The Best Routes in Andorra
We know that Andorra is mostly known for its ski resorts during the winter, but the rest of the year, the principality offers landscapes of unique beauty and a privileged climate, ideal if you enjoy outdoor activities.
Its routes are a great attraction for nature tourism, as they have well-marked trails, good accommodation options, and various tourist services so that everyone can enjoy the different mountain routes.
Lagos de Tristaina Route
Many consider this route one of the best routes in Andorra. The Tristaina Lakes, or Estanys de Tristaina, was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. These three lakes (Estany Primer, Estany del Mig y Estany de Més Amuny) are of glacial origin and can be traversed in a circular route suitable for all types of hikers, including children.
The Tristaina Lakes route The Tristaina Lakes route is approximately 4.5 kilometers long and can be completed in about 2 hours, suitable for any time of the year. You can park your car at the Ordino-Alcalís ski resort, which is where the route begins and ends. Definitely, this route will captivate your heart.
Circular Path through the Parish of Canillo
Canillo is the parish in Andorra with the largest extension. With this beautiful circular route, you will pass through places such as the Sanctuary of Meritxell, the Montaup valley, the Riu valley, Sant Miquel de Prats, and climb up the Mereig slopes, leaving you breathless.
This hiking route starts and ends at the Santa Creu bridge, next to the Canillo Town Hall. It is a medium-level route that you can complete in approximately 9 hours, covering about 29 kilometers in distance. It is suitable for people accustomed to long hikes and with good training due to its distances and mid-mountain terrain.
"Valley of Madriu" Trail
The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful valleys in the Pyrenees, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the category of cultural landscape for its fauna, flora, and extraordinary beauty.
This incredible place spans 23 kilometers, and the excursion can be completed in approximately 7 hours. Due to its elevation gain of 1,855 meters, it’s considered a route of medium to high difficulty if completed in its entirety. You do have the option to choose different routes, depending on the time you prefer and your physical abilities.
Comapedrosa Natural Park Route
The Comapedrosa Valley Natural Park stands out for its high mountain landscape richness. It is located in the parish of La Massana, and is a protected natural park where the highest peak in Andorra, the Comapedrosa Peak, is located.
Its landscapes, formed by forests, lakes, and waterfalls, offer a variety of hiking trails where you can observe native fauna and flora. You can visit the Comapedrosa refuge via its trails and explore the Tuites Lake.
The route to the peak of Comapedrosa covers a distance of 14 kilometers, with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,380 meters. Therefore, this hike is considered to be of high difficulty. But in the end, it’s worth it as you’ll enjoy the best views in the entire Principality. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best routes in Andorra.
"Rec del Solà" Route
The “Rec del Solà” trail is part of the Green Ring trail, a natural path that surrounds the town of Andorra la Vella, which is the capital of the Principality of Andorra. This route offers high ecological, historical, and cultural value landscapes.
The route of this trail follows the irrigation channels used to supply water to the neighboring orchards of Andorra la Vella. You can do this route with children, as it is suitable for families. It’s an easy route and is only 4.5 kilometers long. Its itinerary starts at the Sant Ermengol school, reaching Santa Coloma, where you can visit the pre-Romanesque church. Definitely, it couldn’t be left out of our list of the best routes in Andorra.
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