rooms start from around €84 (£74) per night, with breakfast. Further information: The official Andorra tourism website at www.andorra.ad and, if you are already thinking about next winter, its skiing colleague at www.skiandorra.ad.ATTRACTIONS: (a few major) Travelers go to Andorra for skiing, mountain hiking, the spas, shopping and inexpensive electronic merchandise as well as the rich history of the country. There are a few villages, but the one and only city in the country, Andorra la Vella, has over 2,000 shops. Andorra offers some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the Pyrenees. In the winter, this tiny country is well known for the best skiing in the Pyrenees while in the summer, walking or hiking is a favorite activity. The top historical attraction is the Church of St. Stephen. Over nine million tourists visit each year, so obviously, Andorra is a favored destination and visitors are well taken care of by the many hotels and other attractions. It's pretty hard to get lost, as there are only two roads leading to Andorra - one from France and the other from Spain. CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAUS: Andorra Tourism Guide (Andorra Tourism Offices) GENERAL INTEREST: Calling Code: 376 Electricity: 230V, 50Hz Drive on the: Right Times to Travel: Andorra's weather is quite pleasant - warm summers and cool winters. Most of Andorra is snow-covered for five to six months. In spite of its small size, there are marked regional differences in the climate due to its altitude. For summer activities, the best time to visit is May to September. December through April is the prime ski season. TOURISM SITES AND LINKS: Andorran Tourism Portal Catalan Words and Phrases Iron Route La Farga Rossell Center La Massana Guide (Catalan) Open Air Geology Museum "Rocks in the Street" Ordino Municipality Guide Sant Julia de Lorio Guide (Catalan) Ski Andorra Sorteny Valley Natural Park Travel and Country Guide UNESCO Sites Valleys of Comapedrosa Communal Natural Park TOURISM TRANSPORTATION: Interurban Bus Services Novatel Bus Services PASSPORTS - TRAVEL VISAS - WARNINGS: NOTE: Before making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding all applicable health, passport and visa requirements. The people at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions! Andorra Travel Advice and Warnings See Also Where is Andorra? GDP of Andorra What is the Capital of Andorra? About Andorra Biggest Cities In Andorra Biggest Cities In Andorra Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley - UNESCO World Heritage Site In Andorra Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley - UNESCO World Heritage Site In Andorra Fun Facts About Andorra Fun Facts About Andorra What Is The Capital of Andorra? What Is The Capital of Andorra? Curious About Geography? What Is Geography? The Five Themes In Geography What Is Cartography? What is Nationalism? What is a Leap Year? What is Chemical Weathering? What is Martin Luther King Jr. Day? What is a Convergent Boundary? What is Echolocation? What are Igneous Rocks? What Does the National Anthem Mean? 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The idea? BrilliantECOCUT pro Countries of Europe Albania | Andorra | Armenia | Austria | Azerbaijan | Belgium | Belarus | Bosnia-Herzegovina | Bulgaria | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Georgia | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Iceland | Ireland | Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Macedonia | Malta | Moldova | Monaco | Montenegro | Netherlands | Norway | Poland | Portugal | Romania | Russia | San Marino | Serbia | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Turkey | Ukraine | United Kingdom | England | Scotland | Northern Ireland | Wales | Vatican City | Andorra Attractions And Landmarks Guide Long ruled by a strange combination of the French president and the Spanish bishop of Seu d’Urgell, little Andorra – nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain – is now a self-governing principality. While the southern part of Andorra – site of its capital and largest city, Andorra la Vella -- is popular with Spaniards looking to buy duty-free alcohol and other goods, the northern portion is sparsely populated and drop-dead gorgeous, great for skiing, trekking and other outdoor activities. Andorra Tour Reviews 4.4 out of 5 100% recommend 5 Reviews Excellent 2 Great 3 Average 0 Disappointing 0 Terrible 0 Rating Details Value 4.4 Guide 4.6 Activities 4.4 Lodging 4.4 Transportation 4.6 Meals 4.4 Andorra Tour Reviews Write a Review Paul W Least strenuous and authentic Walking In The Andorran Pyrenees 4.0 October 2016 Explore! Recommend: Yes 3rd hike (it was the least strenuous). Also, the lunch stop after rafting was very authentic. Visit to platform on hill above Canillo. Several of the dinners, esp. in rustic place next to hotel. Carl The trip was excellent. Active in the Pyrenees 5.0 September 2015 Intrepid Travel Recommend: Yes The trip was excellent. Sarag I am not a typical package tour Active in the Pyrenees 4.0 September 2015 Intrepid Travel Recommend: Yes I am not a typical package tour person and as a first experience I found this well run and good overall. Kate Great fellow travellers and brilliant guides! Active in the Pyrenees 5.0 September 2015 Intrepid Travel Recommend: Yes Great fellow travellers and brilliant guides! Russell The trip was well organized and ran Active in the Pyrenees 4.0 September 2015 Intrepid Travel Recommend: Yes The trip was well organized and ran pretty much as noted in trip notes. Food was good as was the accommodation. Guides were well-prepared