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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Europe's highest capital city with no airports or train stations – but welcomes EIGHT MILLION tourists a year
EUROPE's highest capital city sits on the Pyrenees mountains with no airport or train station to access it. Nestled between Spain and France, the capital of the tiny country 5 Europe's highest capital is located 1,023m above sea level Credit: Getty 5 Sant Esteve church in Andorra la Vella is dated back to the 9th century Credit: Getty 5 The Caldea Thermal Center is the largest SPA complex in Southern Europe Credit: Getty Andorra la Vella is located 1,023m above sea level and covers only five square miles but has plenty to offer. Tourists flock to the small city for its stunning scenery, duty free shopping and one of the biggest SPA complexes in Europe. Andorra la Vella can be a perfect day trip destination while you stay in bigger cities in France or Spain. The Andorran capital is a haven for shopaholics with a so-called Shopping Mile lined with department stores and duty-free shopping. read more on travel Avinguda Meritxell offers a shopping scene with one of the lowest VATs across Europe which means luxury goods for cheaper prices. The Caldea Spa, the biggest thermal spa in southern Europe, is the city's other major draw. It was created in 1987 with the use of the area's naturally occurring hot springs. There are hammams, saunas, and different kinds of baths inside, as well as an outdoor lagoon where you can unwind while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains. Most read in News Travel Three hours of access is included in the basic package, which costs €30.50. The city's Old Town is a must-see for anyone hoping to take in some of its charming architecture. The European city with cheap UK flights, famous lagoon spas and summers where the sun never sets Casa de la Vall, a stone mansion constructed in 1580 for a wealthy family and formerly the seat of Andorra's parliament, can be found here. Although Casa de la Vall is currently closed for renovations, visitors can still view the General Council area from 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Meanwhile, history lovers could head to a pre-Romanesque church which dates back to the 9th century. Adventure-seekers would love Andorra's hiking and cycling trails in the mountains, suitable for different ages and skill levels. Summers in Andorra get hot with average temperatures of 24C but winters can get chilly with just 8C in January and February. However, if you'd like to try local cuisine, especially the famous Escudella, it is best to come during Christmas time. Escudella is Andorra's national stew made from seasonal vegetables, meats and local sausages. You can find it in traditional "bordas," which are former storehouses converted into restaurants. But to get to Andorra la Vella, visitors will have to switch multiple transport modes or hire a car. Without airports or railway, the only way to the small capital is through France and Spain . If you're travelling from France, the closest station to Andorra la Vella is Andorre-l'Hospitalet, just seven miles away from the country's border. Those coming from Spain can take a high-speed train from Madrid or A one-way journey from Madrid costs €75.75 and takes 2 hours and 8 minutes. Once you reach these train stations, you can simply grab a taxi to the city centre. Travellers from Barcelona also have an option of taking a coach from Barcelona Sants Coach Station directly to Andorra La Vella. A one-way Flixbus coach costs just £27.41 and takes three hours. 5 Andorra la Vella covers only five square miles which makes it one of the smallest capitals Credit: Getty 5 The city is known for its charming views and scenery Credit: Getty
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Inside Europe's highest capital city with no airports or train stations – but welcomes EIGHT MILLION tourists a year
EUROPE's highest capital city sits on the Pyrenees mountains with no airport or train station to access it. Nestled between Spain and France, the capital of the tiny country Andorra welcomes eight million tourists a year despite lacking transport links. 5 5 5 Andorra la Vella is located 1,023m above sea level and covers only five square miles but has plenty to offer. Tourists flock to the small city for its stunning scenery, duty free shopping and one of the biggest SPA complexes in Europe. Andorra la Vella can be a perfect day trip destination while you stay in bigger cities in France or Spain. The Andorran capital is a haven for shopaholics with a so-called Shopping Mile lined with department stores and duty-free shopping. Avinguda Meritxell offers a shopping scene with one of the lowest VATs across Europe which means luxury goods for cheaper prices. The Caldea Spa, the biggest thermal spa in southern Europe, is the city's other major draw. It was created in 1987 with the use of the area's naturally occurring hot springs. There are hammams, saunas, and different kinds of baths inside, as well as an outdoor lagoon where you can unwind while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains. Three hours of access is included in the basic package, which costs €30.50. The city's Old Town is a must-see for anyone hoping to take in some of its charming architecture. The European city with cheap UK flights, famous lagoon spas and summers where the sun never sets Casa de la Vall, a stone mansion constructed in 1580 for a wealthy family and formerly the seat of Andorra's parliament, can be found here. Although Casa de la Vall is currently closed for renovations, visitors can still view the General Council area from 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Meanwhile, history lovers could head to a pre-Romanesque church which dates back to the 9th century. Adventure-seekers would love Andorra's hiking and cycling trails in the mountains, suitable for different ages and skill levels. Summers in Andorra get hot with average temperatures of 24C but winters can get chilly with just 8C in January and February. However, if you'd like to try local cuisine, especially the famous Escudella, it is best to come during Christmas time. Escudella is Andorra's national stew made from seasonal vegetables, meats and local sausages. You can find it in traditional "bordas," which are former storehouses converted into restaurants. But to get to Andorra la Vella, visitors will have to switch multiple transport modes or hire a car. Without airports or railway, the only way to the small capital is through France and Spain. If you're travelling from France, the closest station to Andorra la Vella is Andorre-l'Hospitalet, just seven miles away from the country's border. Those coming from Spain can take a high-speed train from Madrid or Barcelona to Lleida Pirineus. A one-way journey from Madrid costs €75.75 and takes 2 hours and 8 minutes. Once you reach these train stations, you can simply grab a taxi to the city centre. Travellers from Barcelona also have an option of taking a coach from Barcelona Sants Coach Station directly to Andorra La Vella. A one-way Flixbus coach costs just £27.41 and takes three hours. 5 5
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Tiny EU capital so high it has no airport and is 121 times smaller than London
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.
