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Andorra

Holiday Guides for Europe - Andorra

Andorra's beauty

James Stone reveals the surprising beauty of one of Europe's smallest states

A tiny principality set between the Pyrenees mountains and snuggled in next to the borders of France and Spain, Andorra can easily be missed by tourists, but those that do arrive in the country are in for a treat.

Set in the picturesque mountainous region of the eastern Pyrenees, the country is populated largely by small towns and villages of Romanesque style and many appear to be completely unspoilt and largely unchanged from how they might have appeared a few centuries ago. The country is serviced largely by one long main road, but off the beaten track you can stumble across some incredibly well-preserved pieces of European history, with buildings including homes and churches maintaining a very traditional appearance.

Despite not being particularly well-known by most travellers, Andorra is in fact one of Europe's oldest nations, having been established by the renowned leader Charlemagne as a buffer to keep the Iberian Muslims at bay. Andorra does enjoy a thriving tourist trade, however, which means that visitors to the country will not lack choice when seeking somewhere to stay.

And comfort is also something that the Andorrans do not lack. Although much of the country is old-fashioned, its reliance on the tourist trade means that there are many well-furnished hotels for people to stay at.

As you might expect from a country that relies heavily on bringing in tourists from its neighbouring countries, there is a wide range of cultural events that take place in various parts of the state throughout the year. Among the highlights are May's international festival of clowns and the international singing contest of Montserrat Caballe. During August, there are various popular evening activities, such as cinema and music events, which take place throughout the summer to take advantage of the country's wonderfully warm climate. Skiing remains a top attraction for many people who visit Andorra and the country has several well-furnished ski resorts.

At he heart of the country is its capital, Andorra la Vella, which is little larger than some of the other towns in the country but does boast the ancient seat of the country's government and an impressive church dating from the 12th century.

Many people who travel to Andorra go for the stunning and beautiful scenery on offer throughout the year. Two of the best places to visit for some breathtaking sights are El Sarrat, a hamlet which offers a stunning panoramic view of the mountainous terrain, and the town of Encamp.

Consisting largely of rugged mountains and deep, narrow valleys, Andorra has a similar climate to the likes of the south of France and Spain, but due to its higher altitude enjoys more snow than its neighbours. Therefore, a visit to Andorra during the winter months can be an enchanting experience.