A Foodies Guide to Andorra
Are you looking for an amazing day trip from Barcelona? If you read this in its entirety and follow it exactly, I promise your future self will thank you. But first I think it's important to be clear:
This is a foodies guide to Andorra so if you don't fit this profile, you may not understand the reason for writing this whole blog.
Why should you do Andorra in a day. Well, because it's cheap, beautiful and the food is divine. Before I begin, I think it's best to apologize in advance for the play- by-play, over-the-top detailed instructions and for all these hyphens.
I know you may be tempted to go out and party on Friday night but please refrain, tomorrow is going to be a very long day. On Saturday, take the first bus out of El Nord Station at 07:00. It's an easy three hour ride through the mountains and you'll most likely sleep the whole way, especially if you didn't follow my first advice.
I ask that you don't eat anything beforehand unless you turn into Oscar the Grouch, then please eat something for the sake of everyone else. If you can, save your appetite for breakfast and arrive to the central station hungry and ready to feast. I recommend putting on your snow gear at the station and buying your return ticket before you head out.
Orange Goat Cafe
Do yourself a favor and take the 15 minute walk to the Orange Goat Cafè along the river. Eat and drink until you're fat and happy like Winnie the Pooh.
Orange Goat Cafe
Take your time though, as I suggest getting to El Camp at 12:45 to get the half-day lift pass (€38), which is much cheaper than the full day. When it's time, take the L2 bus near the restaurant; it will take you directly to Encamp. When you get there, don't rent anything just yet. Buy your lift pass across the street and enjoy the scenic ride up through the mountains to Grandvalira.
If you can, try to go up without anyone else on the lift so you can have that intimate moment alone with the mountain.
Right when you get off you'll see a blue building on the right-hand side.Head downstairs to rent your gear and step right onto the slopes.
When you're ready for a break, head to the only other restaurant up there to get a panoramic view of the mountains. Make sure you go upstairs to capture that special moment. If it's not zero degrees, stay outside and bask in the beauty that lays before you.
When 17:00 hits and you're heading down the mountain, I'm sure you'll be hungry but again, please refrain. Have some mulled wine and drinks downstairs at L’ Apres d’Amelie. This place is at the bottom of the escalator to your right. Head outside, grab a heater and chill until you're ready to walk to your 20:00 reservation at Taverna Angel Belmonte.
L’ Apres d’Amelie
Now I have to stop and say something profound. I swear on my life this restaurant is worth your time, energy and money. This place is an experience in itself. I don't if it's the mountains talking but this is one of the best meals I've ever had in my life. Humble. Delicious. Deeply satisfying. Honestly, this place is worth the day trip alone. Ok, I'm done salivating.
Taverna Angel Belmonte
Make reservations ahead of time for 20:00. I'm sure you'll be the first ones there and the whole place will be yours at that time. Change your clothes if you want to feel more relaxed, but don't feel pressured.
Get the artichokes, fish and white wine or really whatever you fancy. I just typically ask the waiter and that's what he recommended.
Taverna Angel Belmonte
Once you thank yourself for an amazing day, walk to the bus station and sleep like a baby, all the way home.
L’ Apres d’Amelie