Geography
Andorra is a dwarf state of Europe, located in the southeastern region of the Pyrenees. From the north, the territory of the principality intersects with the border of France, in the south – with the border of Spain. The total area of the country is 468 sq. km. Today it develops mainly due to tourism. See Andorra abbreviations.
The relief of the country is distinguished by high mountainous hills in the southeast of the peninsula. There are about 65 of them in total. The highest point is located on the top of Mount Coma Pedrosa (2942 meters), the lowest is in the valley of the Rio Runer River (840 meters), the average height is 1996 meters above sea level. Mountain rivers flow on the territory of Andorra. Valira del Norte and Northern, Eastern and Greater Valira are the longest of them. The remaining rivers have a length of no more than a few kilometers and flow into the Spanish rivers.
Andorra is rich in mountain lakes. There are about 60 of them in total. The largest lake is Zhuklar – it covers an area of 21 hectares. In the summer, the water in it partially dries up, creating the appearance of three separate reservoirs. The flora of the country is mainly represented by pine and beech forests, which at an altitude of more than 2000 meters turn into alpine meadows.
Climate
According to 800zipcodes, the climate in Andorra corresponds to the subtropical mountain type, softened by the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. The Pyrenees mountains protect the country from the penetration of cold northern winds. Due to this, even in winter, the air temperature here rarely drops below zero. The average temperature in January-December is +2…-2 °C, June-July: +15…+20 °C.
The climatic conditions of Andorra are highly dependent on altitudinal zoning, even within the same region they can vary significantly. The country averages 250 sunny days a year. It often snows in winter, the average annual rainfall is 770-1100 mm.
The ski season lasts from December to March. In some resorts, thanks to artificial snow, skiing is possible until May. In summer and early autumn, the mountain slopes are open to trekking enthusiasts.
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Ski resorts: Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes, Pal, Arinsal, Arcalis, Ordino, Pas de la Casa, Soldeu El Tarter.
Andorran cuisine
Many Andorran recipes are borrowed from French, Italian, Spanish and Catalan cuisines. However, local culinary specialists brought their own characteristics to them. Andorran national cuisine restaurants are distinguished by hospitality and comfort.
Products used for traditional Andorran dishes: meat (beef, pork, lamb, turkey, rabbit), seafood (fish, mussels, shrimps), vegetables (potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, eggplant), legumes (beans, beans), dairy products, pasta.
Spanish sauces are actively used in the culinary of the country: “sofrito” (from onions, tomatoes, greens), “picada” (from greens, garlic, almonds), “samfaina” (from eggplants and tomatoes), “ali-oli” (from garlic and olives).
Dishes worth trying in Andorra:
Meat dishes: “la parillida” – a rather large dish of various types of meat cooked on the grill; Catalan sausage “butifarra” – served fried with a side dish or in “escudella” soup; kunillo rabbit cooked with tomato sauce; “hai” – roasted lamb; “trinsat” – fried bacon, served with cabbage and potatoes; grilled duck with apples or beans. Lamb chops and mushrooms fried on special coals are considered a festive dish. Delicious sausages and wieners are made in the country.
Seafood dishes: Andorran trout, scallops, “porusalda” – fish soup, “mariscada” – assorted seafood (fish, shrimp, mussels, octopus), pies with shellfish.
Vegetable dishes: “escalivada” – fried peppers and eggplants.
In addition, pasta and dairy products, in particular cheese, are popular in Andorra.
Among non-alcoholic drinks, coffee is popular among locals. Of the alcoholic, Spanish and French wines are preferred.
