In this article
In this article
It would be a shame to come to Andorra and miss the chance to walk in the mountains. If you don't want to overexert yourself, there are easy trails suitable for children. My name is Manuel, I was born and raised here, and I've been exploring these paths with my family and dogs since I was a child.
In this article, I'm sharing my top 7 easy hikes. I've included walks close to the capital's centre and short mountain outings that are ideal with children or older people. I've also put together a guide to Andorra's lakes, with the prettiest and most accessible ones, if you'd rather walk to a lake.
| # | Route name | Difficulty | Time (return) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rec del Solà | 1h15 min | 5 km | |
| 2 | Rec del Obac | 1h10 min | 5 km | |
| 3 | Lake Engolasters | 30 min | 1,5 km | |
| 4 | Encamp Tibetan Bridge | 30 min | 1,5 km | |
| 5 | Tristaina Lakes | 2h | 4.4 km | |
| 6 | Estany de les Abelletes | 40 min | 2,5 km | |
| 7 | First Pessons Lake | 1h20 min | 4 km |
* Times and distances refer to the return journey, except at Engolasters and Tristaina, which are circular routes.
Flat walks near the centre
If you're staying in the centre, Andorra la Vella or Escaldes-Engordany (I have a guide to where to stay in Andorra by area and budget), you'll find flat, accessible paths for all ages.
- Rec del Solà — This is the sunny one. There's a 10–15-minute climb at the start, then it's flat. The full return walk is about 5 km (around 1 hr 15 min). You'll see the rooftops from above and pass traditional gardens. I often go there with my family because my father lives right next to the start.
- Rec del Obac — On the opposite hillside from the Rec del Solà, this walk is usually shadier. Perfect for hot days in July and August, as much of it runs beneath the trees. You can also start from the historic centre or the km 0 roundabout. The return walk takes about 1 hr 15 min.
- Lake Engolasters — It's a 15-minute drive from the centre, with parking nearby. The loop around the lake is a flat 30-minute walk along a wide dirt path. There are also restaurants with terraces by the water and a treetop adventure course for children.
- Walk along the Gran Valira River — The most urban option of all. You can start at the Dalí Clock (Google Maps) on Avinguda Meritxell and walk alongside the Valira River. The section by Parc Central is the prettiest, especially in early April when the cherry trees are in bloom.
Details of the 7 easy hikes
1. Rec del Solà — The capital's sunny viewpoint walk
- 🎯 Difficulty: Very easy
- ⏱️ Duration: 1 hr 15 min (full return walk)
- 🥾 Distance: 5 km
- 📍 Location: Andorra la Vella
The Rec del Solà is my favourite walk when I don't want to leave central Andorra. It follows the sunny side of the valley, so it gets direct sunlight for most of the day. It's perfect in winter or spring when you fancy a warm walk.
If you like the views on this walk, take a look at my best viewpoints in Andorra.
The path is fully paved and level, with benches and places to rest. The only climb is at the beginning, to reach the irrigation channel from the city centre. Along the way, you'll pass small local gardens.
If you want to see the different access points, I recommend reading my Rec del Solà guide, where I explain the starting points and include Google Maps links.
This walk is also included on day 2 of my 2–3 day Andorra itinerary, where I combine the Rec del Solà with the historic centre, Casa de la Vall and Lake Engolasters.
2. Rec del Obac — A shady summer walk
Views of the central valley from the Obac path
- 🎯 Difficulty: Very easy
- ⏱️ Duration: 1 hr 10 min (return)
- 🥾 Distance: 5 km
- 📍 Location: Andorra la Vella
The Rec del Obac (the shaded path) is the Rec del Solà's twin, but it runs along the opposite hillside of the central valley. Its orientation means it gets less sun, and trees and vegetation provide shade along most of the route.
That makes it the perfect walk on hot July and August days when you want to avoid the sun. It's a comfortable, paved path that's almost completely flat.
You can start the walk at the km 0 roundabout (Google Maps), in front of the Andorra200 supermarket (Google Maps) or walk up from La Comella (Google Maps) .
The two walks, Solà and Obac, form the Anella Verda (Green Ring) of Andorra la Vella
3. Lake Engolasters loop — The quintessential family walk
- 🎯 Difficulty: Very easy
- ⏱️ Duration: 30 min (full loop)
- 🥾 Distance: 1.5 km
- 📍 Location: Encamp / Escaldes-Engordany
Lake Engolasters is probably the most visited natural attraction in the country. It's only a 15-minute drive from the town centre.
