Press Book

Transcription

Press Book

CONTENTS
The land of the Pyrenees
The biggest small state in Europe
A country with its own political and legal system
Living in the highest country in Europe
The government’s commitment to diversifying the Andorran economy
Preserving the environment and natural heritage
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4
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The tourist market
More than 10 million visitors a year
Staying in Andorra
Quality tourism and infrastructures
The creation of Andorra Turisme
Revitalising tourism and the retail trade
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11
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A great deal to discover
The land of snow
Adventure and multi-activities in the great outdoors
More than 2,000 shops
A thousand years of culture
Total wellbeing in the water
Staying in shape
Andorran cuisine
Nightlife
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Conventions and conferences
The perfect place for corporate events
Other spaces and specialized companies
Hotels for incentives trips
Special seals of business, meetings, and conferences
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Not to be missed
Vall del Madriu, UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Iron Route
The Rural Habitat Route
Pitch & Putt Golf and multi-activity circuits in the Pyrenees
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Promoting Tourism
Overseas promotion campaigns
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A whole country in a click: www.andorra.ad
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The land of the Pyrenees – some figures
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(*) Maps, photographs, tourist offices abroad, and calendar of events
on the enclosed Andorra CD-ROM.
Ministry of Tourism, Department of Tourism www.andorra.ad
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Situated between France (Ariège, Eastern Pyrenees) and Spain (Catalonia)
The biggest small state in Europe
With an area of 468 km², the Principality of Andorra is the biggest of the small
European nations. Andorra’s border with France is 37 km long, and with Spain 64
km. The craggy, mountainous relief of Andorra is made up of 65 peaks of more than
2,000 m high enclosing two valleys varying between 2,942 m, the highest point above
sea level of the peak of Comapedrosa, and 838m, corresponding to the lowest point
of the border with Catalonia.
Landscapes of Quaternary origin
The Quaternary origin that characterizes the
Andorran orography is highlighted in its “Y” shaped
lakes and rivers. It is this layout that has defined the
main directions of the country’s rivers over time: the
Valira del Nord, the Valira d’Orient, the Valira and
the Madriu, joined by many tributaries, where the
Principality of Andorra’s largest towns are located.
The Valira del Nord and the Valira d’Orient form the
famous Gran Valira River at Escaldes-Engordany.
The lakes in the Andorran landscape are also worthy of note. Most of these lakes are small
and round, and are to be found in the basin of the Valira d’Orient and in smaller numbers in
the Valira del Nord basin. The biggest lake is the Juclar, totalling 29 hectares, but many
other lakes are also well known, including Tristaina, Pessons, L’Illa, Gargantillar, L’Estanyó
and Cabana Sorda.
Mountain flora and fauna
Andorra is a land of abundant flora and fauna with more than 1,150 species. The flora on
the sunny slopes and lower altitudes contrast with those of the pastures, meadows and
cultivated fields. The poet’s narcissus (Narcissus poeticus) is the symbolic flower of
Andorra, which flourishes among the red pines, oaks, birches, rhododendrons, hazels and
firs. The great forests of black pine and fir of the subalpine level are the precursors of the
Alpine meadows, scrubland and screes of the Andorran Alpine level.
The chamois, along with the river trout, is the most representative species of Andorran
fauna and also one of the best known in the Pyrenees. It lives among the mountain peaks
alongside the white partridge, the mole, the pine-marten and many birds of prey.
Penetrating the woods of the Principality, we find squirrels, wild boar, woodpeckers and
capercaillie, while lower down we find the habitat of foxes, hoopoes, partridges, robins and
dippers, rabbits, hares and many other types of typical mountain fauna.
Cold winters and mild summers
With twelve months of sunshine and average temperatures varying between a minimum of
–2ºC and a maximum of 24ºC, this high mountain area is cold in winter (4.7º in December)
and mild in summer (19.1º in August). The rainfall in the Principality of Andorra is usually
around 1,003.6 mm a year, mainly falling in autumn, while in winter this falls in the form of
snow.
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Andorran institutions have their origins in the Pareatges of the 13th century
A country with its own political and legal system
Andorra is the only country in the world with a political system based on co-princes,
or in other words, the only one with two Heads of State. In spite of its long history –
according to legend Andorra was founded by Charlemagne in 805 out of gratitude for
the help its people had given in the fight against the Saracens – its Constitution is
recent, written in 1993 when the Principality became an independent State with its
own laws, democracy and social system. It is divided for administrative purposes
into seven parishes or Comuns (councils): Canillo, Encamp, Ordino, La Massana,
Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià de Lòria, and Escaldes-Engordany.
From the first document to universal suffrage
The first written reference to Andorra dates from 843 A.D. when
the Frank emperor Charles the Bald ceded the valley of
Andorra, among other towns and territories, to Sunifred, count
of Urgell. The power of the bishops of Urgell extended across
Andorra until the Principality became ecclesiastical territory in
1133.
Until 1278, the year when the Pareatges, or feudal agreements,
were signed between the co-sovereigns Count of Foix, Roger
Bernat III and the Bishop of Urgell, Pere d’Urg, there were
many confrontations between the Church of Urgell and the
Counts of Foix over the sovereignty of Andorra. In 1933, the
present parliament, the Consell General, established male universal suffrage and in 1970
granted voting rights to women.
The Government of Andorra
The 15th January 1981 is an important date in the history of the country, as the Executive
Council, or in other words the Government of Andorra, was formed at the request of the
people of Andorra. This was the beginning of a whole process of reforms culminating in the
adoption of the first written Constitution of 14th March 1993 and enjoying the support of
74% of Andorrans.
The Government directs the Principality’s national and international policy and the State
administration, exercises regulatory powers and prepares the annual budget, which is
submitted for voting to the Consell General. At present, it is formed by the Head of
Government –who cannot hold office for more than two consecutive complete terms and
who is elected by Parliament– and the following ministries: The Prime Minister’s Office and
Finance, Urban and Territorial Planning; Foreign Affairs, Culture and Cooperation; Finance;
Justice and Interior; Health, Social Welfare and Family; the Economy; Education and
Occupational Training; Tourism & Environment; Housing, Higher Education and Research;
Sports, Youth and Volunteering; Agriculture and Natural Heritage.
Institutional reform
The institutional structure of Andorra has its origin in the Pareatges of the 13th century and
is the outcome of the historic evolution of the country. In this context, and according to the
Andorran Constitution, Andorra is a State with two co-princes who are equal, personal and
exclusive – the Bishop of Urgell, at present Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, and the President of
the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy.
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The co-princes, who are joint and several heads of State, are arbitrators and moderators of
the public powers and exercise their office with the counter signature of the Head of
Government or the Síndic. They can also call general elections, give accreditation to
diplomatic representatives, sanction ad promulgate laws and declare State consent to
obligations by means of international treaties and in accordance with the Constitution.
The Consell General
The Consell General (Parliament) goes back to the year 1419, when the Consell de la
Terra was created. It was formed by 28 general parliamentarians elected from a parish
(administrative district) and national lists by universal, free, equal, direct and secret
suffrage, for a period of four years. The governing body of the Consell General is the
Sindicatura formed by a Síndic and a Subsíndic, who cannot hold office for two consecutive
periods.
With powers to exercise the legislative power, approve the State budget and promote and
control the political action of the Government, the Consell General meets in traditional
ordinary and extraordinary sessions and operates both in plenary sessions and
committees. For agreements to be valid, a minimum of half the members must be present.
At present, the Consell General is made up of the following parliamentary groups: Liberals,
Social Democrats, and Andorran Democratic Center (CDA) + Segle 21.
Further information: www.consellgeneral.ad
The Andorran Judicial System
Jurisdictional power is exercised in all matters in the first instance by the office of the Batlle
of Andorra, either as a one-man court (judges) or in collegiate form (Tribunal de Battles),
except in criminal matters where major crimes are judged by the Tribunal de Corts.
The second jurisdictional proceedings consist of the Higher Court of Justice, which is
competent to judge all appeals brought against judicial decisions adopted in the first
instance. As the highest interpreter of the Constitution, the Andorran Constitutional Court,
consisting of four Magistrates, acts jurisdictionally, and its sentences are binding upon the
public authorities and individuals.
The Comuns
The Principality of Andorra consists of seven parishes headed by comuns (administrative
districts), as follows: Canillo, Encamp, Ordino, La Massana, Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià de
Lòria, and Escaldes-Engordany.
Membership of the UN and other international organisations
On 28th July 1993, Andorra became the 184th member of the UN, confirming the
international recognition of the country. The Principality was confirmed as a legal,
democratic and welfare State. It joined the World Tourism Organisation in 1996 and is also
a member of other international organisations.
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Living in the highest country in Europe
In just one year, Andorra has gone from having 78,549 inhabitants in 2005 to 81,222
in 2006, a 3.4% increase in the population. This is a surprising figure when we bear
in mind that the urbanised and cultivated area of Andorra represents between 8 and
9% of the whole country. The remainder is made up of woods, lakes, rivers,
mountains and meadows. Most of the population lives in the capital, Andorra la Vella
(24,211 inhabitants), and Escaldes-Engordany (16,391 inhabitants); these urban
centres, along with Pas de la Casa, are the country’s major business and trading
centres.
The causes of the increase in population in Andorra can be explained by the increase in the
birth rate between 1990 and 2000 and immigration since the second half of the 20th
century. The latter has meant a considerable diversification of the make-up of society in
Andorra, which at present has an average age of between 36 and 40. In order to obtain
Andorran nationality, one has to marry a person who was born in Andorra or be able to
prove that one has lived in the country for at least 20 years.
Population and Social Security
At present, 64% of the population are foreigners, compared to 36% Andorrans. The
foreigners include 53.5% Spanish, 24.7% Portuguese, 9.9% French and 11.9% of 87 other
nationalities. The increased number of residents has affected neighbouring towns such as
Encamp (13,685 inhabitants shared between Encamp and Pas de la Casa), Sant Julià de
Lòria (9,448 inhabitants) and La Massana (8,953 inhabitants).
The Caixa Andorrana Seguretat Social (CASS) is the body which runs the Andorran social
security system. It was created by the Consell General in 1966 and came into force in April
1968. The system consists of two branches – illness and old age. The former covers health
care expenses, unemployment benefits, sickness benefits and death expenses, and the
latter deals with pensions for widows, orphans and the elderly.
