Travel guide to Andorra, Principality of

The tiny republic of Andorra, located right in the heart of the Pyrenees, is rich in both charm and potential experience for the traveler. Environmental exploration such as mountain hikes and skiing vie with metropolitan shopping opportunities: the range of options attracts countless tourists every year.

You can visit Andorra during both summer and winter. In the summer the temperature seldom rises above 20 degrees celsius - which makes the climate perfect for long hikes in the surrounding mountain areas. Winter temperatures are around freezing-point - giving the opportunity for all kinds of winter sports. The hotels in Andorra are normally fully booked during July and August, and again from December to March.

Europe on a shoestring

Euro (EUR)

Andorras internet cafés are situated in the capital Andorra la Vella.

For emergency calls in Andorra call the following number: Fire (118) Ambulance (118) Police (110) Mountain Rescue (112)

Waiters and porters generally expect a ten per cent tip.

When it is 12 noon in London, it is 12 noon in Andorra.

In Andorra they use the following weights and measures: Weight: kilo Distance: the metric system

Show common courtesy and always ask before photographing.

The tap water in Andorra is drinkable, but it is advisable to buy your drinking water.

In Andorra they use the following power source: 125V/220V AC, 50HZ

As in most Roman-Catholic countries you should show respect in churches, monasteries and other religious places by avoiding the wearing of shorts and miniskirts and by covering bare shoulders.

The big stores are open from 9 am to 8 pm (Monday-Friday), from 9 am to 9 pm (Saturdays) and from 9 am to 7 pm (Sundays). Other stores are open from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm (Monday-Saturday), from 9 am to 1pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm (Sundays).

Besides cheese, milk, goat's meat and pork the Andorran kitchen consists of game and trout. The country's traditional meals are very much characterized by its isolated position and limited access to primary produce. The local menu includes several stews and ragouts, but pork chops and trout have also made their way onto Andorran dining tables. Moreover, as in Spain, tapas are recommended - a range of small local dishes served either as a snack in itself or as a filler between meals.

New Years Day, 1 January Epiphany, 6 January Constitution Day, 14 March Labour Day, 1 May St Johns Day, 24 June Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, 15 August National Day - Mare de Deu de Meritxell, 8 September All Saints Day, 1 November St Charles Day, 4 November Immaculate Conception, 8 December Christmas Eve, 24 December Christmas Day, 25 December 2nd Day of Christmas, 26 December New Years Eve, 31 December

Andorra has 25 well-marked camping sites - of which the main ones are situated near towns (useful also for caravans).

Despite its size Andorra boasts a total of 350 hotels. Most of them are open only during summer and the skiing season, but a few hotels are open all year.

Andorra's charming little mountain inns offer cheap accommodation for the night, but usually with no more than the most basic comforts.

There is no airport in Andorra, but a series of helicopter operators make it possible to travel by air.

Andorra has a comprehensive bus transport system which connects most towns in the country. And in winter there are shuttle buses to the many ski resorts from the nearest villages.

There are taxi companies in Andorra's cities.

It is possible to rent a car in Andorra la Vella.