Europe's highest capital has no airport or trains and fits into London 121 times
From London to Lisbon, many of Europe's capital cities are sprawling metropolises, crammed full of stunning architecture and thousands of people.
But one is a little different to the others. Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains lies Andorra la Vella, the capital city of Andorra, which sits between France and Spain.
The stats are remarkable: at 1,023m above sea level it's Europe's highest capital — and it's also one of the smallest. It's covers an area of just 5 sq miles, which means the city could fit into London roughly 121 times (London covers an area of roughly 607 sq miles).
There is no airport and not a single train station in the entire country, let alone in Andorra la Vella itself, but that doesn't stop tourists from flocking to the city, famed for it's duty free shopping and one of the largest spa complexes in Europe.
Lonely Planet said there was a 'sprinkle of charm' to be found here, while on Reddit, visitors have given the place mixed reviews.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Some say Andorra La Vella feels 'odd', with the downtown area 'like a big mall', however, the scenery has been described as 'beautiful', with the city an ideal base to explore hiking and cycling trails in the mountains.
With no airport or railways, you'll have to get a little creative with your journey, flying into France or Spain, and travelling into Andorra from there.
In France, the nearest train station is Andorre-l'Hospitalet, just seven miles away from the Andorran border. The station is easy to get to from bigger French cities, namely Toulouse. A one-way train in May (Friday 31) from Toulouse takes 2 hours, 20 minutes, and costs €27.20.
Lleida Pirineus is the closest Spanish train station to Andorra, served by high-speed trains from Madrid and Barcelona. A one-way train from Madrid on the same date takes 2 hours, 8 minutes, and costs €75.75.
You can then get a taxi from these train stations into the city centre.
Taking a coach from Barcelona Sants Coach Station directly to Andorra La Vella is also a popular choice for travellers. A one-way Flixbus coach, also on Friday 31 May, takes three hours and costs just £27.41.
As such a small city, Andorra Le Vella can be seen in a day, which makes it a great excursion from larger cities in France or Spain.
It is perhaps most famous for its shopping scene. While tax reforms back the 2010s mean it's not the 'haven' it once was, it still has one of the lowest VATs in Europe, and is a hub for huge department stores and duty-free shopping, where you can get luxury goods, like perfumes and liquor, for cheaper prices.
The main street, Avinguda Meritxell, is the start of the so-called Shopping Mile, which is partially pedestrianised, meaning you can easily shop 'til you drop. One visitor said the place was like 'airport duty-free on steroids'.
The other main attraction in the city is the Caldea spa, the largest thermal spa in southern Europe. It was designed back in 1987, using the hot springs that naturally flow in the region.
There's indoor saunas, hammams and various types of baths, as well as an outdoor lagoon, where you can relax in the shadow of the stunning mountain views. The basic package for three hours access starts from €30.50.
For those looking to soak in some charming architecture, the city's Old Town is worth a visit. There's a pre-Romanesque church that dates back to the 9th century, as well as a Casa de la Vall, a stone mansion built in 1580 for a wealthy family, which also once served as the home for Andorra's parliament.
Casa de la Vall is currently closed for works, but the General Council area can still be visited for free on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm.
Finally, Andorra La Vella is a great spot to base yourself if you're heading into the mountains for some adventure.
Visit Andorra's website recommends a whole host of routes, suitable for different ages and skill levels, throughout the entire year.
The best time to head to Andorra La Vella, of course depends on what you're after weather-wise.
High up in the mountains, winters in the city are cold, with average highs of just 8C in January and February. Visitors can also expect snow, with an average annual snowfall in the country of 228cm. More Trending
Summers are short, but warmer, with temperatures in July and August peaking at 24C.
If you're a foodie, you might want to visit the capital over Christmastime, and try Andorra's national dish, Escudella, typically served at this time of year.
The Andorra Tourism Board describes it as 'a Catalan stew made from seasonal vegetables, meats and local sausages'. The best place to try them is in a traditional 'borda', old store houses that have been turned into eateries.
La Borda Estevet is a popular choice in Andorra La Vella, with one reviewer on TripAdvisor saying 'the restaurant is a smash' and giving it a 'ten to everything'. The escudella here is €16.
Here at Metro, we love bringing our readers unusual and hidden-gem alternatives to more popular European city breaks.
For those who love Paris, why not try Tromsø, often dubbed 'Paris of the North'. Don't be fooled by its extreme location — the largest city in northern Norway is surprisingly refined, with plenty to see beyond the Northern Lights.
