Andorra, a very tiny country

 

Scenery along the way was quite lovely. Through many small provincial towns with old stone houses and castles dominating the ridges. Unfortunately we were just too tired to explore. We were waved through the Spanish-Andorrean border without even a stop. Andorra is extremely mountainous, with plenty of dramatic vistas of the rugged Pyrenees Mountains. Our apartment was high up on the hill above Sant Julia de Loria with fabulous views.

 

Spent our first day catching up on sleep then sipping on a Spanish Tempranillo with our takeout dinner.

 

Next morning, hopped in the car ready to tour the region’s famous Romanesque churches. Quickly discovered that most of them, and the highly recommended interpretation centre, were closed until July! Checked several of them out anyway, as the exteriors were still quite impressive. Drove up the Valira River Valley to Pal, Encamp, and Canillo. Plenty of long tunnels and narrow, winding roads with incredible views. Andorra was a land of contrasts, built-up super highways and cities on the valley floor then rural, forest routes to tiny ancient villages on the mountainsides. Did a short hike around Llac Engolasters, a reservoir lake near Encamp. Afterwards, stopped for a well deserved coffee at one of its forest cafes.

 

Next day it was time to explore Andorra’s capital, Andorra la Vella. But first a morning mountainous drive to the medieval village of Aubinya. Lots of stone houses, typical of Andorra. Very attractive and quaint, but the village itself was deserted. So off to the capital for a stroll through its old town, Barri Antic. Cobbled streets, small shops and restaurants. The Casa de la Vall, a 16th century building that once housed the Andorrean Parliment – Consell General, was a highlight. Walked down the main shopping avenue, home to high end shops like Gucci and Chanel. Andorra is known for its duty-free status that attracts Spanish and French shoppers in droves. A quick look at the Salvador Dali giant bronze sculpture “Nobility of Time”, it’s down beside the Valira river which flows through the middle of the town. Next, we headed to Andorra’s main attraction (besides its numerous ski hills) the Caldea Spa. It’s a huge hot-spring fed, glassed in complex with multiple pools, a sauna, hot tub, massage rooms, relaxation rooms, and restaurants. Spent three wonderful hours experiencing the waters and had a Tibetan bell relaxation session. Pricey, but the experience was worth it.

 

Back to our apartment for dinner and another lovely bottle of wine.

 

Up early the next morning as it was time to drive back to Barcelona (the next stop on our itinerary), and return the car.