School and university education in Andorra
The creation of the Andorran School in 1982 marks a before and after in the Andorran
educational system. This educational system is promoted by the Government to develop
and enrich the specific cultural elements of Andorran society. Previously, only the Spanish
and French education systems existed side-by-side. These days, there are three education
systems: Andorran (3,612 pupils), Spanish (3,541 pupils) and French (3,636 pupils).
In terms of university studies in Andorra, these are taught by the University School of
Nursing and the School of Computer Science in 1988. At present, university studies in the
Principality have increased by means of agreements with distance universities and the
Internet, offering varied university training for a total of 1,173 students.
More information:
University of Andorra: www.uda.ad and the Andorran national education network:
www.xena.ad
The language and official currency
Catalan is the official language of the country. The diversity of nationalities of the residents
has meant that Spanish, French and Portuguese, in that order, are also used in Andorra.
With regard to currency, the Euro has succeeded the Spanish Peseta and the French
Franc, which co-existed in the country until the single European currency came into force.
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The government’s commitment to diversifying
the Andorran economy
Trade, tourism and finance are the driving forces behind the economy of Andorra
and the sectors generating the greatest number of jobs (52.63%). The annual rate of
inflation is 3.20%; the minimum monthly wage is €864.93, the average salary
€1,722.40, and there is no unemployment. The Government’s strategy aims at
diversifying the economy and assisting in the setting up of small and medium-sized
specialist businesses.
After the development of tourism in the ‘60s, Andorra
experienced accelerated growth in the economy as well as
the per capita income in the country. The tertiary, or
service, sector replaced agriculture and livestock rearing,
which now occupies 0.33% of the population. In spite of the
country’s high employment rate, the Department of
Employment was set up in 2002 to coordinate the existing
supply with the demands of the employment market.
In term of strategies, the Government is developing innovative plans to strengthen the
economy, such as diversifying resources by setting up small and medium-sized specialist
businesses. An example of this planning is the creation of businesses dedicated to luxury
products (jewellery, fashion, perfumes, etc). The lower tax on consumer products makes
Andorra a highly attractive trading country. Foreign participation in Andorran businesses is
restricted to 33% unless they are in the public or social interest (100% of the capital).
The annual rate of inflation in 2004 was 3.35%, and the underlying inflation was below the
IPC (2.79%). The transport sector made a high contribution (3.90%), followed by housing at
3.73% and food, drink and tobacco (3.73%). Leisure, entertainment and culture (-0.67%)
followed by footwear (-1.53%) and miscellaneous goods and services (-0.26%) were the
only areas suffering a downturn. On the other hand, in recent years the IPC – established
for the time in 1998 – was around 3%.
The Bureau for Business Innovation
The Bureau for Business Innovation (OIE), which reports directly to the Head of
Government, has as its mission the diversification and modernisation of the Principality, as
well as the positioning of its international profile in the economic arena. To achieve these
goals, they organise economic promotional activities such as the Innovators Awards
(www.innovadors.ad), whose aim is to encourage the creation of innovative enterprises and
the development of existing ones. The OIE also organises The Future of Europe Summit
(www.europesummit.org), an international economic forum which each year deals with an
issue key to European development. The second such summit is being held on 29 and 30
November 2007 in Andorra. Additionally, the OIE provides a range of ad hoc services to
assist those entrepreneurs and enterprises wishing to implement business projects in
Andorra. For further details, contact www.oie.ad.
Annual inflation rate and the emergence of the tertiary sector
The annual rate of inflation in 2006 was 3.20%, and underlying inflation was above the
Consumer Prices Index (3.62%). The sectors which made a higher contribution in
comparison with the previous year were hotels and restaurants (+7.23%), food (+2,74%),
health (+3,32%), furniture and household services (+2.08%) miscellaneous goods and
services (+2.79%). Those showing an increase below that of 2005 are: clothing and
footwear (+1.59%), transport (+2.49%), teaching (+2.30%) and leisure, entertainment and
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culture (-1.47%). In recent years, the Consumer Price Index –established in 1998– has
remained around the 3% mark. The highest percentages of employment amongst Andorran
residents are in the retail trade (26.4% of salaried employees), construction (15.9%) and
the hotel and restaurant trade (13.1%). Construction is experiencing favourable
development and imports and exports show the significant growth of the Andorran
economy, which is the area that has grown most over the last year. In 2006, imports
represented a turnover of 1,416,664,070 euros, 91% of which came the European Union.
Exports grew by 5.5%, with a turnover of 120,095,340 euros. The trade agreement of 28
June 1990 governs relations with the European Union and establishes the customs union
for agricultural and industrial products.
The tax system
Andorra has a privileged tax system in comparison with other countries with regard to
personal income tax, trading profits and inheritance. However, the Government charges tax
on capital transfers between living individuals, the provision of services, importing and
trading in goods and the production and processing of goods in Andorra. The Government
also taxes registrations in the Registre d’Activitats Econòmiques (the Register of
Companies, Trade and the Liberal professions). In addition, local authorities charge direct
taxes on property, declaration of economic activities and lettings, amongst others.
ISI, the new indirect tax model
On 1st January 2006 three new indirect taxes came into effect, approved on 3rd November
2004, completing the range of indirect taxation on all sectors of the Andorran economy.
More specifically, this is indirect taxation on the provision of business and professional
services, which will affect all services provided or contracted in Andorra; the indirect tax on
internal production (IPI), which is charged on the production and processing of goods within
the Principality, and the indirect tax on commercial activities which will affect the sale of
goods and property within Andorra.
For both the indirect tax on the provision of business services and the indirect tax on
internal production, the amount payable to the Administration (the settlement quota) is
calculated in two ways: by objective calculation, which is an estimate between the indirect
taxes received and the indirect taxes borne by means of specific variables representing the
activity (payroll, size of business premises, number of rooms in a hotel, etc) and by direct
calculation, corresponding to the accounting difference between the indirect taxes received
and indirect taxes borne.
Exemptions
This year has seen approval of modifications in the country’s Property Asset Transfer Tax
(ITPI) Act. These include exemption for the purchase of a first home, provided that this is
the principal permanent residence and that a series of conditions are met. The aim is to
help those buying their first home. Also exempt are the provision of business and
professional services by public bodies, hospital and health assistance services, services
directly relating to social assistance and social security, education of children or young
people, school, university and postgraduate education, training and professional recycling,
are exempt from tax, as are the provision of services directly related to the practice of
sports or physical education provided by non-profit-making organisations, transport of
patients in ambulances or especially adapted vehicles, leases of land for agricultural use
and of buildings designed for housing. Internal production (IPI) and commercial activities
(IIAC) have the same exemptions as IMI.
Further information: Cambra de Comerç, Indústria i Serveis d’Andorra: www.ccis.ad.
Servei d’Estudis del Ministeri de Finances: www.estadistica.ad
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Preserving the environment and natural heritage
In order to improve environmental management in Andorra, the Department of
Environment of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Government of
Andorra promotes environmental impact studies. It has also set up the Centre
Andorra Sostenible which aims to preserve the environment and encourage
sustainable development amongst Andorran citizens.
Andorra’s environmental policy responds to the
environmental impact evaluation Directive
(85/377/CEE), modified by Directive 97/11/CE
on 3 March 1997, and approved by the
European Economic Community in 1985. It
also meets the recommendations of the World
Health Organization (WHO), the Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) and the United Nations and the
European Union who recommend that the
environmental impact is evaluated before
projects are authorized and carried out.
Environmental impact studies
The Department of Environment of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the
Government of Andorra promotes environmental impact studies in order to guarantee
maximum respect for environmental and human factors when carrying out projects of public
and private works, and industrial or tourist facilities. These studies should identify, describe,
evaluate and correct or compensate the direct, indirect and accumulative effects of the
projects on people, fauna and flora; land, water, air, climate and landscape; material assets
and cultural heritage.
Centre Andorra Sostenible
This centre focuses on the collaboration of all organisations
and people in Andorra who are working to develop initiatives
in the sphere of sustainability, providing information on all
aspects related to the environment. Its main aims are to
contribute to the creation of a strategy for sustainable
development in Andorra; organize awareness-building,
information and citizen education campaigns with regard to
sustainability; and coordinate activities with the economic
sectors, administrations and NGOs which promote initiatives
in this area.
Further information:
Centre Andorra Sostenible. Sant Salvador 2, AD500 Andorra
la Vella. Tel. 00 376 808 780. [email protected];
www.mediambient.ad
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The tourist market
Andorra has 31,515 beds offered by 301 accommodation providers of all categories
More than ten million visitors a year
In 2006, 10,736,755 visitors came to Andorra to enjoy the Principality’s tourist
facilities. The natural environment, the wide range of leisure activities, the proximity
of major cities, the country’s heritage, its shops, and an increase in the demand for
quality recreational spa tourism have made this a destination with great potential all
year round.
Two and a half hours from Toulouse and
Barcelona, Andorra has a cultural heritage with
more than two centuries of history, a wide range of
leisure and spa facilities, natural landscapes and
state-of-the-art technological services, which are
particularly attractive for French and Spanish
tourists. According to information from the
Government of Andorra Department of Tourism, of
the 10,736,755 million visitors, 58.10% were
Spanish, 39.03% French, and the remaining
2.86% are from other countries, including
Germany, England, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and
Russia.
Staying in Andorra
It is essential to stay in the Principality in order to
truly get to know it. In Andorra there are more than
31,000 beds in all categories of tourist
accommodation, including camping and huts for
nature lovers. Currently, the average number of
nights spent in Andorra is 2.82 nights per person,
meaning a total of 6,279,001 nights. 20.74% of
visitors (2,226,922) stay overnight whilst 79.26%
(8,509,833) return on the same day to their
original destination.
There is a very wide and varied selection of places to eat in Andorra, with 350 restaurants
in just 468 km2. One of these is “Aquarius”, which has been awarded a Michelin star.
Twenty-five of these restaurants are bordas. These are traditional old Andorran houses,
these days converted into high mountain restaurants with a very cosy rustic atmosphere.
The 31,680 m2 spa and leisure centre “Caldea” is also worth mentioning.
Quality tourism and infrastructures
Winter tourism and mountain tourism are the key factors of this sector in Andorra. To
maintain their high quality level, the Government and the local authorities are promoting
environmentally-friendly policies, improving internal mobility and the quality of services and
urban public transport. Work is now also being done to reduce the seasonal aspect of
demand and increase the number of overnight stays.
