The tiny principality of Andorra--less than 20 miles across at its widest point--is the only nation to claim Catalan as its official language. French and Spanish are also spoken.

getting there
Fly to Barcelona, then rent a car or take an express bus from the airport to the capital, Andorra la Vella, about three hours away.

shopping
Many visitors come for bargains in designer-label clothing and ski equipment.

hotel
On a mountainside just outside town, the comfortable Roc de Caldes (011-376-86-27-67) offers a respite from the busy capital below.

winter sports
With six major ski areas, Andorra is a popular winter destination.

hiking and fishing
Stop at the tourist office (Sindicat d'Iniciativa, Carrer Doctor Vilanova; 011-376-82-02-14) for trail maps. Hikers should plan to spend a night in one of the refugis: rustic, government-run stone huts.

--Robert Bowe