Widely known as a winter sport destination and famous for its ski resorts Andorra still also has a range of summer activities. And with its duty free tax status this small principality makes for a fabulous travel destination all year round.

Its location in the Pyrenees Mountain Range in southern Europe offers remarkable panoramic views and mountain fresh air. It also makes Andorra a perfect daytrip from Barcelona, or vice versa.

When you’ve expelled all your energy Andorra’s splendid natural environment offers countless spas to help you rejuvenate. If this is not for you how about some retail therapy instead? Its duty free prices make it favorable for the wallet compared to many other European summer destinations.

Over 10 million tourists visit Andorra every year.

Traveling should be an adventure. Summer in Andorra offers a superb setting for an active, fun and adrenaline-filled break. Whether you’re are a seasoned cyclist, mountain biker, hiker or climber or perhaps just an enthusiast looking for a new adventure an Andorra Summer is perfect for you.

Andorra Summer Activities

About Andorra | Getting There | Weather |

 Cycling | Hiking | Horse Riding | Adventure Sports | Shopping | Spas

 

 

 

Where is Andorra?

Andorra is located in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south.

With a total area of just 468 sq. km or 181 sq. miles Andorra is Europe’s 6th smallest country. At an elevation of just over 1,000 metres its capital Andorra la Vella is Europe’s highest capital city.

France’s 4th largest city Toulouse lies 183 km north and Barcelona, Spain’s 2nd largest city, 200km south. Both are approximately a 2 hour and 45 minute drive away.

 

 

How to Get to Andorra?

Primarily due to its mountainous location Andorra does not possess its own airport. International visitors are therefore likely to reach Andorra using one of several airports sitting within a radius of 125 miles.

Popular airport destinations include Toulouse and Carcassonne in the south of France and airports serving Barcelona  (time to get to Andorra is about 3-4 hours for all). From there it is straight forward to reach Andorra using the surrounding excellent road networks. It’s therefore a great area to go if you want to travel around a few cities in Europe or even just take day trips to.

There are also a large number of bus services linking several Andorra destinations with surrounding French and Spanish cities.

The nearest train station to Andorra can be found at L’Hospitalet pres l’Andorra 7 miles from the border in southern France. Bus services will then link you with your final destination.

 

 

Andorra Summer Weather

As you would expect from a mountainous country such as Andorra the weather conditions vary wildly between the Winter and Summer months. Daily conditions can also fluctuate so being prepared is definitely the motto when visiting Andorra, even in the summer.

For the summer months of June, July and August visitors can expect mild temperatures and some humidity. Do also watch out for afternoon storms during June.

Average high and low temperatures together with rainfall are provided below:-

Month                 High/Low (˚C)                   Rainfall (mm)

June                     20˚/14˚                                85

July                       24˚/16˚                                60

August                 24˚/17˚                                80

Summer in Andorra is officially from June to September.

 

 

Cycling

 

Mountain Biking

Andorra is undoubtedly one of Europe’s premium mountain biking destinations boasting over 200km of marked routes through lush surroundings, verdant forests and panoramic scenery.

The Vallnord Bike Park in La Massana, ranked the world’s 4th best bike park by Red Bull, is Andorra’s most elite mountain bike destination. Host to the World Cup and World Championship mountain biking events for a number of years Vallnord boasts world class facilities for experts and beginners alike.

Utilising a number of the resort’s ski lifts, Vallnord provides over 40km of trails over 29 circuits for bikers of all levels. Newcomers and tourists are capably served by the large number of rental stores, maintenance services and the downhill school so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have your own equipment

 

 

Road Cycling

Cycling in Andorra is not just about mountain biking. With its location, nestled in the Pyrenees, Andorra boasts an incredible 21 mountain pass routes.

It is a regular location for stages of both the Vuelta de Espańa and the Tour de France, the climbs testing even professional cyclists.

Due to its perfect cycling environment the asphalt across Andorra’s road network is in ideal condition. It’s easy to find a route around the principality to match your own endurance level and provide a testing next step.

Look out for routes taking cyclists over Arcalís, Arinsal and Cabús passes.

 

Hiking

For those not so keen on cycling – up or downhill – Andorra is also a fabulous location for hikers. The opportunity to explore the magnificent nature of the Pyrenees is one that should most definitely not be missed.

Boasting three natural parks, the Valley of Coma Pedrosa, the Valley of Sorteny and the UNESCO classified Valley of Madriu-Perafita-Claror Andorra has 66 routes for hikers of all liabilities. A very helpful guide of these routes is published by the National Tourist Office and is available for just €5.00.

Andorra’s most famous hiking routes include:

 

El Camí

Starting in Pas de la Casa at the border with France this 88 km route runs through all seven of Andorra’s parishes. It is the Andorra section of a much longer route from Formigueres, France to La Seu d’Urgell.

 

La Volta a Tot un Pais

This literal ‘tour of the whole country’ is ideal for a week’s holiday. The 120 km route is split in to seven daily sections across the seven parishes with 30 different mountains for overnight stays.

Shorter options are also available with starting points at Aixovall, Bordes d’Envilara, Incles and Llorts.

 

Guided Walking Tours

Local tourist offices throughout Andorra helpfully organise guided walking tours of their respective regions. Predominantly easier hikes more difficult options are available in La Massana and in Ordino around Lake Esbalçat.

 

 

Horse Riding

Horse riding is another of Andorra’s popular summer activities and a great way to explore the country.

Popular horse riding centres are located in Soldeu, Aldosa and at Fontaneda near the border with Spain.

 

Adventure Sports

The Pyrenees offer the more adventurous an assortment of adrenaline packed activities.

 

Canyoning

A guided canyoning experience abseiling, climbing and jumping along a river course is a popular group activity. Also a family option with the Ravine of Segudet in Ordino suitable for beginners and children from seven years old.

 

Rock Climbing

Another great option for beginners is rock climbing. The Roc des Palinquerons climbing area at the base of the Uïna mountain range near Santa Bàrbara in Ordino is ideal for beginners and younger climbers.

For more experienced climbers the Via Ferrata iron pathways offer easily accessible routes. These are maintained by the national government and can be used free of charge.

 

Adventure Parks

 Andorra also boasts four treetop adventure parks perfect for a family day out. These parks of rope bridging, balance bridges and zip lines can be found at:-

Segudet Adventure Park 

Pal Adventure Rope Park

Engolasters Adventure Park

Airtrekk at Naturlandia, Saint Julià de Lòria 

 

 

Shopping

As a duty free country Andorra is an excellent choice for retail as well as outdoor activities!

In addition to the low prices Andorra’s stores are open until late in the evening and only close for four days of the year.

Andorra’s largest shopping area is The Shopping Mile in Andorra la Vella although other major centers can be found in the city’s old town district and Pas de la Casa.

 

Spas

Either after enjoying so many summer activities, or indeed instead of, Andorra also makes for the perfect location to relax and indulge yourself. Its mountain slopes have numerous spa hotels and health destinations.

Head for Soldeu and its Sport Wellness Mountain Spa based at the 5* Sport Hotel Hermitage. At an elevation of 1800 m the impressive facilities here are all enhanced by stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

The most famed of Andorra’s spas has to be Caldea spa situated in Andorra la Vella. The largest indoor spa in southern Europe draws its waters from the nearby Escaldes-Engordany.

 If you are looking for a change of scenery this summer or want to enjoy new experiences then you must consider summer in Andorra. Yes the likes of Chamonix and the unmissable Aiguille du Midi are stunning but surely there is no finer activity based destination in Europe.

 

 

What was your favorite of the summer activities in Andorra? Let me know in the comments below.