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The tourist market
In this context, the road network has
improved in recent years, the natural
and cultural heritage has been
preserved, and all the Principality’s
waterways have been cleaned up. The
road network has also been improved,
and the number of highways has
doubled with, in particular, the
construction of various tunnels to
improve links between town centres.
In 2003, the Envalira tunnel was opened, and the Vall del Nord tunnel between Andorra la
Vella, Escaldes-Engordany and La Massana was opened in June 2006. Opening soon is
the Pont de Madrid bridge, work on which completes the widening of the road between La
Margineda and Santa Coloma. In 2005, work will also start on the Dos Valires tunnel
between Encamp and La Massana, while the Sant Julià de Lória bypass tunnels are
scheduled for completion in 2009. At the same time, the Government is evaluating the
location for Andorra’s future heliport and negotiating with the Spanish Government for the
opening of the Andorra-Pyrenees Airport at La Seu d’Urgell.
Reversible lanes and multi-use lanes
Reversible lanes and bus lanes are some of the measures adopted by the Andorra mobility agency
to improve traffic flow. In December 2005 the first stretch of the reversible lane was put into
operation. This runs from the Aixovall roundabout to the Margineda roundabout, a distance of 800
m. The second stretch was completed in July 2006 and covers a total of five kilometres, two
kilometres from the Santa Coloma bridge to the Comella roundabout and three between Aixovall
and the entrance to Sant Julià de Lòria.
Additionally, December 2006 saw the inauguration of multi-use lane which consists of three
traffic lanes, one of which is for prioritised use by the Bus Exprés, motorcycles, taxis and
authorised vehicles. The Bus Exprés covers the route from the centre of Andorra la Vella to
the Plaça Lauredià in Sant Julià de Lòria; ten buses cover the route to guarantee a service
every eight minutes.
Further information: www.mobilitat.ad
The ten strengths of tourism in Andorra
- The natural heritage and the mountains at the heart of the Pyrenees.
- The spa centres and health activities.
- The wealth of its historic and cultural heritage.
- Being an international centre for shopping, with the most competitive prices in Europe.
- The perfect setting for conferences and congresses.
- The land of skiing, with a major hotel and tourism infrastructure.
- The high quality traditional and international cuisine.
- Public safety.
- The hospitality of the people.
- The climate.
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The tourist market
Activities to boost tourism
Within the framework of the Programme Andorra 2020, the Andorra we all want, and
amongst the ten initiatives for revitalising the country’s tourism and trade, of especial
importance is the creation of Andorra Turisme. The aim in creating this public body is to
improve the promotion and coordination of all aspects of tourism in Andorra, to increase the
excellence of the Principality as a tourist destination.
The creation of Andorra Turisme
Within the framework of the Programme Andorra 2020, the Andorra we all want of especial
importance is the creation of Andorra Turisme. The aim in creating this public body is to
improve the promotion and coordination of all aspects of tourism in Andorra to increase the
excellence of the Principality as a holiday destination. Andorra Turisme is the public body
that will be created by the country’s government to optimise all aspects of tourism in the
country. This new agency is created as part of the Andorra 2020 Programme, which is
based around three key points: modernising Andorra’s economic framework, revitalising
tourism and trade and encouraging the appearance of new business sectors.
Andorra Turisme
A tourist market as complex as Andorra’s constantly-changing one increasingly requires
more flexible and dynamic management tools to permit public and private managers to
continuously and systematically adapt tourism-related products and services. Given this,
the creation of a public body such as Andorra Turisme is the ideal formula for securing the
competitive advantages stemming from managing the wide range of tourism-related issues
and a vital link with public organisation: the country’s government.
A tool for boosting tourism in the country
Andorra Turisme’s goal is to improve the Principality’s competitiveness as tourist
destination. Its chief mission is to define, implement and control tourism marketing activities
with the aim of achieving excellence as a tourist destination and, consequently, to maintain
and increase its economic contribution to gross domestic product.
Its priority areas of responsibility are carrying our actions, inside and outside of the country,
in the following areas: the creation of tourism products, the marketing of tourism products,
quality and innovation in the tourism sector, management of specialist tourism know-how,
the creation and management of tourist information networks and the coordination and
efficiency of the tourism value chain.
Other activities
Additionally, work is being carried out on developing a new tourism portal to permit the
promotion of all Andorra’s tourism-related products, linking the public and private sectors
together. Lastly, it is planned to created a network of national offices integrated under the
same brand, with the possibility of promoting tourism in Andorra inside and outside the
country.
In February 2005, to tackle the issue, the Andorra 2005-2010 Tourist Marketing Plan was
approved. This plan is the result of a joint effort between the Andorran public-private
sectors, who have work shoulder-to-shoulder to draw up a plan for developing tourism in
the country over this five-year period.
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The tourist market
Revitalising tourism and trade
The globalization of the tourism market, increasingly demanding holidaymakers, the
continuous appearance of new products and competing destinations highlight the
need for a new approach to managing Andorra’s tourism policy. The 2020
Programme, in addition to creating the public company Andorra Turisme, plans new
actions to consolidation the Land of the Pyrenees as a top tourist and commercial
destination.
Aware of the need to take the measures required to maintain Andorra’s current leading
position in Europe, the Andorra 2020 Programme includes other initiatives to ensure the
country increases its competitiveness in the holiday market.
The countryside attractiveness improvement plan
This initiative aims to raise awareness amongst
bodies and entities owning and managing this
resource of its strategic importance in the tourist
development of Andorra and its economic future. To
achieve this, emphasis will be placed on improving
the country’s overall image, especially stressing
cleanliness, reducing visual pollution and developing
key points of attraction in the countryside. It also
contemplates providing support for countrysiderelated activity centres, such as mountain resorts, the
la Cortinada Nature Centre and the Vall d’Ordino
Nature Interpretation Centre and the creation of
synergies between the countryside, culture and
cuisine, amongst others.
Urban improvement plan
The goal of this initiative is to improve the urban environment to bring it into line with the
needs and expectations of Andorra’s residents and visitors alike, and to increase its
attractiveness. It includes the opening of pedestrianised areas, the conversion/restoration
of buildings of cultural and/or historical importance and the environmental improvement of
key areas such as rivers, green spaces, gardens, rest areas and urban fixtures.
Development of one or two emblematic attractions
By means of coordination between the public and private sectors, viability studies will be
carried out to permit the creation of tourist attractions that truly differentiate what Andorra
has to offer.
Centres of quality excellence
This contemplates the development of a number of holiday destinations into quality points
of reference for holidaymakers. Here, tourists must be provided with all manner of topquality products and services (recreational, shopping, accommodation, etc.) in an
unmatched natural or urban setting. Also planned are viability studies for the creation of
other centres of quality excellence in new or undeveloped areas. In this latter case, the
quality of accesses and the natural environment, together with the creation of leisure
activities, are the key elements.
13
The tourist market
The retail trade quality plan
This initiative is designed to give a new boost to
Andorra’s retail trade by encouraging a pleasant
shopping environment, with modern establishments
in line with international trends that provide good
services and quality products.
To achieve this goal, there is a need for a Retail
Trade Act, the drawing up and implementation of a
retail trade quality plan, the optimisation of the
workings of the Consumer Arbitration System,
operational since the first half of 2006, and the
establishment of the bases and mechanism for
improvement incentives.
Holiday accommodation quality plan
The goal here is to improve the supply of holiday
accommodation to ensure that it is broad enough
and in line with both international standards and
holidaymakers’ needs. This means: redesigning and
classifying
accommodations,
increasing
the
minimum requirements per category and including
compulsory quality elements; improving the quality
of tourist information; and creating the associated
control and oversight mechanisms.
Leading brand attraction plan
It is planned to organise forums to attract leading international brands of great prestige. The
establishment of these brands in Andorra will help what the country’s appeal with quality,
internationally-recognised products, and will boost the number of visitors with greater
purchasing power.
New tourism promotion campaign
Market research highlights the need to design new tourism promotion campaigns. This
initiative will provide clear positioning for each segment of the target public, in line with their
key attributes, adapt the campaign to each market and segment, carry out internal
awareness-raising campaigns and promote special activities, such as Andorra’s presence
at the Expo Zaragoza 2008 International Exhibition.
14
The Land of Snow
Andorra has the largest skiable area in the Pyrenees. Grandvalira and Vallnord, the
two valleys with three downhill resorts associated with Ski Andorra, have a total of
3,075 hectares of skiing area, 282 kilometres of pistes, 110 ski lifts, and 1,832
artificial snow cannons. These facilities, combined with those of the Rabassa
snowfield and Parador Canaro, make Andorra the Land of Snow.
In the last season, from December to April,
more than 2.5 million skiing days in Andorra
were sold. The wide choice of downhill and
cross-country ski resorts, combined with the
great variety and quality of the complementary
skiing and leisure activities, make the
Principality the top destination for snow-lovers
every winter.
Grandvalira and Vallnord have a total of 179
pistes divided into 30 green, 60 blue, 61 red
and 28 black; there is also a teleferic with two cabins carrying 50 people, a Funitel with 36
24-place cabins, and five cable cars carrying between six and eight people. In addition to
skiing and snow-boarding, there is also a wide range of snow-related activities, such as
snow-shoeing, ski bikes, dog-sleds, and snow bikes.
Grandvalíra: Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig and Soldeu-El Tarter
In the north of the country is the resort formed by Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig and Soldeu-El
Tarter (1,926 ha). With six different accesses to pistes, 14 car parks, 37 bars or
restaurants, 450 instructors, a maximum altitude of 2,640 m and a minimum of 1,710 m, it
has 110 pistes of 193 km, with a capacity for 100,700 skiers/hour, 66 ski lifts (one Funitel,
three cable cars, 30 chair lifts, 16 ski lifts, eight telecords, and seven conveyor belts) and
78 km of artificial snow pistes. There are also three freestyle and two boardercross areas,
three rail parks, four Ratrack ski routes, and two FIS competition stadia.
The Grandvalira outdoor activities centre (located in the Grau Roig sector) offers areas for
other activities such as snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, snow bikes, etc. It also
provides two Snow Club Mickey circuits in the El Tarter and Grau Roig sectors.
www.grandvalìra_com
Vallnord: Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalís
5 km from Andorra la Vella and 3 km from Escaldes–Engordany is Vallnord, made up of
Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalís. The Pal-Arinsal sector is the ideal resort for family skiing,
with a skiable area of 707 hectares under snow with a capacity for 35,700 skiers/hour, with
30 ski lifts, 300 artificial snow cannons and 200 instructors, 12 bars or restaurants and nine
car parks holding a total of 6,600 vehicles. Its FIS stadium is one of the biggest in Southern
Europe, and the latest trends in skiing and snow-boarding are practised in its freestyle,
freeride and off-piste areas (with an area of 40,000 m2 and chill out included). It also has a
carving area, two bumps areas and a slalom area.