If you enjoy holidaying in Portugal, but want to venture beyond Lisbon and Porto, head to Bragga, the lesser-visited 'Rome of Portugal', which was once a mainstay of the Roman empire. From ornate architecture to ancient buildings and a thriving culinary scene, the city has everything that Rome does, without the crowds.
And if it's a historical break you're after, Europe's oldest city is in Bulgaria, and dates back to a staggering 6,000 BC.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Unspoiled 'Turkish Maldives' is a paradise island just 40 minutes from the mainland
MORE: Forget the Med — I swapped the sun for a spectacular Scandinavian train ride
MORE: 'Quiet' UK beach with 'crystal clear waters' named country's best coastal hidden gem
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
6 hours ago
- Metro
Peru should be your next travel destination – and not for Machu Picchu
While most of us are familiar with Machu Picchu, the country that lays claim to this wonder of the world has only recently come to the fore of global travel consciousness. Drawn by the ancient Incan citadel, a growing number of travellers are waking up to the wealth of attractions that Peru has to offer. Blending indigenous, Spanish, and international influences, the rich cultural fabric of this South American destination rewards visitors with breathtaking landscapes, wondrous wildlife and fascinating history — plus top-tier hotels and some of the finest cuisine in the region. Here, Metro makes the case for Peru, with six reasons it should be next on your holiday hit list. Kicking off with the obvious big ticket item, this stone fortress is perched some 2,500 metres above sea level, shrouded in clouds, and ringed by a crown of mountain peaks. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Regarded as one of the world's most important archaeological sites, Machu Picchu is UNESCO-protected and was chosen as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' in a worldwide internet poll in 2007. Cut through the queues and get to the heart of it by joining a Mountain Lodges of Peru walking journey to this historic icon. The prestigious locally owned and operated Andean Lodge travel organisation offers a unique route paired with expert guides to facilitate the best possible experience, traversing uncrowded trails and traditional communities before reaching the jaw-dropping ruins themselves. For proximity to these ruins, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is your check-in of choice. Sitting in the shadows of the Lost City, the luxury lodge resembles a quaint Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and only 83 whitewashed suites tucked into the lush cloud forest. The idyllic eco-resort also offers the perfect pre or post-Machu Picchu experience: a traditional Andean sauna. Constructed from bamboo and fresh eucalyptus leaves, hot stones are heated in a fireplace at its centre, over which more eucalyptus leaves are placed. Guests sit in candlelight, inhaling the vapours. Post-sweat, you can jump into the natural spring water pond outside for a refreshing dip. Winning the 'world's leading culinary destination' title for six years running, Peru and its food – a fusion of tradition and exciting ingredients – has exploded onto the world stage. And at the centre of this explosion is the country's capital, Lima. Legitimately a global gourmet hotspot, the 'World's 50 Best Restaurants' guide puts Lima in the same league as New York and London after featuring it more times than any other city. To experience the lauded fare firsthand, book a table at Kjolle. The first solo restaurant from celebrity chef, Pia Leon, who rose to fame as the head chef of Central (named the 'World's Best Restaurant' in 2023) a tasting menu here is truly money well spent if you want a celebration of Peruvian produce and its culinary history. For a double whammy of haute hotel and haute cuisine, base yourself at the prestigious Hotel B. Easily the coolest check-in in town — and Lima's only Relais & Chateaux property — this restored colonial mansion turned 20-suite, boutique hotel is set in the bohemian, artsy district of Barranco. True to its location, the hotel houses a unique art collection with over 300 original installations. Food-wise, the in-house restaurant focuses on native ingredients and local delicacies (including crispy guinea pig). After dinner, head upstairs to the rooftop terrace bar and sink a few pisco sours while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. For a grassroots look at the culinary aspect of the capital, book a spot on Viator's Food & Art: Lima Colours and Flavours Walking Tour. A half-day walking tour through the city's Chorillos and Barranco neighbourhoods takes in top sights and local markets, with pit stops to sample delicious, authentic Peruvian snacks and staple dishes. Situated in southeastern Peru among dramatic Andean panoramas, the culturally rich city of Cusco is one of Peru's most popular destinations. