Most of Europe’s capital cities are full of tourists wanting to come and see the beautiful scenery and architecture.
But only one can say it’s the highest in the continent.
High up in the Pyrenees mountains, 1,023m (3,356ft) above sea level, is Andorra la Vella, in Andorra.
The capital city – also one of the smallest in Europe – spans just five square miles, making London more than 120 times bigger than it.
And it’s very hard to get to – due to the fact that no airport or train station can be found throughout the entire country of Andorra.
But that hasn’t stopped 8 to 10 million people visiting the tiny place every year.
The best way of getting to Andorra is by flying to Barcelona, Girona or Lleida, in Spain, or Toulouse, France, and driving from any of them.
And while there, you can take advantage of Avinguda Meritxell, the Shopping Mile, filled with huge department stores and duty-free shopping, as Andorra has one of the lowest VATs in Europe.
Most of Europe’s capital cities are full of tourists wanting to come and see the beautiful scenery and architecture. But only one can say it’s the highest in the continent
High up in the Pyrenees mountains, 1,023m (3,356ft) above sea level, is Andorra la Vella, in Andorra. The capital city – also one of the smallest in Europe – spans just five square miles
No airport or train station can be found throughout the entire country of Andorra, but that hasn’t stopped 8 to 10 million people visiting the tiny place every year
One person on Tripadvisor described: ‘It is a giant duty free shopping haven.
‘Selling cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, perfumes and, more cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, perfumes, and even more clothes, shoes and the likes.
‘Very good for local economy, very boring.’
Another draw for tourists to Andorra is the Caldea spa, the largest thermal spa in southern Europe – designed in 1987, using the hot springs that naturally flow in the region.
Here, you’ll find indoor saunas, hammams and various types of baths, as well as an outdoor lagoon, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain views.
The basic package for three hours access starts from €30.50.
One person on Tripadvisor said: ‘Fantastic spa with hydro massage pools and overlapping pools with futuristic design.’
Another visitor, who booked the basic entry, added: ‘Very clean, very nicely designed and enjoyable. Absolutely worth it, 3 hours is more than enough.’
One draw for tourists to Andorra is the Caldea spa, the largest thermal spa in southern Europe – designed in 1987, using the hot springs that naturally flow in the region
For the historians, Andorra’s Old Town has a pre-Roman church, called Sant Esteve, dating back to the 9th century
For the historians, Andorra’s Old Town has a pre-Roman church, called Sant Esteve, dating back to the 9th century.
And Andorra La Vella is also an excellent place to stay if you want to head into the Pyrenees mountains, according to Visit Andorra.
When it comes to the weather, don’t expect too much sun in Andorra.
In the mountains, the highs are as little as 8C in January and February, with the country having an average annual snowfall of 228cm.
Meanwhile, temperatures peak at 24C in July and August.
