Andorra la Vella is the capital and largest city of the independent Principality of Andorra, a small country in southwestern Europe bordered by France and Spain. Andorra la Vella is considered the country’s only true city. I was pleased to be able to get the chance to come here. After lots of investigation I found out one of the best ways to get to this hidden country was to come from Barcelona. Hence my flight from Seattle to Barcelona was really done with the intention of visiting Andorra, not Barcelona.

The Road to Andorra

Travel can always catch you out.  I left my hotel at 6am. Caught the local bus, and got to the airport where I would be catching the bus to Andorra.  I tried using the vending machine whilst waiting.  The item I ordered got stuck and didn’t drop….it was going to be one of those days.

Andorra is 125 miles from Barcelona, but there is no airport or direct trains. It’s not necessarily the hardest place to get to, but you do need to do extra planning. I booked with Direct Bus for my trip to Andorra.  I’d seen lots about them with their white buses and blue and orange logo. 

Bus Panic

Originally, when I arrived in Barcelona I found out and saw one of their easily spotted buses. So, when I got to the airport, well ahead of time, I kept my eye open for their recognizable bus.  It was getting close to time but bay 7 still show no sign of the buses. I waited. I don’t travel by bus very often, so was not familiar with things, but there was an info screen, and it seemed pretty straightforward, maybe?

Finally right on time, a bus pulled in, but it wasn’t a Direct Bus, and it was heading to Southern Spain.  It was at this moment I spotted a different bus pulling away, it didn’t say Direct Bus, as I had seen with all the previous ones, in fact, I did see this bus, but dismissed it as obviously, not mine….but then I spotted a small sign in the window saying Direct Bus.  I’d missed it. Shit.  Panic.

I was at terminal 1, and I knew it went to terminal 2, so I decided to jump in a cab and chase it down.  It was a bad plan, but it was the only one I had. The taxi driver wasn’t best helpful, and I got to terminal 2, but I no idea where the bus left from. It cost me 23 Euros for the short journey, but I didn’t know exactly where the buses left from. The taxi driver could have helped with local knowledge, but he didn’t. I was running around like an idiot and got nowhere.

Plan A was shot, so I needed a plan B. Fortunately, Flix Bus and AndBus, two other bus company options, also do this route from Barcelona airport to Andorra.  I’d missed my 7.30am Direct Bus , but was able to get a 9.00am AndBus that would get me there, but a little bit later than planned. I guest that’s one of the bonuses of no airport and no trains, there are plenty of buses. The missed bus debacle cost me $55 all told, but it could have been worse.

I got to Andorra in just over three hours, a thoroughly enjoyable journey as we travelled just over three hours journey through the Pyrenees spectacular mountains. I refer to Andorra as small, but in fact, it’s only the 17th smallest country in the world. In fact, it’s only the 6th smallest country in Europe, so, maybe not as small as the ‘Little Andorra’ tagline would have you believe.

Easy On the Eye – Andorra La Vella

The first thing you notice about Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, is the Gran Vaira river that flows through the center of the city and seems to split it in two. Despite being a small country, with a little shortage of travel routes to get here, lots of tourists visit the country, about 9 million a year. Many are attracted by the tax free shopping status of coming here.

The sound of the river is with you constantly, and it’s charming. Andorra la Vella is surrounded by the peaks of the Pic d’Enclar, the city is situated in a dramatic mountain valley. it’s a gorgeous setting.  The day had a mix of seasons, as sun, clouds and showers were all filled into the day.

I took some time to meander through the paths and sparkling streets, got food, visited a bar to sample some Andorran beer, to avoid the rain and whiled away an enjoyable day. Exploring the historic quarter, roaming the Rec De Sola trail) from where the above photo was taken), and pondered the question ‘is this Europe’s most scenic capital’?

Return Journey

I headed back to Barcelona on the Direct Bus late night bus.  I’d like to say this time it was smooth, but it got my heart racing once more.  Less than ten minutes to departure and no bus.  Fortunately it turned up shortly afterwards and I eagerly went to dive on board.  This time it was easy to spot, it was the all white bus with their logo that I had emblazoned on my mind.

I rushed to the bus to ensure I checked and double checked this was the bus for Barcelona. Only to be told by the driver that I have to show my passport at the Direct Bus desk.  News to me.  I went running to the desk, forced my way to the front of the line, and did the necessary check in rapid time.  Ran to the bus, and dived on board with just a couple of minutes to spare. Jeez.

The first stop in Barcelona is Sants Railway Station. Despite my ticket being to take me back to the airport, I decided to get off here, it’s just as easy to get back to my hotel from here, but it saves me having to sit on the bus for an extra 30 minutes. Good news to round out the day.

It was a day that got off to an inauspicious start, but it ended great. I’m glad I found the time and planning to get to what is the highest capital city in Europe. Good Day.