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain town is a medley of ancient Inca temples and monuments, colonial architecture and modern buildings. A destination in itself, it's also a great base for exploring nearby Inca sites such as the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Base yourself at Inkaterra La Casona, a 16th-century, former colonial manor (one of the first Spanish buildings in Cusco) that is now a 5-star hotel located steps from the main square. The 11 suites are set around a Spanish courtyard, replete with antique furniture, pre-Columbian textiles and original murals. Each room features plush touches such as freestanding tubs and heated floors to soothe tired feet after a day of trekking. A small yet perfectly formed spa offers bespoke treatments. Top tip: the 'De-Stress' treatment comes highly recommended. A small dining room and terrace serves a delectable menu showcasing local ingredients, including slow-roasted merlot lamb shanks and Andean trout. For an immersion into Cusco's best street grub, snack and sightsee on a Curious Monkey Food Tour. Locally owned and operated, this small group tour offers a tasty lesson in the culture and traditions of Peru. Over half a day, expert guides connect you with food vendors, from the oldest empanada stand in the city, to a lauded, local Peruvian coffee and chocolate emporium. Come evening, meat-lovers should beeline to Cusco's best steakhouse, Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse where a selection of meats — including 20 hour slow-cooked pork ribs and delicious alpaca — are presented on volcanic hot stone platters and marinated in drool-worthy sauces. While Machu Picchu gets all the hype (and the tourist traffic), there are ways to get off the tourist trail to visit small, relatively unknown Incan temples, that you'll likely have to yourself. Peru is set for a record-breaking tourist year in 2025, and it pays to plan ahead. Viator offers a horseback tour that takes in four temples in the nearby Sacsayhuaman Archeological Park. The half-day guided adventure follows a portion of the Inca Trail and traverses spectacular Andean countryside and temples. You'll learn about religious sites and Andean culture from your guide, and even join in an ancient ritual to experience the mysticism of the Andes yourself. History lessons and cultural encounters aside, exploring near-deserted temples on the back of a horse will make anyone feel like Indian Jones. Machu Picchu is the most visited site in South America and the iconic Inca Trail to its boundaries is, by proxy, heaving with tourists. Annually, millions upon millions flock to the mysterious citadel via the well-worn hiking trail. It's crowded, pricey and hectic. For those who want to experience the dramatic and unspoiled Peruvian Andes without jostling for elbow space, look no further than the Lares trail. Mountain Lodges of Peru offers the ultimate crowd-free multi-day alternative to reaching Machu Picchu on their Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu experience — a journey that takes guests through the ancient history, living culture, and magnificent landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Expert guides tailor your experience from a daily list of activities and cultural exploration options as you wind through remote communities, farms and friendly faces. Next, as the afternoon hits, you will settle into one of the eco-lodges that sit along the route. Here, your luggage awaits you, along with a specially prepared dinner made using fresh ingredients, alongside spacious beds and personal hot tubs with views overlooking the landscape. It's post-hike pampering at its absolute best. For nature lovers, a journey to Peru is not complete without exploring the Amazon. Winding through countless jungles, it is the world's largest rainforest. No river is bigger in volume than the mighty Amazon; its banks are home to some 40,000 plant species (with 16,000 types of trees alone) and over 5,000 animal species. It's this immense biodiversity that makes the Peruvian Amazon an absolute must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. And you don't need to have the prowess of Bear Grylls to do it. Delfin Amazon Cruises offers visitors the chance to sail the waters of the Amazon on three and four-night cruises on its 42-passenger ship, the Delfin III. More Trending If you've always wanted to see this storied jungle, this is the way to do it — with great food, expert naturalist guides, activities such as piranha fishing, and a private cabin where you can rest and refuel. Skiffs carry passengers out on jungle hikes, bird-watching expeditions and even river swimming and kayaking. All the while, guides will help you spot everything from endemic pink river dolphins and piranhas, to sloths and jaguars. No machete or mosquito netting required. MORE: Europe's 'nowhere place' is a quiet Italian gem with flights from £17 MORE: TUI relaunches UK flights to forgotten year-round sunshine destination after 3 years MORE: I tried to do Cannes on £30 a day – a champagne town on a Fanta budget
Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
Europe's ‘nowhere place' is a quiet Italian gem with flights from £17