and listened to concerns of the group. Top Andorra Travel Companies Project Expedition Reviews Butterfield & Robinson Reviews Pacific Delight Tours Reviews Discover Corps Reviews Rothschild Safaris Reviews Bravo Indochina Tours Reviews Booking Tours Reviews Fold N’ Visit Reviews Victoria Cruises Reviews Conde Travel Reviews The Outdoor Vibe Reviews Travelove Reviews Trafalgar Reviews G Adventures Reviews Intrepid Travel Reviews Explore! Reviews Exodus Travels Reviews Peregrine Adventures Reviews A Day Trip to Andorra from Barcelona 53 Andorra la Vella The mysterious country Andorra wasn’t on my original itinerary for Europe this summer. From my launch pad in Copenhagen, I planned to head to Athens, then upward into Albania and through the Balkans until I arrived in Belgrade. In fact, I had no flights booked until two weeks before I arrived! But then after learning that my friend Becki wouldn’t be in Athens during my visit, I decided to look around, use Skyscanner to “fly to anywhere” from Copenhagen, and see which cheap destinations popped up. There it was. Barcelona for only $60, then on to Santorini, direct (!), for $70. BOOKED. Now, Barcelona and I have a complicated history — after two trips, I still didn’t really enjoy the city. But with a visit timed for summer sunshine (unlike my previous two rainy visits) and friends in town, this would probably be my best chance to enjoy the city. And all the things I love about Spain: jamón ibérico, cava, late nights, flamenco music played on the guitar. But those weren’t the only reasons. A temptation lay just three hours away, nestled in the Pyrenees. Andorra. An entirely new country. And for a girl on a quest to visit every country in Europe, a pull I couldn’t resist. Andorra A Mountainous Micronation Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe, sandwiched between Spain and France in the Pyrenees. The currency is the euro, though Andorra isn’t part of the EU. Catalan is the official language, though signs everywhere have French, Spanish, and English as well. Andorra’s claims to fame? Excellent skiing and super-low-tax shopping. Report this ad It didn’t take long to figure out that Andorra was a three-hour bus journey each way from Barcelona. Though six hours on a bus was a lot for one day, I could make that work for a solo day trip — I had a slew of books to read on my Kindle Paperwhite! Kate on the bus to Andorra (Little did I know that a month later in Albania, I’d be wishing I had as comfortable a bus ride as I did here! And yes, I did bring multiple pairs of sunglasses on a single day trip…) Report this ad After cresting through valleys, hills, and then the mountains, we entered the tiny country and its tinier capital, Andorra la Vella. I crossed through Central Park (mostly covered with children’s play structures) and headed uphill toward the old town, where I thought I’d find the prettiest buildings and get the best shots. First thing I saw? Andorra’s library. And in front of that library: Andorra Library What? Andorra Library I couldn’t figure out whether these were Buddhas or simply bald men, and even online research didn’t turn anything up — but I was beginning to see what a quirky destination Andorra was. Andorra Church And beautiful. This bell tower dates back to the 12th century, though the rest of the church was built later. Andorra la Vella The streets of Andorra la Vella were fairly standard European, with a faint 70s motif. Andorra Basketball Court And a basketball court with several baskets, featuring — flowerboxes? Well, to each their own. Report this ad Probably the craziest thing? I ordered gazpacho and a salad for lunch from a restaurant on a plazza. The salad came with TUNA AND KIWI. TOGETHER. The kiwi went uneaten. The old town was nice to walk around for a few minutes, but it was very small. You don’t need much time to see it. Andorra Shopping? Meh. “Well, at least there’s shopping,” I muttered to myself as I headed down from the old town to the commercial zone. At least I could stroke a lot of Prada handbags I couldn’t afford. Until I found out that there was no Prada in Andorra. Not even a department store that carried Prada products. It turns out that if you want to buy products from top designers — Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, etc. — it will have to be either fragrances or sunglasses. That’s it. (Regrettably, I somehow have zero photos of the shopping district of Andorra la Vella. Not sure how that happened — I could have sworn I took a few. Probably just snapchatted them.) In some of the shopping areas, second- and third-tier designers are more common. Michael Kors handbags are everywhere (side note: aren’t Michael Kors handbags all over the clearance racks in America lately?). Guess accessories fill the stores. Levi’s jeans, Benetton sweaters, Adidas activewear, and Nike sneakers can be found in lots of different malls. Many of the items were the kind of products you’d expect to see in outlets, not regular stores, only they didn’t seem to be discounted much. Not exactly what I had envisioned. Andorra la Vella I should add that Andorra la Vella is not the only option for shopping in the country. There are several malls in Les Escaldes, just next door to the capital. But I went through their shop listings and it’s more of the same. Report this ad Turns out that Zara was the best place to shop by far. And I like Zara, but I didn’t expect it to be the pinnacle of the Andorran shopping experience. I know how snobby this sounds. Believe me, I don’t turn up my nose at anything that isn’t designer! Have you seen what I wear?! I just figured that