EUROPE TRAVEL: ANDORRA
The Principality of Andorra is a small country that could be attributed to the group of European diminutive states together with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San-Marino. Alongside with that, Andorra is the biggest out of this group. The area of Andorra makes up 468 km2 with a population ni more than 70000 people. But annualy the country is visited by more than 8 mln. tourists. Why?
1. Andorra is one of the safest countries in the world for tourism and living. The crime rate in Andorra, including street crimes – pickpocketing, car theft and disorderly conduct, almost at zero point.
2. According to World Ski Awards – Andorran ski resorts are at the TOP 20 of the best ski resorts in the world. Andorra holds strong ties with the skiing world. The Principality is one of Europe’s most important destinations and skiing is a basic cornerstone of the country’s economy. This relationship between Andorra and FIS SKI (International SKI Federation) began in 1957 with the inauguration of the Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig ski resort, the first one in the country.
3. Andorra is one of the richest countries in the world. The Principality occupies the 12th place in the world for quality of life, according to the index of standard of living by International living index. But the prices for tourism and living in Andorra significantly below European average (20-30%). The reason – is the lowest in Europe VAT rate (4.5%) and no import taxes.
4. Due to the fact that the VAT rate in Andorra is one of the lowest, shopping in Andorra is one of the most advantageous within the bounds of EU. The prices for clothes, electronics, alcohol and some foodstuff are 15-20% lower than in neighbor Spain or France. In different stores of Andorra la Vella the price difference can be even more tangible in the period of seasonal discounts.
5. The world’s largest hotel search Trivago published a rating of European cities with cheapest hotels in 2016. The lowest rate is recorded in Sofia, Bulgaria. Among other European cities with cheapest hotels are Skopje, Sarajevo, Tirana, Bucharest. In sixth place is Warsaw, the seventh — Belgrade. The last in the list of the TOP 10 is Andorra La Vella (capital of Andorra). According to Trivago, the night in hotels of Andorra La Vella, on average, costs £61. The most expensive city in the ranking is London, where a night costs, on average, of £184.
6. CALDEA – SPA resort is the biggest in Southern Europe. Being a monument of contemporary architecture, the complex was built in 1994 in accordance to the project of French architect Jean-Michelle Ruolle. Annually, the complex is attended by 360 000 persons. With the surface of 30 000 m2 at the height of 1100 meters Caldea presents a real oasis of Andorra; a thermal resort, where the interconnection of ancient civilizations with water is evidently visible. The temperature of thermal springs is 70%, waters are rich with sulfur, mineral salts, sodium as well with thermal plankton (its exclusive biological activity and favorable effect on human skin cells and their moisturizing determines a wide usage in cosmetology).
7. Sights and architecture. Being a part of the Pyrenees, Andorra was obviously swayed by the cultures of foreign countries. Alongside with that, in spite of its relatively small territory, this country has got a lot of authentic staff, which is evident in its architecture. Pre-Roman and Romanesque periods lasted here much longer than in other European countries, where the succession of art styles was much more dynamic. Romanesque architecture of Andorra tells us the story of 7 parroquies (provinces), keeping a part of its charming story secret. The oldest churches of Andorra, dated by the XI-XII centuries, are famous for their small sizes and simplicity. Its only decoration is a perfect harmony with nature. You will see that yourself, getting acquainted with the landscapes of Andorra and discovering its architectural monuments.
8. Museums of Andorra. There are 17 museums in this small country, some of them are unique.
9. More than 60% of the