15
Many other activities in addition to skiing and snow-boarding can be enjoyed here: ski
biking, snow biking, orienteering, snowshoeing and helicopter flights, to name a few. There
are also many activities intended for children, such as children's snow bikes and jumps.
And, last but not least, the themed mountain restaurants should not be missed.
www.vallnord.com
The Ordino-Arcalis sector is the most Alpine resort in the Pyrenees. Its orientation, on the
north/north-west slopes of the mountain, where the snow is abundant, makes this skiable
area outstanding for the excellent quality of its snow and its off-piste potential. It has a total
of 26 kilometres of pistes (442 ha.) and 310 ha. of off-piste skiing in the heart of a perfectly
preserved natural landscape, with 25 pistes, 74 snow cannons and 14 ski lifts. In addition, it
has a 15,000 m snowboarding park, a freeride area, a FIS stadium, a sledding run, a
snowshoeing route and a biking circuit with spectacular night-time excursions.
www.vallnord.com
La Rabassa-Naturlàndia, one hundred percent cross-country skiing
At Sant Julia de Lòria, between 2,160 m and 1,960 m, is Naturlàndia. The La Rabassa
snowfield is the newest destination for those passionate about nature and Nordic skiing. As
well as 15 km of marked runs, cross country ski routes and a ski school, there is also Inuit
Parc, an area of 3,000 square metres with via ferratas for beginners, treetop games
circuits, a 4m high viewing tower with 360º slide and tirolines in addition to the Inuit theme
park, not to mention downhill ski pistes and a ski school. It is ideal for children of between 3
and 12 years old. In the future, Naturlàndia will house a training and wellness centre for
professional sportsmen and women who wish to train at an altitude of 2,000 m.
In addition to cross-country skiing and the theme park, there are other activities to be
enjoyed at the La Rabassa snowfield. Outstandingly popular are the snow toboggan park,
the dog sledding village and snow-shoeing through the woods. The educational activities of
the Nature Documentation Centre, for exploring the countryside in winter, the fauna of the
Principality of Andorra and the igloo-building techniques are also interesting.
.www.comusantjulia.ad - www.santjulia.ad.
Parador d’Esquí Canaro
Located at Canillo, Parador d’Esquí Canaro is in a 3 ha skiable area. This is the ideal place
for children and adults to learn to ski for the first time. This snowfield has a reserved area
for sledges for the very youngest, and also has other activities for getting to know the snow
and the natural environment. www.paradorcanaro.com
All the snow at www.skiandorra.ad
Ski Andorra is the association of Andorran skiing resorts, of which both the Grandvalira and
Vallnord valleys form part. To ski for five non-consecutive days at all the Andorran resorts,
the Association has created a joint pass called Ski Andorra, which can be purchased
directly from the counters at the ski resorts. The Ski Andorra website is also a vital source
of information. It covers safety, transport, access, prices, links, weather forecasts and the
snow conditions at each of the resorts. www.skiandorra.ad
16
Discover the most dramatic Andorran landscapes from spring to autumn
Adventure and multi-activities in the great outdoors
The continental, temperate, dry and sunny Mediterranean climate which usually
predominates in the Principality during the months of May and August means that
the Andorran mountains are the very best place to enjoy green and adventure
tourism. From spring to autumn there are many ways to discover the most beautiful
and dramatic landscapes of this Pyrenean country.
Andorra is a country of adventure and activities par excellence. In summer, the mountain
stations of Grandvalira, Naturlàndia-La Rabassa and Vallnord offer a wide range of
activities for enjoying the fresh air and discovering new sensations. All-terrain and downhill
bike circuits, trips in quads, via ferratas and climbing walls, horse-riding, karts, jumping,
helibike and free flying are some of these activities.
Further information: www.grandvalira.com; www.larabassa.ad; www.vallnord.com
Interpretation and nature routes
Ordino–Arcalís, Naturlàndia–La Rabassa
(Sant Julià de Lòria) and Canillo offer
interpretation and adventure routes to get
started in the world of orientation. The
youngest members of the family have their
own space in the Ordino Nature Interpretation
Centre,
the
environmental
education
workshop which is supported by UNESCO.
Enjoying a ride on horseback or mountain
biking are other options. The latter is a
relatively new sporting discipline, which is
ideal for discovering the hidden tracks and
routes in the valleys of Andorra. Some of the most popular excursions are in the valleys of
Madriu and Incles, to the Pessons and Tristaina lakes or the peaks of Comapedrosa and
Casamanya. For their part, the cable railways of Soldeu, Encamp and Arinsal or surmounts
of Grandvalira and Vallnord offer exceptional landscapes.
Sant Julià de Lòria is the setting for Naturlàndia, the La Rabassa Nature and Multi-Activity
Centre, set at an altitude of 2,050 metres and surrounded by more than 800 hectares of
woodland. The Centre offers all manner of nature-related activities, body and mind balance
activities and educational and recreational sports. A new, unique leisure concept within a
context of culture, nature and wellness.
Fishing
Another possibility is fishing, which can be enjoyed from mid-April until the end of
September in Andorra’s high mountain rivers and lakes. This provides a unique opportunity
for a relaxing activity in the open air whilst discovering the richness of the mountain from a
different viewpoint.
Further information: [email protected]
17
Long-distance footpaths
The Principality also has an extensive network of trails and paths to be taken on foot, or by
bicycle or horse – a healthier form of tourism. The GRP1, for example, crosses the whole
country, setting out from Sant Julià de Lòria, continuing through La Rabassa, by Pas de la
Casa and Arcalís, and ending up at the village of La Massana. The GR7, which passes
through Juberri (Sant Julià de Lòria), and the GR11, which goes to Arinsal, run from the
French border to the Spanish border and every step provides spectacular views of the
Pyrenees.
Mountain huts in Andorra
Although they are open all year round, Andorran mountain huts are cleaned and
maintained from May to the end of September. Visiting all of them – there are a total of 27 –
is another way to enjoy the Principality of Andorra during the summer months. While most
have room for 6 to 10 people, the Comapedrosa hut (La Massana) space for 60. This is
one of the biggest in the Pyrenees and is open and monitored from mid-June to
September. At La Massana is the Cortals de Sispony Natur Refugi with a total of 60 places:
Pla de l’Estany and Fonts have a capacity of between 4 of 6 people. Other outstanding huts
are at Canillo, like the one at Juclar, with 50 places; the Cabana Sorda hut with 20 places;
the Siscaró and Vall de Riu mountain huts, which can take between 10 and 14 people, and
Cóms de Jan, with a capacity for 10 people.
At Encamp is the L’Illa hut, which can accommodate between 40 and 65 people; the hut at
Ensagents sleeps 14, the one at Montmalús sleeps 8 to 12, and the smallest in the
Principality, at El Pla de les Pedres, is for 5 people only. Further on is the Sortney hut, with
room for 30; the Coma Obaga for 15; Argonella for 6 and Rialb, which can accommodate
between 4 and 6 are some of the huts in the Vall d’Ordino.
In Andorra la Vella is the Claror hut, which can take 20 people and the Perafita and Pra
Primer huts with a capacity for 4 or 6 people. Escaldes-Engordany has the Fontverd hut,
with a total of 14 places, and the Riu dels Orris hut. And finally, in Sant Julià de Lòria is the
outstanding Roca de Pimes and the Francoli, which can sleep between 4 and 6 people.
The Comapedrosa and Natur Cortals de Sispony huts
Set in the Comapedrosa valley, at an altitude of 2,260 metres and alongside the Estany de
les Truites tarn, the Comapedrosa is Andorra’s only mountain hut manned by a warden. It
is one of the most important in all the Pyrenees and is open and manned from the middle of
June to September. The Natur Cortals de Sispony hut, located at 1,660 m, also accepts
bookings and provides services for hikers. Ideal for groups, it sleeps up to 60.
Some recommendations for mountain huts
- Do not force the doors; the huts are always open.
- During your stay, do not waste the wood; think of others.
- Make sure fires are completely extinguished before you leave.
- When you go, make sure you leave everything the way you found it.
Romanesque churches open to the public
In summer, the Andorran town councils offer guide services to visit the Romanesque
churches in the Principality of Andorra.
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More than 2,000 shops
The competitive prices, quality, flexible hours and public safety are some of the
factors which mean that Andorra is the centre of international shopping. A wide
variety of products from five continents can be found in more than 2,000 shops in
Andorra. One of the tendencies experienced by this sector over recent years has
been the geographical concentration by areas of activity.
Andorra’s commercial tradition is famous worldwide thanks to
its 2,000 modern boutiques and shops, its quality products, its
competitive prices and its flexible hours. Although there are
shops in the entire country, most are concentrated in Andorra
la Vella, the capital, Escaldes-Engordany, and Pas de la Casa.
There are several large shopping centres in Sant Julià de
Lòria.
Household electronics and information technology, such as
video and audio equipment, cameras, computers and
electronic diaries, are cheaper in Andorra than in Spain. And
the main fashion brands, accessories and sports gear can be
found at more competitive prices, in addition to perfumes, toys,
watches and CDs. In the Principality there are many shops
where these products can be bought.
Fashion, perfumes, jewellery, music, food and sports equipment
The main fashion and accessories shops, perfumeries and the most prestigious jewellery
and watch brands are found on Avenida Meritxell in Andorra la Vella and on the Avenida
Carlemany in Escaldes–Engordany. The best selection of music is in the large shopping
centres or in shops in Andorra la Vella, Escaldes–Engordany or Sant Julià de Lòria. There
are also specialized food and drink establishments in Andorra la Vella, Escaldes–
Engordany and Ordino. There are sports shops in all parishes of the country.
Establishments dedicated to car, hunting and fishing accessories are mainly found in
Andorra la Vella.
Duty Free (www.duana.ad)
The products that can be imported into Spain are tax free up to certain limits and must be
declared when they exceed a specific amount. For example, visitors over the age of 15 who
buy durable products worth more than 525 € must pay duty before taking them to Spain.