a place famous for being a “shopping paradise” would have at least a few designer boutiques where I could ogle the merchandise. Kate in Andorra The Takeaway A day trip to Andorra la Vella? Not worth it unless you’re counting countries. I found the city to be boring; I found the shopping to be subpar. It’s not a micronation thing; Liechtenstein and San Marino have far more to offer within their tiny confines. I don’t regret my day trip to Andorra, but if you’re spending time in Barcelona, you’re much better off doing a day trip elsewhere. I recommend going somewhere in my beloved Costa Brava instead– think Besalù or Tossa de Mar or Girona. These destinations are closer to Barcelona and much more fun. Please don’t think I’m insulting the country. The Andorrans with whom I interacted were polite and friendly, and the surrounding landscape is beautiful. But in terms of day trip potential, Andorra la Vella falls a bit flat. Now, if you wanted to do Andorra right in the warmer months, you would probably be best off renting a car and driving into the countryside. Andorra’s lone UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, and it’s home to really wonderful hiking trails and lakes. Your best option of all? Come to ski in the winter. That’s when Andorra truly shines. PIN IT! A Day Trip to Andorra from Barcelona Essential Info: To get to Andorra from Barcelona, buses leave from Estación de Autobuses de Barcelona (Nord), or the north bus station. The station is across the street from the Arc de Triomf stop on the L1 Metro. I bought my bus tickets online in advance from Alsa. The round-trip journey cost me €53.45 ($59 USD). One-way tickets cost slightly more if you buy them separately. The journey takes three hours and buses run several times each day. If you decided to spend the night in Andorra (which I don’t think is necessary), you can find hotels here. If you’re staying in Barcelona, you can find hotels here. As with any destination, I recommend getting travel insurance before you go. I never travel without it and always use World Nomads. Report this ad Would you travel three hours each way just to see a new country? Posted by Kate McCulley on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 6:00 am Filed under Andorra, Andorra la Vella, Blog, Categories, Destinations, Europe, Featured, Off the Beaten Path · Tagged with andorra, andorra la vella, europe Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active. Thanks for reading! Comments 53 Responses to “A Day Trip to Andorra from Barcelona” Anna says: July 24, 2015 at 6:54 AM Can I just tell you how much I love your pink sunglasses-lipstick-belt combo? LOVE IT! I have been craving a lipstick like (hot-ish pink) that for ages but every incarnation just looks atrocious with my complection. ANYHOOO. It’s too bad that Andorra was disappointing, but I was kind of delighted by the idea of a tuna-kiwi salad. I think I’ve become a bit jaded food-wize, so any kind of weird and unexpected combo gets me really excited! Reply Kate McCulley says: July 30, 2015 at 12:38 PM Thank you so much! Can you believe I’ve gone through my latest pink lip gloss in a freaking MONTH?! Reply Sarah says: July 24, 2015 at 7:15 AM Those statues look like the Silent Poets I saw on a recet visit to Buffalo, NY! http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2015/05/05/silent-poets-are-newest-public-art-sculpture-at.html Sorry it wasn’t the most exciting visit, but looks like it was still beautiful! Reply Katie says: July 24, 2015 at 7:40 AM It seems crazy that there aren’t people in any of these city shots! Looks – and sounds! – like a very quiet place. I’d never heard of Andorra as a shopping destination, but to be fair, I don’t think I know much about it at all besides its location on a map! Reply Sophie says: July 24, 2015 at 7:47 AM The ‘men on pedestals’ are the work of Jaume Plensa, a Catalan artist. If I remember correctly the ones in Andorra are called the 7 poets. You’ll find his sculptures in various cities, e.g. in Yerevan – or on the main square in Nice, where it’s called they light up in different colours at night. Very cool. Reply Kate McCulley says: July 30, 2015 at 12:37 PM Ahh, thank you so much, Sophie! I researched so much and I couldn’t find anything! So cool. Reply Katie @ Domestiphobia says: July 24, 2015 at 8:44 AM Okay so those statues? They also have them outside a building near the train station in downtown Gothenburg, Sweden. Screw UNESCO sites — you need to go on a bald Buddha pole man hunt! Reply Kate McCulley says: July 30, 2015 at 12:37 PM Now that is a new bucket list! Reply Tikva says: July 24, 2015 at 11:58 AM I also did this Andorra in 1 day trip earlier this year (before Tbex) however I didn’t stay in the capital. There are cheap buses going to some mountain towns and it takes only 10-20 minutes to get there. I do agree Andorra was boring but the small mountain town of Ordino was lovely had a great meal and short hike there with a nice mountain scenery. Reply shane says: July 24, 2015 at 12:34 PM Spent a night here on the way to Spain from the UK and it wasn’t that interesting, in fact it was one of the most boring places I’ve ever been, I took my dog a walk around the streets after a long drive and even he seemed bored! Unless you want to buy perfume or strange food combinations there’s not much in Andorra La Vella, I wouldn’t write the country off and would explore other areas if passing through again but I certainly won’t be in a rush to go through Andorra La Vella, It’s a toss up between Vaduz in Liechtenstein and Andorra La Vella for the most bland capital city in Europe. Reply