Typically, when people think of summer in Europe, they think of France, Italy, Greece, and Spain, but what about France and Spain’s small neighbour, Andorra? You might know this country for its winter skiing and adventures, but I am here today to tell you that Andorra in the summer is one of Europe’s hidden gems and needs to be added to your summer itinerary.
Why, you may ask. From my experience visiting in July, I was constantly wondering and asking where all the tourists were. Andorra seemed unseasonably quiet for a country with incredible hiking and quite frankly nature’s paradise. I think the answer to my question is Andorra in the summer is still a relatively hidden gem. So here is everything you need to know if you want to step off the tourist route and explore this mountainous country.
Best time to visit Andorra in the summer
June and July are the best summer months to visit Andorra, the days are long, and the temperature ranges between 17.0°C and 28.5°C. We visited in the middle of July and loved this time of year. Warm but not super crowded.
August is the most crowded summer month. Andorra also experiences summer storms during this month, so something to consider if you want to be out hiking. Temperatures range from 16.5°C and 27.0°C
September is another great time of year to visit as it’s still warm but again less crowded. Temperatures range from 14.0°C and 24.5°C.
How to get to Andorra in the summer
Andorra is landlocked by its neighbours Spain and France, but this means you have several options on where to fly into if you don’t plan on driving.
The two closest airports in Catalonia Spain are Barcelona and Girona.
In France your closest airport is Toulouse.
Whether you choose to fly into Spain or France several bus companies will take you to Andorra. Choose between FlixBus, Andbuss and Andorradirectbus depending on availability.
Of course, if you would prefer to have more flexibility and rent a car this is also a great idea. I would highly recommend using Rentalcars.com as they will give you options from multiple companies so you can find the best car for your budget.
Important note: If you plan to drive from either Spain or France in a rental car you are crossing the border into a new country so it’s important to check with the rental company that you are also covered for Andorra.
Getting around Andorra in the summer
Andorra is easy to navigate as they have a great bus network that connects most of the hikes and villages. Tickets can be brought directly on the bus. More information on timetables, connections and prices is on the website here. There are even night buses on Friday and Saturday nights.
Where to stay in Andorra in the summer
We stayed a bit out of the main centre in Ordino at Apartaments Giberga and I couldn’t recommend this place more, it has a pool so after a long day hiking you can relax and enjoy a beverage at the bar. This place probably works best if you have a car like we did.
However, if you want to stay more central here are some options to consider:
What to do in Andorra in the summer
Hiking in Andorra
There are so many options when it comes to hiking in Andorra that there will be an option to fit the length and fitness level that you are looking for.
Estanys de Pessons
This was the hike we chose during our visit to Andorra, and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for an intermediate one-day hike.
Where to start: Grau Roig parking lot
Distance: 12.12 km (round trip)
Elevation gain: 792 m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Starting from a ski resort (snow-free in the summer), this route is known as the Alpine Lake Hike because it takes you past six stunning alpine lakes, known as the Pessons. You have the option to continue all the way to Pessons Peak for a more challenging adventure or stick to the lake circuit for a moderate yet rewarding hike.
We opted for the lake circuit, which made for a scenic and manageable hike. However, if you push on to Pessons Peak, expect a more strenuous climb with even more breathtaking views.
Other hikes:
If the Alpine Lake hike doesn’t appeal to you there are so many more options from beginner to advanced that you can choose from, as I have only done the Estanys de Pessons hike I am going to recommend checking out this blog post here from Unexpected Catalonia as they have a full guide on all the hikes in Andorra.
Mountain biking
If hiking isn’t your thing then maybe mountain biking is. Mountain biking is one of the top things to do in Andorra in the summer.
With over 600km of routes for you to choose from, from forests to mountain trails. For beginners to those who are advanced in the sport, Andorra offers a great selection for you to choose from. A lot of the routes are even suitable for children so the whole family can enjoy themselves. For more information on routes check out the Andorra tourism website here.
Rock Climbing
The Pyrenean landscapes of Andorra make this a rock climber’s dream. With more than 65 peaks that exceed 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in altitude, there are enough granite cliffs, and picturesque valleys to attract climbers from around the world.
I am in no way an experienced rock climber so recommend checking out this blog to find the best wall for you.
Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata which translates to “iron path” in English. This means that metal rungs, ladders, or permanently fixed safety wires are used to navigate challenging and steep rocky terrain. I did my first Via Ferrata in France and fell in love with this form of hiking/climbing.
Andorra has 16 routes to choose from that vary in length and difficulty. I would recommend checking out the Unexpected Catalonia guide on Via Ferrata’s in Andorra here.
Shopping in Andorra
While Andorra may be a small country, one of the main appeals is the duty-free status of goods and services. This makes Andorra a fantastic shopping place, particularly for those looking for luxury goods, electronics, fashion, and local products.
Being a duty-free destination means you can find incredible deals on everything from designer clothes to electronics. The country’s lower taxes make it an attractive shopping hub for travellers looking to pick up high-end items at a fraction of the cost you’d find in neighbouring France or Spain.
Parting words about Andorra in the summer
Andorra in the summer is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse outdoor activities, and peaceful, tourist-free atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the crowds and experience something different.
So, if you’re planning your next summer getaway, don’t overlook Andorra, you won’t regret it.