Andorra is a small country nestled in the mountains between France and Spain. It is the last independent survivor of the March states, a number of buffer states created by Charlemagne to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. Its history over the last 500 years has been quite peaceful. Long ago, Andorra was ruled by lords from these neighboring countries. In 1278, it made an agreement with both France and Spain to be independent and share power. This arrangement continued for centuries, bringing stability to the region. Andorra remained neutral during wars and focused on farming and sheep herding. In the 20th century, it started to modernize, welcoming tourism and becoming known for skiing. Today, Andorra is a peaceful and scenic country, known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. I rented a car and visited Andorra as a day trip from Barcelona. The total road toll charges were more expensive than the car hire fee!
Andorra la Vella
While Andorra is usually known for its ski resorts, its biggest attraction is the shopping (its tax-haven status encourages duty-free shopping). Wander down the high street of the capital Andorra la Vella and you think you've wandered into an airport duty-free. Perfume, clothing, watches, electrical goods are all at knockdown prices (though not that cheap). On the way out of Andorra, expect to often be stuck in very long traffic queues for Customs, especially on weekends and holidays.