Agricultural Products
Industrial Products
1,000g coffee or 400g extracts;
75g perfumes;
200g tea or 80g extracts;
375 ml eau de colognes;
1.5l spirits +22º or 3l spirits or aperitifs –22º or
Other industrial products up to a value of 525 € (up
sparkling wines + 5l table wines;
to 270 € in value for the under-15s).
300 cigarettes or 150 cigars (-3g each) or 75 cigars
(-3g each) or 400g pipe tobacco.
Other agricultural products
Up to a value of 175 € (up to a maximum of 90 € for the under-15s) – not exceeding: 2.5 kg of powdered
milk, 3 kg of condensed milk, 6 kg of fresh milk, 1 kg of butter, 4 kg cheese, 5 kg sugar and sweets and 5
kg meat
19
Romanesque art, museums, leisure and cultural routes, town celebrations and traditions some of the best ways to discover the country’s cultural side
A thousand years of culture
More than a thousand years of history underlie the architectural, cultural and
popular heritage of Andorra. The Romanesque treasures hidden in the Principality
bear witness to its origins and traditions. Here, art lives side-by-side with nature,
traditional culture, and modern artistic events.
Andorra is a synonym for Romanesque art. There are 40
churches in its valleys, as well as medieval bridges. The
most noteworthy churches are Santa Coloma (Andorra la
Vella, 9th and 10th centuries), one of the oldest and one of
the few with a circular bell-tower, which in this case is from
the 12th century, and the church of Sant Miquel
d’Engolasters (Escaldes-Engordany, 12th century), which
has a 17.5m bell tower. The wall paintings and baroque
altarpieces of Sant Climent de Pal (11th and 12th centuries)
and those of the church of Sant Martí de l Cortinada (12th
century) in Ordino are also of great importance.
Other Romanesque marvels are the Crist en Majestat (12th
century) and the altarpiece (16th century) of the Church of
Sant Joan de Caselles (11th and 12th centuries) in Canillo.
The Church of Sant Romà de les Bons (12th century) in Encamp is another Romanesque
jewel. Sant Serni de Nagol, built into a rock and with 11th century wall paintings, and the La
Margineda bridge in Andorra la Vella, are also very important.
The Casa de la Vall, the Santuari de Meritxell, and the typical villages of Pal and Ordino are
other sights not to be missed. The Casa de la Vall, a traditional home of the nobility, with
Gothic frescoes reproducing scenes from the Passion of Christ, was built at the end of the
16th century. This is now the seat of Parliament, having until recently housed the Courts.
The Meritxell Sanctuary was rebuilt in 1976 by the architect Ricard Bofill, beside a 17th
century church which was destroyed by fire.
The Motorcycle Museum
Andorra is also noteworthy for its many museums. One of the most important pieces of
news in this area is the opening of the Motorcycle Museum in Canillo. This new facility pays
homage to this form of transport, bringing together remarkable machines of all ages, from
the beginning of the twentieth century to today. The Museum Houses a dynamic collection
which will be increased over the course of time.
More museums and traditional houses
At the Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre, you can visit the museum of Romanesque Art
Models, displaying 30 monuments on a reduced scale, and the Museu Viladomat, which
has 250 works by the famous sculptor. The old Reig tobacco factory in Sant Julià de Lòria
houses the Tobacco Museum. This is an outstanding display of the Andorran tobacco
tradition, explaining the most closely-guarded secrets of tobacco manufacture in the 20th
century.
20
The Museu Nacional de l’Automòbil at Encamp is a must for all motor fans, with an
extensive collection of 90 cars, 50 motorbikes and 100 bicycles from the period 1898 to
1998. In the same town, the Museu Sacre de Sant Eulàlia has a collection of liturgical gold
and silver objects. In addition, Ordino has the Museu Siadristyi de la Miniatura, the Museu
Iconogràfic Sant Jordi i Cristianisme, an outstanding display of religious art, and also the
Museu Postal and the Museu del Pin, located at Ansalonga (Ordino).
Finally, we recommend a visit to the old traditional houses: the Casa Cristo, dating from
1885 (Encamp), the Casa Rull at Sispony (La Massana), and the Casa d’Areny-Plandolit
(Ordino), which are part of the rural habitat trail. The last two are from the 17th century and
can be visited free of charge on the first Sunday of each month. The Farga Rossell forge at
La Massana is also a must. On the 18th May, the Principality celebrates International
Museums Day.
The land of a thousand fragrances
Discover the essences of perfumes, create one of your
own or explore a thousand years of seduction and
glamour at the recently-opened Museu del Perfum
Fundació Júlia Bonet. With this museum at EscaldesEngordany, the Principality of Andorra completes its
cultural offer and becomes the land of a thousand
fragrances. This is a tribute to the commercial and
perfume traditions of a country with a total of 109
perfumeries in just 468 km².
Recreational and cultural trails for all
The Principality of Andorra has a total of eleven routes. “El camí a França” (the road to
France) runs from the Meritxell Sanctuary to the villages of Canillo. “Entre l’ahir I l’avui”,
(between yesterday and today), is a route to Encamp. “Les valls silencioses” (the silent
valleys) runs from Ordino to L’Arieja. The “Racons inoblidables” (unforgettable places) goes
to La Massana. “El cor que batega” (the beating heart) is a route to Andorra la Vella and
Santa Coloma. “Pas a l’art” (the art path) runs from Sant Julià de Lòria to Aixovall, and the
“la font de cultura” (fountain of culture) is a route from Escaldes-Engordany to Engolasters.
Some different trails look at iron, taking routes via the Farga Rossell, the path from Arans to
Llorts, to the Casa Areny-Plandolit and Santa Martí de la Cortinada. On the road from
Arans to Llorts are contemporary sculptures showing the iron tradition in Andorra; and in
the village of Llorts itself are mines where the mineral was originally mined. On the other
hand, the rural habitat itinerary includes a visit to three country homes, now converted into
a museum, and also the sun and shade route and lower areas in Escaldes-Engordany.
Andorran literature and painting
Albert Salvadó (El mestre de Kheops, Els ulls d’Annibal and El punyal del sarraí), Antoni
Morell (Set lletanies de mort, La neu adversa), Joan Peruga (Últim estiu a Ordino, La
república invisible), and Josep Enric Dallerès, with a remarkable poetic opus, are some of
the best known Andorran writers. In the plastic arts, there are names like Àngel Calvente,
Judith Gaset, Carme Mas, Sergi Mas, Francesc Galobardes, Carme Massana, Francisco
Sánchez and Alfons Valdés.
21
Classical music, jazz, dance and theatre
Music plays an important role in Andorra, as can be seen by the range of events held in the
Principality. Particularly outstanding are the Escaldes-Engordany Colors de Música Festival
Season, which is held throughout the year, and the International Narciso Yepes Festival
which takes place at the Andorran National Auditorium in Ordino in the autumn. The tenor
José Carreras and the International Ballet of Cristina Hoyos have appeared at this festival.
Another international event is the Andorra la Vella music and dance season, which
stretches from November to May and has seen outstanding performances from, among
others, pianist Evgeny Kissin and Ainhoa Arteta. In November, Escaldes-Engordany holds
the Premi Principat d’Andorra international piano competition, with the support of the
Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Culture and Cooperation.
The musical tradition of this Pyrenean country is highlighted with performances by the
Orquestra Nacional Clàssica de Cambra d’Andorra and the Cor Nacional dels Petits
Cantors d’Andorra, the Principality’s best exponents of classical music. When July comes,
the districts of the Principality of Andorra hold famous events, like concerts of jazz,
flamenco, Spanish pop and local modern music; the Montserrat Caballé international song
competition at Sant Julià de Lòria and La Seu d’Urgell, the Celtic and Country Music
Festival, the Trobada de Buners bagpipe festival, folk dancing and dance exhibitions in
August. Also noteworthy for its high artistic quality is the theatre season in the comuns of
Sant Julià de Lória and Andorra la Vella that takes place from October to January and from
February to June. Finally, the comuns of Ordino and Encamp organise the Dansand
Contemporary Dance Season during the months of May and June.
Esbarts, festivals and traditions
The Marratxa (Sant Julià de Lòria), the Ball de Santa Anna (Escaldes-Engordany), the
Contrapàs (Andorra la Vella), the Ball de Tarda (Sant Julià de Lòria) and Sardana are
some of the traditional dances of Andorran folklore. At Andorran festivals and other cultural
events, the Esbart Santa Anna, the Esbart San Romà and the Esbart Lauredià interpret
some of these typical dances and offer a spectacle that reflects the uses and customs of
mountain life and in which international contemporary dance is combined.
There are many popular traditions and festivals coinciding with celebrations of a religious
nature and the natural cycles of the earth. There is the Aplec de Canòlich in May, the Roser
d’Ordino in July, the Diada de Meritxell, celebrating the patron saint of Andorra, on 8th
September, and the Fira d’Andorra la Vella in October. There is also St George’s Day on
23rd April, the Fira de Santa Llúcia in December, the Festa de la Candelera at Canillo,
Encamp carnival in February, and Caramelles, traditional Easter songs, in March.
Calendar of local festivals 2006
Festa Major de Canillo
Festa Major d’Encamp
Festa Major d’Ordino
Festa Major de la Massana
Festa Major d’Andorra la Vella
Festa Major de Sant Julià de Lòria
Festa Major d’Escaldes-Engordany
14 to 16 July
15 to 17 August
16 September
15 and 16 August
3 to 6 August
27 to 31 July
25 and 26 July
22
Highlights are Caldea, the Centre de Soins Agrée Carita París and spa centres in the hotels
Roc Blanc, Carlemany, Hotel Princesa Parc and Hotel Sport Village
Total wellbeing in the water
Water is another of the natural resources of Andorra. As well as the rivers and lakes
which have their source in the country, there are the hot springs of EscaldesEngordany, rich in sulphur and recommended for therapy and beauty treatments, for
restoring vitality and getting rid of stress, and for treating and preventing
rheumatism and skin complaints. There are many wellness centres in the Principality
where you can make the most of your free time throughout the whole year.
Caldea: the recreational spa centre in Southern Europe
With its modern architecture and an area of 30,345 m², at an altitude of 1,100 metres,
Caldea is the oasis of Andorra and the perfect place for enjoying a recreational spa and
discovering the link of ancient civilisations with water. Set in majestic, privileged
surroundings, Caldea uses all the properties of the thermal waters of the springs of the
Escaldes – Engordany parish to provide its visitors with spectacular water-based
installations and a wide range of massage, thermal water and beauty treatments. The large
indoor lagoon, with a maximum depth of 1.30 m, has thermal water baths at 32-34ºC, water
jets, Jacuzzi, water spray masks, swan’s neck and hydromassage. There is also an outdoor
Jacuzzi, Indo-Roman baths, fitness area with saunas, hamman patio, Wood’s lamp,
Sirocco bath and water massage. Additionally, it boasts an outdoor area with terraces,
beauty cabins and tanning cabins.