The town sits on the tip of the Adriatic (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Aperitifs at sundown, quaint streets, and Italian sunshine. No, we're not talking about Florence or Tuscany. Hop across the Adriatic from Venice and you'll find Trieste, a unique border town that you've probably never heard of — but one you're going to want to add to your city break list. While Trieste was once forgotten, hidden away in northern Italy and even described as a 'nowhere place', times have changed. Almost entirely surrounded by Slovenia, Trieste is a melting pot of cultures. The local dialect, according to Lonely Planet is a 'strange melange of Italian, Austrian-German, Croatian and Greek.' Ever since Slovenia's star began to rise, tourism in Trieste has also picked up. There's a thriving food and arts scene, and trendy hotel chain, 25hours, is set to open in the city this year. Sign up to The Getaway newsletter Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. As our favourite review on TripAdvisor says, it's a 'beautiful place both during the day and at night, but it never feels crowded or overrun'. Recently, the FT heaped praise on the city, describing it as 'the comeback kid'. So, if you want to get ahead of the curve, here's everything you need to know about Italy's next big holiday spot. Trieste is influenced by its culturally rich neighbours (Picture: Metro) How to get to Trieste Easily accessible from the UK, Trieste has an airport about 40 minutes outside the city centre. Direct flights run from London Stansted, with one-way Ryanair fares starting from £17 in July (that's based on taking the 7:35am flight on Tuesday, July 8). Best of all, the journey time is two hours. The only downside is that at the moment, direct routes are only operated out of Stansted. You can also fly from Gatwick, but that generally involves stopping in Rome or Krakow. What's the weather like in Trieste? As you'd expect from an Italian city, Trieste has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and colder winters. The best time to visit is during the summer, from June to September. The mercury reaches highs of 30°C in July. Trieste deserves some attention (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61) It's worth keeping in mind that the area often feels the effects of the Bora, a wind that blows from the mountains into the Gulf of Trieste, which on occasion, can get pretty gusty. It's said that locals like the wind because of the intense emotion it sparks; when it's a calm day, they long for it to return. Italians, eh. Where to stay in Trieste Travelling in the shoulder season, in May or October, is a good idea if you want to nab a bargain hotel stay and run into fewer tourists. prices for a 3* hotel, rated 'very good' or above, from £73 per night in September. Things to do in Trieste Any trip to Trieste should start with a wander through the historic centre, which has interesting shops and quaint cafes. This area is also home to the city's top cultural attractions, including the cathedral and the waterfront Piazza Unità d'Italia, which is said to be modelled on Venice's St Mark's. In a way, it might be even more beautiful, and is the largest square overlooking the sea in Europe. Stazione Rogers is an abandoned petrol station that swapped unleaded for aperitifs, and is now a thriving cultural centre. As well as being the perfect place for sundowners overlooking the water (with DJs and live music until 2am) there's also a space for art exhibitions and gigs. The Piazza Unità d'Italia at dusk (Picture: Getty Images) Trieste is proud of its literary heritage; he legendary Irish author James Joyce lived here while writing Ulysses, and you'll spot the plaques signaling his various homes (he was often evicted for refusing to pay rent) across the city. There's a Joyce museum, and the Literature Trieste Museum is also set to open this year. Or, head to a book shop and while away a few hours reading with a coffee. San Marco is a popular spot. For views that stretch across the sea, visit the Faro della Vittoria, a lighthouse which is open to the public (for free). Every October, the Barcolana regatta sees the waters fill up with sailing boats. Tourists should also take a trip to the must-visit fairytale castle, Miramare Castle, which sits atop a rocky cliff. From panoramic views to subterranean marvels, the Grotta Gigante is a vast underground cave about 20 minutes outside of Trieste. One of the chambers, the Grande Caverna, is 98.5m high, and 76.3 m wide. Visitors can take tours all year round. If you have enough time, you can also take a day trip over to Slovenia, and visit Lake Bled, which is less than an hour's drive away. Food and drink in Trieste Don't book a flight to Trieste expecting only to eat pizza and pasta. We know, this is Italy (and of course, you can order it here) but the influences of its surrounding nations have had a big impact on how the Trestines eat. Buffets are a big thing here, a tradition which harks back to when the city was under Austrian rule. Think cured meats, smoked sausages and cheese. It's said you haven't really been to Trieste unless you've indulged at a buffet. Jota is also a popular local dish, essentially a Slovenian soup made with sauerkraut, potatoes, and beans – often with added pancetta. Seafood is also a favourite. You're likely to spot sardine dishes on the menu, but it's always worth asking about the catch of the day. And of course, you can wash your meal down with a grappa – the notorious liqueur which hails from the north of Italy. If alcohol isn't your thing, Trieste is Italy's biggest consumer of coffee (and gets the crown of Italy's 'capital of coffee') with the famous brand, Illy, hailing from the city. But, make sure you know what you're ordering. In Trieste, an espresso is a 'nero' and a cappuccino is a 'cafelatte'. And make sure you ask for it in a glass – locals say it tastes better that way. How expensive is Trieste? According to Budget My Trip, you can expect to spend about £88 per day in Trieste, covering food, drink and activities. Trattoria alla Sorgente, a seafood restaurant popular with locals, lists its price range as around £22 – £44 per person. For the all important buffet, Buffet Da Pepi has been serving hungry customers since 1897. For one person, a mixed charcuterie platter is just €8 (£6.85). Attractions are affordable too. Many are free, and entry to the Miramare Castle, for example, is €12 (£10.30). This article was first published on 22 April 2024 and has been updated. