Sandwiched between soaring snow-capped mountains, and boasting one of Europe’s biggest thermal spas, this capital city may be small – but certainly packs a powerful punch
You’ll not find any soaring skyscrapers, cramped trains, or bustling airports in this insanely tiny yet charming EU city.
Cradled in a lush valley high in the mountains, just 6.2 miles from the Spanish border, lies the under-appreciated Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra. Renowned for its huge duty-free retail hub and famous spa complex – this minuscule city spans just 4.83 square miles.
To put that into perspective, London covers some 607 square miles – making it a whopping 121 times bigger than Andorra la Vella. But unlike the Big Smoke, Andorra la Vella is situated 1,023m above sea level, and offers sweeping views of the Pyrenees mountain range between France and Spain.
“Andorra la Vella is a friendly-enough city with a sprinkle of charm still to be found in its valley panoramas and tiny cobbled old quarter, the Barri Antic, home to the 16th-century Casa de la Vall,” hail travel experts over at Lonely Planet. “But for most travellers, it’s more of a well-equipped stepping stone towards the snow-dusted ski slopes, high-altitude trails and mountainous majesty of the Andorran Pyrenees.”
With a population of just 20,430, most people visiting Andorra la Vella are tourists wanting to explore the vast Grandvalira ski area and the nearby Vallnord resorts. Skiing in Andorra is often much cheaper than staying in the Alps – making it a great option for those on a budget.
If you’re not confident enough to whizz down snowy mountains, holidaymakers can travel to the nearby region of Les Escaldes to visit Caldea Spa, the largest of its kind in Europe. Here, you’ll find thermal lagoons reaching 34C, Nordic saunas, Turkish steam baths, jacuzzis, and a range of spa treatments on offer. Entry prices range from €30.50 (£25.61) to €46.50 (£39.04).
With no airport, getting to Andorra la Vella can be tricky – but it’s well worth the effort. Many people chose to fly to Barcelona first, which is well connected by several UK airports – including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, and Manchester.
Once in Spain, you’ll need to catch a three-hour bus ride, or hire a car, before arriving in Andorra la Vella. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares to Barcelona for as little as £28 in July. But – if you’re wanting to ski – you’ll need to fly out in the winter months.
There is a range of accommodation types in Andorra la Vella – making it a great destination for both those wanting to splurge – and Brits on a budget. For example, a week’s stay (Tuesday, July 1-8) at the Hotel Màgic Andorra will set you back just £404. This is based on two adults sharing a Double or Twin Room.
However, if you’re looking for a week of luxury – check out the five-star Andorra Park Hotel. A Traditional Suite here will cost a staggering £1,254 on the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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