Andorra
Nature at its most unspoilt in the Pyrenees
Covering less than 500 km2, Andorra is one of Europe’s leading regions for tourism, thanks to its unbeatable natural landscapes and wide range of leisure options. Although nature is the main draw, with green areas accounting for almost all the land, the country also has fully developed infrastructures, extensive shopping opportunities and cultural attractions to appeal to all tastes.
Andorra has a Mediterranean mountain climate, making it ideal for skiing in winter, while the area's cool temperatures and fresh breezes are perfect for summer hiking and exploring the natural parks. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is a natural paradise for anyone seeking to escape the stress of the city with their family, partner or friends.
The country’s unique countryside and spectacular landscapes are complemented by a wide choice of accommodation: Silken offers one of the best hotels in Andorra in terms of location, services and facilities, the Insitu Eurotel Andorra. Located close to the capital but also near the ski resorts and the Caldea wellness complex, Silken Insitu Eurotel Andorra is the ideal hotel for your mountain break or holidays.
History
Andorra was established as a sovereign state in the 8th century after Charlemagne’s conquest of the Moors. Over the centuries sovereignty over the territory was shared between France and Spain, until it became a de facto independent state in 1993, with a new constitution and membership of the United Nations.
Until the 20th century Andorra was effectively a feudal, isolated region. However, in a very short time it became a developed country with its own government, a high standard of living and services for locals and visitors.
Today, as a country in its own right, Andorra attracts thousands of visitors each year who don’t want to miss its almost 60 peaks of over 2,500 metres, its vast valleys and forests, its Romanesque architecture and its cuisine, which is predominantly Catalan but with touches of French and Italian influence.
Places of interest near the Silken Insitu
Andorra la Vella
Just five minutes by car from the Silken Insitu Eurotel, Andorra la Vella is sited at the confluence of the Northern and Eastern Valira rivers and is the administrative capital and business centre of the country.
Apart from the churches of San Esteban and Santa Coloma and the La Margineda Romanesque bridge (the biggest of all the Principality’s Romanesque bridges), the 16th century Casa de la Vall is arguably the building that best represents the city, today housing the Consell General or Andorran parliament.
Apart from its historical monuments, Andorra la Vella is well known for its hotels and shops. Over one thousand shops offering exclusive international brands, the latest technology, fashion, perfumes, cosmetics and jewellery cluster around key commercial areas such as Avenida Meritxell, the old town centre and Prada Ramón.
Relax in Caldea
Andorra is also synonymous with wellbeing, thanks to thermal spas such as Caldea, a thermal leisure centre located just four minutes’ walk from our hotel near Andorra la Vella, and one of the reasons many tourists choose to visit Andorra.
In Escaldes-Engordany, Europe’s biggest mountain spa complex boasts large indoor and outdoor lagoons, a children’s area and the adult-only Inúu thermal waters zone.
Grandvalira
A single ski pass gives skiers access to 128 pistes and over 200 km of runs. Since its creation in 2003 Grandvalira has grown to become the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees and one of the biggest in Europe.
Merging the former Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig and Soldeu-El Tarter ski resorts, it now extends right across the country’s skiable sectors, occupying most of Andorra in winter. In summer it becomes a centre for family activities: hiking and 4x4 trails, a children’s area with toboggans and mini golf, bouncy castles, trampolines and bungee trampolines, golf and cycling.
Apart from these unmissable things to see and do, Andorra’s other tourist attractions include the mediaeval buildings at Les Bons Encamp and the Naturlandia activity park, with over 800 hectares of adventure routes and an animal park. In addition to its many leisure opportunities, adventure sports and hiking routes are found throughout Andorra, so nature lovers will not be bored for one moment.
Silken Insitu Eurotel Andorra is one of the best placed hotels in Andorra to take advantage of all these attractions.