The water treatment services are complemented by alternative activities such as
gastronomy and cinema. Caldea boast the Aquarius restaurant, the only one in Andorra
awarded a Michelin star, thanks to its renowned chef Christian Zanchetta. The restaurant is
exclusive to Caldea users and offers healthy, balanced cuisine. There is also the
panoramic Sírius bar, providing unforgettable vistas over the Escaldes – Engordany valley,
and the Helimoció dynamic cinema, showing Andorra’s breathtaking landscapes. Caldea
plans to inaugurate a further 12,400 square metres of facilities in 2009. The extension will
include a new total wellness zone with more intimate areas, thanks to a total investment of
37 million euros.
Further Information: www.caldea.ad
Other total wellness centres
The Principality’s hotels have also met the challenge of the new culture of total well-being,
and have added health and beauty treatments to their range of facilities. In EscaldesEngordany there is the Roc Blanc spa centre and the Hotel Carlemany spa, which have
specialist centres and include anti-stress, slimming, hydrotherapy and cellulite treatments.
The Hotel Princesa Parc (Arinsal) has wellness areas with relaxation, sports therapy
massage, beauty salon, mud and seaweed body treatments, and anti-stress and relaxation
sessions. The Centre de Soins Agrée Carita Paris at the Hotel Anyós Park (La Massana)
offers personalized treatments; and the Soldeu Hotel Sport Village has been one of the
most modern “wellness” spaces since it was opened November 2006.
23
Sport forms part of our lifestyle and is considered as a way towards integration and
communication
Staying in shape
Andorra’s sporting tradition has ensured that the facilities available are excellent.
The shooting range at La Rabassa, the Ice Palace at Canillo, the Els Serradells
swimming pool, the Municipal Stadium and sports centres at Encamp, Ordino, Sant
Julià de Lòria, Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra la Vella, l’Aldosa and El Pas de la Casa
are some of the many facilities for staying in shape in the Principality.
As sport is part of its lifestyle and is seen as a way forward to integration and
communication, the Principality has many sports complexes, which are ideal for
educational and leisure sports and for high level sports competitions. Here there is one of
the world’s best shooting ranges, several football and rugby fields, and basketball courts,
swimming pools, tennis courts and athletics grounds, sports centres, gyms, and, last but
not least, an ice palace.
Where to practice sports
An Andorra Vella there is the municipal stadium,
which has a football field, six-lane athletics track
and multi-purpose 20 x 40 m pitch, ideal for
hockey, skating and team sports in general.
There is also the Olympic pool at Les Serradells,
measuring 50 x 21 m, and the Andorra
Poliesportiu, which can hold 5,000 spectators
and is designed for competitive sports such as
basketball, volleyball and five-a-side football.
At Sant Julià de Lòria one can play football at the sports centre or the Aixovall sports field
or spend time at the Olympic shooting range, which has six tracks. There are other facilities
at Escaldes-Engordany, Encamp, L’Aldosa and Ordino. At Canillo there is the ice palace,
with an Olympic sized rink (30 x 60 m), which also has an auditorium, an exhibition room
and multi-purpose areas for squash or tennis. There is also the socio-cultural and sports
complex at Encamp and Pas de la Casa. The former has swimming pools measuring 25 x
15 m and 18 x 12 m, plus gymnasium, squash courts, and tennis and petanque courts. The
latter has multi-purpose areas for body building and gymnastics, swimming pool, climbing
wall, etc.
Driving on ice, cycling tours and other competitions
For some years, the Principality has been the setting chosen for many competitions. Motor
sports have also expanded significantly thanks to the organization of very attractive events
of driving on ice or trials such as the Pas of the Casa circuit, run by the Automòbil Club
d’Andorra. In addition, some of the main finishes of the Pyrenean stages of the most
important cycling events in the region are organised in Andorra every year, such as the
Vuelta Ciclista a España and/or the Tour de France and/or the Vuelta Ciclista a Catalunya
(arrives in Andorra on 18 May). Other notable events are the Solo Nieve Festival, held on
25 and 26 March; the Solo Bici Festival, on 17 and 18 June; the Sky Games, from 1 to 3
September; and the World Trial Championship, on 3 September.
24
The wealth of the cuisine, gastronomic activities and international events
highlight the gastronomic tradition of the Principality
Andorran cuisine
Andorran cuisine is the reflection of the lifestyle of the old residents of the
Principality which over the years has received influences from the French and
Catalan schools. To discover this, the Pyrenean country offers visitors gastronomic
routes to bordas and a total of 350 restaurants which combine the essence of
traditional cuisine and top quality local ingredients, with all the flavours of modern
cooking.
Tradition and modernity and well-known sommeliers
Trinxat (a vegetable dish with cabbage, potatoes, strips of
pork and garlic), river trout, game, escudella, allioli,
sausages (donja, bringuera, bull and bisbe), cocas and
mushrooms are some of the specialities of Andorran cuisine.
The traditional “tupi” cheese is also worth a mention. It is
typical of the diet of the first inhabitants of Andorra, made
with unpasteurised sheep’s milk fermented in clay
receptacles with anise, cardoon and salt; cabbage, chicory,
lettuces and potatoes.
Andorran cuisine combines tradition and modernity and the
result is refined and international food. Food-lovers are in for a treat at Aquarius restaurant
which has been awarded a Michelin star. Located in Caldea, it surprises with its creativity,
quality and varied wine list. In terms of wines and sommeliers, particularly outstanding in
Andorra are Patrick Austry (Hotel Grau Roig) semi-finalist of the Trofeo Ruinat 2003;
Ramon Cabiscol (Borda Pairal 1630), champion of Andorra 2004 and semi-finalist of the
2004 World Championship, and José Antoni Guillermo (Aquarius), second in the Andorra
2004 championship.
Gastronomic routes
Andorra also offers visitors the chance to discover four gastronomic routes. The bordas
route allows visitors to sample the very best mountain cuisine in an exceptional
environment: the typical Andorran houses where the grain and cattle were kept in the past.
The creative and sampling route is a way to discover some of the most exceptional
restaurants in the Principality such as “Aquarius”, the only one with a Michelin star. The
sommeliers and the best wines, cavas and champagne can be discovered on the fine wine
route, whilst the fondue route is representative of mountain and cold climate cooking.
The Andorran Gastronomic Academy Association
One of the culinary innovations for 2007 is the creation of the Andorran Gastronomic
Academy Association, whose mission is to position Andorra as a country of culinary
reference. Created with the support of the government, the Academy’s main goals are to
promote the richness and variety of Andorran cuisine by creating guidebooks and Andorran
culinary festivals and publishing books on the country’s culinary traditions, amongst other
activities.
25
Mushroom hunters
The great wooded areas, the abundant wild plant life and the dry, sunny Mediterranean
climate mean that the Principality of Andorra is also a favourite with mushroom-lovers. In
this natural habitat, with its many contrasts, the most exquisite mushroom varieties grow all
year round, especially in September and November – they include ceps, and many other
varieties highly prized by gourmets. It is during these months that the Andorran menus
have exquisite mushroom dishes on their menus.
International gastronomic events
As well as a thousand-year gastronomic history, local and international culinary events take
place in Andorra which are promoted by the Government, the comuns, the Unió Hotelera
d’Andorra and associations of chefs and confectioners, the association of pastry chefs, the
association of sommeliers and certain companies. For example, during the months of
January and February, many Andorran parishes hold the Viandes and Encants de Sant
Antoni festivals. And throughout the winter months, Andorra typically celebrates all kinds of
special occasions with chocolate, coca, mulled wine or muscatel, while for Carnival the
burial of the sardine is celebrated in Encamp and the broth tasting in Ordino.
A truffle fortnight is held in February, promoted by the gastronomic group La Fogaina dels
Pirineus (Christian Zanchetta of Aquarius, Pablo Urcelay of El Rusc, Ferran Terés and
Meritxell de Dios of El Gínjol, Ramon Canut of Casa Canut, Montse Rubio of La Neu,
Carles Flinch of Can Manel and Jehwan De Coninck of El Cyrano). For a fortnight the
restaurants mentioned prepare menus containing truffles at a fixed price. In March, the
Saló de l’Alimentació food fair takes place in Sant Julià de Lòria and in September, the
Mostra Gastronòmica d’Ordino and the Diada del Bacallà.
La Fogaina dels Pirineus
Coinciding with the third gastronomic event dedicated to the truffle, in 2004 the gastronomic
group La Fogaina dels Pirineus was set up. Its creators, Christian Zanchetta, Albert Coll,
Pablo Urcelay and Pere Vilalta, launched this initiative with the aim of placing an
identifiable stamp on it, consolidating the events and encouraging widespread promotion of
the wealth of the restaurant sector of the Principality, whilst also boosting the attraction of
the country as a gastronomic destination of interest. One important piece of news is the
incorporation of five new restaurants into the group: Ferran Terés and Meritxell de Dios of
El Gínjol, Ramon Canut of Casa Canut, Montse Rubio of La Neu, Carles Flinch of Can
Manel and Jehwan De Coninck of El Cyrano
.
Saló de l’Alimentació (Food fair)
The Saló de l’Alimentació food fair and the Aliment-tast activities take place annually in
Sant Julià de Lòria. The purpose of this event, held by the Comú, or local council, of Sant
Julià de Lòria is to bring together the interests of the country’s producers and distributors of
food products and to bring gastronomic innovations to the Principality of Andorra’s
residents and visitors. The 2006 event will be held on 12th, 13th and 14th May.
Information and bookings:
Tel. 00 376 844 044 / www.alimentast.ad
Check out the gastronomy press pack at www.andorra.ad
26
Nightlife
Live music, night-time skating, DJ's, pubs, restaurants, karaoke, bowling alleys,
cinemas, music bars, open-air bars, discos... Nightlife is another attraction of
Andorra, thanks to the range of activities offered, and because of the safety on the
streets which is characteristic of the country. The capital and the other parishes
offer leisure alternatives so that everyone can enjoy Andorra.
