Andorra
Tucked high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is a cycling paradise hidden in plain sight. This tiny mountain country offers an unforgettable mix of dramatic scenery, quiet roads, and world-class climbs. With its twisting alpine passes, deep valleys, and stunning vistas, Andorra feels purpose-built for cyclists who love to climb. The roads are smooth and well-maintained, and you’re never far from a challenging ascent or a sweeping descent.
Andorra’s cycling reputation has exploded in recent years. What was once a secret among a few passionate riders is now a base for some of the world’s top professional cyclists. With its high altitude and demanding terrain, Andorra is ideal for training. You’ll often see pros out on the roads, whether prepping for a Grand Tour or just enjoying the mountain air.
The country has also taken the spotlight in some of cycling’s biggest races. Andorra has hosted key stages of the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, showcasing its fierce climbs and breathtaking backdrops. Passes like Coll de la Gallina, Arcalís, Beixalís, and Ordino have tested the world’s best riders and provided unforgettable moments in race history.
Food is part of the adventure here too. Andorran cuisine is a warm blend of Catalan, French, and mountain traditions. After a big ride, you’ll find cozy restaurants serving grilled meats, mountain stews, and fresh local cheeses. Many cafés are cyclist-friendly, and you won’t have to look far for a good espresso or a hearty plate of trinxat (a traditional potato and cabbage dish).
Whether you're here for a week or just a few days, Andorra rewards every pedal stroke. The climbs are tough, the scenery is breathtaking, and the cycling culture is strong. With high-altitude roads, a welcoming atmosphere, and the feeling of riding through a Grand Tour stage, Andorra is one of Europe’s best-kept road cycling secrets.
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Best time to ride
Summer brings warm days and mostly dry weather, perfect for long days on the bike. Early fall cools down but still allows for great riding days. Spring is less predictable, with the chance of late snow on the high passes. Winter is stunning but best left to skiing, as road cycling is limited.
Read moreWhere to stay
Base Towns
Andorra la Vella
Andorra la Vella is the capital and a natural starting point for many rides. It connects easily to big routes like Coll d’Envalira and the classic loop through Beixalís and Ordino. With full services and bike-friendly hotels, it’s a convenient choice for riders looking to mix mountain challenges with city comforts.
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Accommodations (8)
Places in Andorra that welcome you and your bike.
Anyos Park
AnyósPark The Mountain & Wellness Resort is a classic mountain stay in La Massana, offering a range of rooms, studios, and apartments. The resort features a wellness and spa area, swimming pool, gym, and on-site dining options. For cyclists, there’s secure bike storage and cleaning facilities available.
Hotel & Aparthotel Cosmos
Hotel and Aparthotel Cosmos is located in the heart of Escaldes and offers both rooms and apartments. Cyclists can make use of bike storage with video surveillance, a cleaning station, and a mechanic’s workshop.
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How to get there
- By car: If you're coming from France, take the N20 and CG-2 through the Pas de la Casa border. From Spain, the most common route is via Barcelona. Just follow the C-16 and CG-1 through the Sant Julià de Lòria border.
- By plane: The best options are Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) or Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS). Both airports are about a 3-hour drive or shuttle ride to Andorra.
- By bus: Direct coaches to Andorra la Vella run from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Sants Station, Toulouse Airport, and the central bus station.
- By train: Catch a train to L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre in France, the closest station to Andorra. From there, hop on a bus to reach the border.
Bike Rentals (3)
Pic Negre
Bike brands: Cannondale, Oro, Focus
Pic Negre provides good road bike rentals from Oro, Cannondale and Focus. We recommend to contact them directly before booking online.
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Shops (5)
ETAPA
In Andorra la Vella, Etappe opened a space built for anyone who loves road cycling. The shop carries top brands like Rapha, Pas Normal, Pinarello, Factor, Aurum, KOO, DTM, Sphyre, and Nimbl. There’s also a workshop to keep your bike dialed and ready to roll.
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Cafes & bars (12)
Coffee Mountain
When you climb toward Port d’Arinsal, you’ll spot Coffee Mountain on your right as you ride through Arinsal. It’s a perfect stop for a great coffee and a slice of truly delicious homemade cake or you can settle in for a proper lunch before rolling on.
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Popular Climbs (14)
Alto Els Cortals
8.78km | 712m | 8.1%
Starting from Encamp, this dead-end climb takes you up to the top of the cable car station. It’s a tough, steady effort all the way to the summit of Alto Els Cortals.
Arcalis
10.83km | 902m | 8.3%
The road to the Arcalis ski station is wide and well-paved. The real beauty starts after the avalanche tunnels, where a stunning set of hairpin bends kicks in. The view from the top is incredible. Just above the bends, there’s a large ring-shaped monument you can spot from below.
This climb has featured multiple times in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.
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Cycling Routes (14)
Port de la Rabassa & Coll de la Gallina
70.1km | 2300m
Another local favourite: combine the climb to Port de la Rabassa with Coll de la Gallina for a solid ride. You can switch the order of climbs or mix up the ascent and descent options.
Coffee in Spain - the long edition
105km | 1100m
If you like the shorter "Coffee in Spain" route, you’ll probably enjoy this one too. Not much climbing here either, mostly a steady false flat through the valley. Stop for coffee in Bellver de Cerdanya or La Seu d’Urgell.
Plateau de Beille
155km | 3910m
For an escape into France, let's tackle the classic Plateau de Beille climb. Ride out over the Port d’Envalira and descend into Ax-les-Thermes.
From Les Cabannes, it’s a 16 km climb with an average gradient of 7.7%. Most of it’s exposed, so keep the weather in mind. On the way back, you’ll retrace your steps and take on the Port d’Envalira again — a 35 km climb at 4.8%. This one’s a serious challenge.
Bonjour France
182km | 4330m
This loop through France is a serious challenge. Start by climbing out of Andorra and descending into France. The first ascent is the Col de Pailhères, a climb often featured in the Tour de France. From there, it’s a mix of climbs and descents before heading back into Andorra via the Col de Puymorens and Port d’Envalira. It’s a truly scenic ride through the French Pyrenees.
Loop du France
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Reviews
Write a review Write a reviewExperiences from riders who have been here
Not the most characteristic of destinations but definitely one “to train with the pro’s”. After seeing Sepp Kuss’ and Robert Gesink’s Strava rides decided to check it out. Brilliant, long climbs. Hardly anyone on the road, smooth tarmac. Some dead-end climbs that feel like the end of the world on top. Definitely doable as a 3-day trip out of Girona as well.