Andorra ‘a swell place’

As a longtime philatelist, I choose many of my travel destinations based on my fascination with the postage stamps from those places. Postage-stamp-size Andorra finally bubbled up to the top of my priority list.

The trip to Andorra my wife, Carol, and I took in June ’13 was a delight worth sharing. Despite Andorra’s remoteness, getting there was easy. Novatel Andorra By Bus (Andorra la Vella, Andorra; phone +376 803 789, fax +376 867 884) operates buses between the Barcelona, Spain, airport and the capital of Andorra several times daily. 

Novatel’s fare for the 3¼-hour trip was €32 (near $43) weekdays or €22 ($29) on certain weekend days. Reservations were recommended, but there were a few vacant seats on our bus both going and coming, and drivers sold tickets. (At least two other companies operate buses between the Barcelona airport and Andorra.)

The route through the foothills of the Pyrenees was smooth and uneventful, with gorgeous views of the verdant countryside. Crossing into Andorra required only obeying a stop sign at the border, with no checking of passports or other formalities. 

Novatel delivered us to the door of the Holiday Inn (Prat de la Creu 88, Andorra la Vella, Andorra; phone 37 6 874444 or, in the US, 800/315-2621), where the hotel staff were efficient and helpful and our room was huge and immaculate.

We paid €97 ($129) per night, breakfast not included. Prices are much higher during ski season. (During ski season, rates start at €130 per night.) 

Andorra la Vella, a city of about 22,000 people, is built into the steep sides of a narrow valley. Near our hotel, the tourism information office provided maps, guidebooks and recommendations. Many dining options were available, but, as in most of Europe, not much happens until at least 8 p.m.

Catalan is the official language of Andorra, with French and Spanish being universally spoken and German and English somewhat less prevalent. Menus and tourist brochures were often in multiple languages. 

Popular activities of hiking, biking, skiing and climbing are seasonal. Many of the museums and attractions are three to six miles outside of Andorra la Vella but can be reached by public bus or taxi. Reservations are recommended for the public bus and can be made at the tourism office. A car would be even more convenient. 

All in all, Andorra was a swell place to visit and it’s definitely on our list for a return, since our two days were insufficient and some of the attractions were not open until July due to the cool evening temperatures. 

HARRY WINDLAND

Glen Carbon, IL