This is the charming little European capital with no airport or train station
- Our Hidden Earth
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Europe is filled with some of the world’s most impressive and modern capital cities.
Places like London, Paris, Berlin and Warsaw are famous for their huge airports, busy train stations and tall skyscrapers.
But not every European capital fits that description. There’s one capital city that doesn’t have an airport or a train station, yet thousands of tourists still visit it every year.
Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, is tucked away in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Despite its popularity, the city remains completely disconnected from Europe’s main air and rail routes.
There are no commercial airports or railway lines anywhere in the city, or even across the entire country.
This is mostly because the country’s steep mountains and small size make it difficult to build large-scale transport systems.
The nearest airport is Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell Airport, located in Spain about 15 miles away.
However, it only serves a few regional flights each week. Most travellers get to Andorra by flying into Barcelona or Toulouse and then taking a car or bus through the mountain roads.
There are also train services to Lleida in Spain, but visitors must take a connecting bus to reach the Andorran capital. Even so, what Andorra la Vella lacks in transport links, it easily makes up for in beauty and charm.
It’s one of the highest capitals in Europe, known for its clean mountain air, stunning views and relaxed atmosphere.
The city is especially popular for duty-free shopping, with visitors coming from France and Spain to buy items like clothes, electronics, alcohol and perfume at lower prices. The main streets are lined with both international brands and local shops.
Andorra la Vella is also rich in history. One of its main landmarks is Casa de la Vall, a 16th-century stone house that once served as the country’s parliament building.
Visitors can also explore Romanesque-style churches, small museums and narrow cobbled streets filled with cosy cafés and restaurants.
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