Andorra

Andorra is a tiny dot on the map; an independent Principality dwarfed by France and Spain, most famous for being a tax haven and a popular tourist destination peppered with summer and winter resorts.

Following centuries of struggle between the counts and the bishops of Urgell for the surrounding valleys, Andorra came into being in 1278, when the Spanish bishop of La Seu d'Urgell, and the French House of Foix established co-sovereignty of the area. The French and Spanish continued to tussle over the region and it was only in 1993 that it officially became an independent state, obtaining its first written constitution. With this mixed history, it is no surprise that true Andorrans are a minority in their own country; Spaniards, French and Portuguese make up the majority of the population.

The country occupies 181 square miles (468 sq km) and is mountainous and beautiful, dotted with lakes, forests, and three major rivers. The typical flora and fauna of the Pyrenees region dominates the scenery. Its principal and most populated town is Andorra la Vella with several museums and monuments to explore, including a Miniature Museum, a Perfume museum and an Ethnographic museum. The principal reason, however, for visits to Andorra is for the excellent skiing. The country boasts several major ski resorts, including Grandvalira (formerly called Soldeu/El Tartar) and Vall Nord (formerly Arcalis/Ordino), which cater for all types of skiers.

If skiing is not for you, however, Andorra also offers plenty of hiking opportunities, horse riding, golfing, relaxing in some fine restaurants and cafes, and of course some excellent duty-free shopping.

Grandvalira Grandvalira offers some of the finest beginner and intermediate slopes in the world, as well as some exciting black runs for more experienced skiers to let loose. The new Adventure Activity Centre has made a range of other activities accessible, such as snow-mobiling, dog-sledding, ski bikes, and tubing. Of course the main attraction remains the skiing, and with first-class ski schools, modern and efficient lift systems and reliable snow, this is the perfect choice for a ski holiday for beginners and intermediates. Resorts See our separate guides to the following Grandvalira holiday resorts: Soldeu, Pas de la Casa and Vallnord