Andorra sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

The Principality of Andorra was founded 7 centuries ago. Nowadays, Andorra has become a popular destination and its resorts never cease to amaze guests with their diversity, romantic atmosphere, sophistication and luxury. The town of Ordino remains the most visited place in Andorra. This is a famous ski resort that is also home to numerous places of interest. Visits to museums of Ordino will make your vacation more interesting and diverse. The most interesting museums are Casa d'Areny-Plandolit House, the Miniature Museum and the Museum of Orthodox Christian Icons. The resort was founded in 1982 and it took only few decades to turn from a small village into a modern winter sports center. This is an ideal place for everyone who is keen on active rest and enjoys long walks in nature reserves.

Only one place can conquer with unforgettable landscapes of Andorra – the capital of the principality, the city of La Vella. The city is hidden in one of picturesque gorges high in the mountains. Even in winter you will see green sprouts showing among snow banks and glades with flowers. The city is famous for its countless shops and boutiques, entertainment centres and restaurants. The main landmarks of the principality are as well located in La Vella. Tourists traditionally visit the historical district of la Vella, the Barri Antic quarter. The heart of the district is the location of the parliament house known as Casa De La Vall. This is a fancy looking five-story building which dates back to the 16th century. The construction was stopped soon after the start, so it took more than 300 years to finish the building. Besides that, tourists are advised to visit such landmarks as Seth Panis Castle, Santa Coloma Church and Philatelic Museum.

Arinsal snow resort is usually called the “youngest” resort in Andorra. Arinsal is located not far from the capital. This resort will be a perfect choice for tourists who are not so sure in their alpine ski skills as the town is famous for its sports schools and top class easy grade slopes. This is the best choice for families with children as the resort features several large entertainment centers for children including a ski school for kids and various games for youngest guests of the resort. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Andorra is home not only to high class ski resorts, but also to a large balneology resort, Escaldes. The main attraction of Escaldes is a complex with thermal strings. The center of the city is the location of a huge glass cupola. The cupola protects several dozens of swimming pools, so the resort can serve guests all year round. Don’t forget to take an excursion to the national reserves as local waterfalls, picturesque grottoes and mountain streams are totally worth your time. Car fans will find much fun in Encamp as the town is the location of the National Car Museum.

History and Entertainment

The first references to the state system in Andorra date back to the second half of the 8th century. The Principality of Andorra was officially formed in 805. In the first years of its existence, the main problem of the country was constant raids of Arabs. Despite multiple military and political conflicts, the country had maintained the sovereignty for hundreds of years. For many years, the country was closed, which let it preserve unique cultural traditions. Since Andorra has become open for tourists, it is known as a place where unique ski resorts are located.

The largest ski area here is Grandvalira that combines several big resorts with the independent infrastructure. On the territory of the resort area, there are over 100 slopes of different levels suitable for both professional sportsmen and beginners. The resort area is quite crowded. Fans of recreation in a peaceful atmosphere will certainly like the resort of Vallnord.

Fans of sports entertainments should definitely pay their attention to local shops in Andorra. They sell sports equipment for skiing, including sports accessories of elite brands. The whole territory of the country is a center of free trade, so it will be also interesting for tourists loving sport to shop here.

In the shops of Andorra, it is convenient to buy jewels, clothes of world-famous brands, cosmetics, and perfume. Those who want to buy items of the local production should pay their attention to leather clothes and accessories, fans, national costumes and beautiful decorative blades. The favorite entertainment of many travelers is strolling along food stores where they can taste popular national treats. In Andorra, delicious cheese and sausages are produced. There are also several historical chocolate factories in the country.

Adherents of the health tourism will be impressed too, as they can visit a unique thermal center called Caldea. It was built at the site of healing thermal springs. The center is distinguished by the up-to-date equipment. Here, you can spend the whole day in comfort, lie in the sun and relax in the jacuzzi with thermal water in the open air.