avatarElvie Lins

Summary

The article describes a road trip from Barcelona to Montserrat and Andorra, highlighting the attractions and experiences in each location.

Abstract

The article begins with a description of the road trip from Barcelona to Montserrat, a mountain in Catalonia, Spain. The author highlights the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat and the Basilica, which is home to the Virgin of Montserrat, the black Madonna. The author also mentions the stunning views of the Catalan countryside from the hiking trails in Montserrat. The article then describes the drive to Andorra, the smallest country in Europe, and the capital city of Andorra La Vella. The author highlights the city's popularity as a tourist destination for skiing and hiking, as well as its history and architecture. The article also mentions the city's shopping and dining options and the friendly and relaxed environment.

Opinions

  • The author expresses admiration for the beauty and history of Montserrat and Andorra.
  • The author highlights the popularity of Andorra La Vella as a tourist destination for skiing and hiking.
  • The author describes the friendly and relaxed environment in Andorra La Vella.
  • The author mentions the stunning views of the Catalan countryside from the hiking trails in Montserrat.
  • The author expresses disappointment at not being able to see the black Madonna during their visit to Montserrat.

ROAD TRIP | TRAVEL | DIGITAL GLOBAL TRAVELER

Magnificient Montserrat & Smallest Country in Europe: Andorra

As we continue to drive from Barcelona, we stopped at the Amazing formation of the mountain Montserrat before we head to Andorra- the smallest country in Europe

Montserrat behind me. Photo by Elvie Lins

Montserrat

Montserrat is a mountain in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the Catalan Coastal Range and is located near the city of Barcelona. The mountain is 935 metres high and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Catalonia. It is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, which was founded in the 11th century.

Basilica De Montserrat — Photo by Elvie Lins

The Basilica at Montserrat is a world-renowned Catholic pilgrimage site located inside Montserrat. It is not on the frontal side but rather hidden.

The basilica is home to the Virgin of Montserrat, the black Madonna, who is believed to have miraculous healing powers. Every year, thousands of pilgrims make the trek to Montserrat to see the black Madonna and pray for her intercession.

View down to Catalonia if you are standing from Montserrat. Image by Elvie Lins

The basilica complex also includes a monastery, museum, and several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Catalan countryside.

The car that we ship from Singapore to Austria. Behind is the Montserrat Monastery building. Photo by Elvie Lins.

It was not possible to see the black Madonna as they only had certain hours opening during our visit.

From Montserrat, we drove direction to Andorra. Our target point is to stay in the capital city center of Andorra, called Andorra La Vella.

Andorra, the smallest country in Europe

Andorra, the smallest country in Europe, is a landlocked principality located in the Pyrenees mountains. Bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south, it has an area of just 468 square kilometers and a population of approximately 77,000. Andorra is a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral legislature. Its capital city is Andorra la Vella, and its official languages are Catalan, French, and Spanish.

Andorra La Vella — the capital city of Andorra

Andorra La Vella. Photo by Elvie Lins

Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra, and it is one of the smallest countries in Europe.

Andorra La Vella is a popular tourist destination, and many people come here to ski and hike in the mountains. The city has a lot of history, and there are many old buildings and churches to explore.

There are many hotels with beautiful setups. (My video below will show you).

Andorra La Vella is also a shopping paradise. The city has many designer boutiques and duty-free shops. There are many restaurants and cafes. I find that in the city of Andorra La Vella, people are friendly and more relaxed environment.

This short video was created for you for a more interesting feel of Montserrat and Andorra La Vela city.

This is road trip series, from Austria to Barcelona and return.

Below is the link to the first part of this road trip.

The next article will be from Andorra to Hyeres and St. Tropez France. From Hyeres, we drove back to Annecy and then to Austria.

Thank you very much for reading

My name is Elvie, and here on Medium, I share my travel, photography, life, and poetry stories. You may like to join Medium with my link.

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Travel
Photography
Andorra
Road Trip
Digital Global Traveler
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