Andorra is one of the safest countries around, which makes it a real pleasure to enjoy the
nightlife. Cafés and pub-restaurants are one of the Principality's typical leisure ideas, and a
good place start the fun. A legendary meeting place is the Panamà Café, decorated with
retro touches and the ideal venue for enjoying a coffee or something stronger. Surf offers
the best Argentinean meat and the night goes on upstairs in the resident company of DJ
Jordi O.
Àngel Blau and Andorran DJs
One of the new venues for the season is the Àngel Blau jazz and blues club in Andorra la
Vella. The club can be converted in to a concert venue for an audience of up to 300 and
offers a quality, continuous programme of acts. Another Andorra la Vella nightlife classic is
the Buda Bar, with select Mediterranean and Andorran cuisine in its lounge club restaurant;
on the top floor there is a large dance floor where resident DJ Gustavo Sosa spins house
and electro. In addition, Nano plays R&B, dance, Latin and Spanish pop in the Cóctel de
l’Avi in La Massana; Kiko Cabanillas does the same in Xoxolao; in Satélite, a borda in
Escaldes-Engordany converted into a fashionable pub, you can hear 80s and pop music.
And every week an invited DJ makes Ambit, in Erts, one of the most fashionable club
scenes in the Principality.
El Pas de la Casa also has a good atmosphere and around twenty nightspots. Avalanche,
Gatsby, Mulligan or Western Ekerd are some of the pubs where you can start the night off
on the right foot; and Bilbord, Mexicano, Pandero and Underground are some of the discos
to visit as the night moves on. In Canillo are Aspen, the Capitan Pub, Iceberg, Cova del
Drac or Picadilly. ln El Tarter you have Arthur's and El Mosquit.
Caribbean rhythms and Latin music
Those with a passion for Caribbean and Latin rhythms will find what they’re looking for
place at La Bodegueta and La Bolsa, both in Andorra la Vella. If you want to get away from
the crowds, there's a very intimate environment at Califa; with the best dance, tech-house,
Latin and Spanish pop at Mort qui t’ha mort. In QTR, in Anyòs, the Colectivo Bere–Bere
offers techno sessions at weekends. For fans of karaoke, there is Píkolo (Andorra la Vella)
and Quasiquè (Escaldes–Engordany).
The bowling alleys of Ordino and Serradells and the ice palace at Canillo
Bowling and skating are among the other options available in Andorra by night. The
Ordino sports centre and the Serradells sports centre offer billiards, darts, bowling and
videoclips until midnight (Andorra la Vella). The Canìllo ice rink organises dinners, ice
karting and an ice disco, skating whilst you listen to funky-disco music. Open until 00.30
except on Fridays.
Further information: www.palaudegelandorra.com, www.ordino.ad.
Tel. Ordino bowling alley: 00 376 878 110
Tel. Els Serradells bowling alley: 00376 874100
27
Andorra promotes the special business and meetings seal and the special conference seal
The perfect place for corporate events
The Ordino Conference Centre, the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Andorra la
Vella (undergoing remodelling works), the Lauredià Cultural and Conference Centre
in Sant Julià de Lòria, the Andorra ice rink in Canillo and the events and conference
hall in Encamp all consolidate the Principality of Andorra as the ideal setting for
business events throughout the year. In addition, the government promotes the
special seals for business and meetings and for conferences amongst hotels.
The Ordino Conference Centre
With the capacity to host large-scale events,
the Ordino Conference Centre is arranged over
two floors. On the ground floor is the main hall
with an area of 99.33 m2, with breathtaking
views over the Ordino valley. This is followed
by three modular rooms: the La Cortinada
room (240.9 m2 with capacity for 153 persons),
the El Serrat room (203.42 m2 with space for
225) and the Ansalonga auditorium (181.28 m2,
197 seats), which together form the Ordino
Hall. This is the main space of the new
conference centre, with 652.15 m2, 640 places
and independent access to each room.
The 101 m2 stage has a built-in ramp with direct access from the outside of the building,
two 16.82 m2 dressing rooms, 32.55 m2 reception area, five audio connection points, two
speakers and a 16:9 projection screen (5 x 2.81 m). On the ground floor there is the Sornàs
room (125.85 m2 and a capacity of 116), and on the first the Arans Room (37.09 m2 and 38
places) and the Llorts Room (56.4 m2 and 65 places).
Further information: [email protected]
Other spaces and specialized companies
The Centre Cultural i de Congressos Lauredià, in
Sant Julia de Lòria, has the Auditori Claror, with a
capacity of 450, the 156-seat Auditori Rocafort,
and various rooms for holding seminars and
meetings for up to 50 people. The Centre also has
light and sound booths, reception area, parking,
simultaneous translation booths, audiovisual
equipment and exhibition panels.
The Andorran ice rink at Canillo and the Encamp
Sala de Festes i Congressos are options provided
by the Principality for corporate events. The ice rink has a 345 m2 auditorium holding 322, a
viewing stand of 126 m2 for 200, and an 85 m2 exhibition area with 150 seats. The 2,000 m2
Sala de Festes i Congresses at Encamp is equipped with the latest generation technology
and can accommodate 1,200.
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Hotels for incentives trips
In addition to its conference centres, the country has many hotels with especially adapted
rooms and companies specialising in organising conferences and fairs. In order to boost
and guarantee the quality of the hotel establishments, the government promotes a special
seal for business and meetings, and a seal for conferences amongst professionals in
Andorra.
Special business and meetings seal
In Andorra there are 19 hotels accredited with the special business and meetings seal.
These are top quality hotels which meet the necessary requirements demanded by the
accreditation. The following requirements are of most interest: a meetings rooms that is at
least 30 m2; a supplementary and independent room that is at least 14 m2, and equipping
20% of the bedrooms with a writing desk with telephone connection, fax and computer
connections, telephone with direct outside line and electrical sockets, other technologies
such as an overhead projector, slide projector, colour television, sound equipment, printer
and photocopier.
Special conference seal
As well as the requirements corresponding to the special business and meetings seal, the
hotel establishments which wish to obtain the special conference seal should meet three
basic requirements. They should have a room that is at least 300 m2 and a main
conference hall with capacity for 150 people, equipped with the very latest technology:
professional video camera, recording team and simultaneous translation, video projector
and secretarial services.
Check out the conference press pack on www.andorra.ad
29
Not to be missed
Outstanding due to its unusual "U" shape, lakes and shepherds cabins
Vall del Madriu, UNESCO World Heritage Site
A UNESCO world heritage site, the glacial valley of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror
(Andorra la Vella, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany and Sant Julià de Lòria) is one of
the most inhospitable and surprising routes of Andorra, covering 4,247 hectares.
With slopes rising to an altitude of 2,500 metres, it is the perfect reflection of the
intense cultural and biological life of the Principality.
The Madriu's Latin name is Mare Riu, and this
valley owes its "U" shape to its glacial origin, a
characteristic of the valleys emerging from the ice.
It has an east/west orientation and a total length of
11.8 km. It starts at 1,200 metres and reaches
heights of 2,500 metres. Its main feature is the
water of the river which also feeds a great variety
of lakes within the glacial cirque of the
Gargantíllar. Thanks to various filtrations, the force
of the water creates a natural thermal deposit at a
temperature of more than 60° at EscaldesEngordany.
Routes to the glacial cirque
Different landscapes, dry stone walls, bordes and cabins, flocks and the uninterrupted
presence of human action reveal, without any breaks or alterations, significant periods of
human history. The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, which runs through an age-old Pyrenean
mountain pass, is an extraordinarily well-preserved mosaic of evolution. Human works and
biotopes have been identified here, and it is the outstanding example of a complex, wise
model of how to relate to the land with respect and ingenuity.
In this splendid geomorphological framework, with a hydrographic and lake system of great
interest, there are different routes which are not technically difficult that can be completed
in five hours. Some of these routes are: the GR7 which covers the whole valley; the G 11,
which goes to a height of 1,600 metres to the Estany de l'llla, the point where it leaves the
Madrìu at the neck of the Vall Civera, and finally, the GRP (national route), which starts at
the highest part of the valley, parallel to the GR7, and ends at the glacial cirque.
Visit the shepherd’s cabins
Whichever route you choose, you will find cultural wonders in the glacial valley of the
Madriu-Perafita-Claror, telling the story of the people of the Principality, a splendid example
of which is the shepherd’s cabins which have recently been restored in the traditional
manner using the dry stone method. Many plots bounded by walls can also be seen which
used to be orchards, bordes and pasture areas for the flocks. A very pleasant option in
summer is spending a night in any of the three huts of the Vall del Madriu.
www.madriu-perafita-claror.com
30
Not to be missed
This route consists of the Farga Rossell, Mina de Llorts, Sant Martí de la Cortinada
and contemporary iron sculptures
The Iron Route
Learning about the windbox and the hydraulic ram, discovering iron in the rocks or
water and visiting a mine in the Vall d'Ordino are some of the possibilities that the
Principality offers its visitors. The iron route highlights what was Andorra's main
industry for centuries: mining.
The aim of the route is to show, step by step, the stages in the production of iron, from its
extraction in the mines to its final destination. The interest in learning about the history and
traditional use of the mines and the Andorran steel industry, especially from the 17th to 19th
centuries, is combined with enjoyment of a surprising landscape. On this visit you can see
the reality of the geography of Andorra and identify iron in places you would never have
noticed before, for example, in the colour of the rocks or the composition of the water.
The Farga Rossell and the Mina de Llorts
Between Ordino and La Massana is the Farga
Rossell forge, owned by Joaquim de Riba,
which has now been converted into a visitors’
centre. It was in operation from 1846 and,
along with the Farga Areny forge, was the last
to close down, in 1876. Its buildings are
testimony to the iron manufacturing process
and show the development of the techniques
for obtaining the mineral as well as the history
of the forge itself.
The route continues to the Vall d'Ordino, and
the Mina de Llorts mine. This is a small mine, which was opened by specialists from
L'Arieja at the end of the 19th century to try to find new mineral reserves. However, it never
went into commercial operation. It has 30 metres of galleries and the visit takes around 20
minutes.
Sant Martí de la Cortinada and contemporary iron sculptures
Some of the practical applications of the iron from the forges can be seen at the church of
Sant Martí de la Cortinada (Ordino). Visitors should take a look at the wrought iron
patterns on the entrance door and the wrought iron gates. Finally, between the villages of
Arans and Llorts (Ordino), there is a group of contemporary sculptures by Albert Carneiro,
Guy de Rougemont, Satoru Satu and Mark Brusse, inspired by the steel-making processes.
