If many of you responded to that title with, ‘huh?’, then you wouldn't be alone. Situated in the Pyrenees Mountains, in between Spain and France, the Principality of Andorra is the sixth smallest country in Europe (so small that some maps miss it out!). The principle industry is tourism (making up almost 80% of GDP) with over 10 million tourists visit each year: so why not make yourself one of them? It's well worth the trip (even if it's just so you can impress everyone with the far, exotic, unheard of land you've visited)!
But why do so many tourists flock to a country the size of a postage stamp? Well, aside from the many resorts, it’s the duty free shopping which is the major draw-card (don’t pretend your ears didn't prick up at the word ‘shopping’).
It’s quite unexpected really, when you think of a tiny country in the middle of the European mountains you picture quaint villages and quiet towns – not so for the capital Andorra la Vella, which is nicknamed the New York of Europe. High street fashion, beer, wine; cigars, watches and anything else you can imagine (fancy chocolates anyone?) are sold (tax-free) along the streets of the city. There are also stunning mountains views, particularly from the enclosed Ferris Wheel (think London Eye style) at the top of High Street.
Some things to keep in mind if you’re planning a visit:
·While the country isn't part of the European Union, the Euro is still the country’s currency.
·Catalan is the official language, however Spanish and French are both widely spoken.
·You will be required to travel through customs, however, from my experience, this is more of a formality than anything else – none of the officials seemed to take anything too seriously.
· BUT with that said, if you've done a bit of shopping customs may be a bit tougher, as there are limits on purchases (as with any duty free shopping)
But why do so many tourists flock to a country the size of a postage stamp? Well, aside from the many resorts, it’s the duty free shopping which is the major draw-card (don’t pretend your ears didn't prick up at the word ‘shopping’).
It’s quite unexpected really, when you think of a tiny country in the middle of the European mountains you picture quaint villages and quiet towns – not so for the capital Andorra la Vella, which is nicknamed the New York of Europe. High street fashion, beer, wine; cigars, watches and anything else you can imagine (fancy chocolates anyone?) are sold (tax-free) along the streets of the city. There are also stunning mountains views, particularly from the enclosed Ferris Wheel (think London Eye style) at the top of High Street.
Some things to keep in mind if you’re planning a visit:
·While the country isn't part of the European Union, the Euro is still the country’s currency.
·Catalan is the official language, however Spanish and French are both widely spoken.
·You will be required to travel through customs, however, from my experience, this is more of a formality than anything else – none of the officials seemed to take anything too seriously.
· BUT with that said, if you've done a bit of shopping customs may be a bit tougher, as there are limits on purchases (as with any duty free shopping)