Andorra is a small principality wedged between France and Spain.  It is a tax free zone with great skiing and hiking.  It is where we traded in our timeshare for one here that we used for a few days on this trip.  Our purpose for going up there was for Naia's birthday.  She longed to enjoy the thermal / mineral baths for which this area is known.    

Summer exploration of Andorra is best done by hiking to the many splendid viewpoints this mountain country has to offer.  Discover nature, mountains, rivers, pools, lakes, fountains, meadows, and river-banks that hold the essence of this country far from the hustle and bustle of city life.  See the Madriu-Perafita-Claror glacial valley, UNESCO World Heritage site which is one of the most surprising routes in Andorra with an extension of 4,247 hectares, covering approximately 10% of the country's area.

Andorran Culture & Museums

Straight walls of granite, beams with a core of resin pine, keys and grilles made of iron from the Meners Pass. Andorra has been made slowly, with the materials given by the mountains, which are simple and strong.  The feeling it gives you is of security.  Our little chalet was perfectly cozied up on the side of a mountain. 

Anyone visiting Andorra will be surprised by the amount of churches they will see spread across the country, because it's a geographic area where the Romanic culture is highly present.

There's no other area nearby where so many Romanic churches and chapels can be found.

Some of the beauties of the Romanic culture are the churches of Sant Joan de Caselles in Canillo, Sant Roma de les Bon in Encamp, San Marti de la Cortinada in Ordino, Sant Climent de Pal in la Massana, Santa Coloma in Andorra la Vella, Sant Serni de Nagol in Sant Julia de Loria and Sant Miquel d'Engolasters at Escaldes-Engordany.  Civil engineering is represented with the bridge of La Margineda in Andorra la Vella and the bridge of San Antoni de la Grella in La Massana.

Andorra has museums and monuments which have national status and are managed by the Andorran Cultural Heritage Museums and Monuments Dept.  In addition to the state-owned museums, Andorra has others which are the outcome of private or local initiative, and which in some way complete the picture painted by the national museums.

Caldea - Thermal Spa

Andorra is home to Europe's largest mountain spa at Escaldes-Engordany.  The thermal water is rich in minerals, sodium and unguents, such as thermal plankton, which will renew you completely.   Used in its natural form it will produce an analgesic, healing, decongestant and anti-allergic effect which is why their motto is Water is Life.

The Spa is incredibly hi tech and well designed.  There are saunas, tanning beds, salt water chambers, waterbeds to rest on, and that is just the beginning.  Although Naia would have liked the water a bit hotter, the pools were lovely with the waterfall that acts as a hydrotherapy tool on it's own.  Cascading down over her shoulders, a smile came onto her face.  The "ah" moment.  Dan was watching the baby and Mommy finally had a few minutes to breathe.  Bea, the supervisor, completely knew what Naia needed.  After having a baby less than a year ago and being quite sleep deprived thanks to the teething, this Momma needed some R&R!   A lymphatic drainage massage was recommended to get everything moving in the right direction, and take the "lead" out so to speak.  There was a rainbow over the mountains that day.  It was truly divine.  The facial was lovely as well.  The facialist was skillful and her neck and shoulder massage was rejuvenating and made Naia's birthday a perfect, relaxing day.

Slideshow of Andorra

Map of Andorra