Where to go?
Farga Rossell. Main road between La Massana and Ordino. Tel. 00 376 835 852.
Mines de Llorts. Obaga de Llorts - Ordino. Tel. 00 376 737 080.
31
Not to be missed
The rural habitat route
Farmers, shepherds, charcoal-burners, road builders, iron-workers, woodcutters and
textile workers lived in the Principality more than four centuries ago. The rural
habitat route includes a visit to Casa Cristo in Encamp, Casa Rull in Sispony, and
Casa d'Areny-Plandolit in Ordino. This is an opportunity to find out about traditional
Andorran culture, founded on the intensive, rational use of the resources provided
by the mountains in the past. This can also be experienced by night in summer.
In traditional Pyrenean societies like that of Andorra, the home became the main feature of
social organisation, bringing together family and heritage. This past can be explored at
Casa Cristo, Casa Rull, and Casa Areny-Plandolit. They provide a full picture of the lifestyle
of Andorrans before the great economic changes of the second half of the 20th century, and
are representative of the social and economic differences in Andorra in their time. The rural
habitat route is an opportunity to discover beautiful surroundings.
Casa Cristo (Encamp)
This is an example of work and austerity. The five-storey
house evokes the lifestyle of a humble Andorran family
between the 19th century and the first half of the 20th. Its
original furnishings have been preserved, and the
trappings of everyday life can be seen, from utensils
polished with use, a stone water jar and a hundred-year
old christening robe to a secret drawer for saving money.
The surroundings of the house must not be missed,
either. Outstanding is the livestock centre of Les Bons,
with the church of Sant Romà, the Torre del Moro, two
dovecots, and the channels excavated in the rock.
Casa Rull (Sispony)
This was one of the wealthiest and most influential houses
in the parish of La Massana, built in the 17th century,
where the Perích family lived until 1920. It bears witness
to the ways of life, systems of production and work, family
structure and neighbourhood relationships of Andorran
society in the 19th and 20th centuries. This can be
combined with a visit to Casa Nicolau at Pal, one of the
best-preserved villages in Andorra, and the shepherd’s
buildings of the Cortals of Sispony and Setúria.
Casa Areny-Plandolit (Ordino)
This house belonged to one of Andorra's few aristocratic families, which was one of the most
influential in the 18th and 19th centuries. The property of the Areny-Plandolits included several
forges, and some of the family members rose to the highest levels of representation. The
family home, a great building from the first half of the 17th century, which was lived in until
1953, follows the building patterns of the Catalan masies of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Of particular interest are the music room, the chapel, and the library, and the contrast
between traditional and imported furniture is surprising. Ordino, La Cortinada, La Serradora
at Cal Pal and La Mola at Mas d'en Soler are also well worth a visit.
Where to go?
Casa Cristo (Encamp). Tel. 00 376 833 551/831 135. [email protected]
Casa Rull (Syspony). Tel. 00 376 836 919. [email protected] / [email protected]
Casa Areny-Plandolit (Ordino). Tel. 00 376 836 908 / 839 760 / [email protected]
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Not to be missed
Some other activities that you can take part in the Principality
Pitch & Putt Golf and multi-activity circuits in the
Pyrenees
Playing Pitch & Putt Golf or discovering the multi-activity circuits are some of the
other activities on offer in Andorra. In Xixerella (La Massana) and La Cortinada
(Ordino) there are enjoyable Golf Pitch & Putt courses for both beginners and
experts. The multi-activity circuits are from an hour and a half and can be carried out
in a group or alone.
El Torrent Pitch & Putt in the
village of Xixerella (La Massana)
has a course which follows the
course of the river, with an area of
1,229m and 1,138m with 18 holes.
It is open from April to October
depending on weather conditions.
You can also play in the Ordino
valley at the Pitch & Putt Golf Par 3
Vall d’Ordino in the village of La
Cortinada. It has nine Par 54
holes, a practice green with 25
tees, putting green, golf pro-shop,
club house and equipment hire. You can also take beginner’s lessons or improve your level
at the Vall d’Ordino Acadèmia de Golf. Open all year depending on weather conditions.
Pitch & Putt El Torrent, Xixerella, La Massana. Tel. 00 376 836613
Pitch & Putt Golf Par 3 Vall d’Ordino. La Cortinada, Ordino. Tel. 00 376 850 400.
www.ordinogolf.com
Adventure circuits in the heart of the Pyrenees
In the multi-activity parks such as Bosque Aventura, and in summer Grandvalira, La
Rabassa and Vallnord stations there are new adventure circuits, designed for adults and
children alike. In addition to fun runs through the treetops, you can experience thrills in total
safety. The acrobatic games, lianas and monkey bridge are pretty much obligatory. If you
still want more, you can try rolling between the trees in a hanging barrel, moving through
the air in a 50 metre net or descending from up high by tiroline. And in addition to filling
your lungs with good fresh air, you’ll be seeing a completely different landscape.
Where to go?
Bosc Aventura (Escaldes-Engordany). Tel. 00 376 385077
Grandvalira. www.grandvalira.com
La Rabassa. www.larabassa.ad
Vallnord. www.vallnord.com
33
Promoting Tourism
Overseas Promotion Campaigns
The main markets targeted by Andorra’s tourism promotion campaigns are Spain,
France, Portugal, Benelux and the UK. The importance of the tourism sector in the
economic structure of the Pyrenean country led the Tourism Department of the
Government of Andorra to implement the first tourism promotion campaigns in the
1980s. The first of these took place in 1984.
Andorra’s first advertising campaigns were addressed to the Catalan market, followed by
the rest of Spain. Although small campaigns were carried out before 1988 with the same
slogan created for Spain, it was not until that year that advertising campaigns specifically
targeting the French, Benelux and Portuguese markets started.
Major slogans
The slogans used to advertise Andorra as a tourist destination have changed over the
years from “The Land of a Thousand Wonders” (1984); “The Escapade” (1986-1989);
“Andorra, Festival of Snow” (Winter 1990-1991); “Andorra, Land of the Pyrenees” (Winters
of 1991-1992 and 1993-1994); “A Whole Country for Skiing, A Whole Country for Having
Fun”, and “Stay Here”. The most recent campaigns include “You can’t do the whole of
Andorra in one day” (Summers 2001-2003-2003-2004 and winters of 2001-2002 and 2003).
Since winter 2004 the campaign has been: “Come to Andorra, you will stay longer than you
expected”.
The Principality made itself known to France with the slogan Andorra, Terre des Princes –
Andorra, Land of Princes – from 1998 to the end of 2002. During the same period, it also
used Andorra, le Pays des Pyrénées – Andorra, the Land of the Pyrenees. In the UK, the
Andorran promotion campaign slogans are Experience the Difference and Andorra, just
perfect. The Land of the Pyrenees carried out its carried out its 2005 Spain and Portugal
campaign under the slogan The longer you stay in Andorra, the longer you have to enjoy.
Current campaigns
From 2006 on, Andorra has carried out a single campaign,
adapted to its different key markets. Under the slogan Andorra,
you won’t know what to choose, the land of the Pyrenees
shows the wide range of experiences holidaymakers can enjoy
in Andorra to the Spanish market. In France, the campaign
follows the same lines and will focus on the diversity of
experiences that the Principality offers the visitor using the
message Et vous, que ramènerez-vous de l’Andorre ?
www.andorra.ad
34
wwww.andorra.ad
A whole country in a click
Discover Andorra at www.andorra.ad. On the new website you'll find all the
information you need to get to know this open, welcoming country with an important
international profile. Accommodation, events diary, weather forecasts, and the best
way of getting to the Principality in a click.
On the page www.andorra.ad you can enjoy
planning your best holidays with the greatest
of ease. In addition to finding out about its
history and traditions, which go back to 805
AD, the Andorra website will tell you how to
get to the country, how to find
accommodation according to your needs,
thanks to its hotels, campsites and inns
browser, and how to get a practical
restaurant guide to help you enjoy the best
Andorran cuisine.
The Andorran website also has weather
forecasts, which are most important for hikers
and anyone wanting to enjoy nature in
general. The events diary for each location gives all the information on exhibitions, markets,
and festivals. Everything you need so you won't miss anything!
To travel to Andorra from anywhere, our website shows a direct journey to the Principality
by means of a webcam providing instant images of the country. You can also receive
information free of charge at your home. All you need to do is fill in the form and select the
information you require (restaurant and accommodation guide, general catalogue, sports
activities, cultural routes or the map of the country).
www.andorra.ad
www.andorre.fr
www.andorra.es
www.andorra.be
(*) The enclosed CD-ROM contains more information on Andorran offices abroad and
foreign embassies in Andorra.
35
Some figures
The Principality - some figures
1 country to explore.
2 great skiing areas (Grandvalira and Vallnord).
3.20% annual inflation rate in 2006.
4 ski resorts: 3 Alpine ski and 1 Nordic ski.
7 parishes or districts.
11.9°C annual mean temperature.
14th March 1993, the date of the Andorran Constitution.
27 huts and 14 campsites.
38-44, the average age of the population.
40 churches.
56 bank branches.
65 mountain peaks.
184th place in the United Nations Council.
224 weddings in 2005.
301 tourist accommodations.
350 restaurants.
468 km2 geographical area.
828 births in 2005.
€864.93 minimum inter-professional wage, in the first half of 2007.
805 was the year when Andorra was founded by Charlemagne, according to the legend.
840m is the lowest point, in the River Runer.
908 m is Sant Julià de Lòria, the place at the lowest height.
1,072 mm is the mean annual rainfall.
1,150 plant species.
€1,722.40 is the mean monthly salary.
2,000 shops.
2.942 m is the highest point of the country, the summit of Comapedrosa.
16,216 MW/h of electricity is consumed by its ski resorts.
31,000 m2 occupied by Caldea, Southern Europe's largest recreational spa.
46,271 fixed telephone lines and 66,556 mobile telephone lines as at 31/12/2006.
37,800 hotel beds.
72,595 cars as at 31/12/2006.
81,222 inhabitants in 2006.
2,226,922 tourists: 1,625,893 Spanish, 485,183 French, and 115,846 from other countries.
8,509,833 hikers: 4,612,061 Spanish, 3,705,536 French, and 192,203 from other countries
(2006).
10,736,755 visitors: 6,238,224 Spanish, 4,190,719 French and 308,049 other nationalities
(2006).
36
Ministry
M
inistry of Tourism, Department of Tourism www.andorra.ad
37

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