ANDORRA
A small country in the Pyrenees
Quick facts
Country Andorra
2023
October
Travel
by van
Language
Catalan
Currency
Euro (€)
Capital
Andorra la Vella
Andorra is a small country, right in the heart of the Pyrenees. Despite its size, it offers a lovely mix of mountain landscapes, charming villages and a different pace of life. For us, it was a chance to enjoy the freedom of travelling by van and discover another corner of the mountains close to home.
Our route through Andorra
Follow our journey
We spent four days exploring Andorra by van, from the French border to the mountain scenery around Ordino. Along the way, we stopped in the capital, enjoyed picnics with mountain views and hiked to the beautiful Tristaina lakes and summit.
Explore the map to see the route we followed and the places we visited during our journey.
Day 1 — Entering Andorra by van
We entered Andorra from the Puigcerdà area, following the N-20 through France before crossing into Andorra at El Pas de la Casa.
We stopped there to enjoy the mountain views before continuing our drive. One of the best things about travelling by van is having the freedom to stop whenever somewhere catches your attention.
We continued towards El Riu de la Coma, where we stopped for a picnic surrounded by the mountains. After lunch, we drove to Andorra la Vella and spent some time walking along the main shopping street, exploring the shops and getting a feel for the capital.
It was a relaxed first day, with a mixture of mountain scenery and city life.
Crossing the border into Andorra
One thing worth knowing before visiting Andorra is that it is neither part of the European Union nor the Schengen Area. However, don’t let that put you off! Andorra is a small, landlocked country between Spain and France, so you can only reach it by land through one of these two neighbouring countries.
For most travellers coming from Spain or France, crossing the border is straightforward, and you generally don’t need a special visa just to visit Andorra. However, border and customs checks can take place, so make sure you carry valid identification or a passport.
If you’re travelling from outside the EU or need a Schengen visa, check the entry requirements carefully before your trip. Depending on your nationality, you may need a double-entry or multiple-entry Schengen visa to leave the Schengen Area for Andorra and return afterwards.
Day 2 — A day around Ordino
The following day, we headed to Ordino, a mountain village that became our base for exploring the surrounding area.
We stopped at La Borda de la Coma and spent the day enjoying the scenery. We had a picnic with mountain views and took our time exploring the area, without rushing from one place to another.
After spending the previous day driving through Andorra, this was an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the landscape. It also set the scene for our main adventure the next day: hiking to the Tristaina lakes and climbing the peak.
Day 3 — Hiking the Tristaina lakes and climbing the peak
This was the day we were most excited about. We packed our small bags and set off from the parking area towards the Tristaina lakes.
The hike took us past several beautiful mountain lakes, each with its own views and colours. We stopped along the way to enjoy the scenery, and at one point, after our entrepà de fuet, we even went for a swim in one of the lakes.
Then came the climb to Pic de Tristaina, at 2,878 metres above sea level.
The hike was quite tough for us because we weren’t in the best physical shape at the time. The climb challenged us, but reaching the top and seeing the surrounding Pyrenees made the effort worthwhile. From the summit, we could also look out towards France, as the route takes you right along the border between the two countries. It was incredible to take in the mountain views stretching across both Andorra and France.
We continued along the route, taking in more lakes and mountain views before reaching the Mirador Solar de Tristaina. From there, we made our way back to the parking area where we had left the van.
It was a demanding day, but incredibly beautiful. Looking back, it is one of those experiences that reminds us that sometimes the best places require a little effort to reach.
Our tip
Don’t underestimate the hike if you plan to climb the peak. The lakes and the viewpoint are already beautiful destinations in their own right, so you can adapt the route to your fitness, the weather and the conditions on the day.
What to take
Wear proper hiking shoes, bring water and layers, and check the weather before setting off. Conditions at high altitude can change quickly.
An easier alternative to reach the solar viewpoint
If you’d prefer not to do the full hike, there’s another option. You can take the Tristaina gondola and then the Creussans chairlift, followed by a short walk to reach the Mirador Solar de Tristaina. This way, you can enjoy the incredible high-mountain views without having to climb the entire route on foot.
Prices: For summer 2026, the official combined pass costs €20 per person in low season and €23 in high season. Prices and opening dates may change, so check the official Ordino Arcalís website before visiting.
Day 4 — Mirador d’Ordino and back to Catalonia
Before leaving Andorra, we made one last stop at Mirador d’Ordino to enjoy the panoramic views over the mountains. It was a lovely way to finish this part of our road trip before crossing back into Catalonia and continuing our journey.
After a few days of mountain roads, picnics, villages and hiking, we left Andorra with tired legs and plenty of beautiful memories.
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Would we recommend Andorra?
Yes, we would! Andorra is a lovely destination for a short getaway, especially if you enjoy nature, mountain landscapes and the freedom to explore at your own pace. We think it’s a great option for anyone looking to spend a few days away from busy cities and enjoy a different side of the Pyrenees.
We’d recommend spending a few days here rather than simply passing through. Andorra may be small, but it’s worth taking your time to explore beyond the capital and discover the landscapes that make this little country so special.
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