Andorra

The mountainous, romantically rugged country of Andorra is situated in the eastern Pyrenees, bordered by France and Spain. Four rivers run through the country and there are several mountain lakes. Accommodation consists of over 350 hotels and guest houses. Its two greatest attractions are that it is both a duty free state and a centre for winter sports, particularly in the main towns of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. Most ski resorts offer good facilities. Nursery slopes and skiing for intermediates are available. Andorra la Vella, the country’s capital, lies at the junction of two mountain streams. Sights worth visiting include a fine 12th-century church and the Casa de la Vall, the ancient seat of government. Cuisine is mainly Catalan, and local dishes include coques (flavoured flat cakes), trinxat (a potato and cabbage dish) and truites de carreroles (a type of mushroom omelette). The many bars and hotels provide a variety of evening entertainment.