Too many people visit Andorra for the day, to “tick off” the country on their Euro-list, to take advantage of the duty-free shopping, or for a ski trip in winter. But this small country – the sixth-smallest country in Europe! – is a fantastic destination for hiking and outdoor activities. While it’s easiest to get around with a car, it’s also possible to use public transport to get around the country on bus. I spent five days here without a car, and managed to do a number of amazing hikes by bus! These are the top hikes you can do in Andorra without a car.
The Best Car-Free Hikes in Andorra
Mirador Circuit (Andorra la Vella)
This is a fantastic trail that takes you high up into the mountains around Andorra la Vella. It connects four viewpoints (miradors): Roc de Senders, Mirador del Bosc Negre, Mirador del Roc de Palomera, and Mirador del Roc de Solobre. The trail has a lot of steep inclines though, so be prepared! The route is pretty well-signposted and easy to follow, and has amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s easy to get to on public transport as the starting point is in Andorra la Vella – all bus routes will get you to the city!
Distance: 9.2km
Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Starting Point: Just behind Serradells Sports Center (short walk from the Andorra la Vella bus station)
Cami Ral and Rec del Sola (La Massana and Andorra la Vella)
This is an easy linear (one-way) walk that starts in La Massana and finishes in Andorra la Vella. The trail follows the pretty riverside pathway back to Andorra la Vella. From here, the Cami Ral route connects easily with Rec del Sola, an elevated walkway along a small canal with great views over Andorra la Vella. It’s mostly flat, and you’ll pass the Church of Sant Antoni de la Grella and a historic bridge of the same name on the Cami Ral section. I loved seeing all the autumn leaves and colors along the river on this hike!
Distance: 7.5km
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Starting Point: Cami Ral in La Massana – take bus L6 (there is a convenient bus stop on the main road)
Estany de Cabana Sorda (Vall d’Incles)
Estany de Cabana Sorda was my favorite hike I did in Andorra! This is a stunningly beautiful area and I loved hiking here. This trail is an out-and-back climb up to see a pretty lake, nestled at the foot of the mountains. The views over the surrounding area are incredible, and well worth the work to get up to the lake. There’s a hut with a toilet at the lake – this is somewhere to take your time, enjoy the walk, and soak up the views.
Distance: 9.7km
Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Starting Point: Take bus L4 to the Vall d’Incles stop (bus stop 164) and then walk 20 minutes down the main road to the parking area for Estany de Cabana Sorda. In summer, there’s no vehicle access on this road, and you can take an electric train.
Estany de Jucla (Vall d’Incles)
This is another fantastic hike in the Vall d’Incles to another beautiful mountain lake in Andorra. I didn’t make it to Estany de Jucla, as I simply didn’t have enough time! Relying on public transport I couldn’t do both this and Estany de Cabana Sorda in the same day. The path climbs up to see two beautiful mountain lakes (one of which is the largest lake in the country!). Estany de Jucla is an out-and-back trail, so the return is the same way you came.
Distance: 9.1km
Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Starting Point: Take bus L4 to the Vall d’Incles stop (bus stop 164), and then walk 3km down the main road (or hitchhike?!) to the Centre d’Interpretacio Vall d’Incles. In summer, there’s no vehicle access on this road, and you can take an electric train.
Coma Pedrosa (Arsinal)
Coma Pedrosa is the highest peak in all of Andorra. So it’s also a relatively popular hike to do! It’s best (and safest) to do this hike between June and October, when there’s hopefully no snow or ice. The trail to reach the summit is over 1300 meters of elevation gain, and there’s a section where you’ll need to scramble on the final ridge, so be prepared!
Distance: 13.7km
Time: 6 to 8 hours
Starting Point: Take bus L5 to Arsinal – the walk starts from the main car park here.
