Owing to its reputation as an alpine ski town with abundant frosty terrain, the serenity and appeal of Andorran summers often fly under the radar.
The liminal phase between the gloom of winters and the bloom of summers here is a sight to behold — characterised by thawing lakes, vernal freshness, cranked-down radiators, and bike shops resuming service.
Watch as the silhouette of snow-capped peaks contrasts increasingly with the horizon. Explore alleyways, stumble upon charming cafes tucked away, and get plenty of saddle time with a healthy dose of crisp mountain air.
That’s Andorra in Summer … in a nutshell.
Best Time to Visit Andorra in Summer
Mid-April, right when spring is about to begin, is when it starts to get a bit too warm to ride skis and boards in Andorra, especially in the low-elevation areas.
During May, the temperature around 1000 meters averages 10°C, which is perfect if you intend on spending most of your time amidst the mountains.
June and July are the warmest and driest months of the year, making them the perfect time to visit. This is when the days are longer and the snow has fully melted so you can enjoy hiking and cycling in full swing. August tends to be crowded.
By the end of September, temperatures revert to single digits at higher elevations, but the October heat in the lower parts of Andorra is inevitable.
Getting There
Even though Andorra is a landlocked country that doesn’t have its airport, it’s well served by airlines from the UK and worldwide. There are international airports no more than 3 hours away, so accessibility is a non-issue. These include:
- Toulouse
- Lleida
- Barcelona
- Girona
Airport transfers can be sorted out through private car rental or you can rely on one of the many buses plying these routes.
Logistics and Commuting
Moving around in Andorra during summer isn’t nearly as challenging as it is during winter. You won’t need snow chains on your tires and you won’t have to adhere to strict timings and commuting guidelines.
The bus network here is extremely efficient as it connects all villages and sectors to Andorra la Vella, which is the country’s capital.
You won’t have to book your tickets in advance since they can be purchased when you board the bus. Renting private cars here is also an option for those who love driving.
Cellular and Internet
Andorra isn’t a part of the European Union and isn’t included in Europe’s roaming regulations (Eurotarrif). In other words, roaming does not apply here.
Considering the expensive internet rates, it’s best to turn off your mobile data before entering the country and rely on local Wifi as much as possible. Either that or you can purchase a travelling SIM card. Prepaid eSIMs are also an option to avail of affordable data plans.
Making the Most of Andorran Summers
Barring a few exceptions, there’s a fair bit of overlap between the activities that you can engage in here during winter and summer.
The best part is that even if you’re visiting for no more than a long weekend, you can experience most of the following activities since everything is in such close proximity.
Hiking: Can’t Go Wrong
There’s no better way to truly appreciate the beauty of Andorra than by exploring it on foot. It’s almost meditative — it forces you to slow down, gather your thoughts, and experience your surroundings at a leisurely pace.
Whether you choose to do it on challenging terrain leading to towering peaks or on easy trails that take you to gorgeous lakes and picnic spots is up to you. Here you’ll find both.
There are many impressive sights easily accessible from Andorra’s prominent hiking trails. Those who seek adventure will gravitate towards places like Coma Pedrosa, Pic de la Font Blanca, and L’Alt del Griu.
Others who want to take it easy can explore Camí del Gall at Canillo, Ruta del Ferro at Ordino, or even the Tristaina Lakes — there’s a wealth of options.
Cycling: On and Off-Road
If you’re a “why walk when you can ride” sort of person who loves to be on 2 wheels as much as possible, then you’re in for a treat.
Andorra is home to the 4th best bike park in the world, surpassed only by Åre Bike Park in Sweden; Portes du Soleil in France; and Whistler Bike Park, in Canada. The Vallnord Bike Park at Pal Arinsal boasts over 40 kilometres of trails and descents, with 29 classified areas.
There’s even a pump track, so whether you ride a full-suspension DH rig, an enduro bike, a humble hardtail, or a dirt jumper sporting a Marzocchi Bomber DJ, you’ll find places here that suit your skill level and taste.
Best be comfortable with sketchy runs and bottoming out your forks though because a lot of the tracks here aren’t exactly easy to ride. It’s no wonder why Vallnord Bike Park hosts the UCI MTB World Cup.
That’s the off-road bit. For aero bros who prefer the tarmac and consider any tyre size over 700x30c an abomination, there are plenty of backcountry roads and twisties waiting to be explored. Expect fatigue-melting vistas and explore exciting new challenges to show off on your Strava.
Via Ferrata: Vertigo’s Got Nothing on You
April marks the beginning of rock climbing and via ferrata season. Both activities involve traversing vertical mountain terrain, but the latter is a more raw experience that shelves the complicated knots and fancy rope manoeuvres.
Instead, you can climb a mountain using different mechanics such as steel cables, suspension bridges, ladders, and much more.
Entertainment by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is an avant-garde circus group from Canada that performs in Andorra la Vella every July.
It’s a highly anticipated event where you get to watch uber-talented contortionists perform whimsical, physics-defying tricks that’ll leave you in a state of nail-biting captivation and awe.
Picnics and Garden Parties
Aren’t outdoor picnics just the most fun family bonding activity? Andorra has over fifty different picnic areas equipped with all the essentials including benches, tables, water outlets, car parks, and even barbeques in some instances.
Discover Local Wineries
Wine tourism is big in Andorra thanks to its local vintners who masterfully leverage the principality’s gifted geographical make-up and Mediterranean seasonality.
It’s snowy, yet it gets plenty of sun year-round. It experiences dry summers and hosts near-perfect conditions for wine-making especially at low-altitude slopes.
Interestingly, Andorra lies at a similar latitude as Tuscany which produces Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino; the latter is regarded by sommeliers as one of the best vintage Tuscan reds ever made (depending on the year).
We recommend exploring the following wineries:
- Borda Sabaté 1944
- Casa Auvinyà
- Casa Beal
- Celler Mas Berenguer
- Casus Belli
Book Now
Book your summer holiday in Andorra with us for a streamlined and stress-free experience. Whether you are looking for airport transfers, ski trips, equipment rental, or information on accommodations, we can help you out.
Get in touch with us to learn more.