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ Arrow MORE: Major US fast food chain to open in London Heathrow airport – a European first Arrow MORE: TUI relaunches UK flights to forgotten year-round sunshine destination after 3 years Arrow MORE: I tried to do Cannes on £30 a day – a champagne town on a Fanta budget
North Wales Live
11 hours ago
- North Wales Live
I visited laid-back wine bar with a touch of French sophistication
There is something very appealing about simple wooden interiors, which make me want to put down my coat, grab a pew and glug down a refreshing glass of wine. A rustic table and a wine rack, visible from outside, was proving difficult to resist, especially as the sun was shining on a warm Ruthin evening. In the seventies, wine bars emerged as a concept, often seen as a more relaxed and sophisticated alternative to traditional, male-dominated pubs. But what makes a good wine bar now? Well, there's the wine, for starters. Jacques offers a vast selection of classic reds from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Or, you can sip a white wine from the Loire Valley region or swig a fizzy rose from Provence. The bar was absolutely heaving with bottles of the stuff, along with sparkling champagne and a host of different Belgium or European beers. The atmosphere is relaxed; the lights are dim with soft jazz playing in the background. There are paintings of French streets on the wall with peacock art cushions on the pews. We were sat on mis-matched paint splattered chairs, which give off a shabby chic relaxed vibe, and noticed a small roof terrace upstairs, where a few people were chatting and taking advantage of the good weather. Jacques wine bar has gone for Parisian flair with a menu influenced by French classics, which don't really need re-inventing. They include baked Camembert, frog legs or French onion soup for starters or baguettes with various French cheeses for lunch. There are plenty of sharing dishes such as a charcuterie platter, with a selection of cured meats and pâtés, served with homemade chutneys, bread and crackers or a selection of French cheeses. For mains, there are French classics such as beef bourguignon with tender braised beef in red wine with garlic, and puree de pommes de terre or ratatouille with stewed vegetables in a rich tomato sauce served with a warm crusty baguette. We noticed that some customers on the next table ordered the 'Moules Marinières' which was flamed mussels in a bacon butter sauce, with pickled lemon and parsley. They used a crusty bit of their baguette to mop the sauce up and appeared to be really enjoying it. On a Sunday, Jacques offer a variety of roasts served French style, such as a half roast chicken, roast potatoes, seasonal veg, purée de pommes de terre. However, we noticed a deal chalked on a blackboard, which offered their signature Steak Frites with a pint of beer or a glass of wine for just £15. It seemed too good of an offer to turn down. We decided to choose a glass of house white and a glass of house red to go with our Steak Frites. The white wine was tangy and crisp whilst the red wine was fruity and bold. The steak was cooked to our liking 'Medium rare' and was juicy, tender and succulent. The steak knife cut through the pan seared steak like butter and all the juices and flavour sizzled throughout the meat in a perfect haze of rouge. The steak butter was absolutely delicious and we were later told it was a secret recipe, although it seemed to be a combination of bacon, paprika and sage sauce. We were both given a generous portion of French fries and they were crispy and very morish due to a little hint of seasoning. We had a simple mixed lettuce salad on the side of both our plates. We were too happily stuffed for dessert but could see that they offered choices such as lemon tart, served with shortbread and ice cream, salted caramel chocolate pot or cheesecake for around £9. Instead, we sipped our wine and let our food go down as we were in no particular rush to leave. It reminded me of the perfect Parisian evening after a day of sightseeing and winding down with a glass of red. I half expected a man in a stripy t shirt to cycle past the window with some onions over his shoulder. Jacques wine bar has live music at the weekends and also put on a terrific roast. We saw notices for bottomless brunches for £25, which promised cocktails and chaos and a little French mischief for two hours. Yep, this little laid back wine bar has a certain 'Je ne sais quoi' and will leave you feeling full, happy and perhaps a little bit tipsy. The Facts Steak Frites with a glass of wine £15 with a service surcharge of 10% (£3) bringing the total to £33 Atmosphere - Va-Va Voom Car Parking - Limited Street parking or public car park just off St Peter's Square. Service - Confident and laid backed.