Pic de Medacorba (Arsinal)
Medacorba peak is the meeting point of three countries: Andorra, France, and Spain. As someone who is fascinated by borders, doing this hike and summiting this peak is an obsessive dream of mine! Sadly, my attempt to do this hike on my trip to Andorra was thwarted by the weather. You’ll also have about 1300 meters of elevation gain on this hike, and it’s the most difficult peak to reach in Andorra. So, it’s one for serious, experienced, and well-equipped hikers.
Distance: 12.4km
Time: 7.5 to 9 hours
Starting Point: Take bus L5 to Arsinal – the walk starts from the main car park here.
Tomb del Turer (Ordino)
Tomb del Turer is a beautiful loop hike that starts in Ordino. The route starts off in the forest, and there’s some uphill sections. Give yourself plenty of time at the two viewpoints to admire the pretty villages in the Ordino and La Massana area.
Distance: 3.4km
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Starting Point: Take bus L6 to Ordino – the walk starts from Carrer del Turer, right off a roundabout on the main road.
Planning Your Trip to Andorra
Andorra has no airport or train stations, so the only way to get there is by road. There are regular bus connections from Toulouse in France and Barcelona in Spain. It’s easiest to visit Andorra if you’re already traveling around these cities! Regardless of where in Europe you’re flying into, I use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights. You can book buses to Andorra from Barcelona or Toulouse below.
Andorra uses the Euro as their currency, but is not a member of the European Union (EU). Andorra is also not a member of the Schengen Zone, although you’ll need to enter/exit the country via a Schengen country (France or Spain). The official language is Catalan, although Spanish is widely spoken. I found French to be the next most-popular language, with English coming in fourth. It definitely helps to brush up on another language before traveling here! Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Looking for tours in Andorra? Check out these options!
Where to Stay in Andorra
If you’re relying on public transport to get around, I highly recommend basing yourself in the capital city, Andorra la Vella, as all the bus routes connect here in the city. Here are some options for accommodation in Andorra la Vella:
- Budget: Alberg Els Andes – this is the only true hostel in the capital, located in Escaldes (a 20-minute walk from the bus station). I stayed here and while it had nice facilities (big lockers in the dorms, two kitchens, free laundry), the majority of the guests were long-term, Spanish-speaking residents working in the city. So, it was a bit of a different vibe, as I was essentially the only backpacker there!
- Budget: Barri Antic Hostel and Pub – simple private rooms (no dorms) in a great location in the historic part of the city, less than a 10-minute walk from the bus station, with a popular on-site pub
- Mid-range: Exe Princep – comfortable, spacious rooms with friendly staff in the heart of Andorra la Vella’s commercial/shopping district
- Mid-range: Hotel NH Andorra la Vella – an excellent central location, with streamline modern décor and helpful staff – some rooms have a balcony
- Mid-range: Acta Arthotel – the property boasts a spa, sauna, Turkish baths, two restaurants (one overlooking the river, the other with mountain views), and super-comfy beds
- Luxury: Andorra Park Hotel – an exceptional five-star luxury hotel featuring a spa, fitness center, and two swimming pools, in the heart of the city but peacefully tucked away from traffic
- Luxury: The Blackpine Hotel – a newly opened hotel, with stylish rooms and a spa/wellness center slightly outside the center in Escaldes
- Luxury: Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness – an elegant luxury hotel, with chic rooms, a beautiful spa, on-site restaurant, and excellent service
Search for more places to stay using the map below!
Andorra was a beautiful destination to explore, and I loved my time hiking here. It’s definitely somewhere I’d love to return to someday! While a car will give you more freedom and flexibility, it’s very possible to get around the country and go hiking using public transport. Basing yourself in Andorra la Vella will be easiest for traveling by bus. I hope post helps planning a car-free hiking trip to Andorra!
Have you been to Andorra before? What was your experience like?
You might also like my posts:
The Best Daytrips From Toulouse (With Public Transportation)
10 Tips for Traveling Southern France
The Best Car-Free Walks From York, England
What to See and Do in Beautiful Drôme Sud Provence, France
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