The route is a complete loop around the lake. The path is wide, smooth and completely flat, making it suitable for everyone.
I recommend adding a visit to the Mirador de les Fonts, just 600 metres away, which offers views over central Andorra. You can find all the practical details in my Lake Engolasters guide.
4. Encamp Tibetan Bridge — Nature and a river, for free
- 🎯 Difficulty: Easy
- ⏱️ Duration: 30 min (return on the direct route)
- 🥾 Distance: 1.5 km
- 📍 Location: Encamp (Els Cortals)
If you're looking for a suspension bridge but don't want to pay the €17 entry fee for the Canillo Bridge, the Encamp Tibetan Bridge is an ideal alternative. It's free, set in a beautiful mountain spot in Els Cortals, and I often go there with my dogs and family.
A stream runs beside the bridge where you can cool your feet in summer or sit on the grass for a picnic. There's also a path along the river for a walk nearby. For directions and more photos, read my Encamp Tibetan Bridge guide.
5. Tristaina Lakes — High mountains with little effort
- 🎯 Difficulty: Easy–moderate
- ⏱️ Duration: 1 hr 20 min (return to the first lake) – 2 hr (full circular route)
- 🥾 Distance: 1.2 km (to the first lake) – 4.4 km (full circular route)
- 📍 Location: Ordino (Arcalís resort)
The Tristaina Lakes are among Andorra's most spectacular natural landscapes. The full circular route linking the three lakes (Estany Primer, Estany del Mig and Estany de Més Amunt) is 4.4 km and has a little more elevation gain, but walking only to the first lake is a short outing suitable for almost everyone.
Bear in mind that in summer the access road is closed during the day, so you'll need to take the resort's cable car. I explain the schedules, prices and access in my Tristaina Lakes guide.
6. Estany de les Abelletes — The border lake at Pas de la Casa
- 🎯 Difficulty: Easy
- ⏱️ Duration: 40 min (return)
- 🥾 Distance: 2.5 km
- 📍 Location: Pas de la Casa (Costa Rodona)
The Estany de les Abelletes is a great walk if you're coming from France or staying in the Pas de la Casa area. As a fun fact, half of the lake belongs to Andorra and the other half to France.
To get there, just park at the Costa Rodona resort car park in Pas de la Casa (Google Maps) and follow a wide uphill track with only a gentle incline. You'll reach the lake in around 15–20 minutes on foot.
7. Estany Primer de Pessons
- 🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
- ⏱️ Duration: 1 hr 20 min (return)
- 🥾 Distance: 4 km
- 📍 Location: Grau Roig (El Cubil car park)
The Pessons glacial cirque is Andorra's largest group of glacial lakes. The full route around all of them is long and demanding, but climbing only to the first lake ( Estany Primer de Pessons) is a short outing suitable for beginners.
The walk starts at the El Cubil car park in Grau Roig (Google Maps). From there, follow a wide uphill path that takes you directly to the lake in around 35–40 minutes.
If you visit in summer (from July to early September) and don't want to walk up the initial forest track, there's a 4x4 bus service for a fee that takes you from the Grau Roig car park to the lake shore in just 10 minutes.
Need accommodation in Andorra?
I'll help you choose the best area to stay based on your hiking and activity plans
More easy hikes by area
If you want to explore more or are looking for routes in the parish where you're staying, here are some other highly recommended easy options. For the full list, visit the Visit Andorra easy hiking routes page.
Andorra la Vella
- Itinerari per la Vall d'Enclar — Prats del Paquetaire — One of the best places in Andorra to spot large birds of prey, such as black kites and vultures. The flat path runs through a quiet valley on the outskirts of the capital. Visit Andorra
- Camí de Santa Coloma a la Margineda — An easy trail that starts in Santa Coloma's village square and takes you to La Margineda, passing the old Romanesque bridge. It's lovely to combine with a visit to the village. Visit Andorra
- Bosc del Campeà — A walk through a mid-mountain landscape dominated by the Campeà forest. Quiet, shady and with very little elevation gain, it's ideal for an afternoon break. Visit Andorra
Escaldes-Engordany
- Coll de Jou — A short, gentle walk that's perfect for young children. It takes less than an hour and offers a lovely setting for kids. Visit Andorra
- Engordany Route — Discover traditional ways of life from the early 20th century in Engordany's old rural neighbourhoods. It's short and full of historical charm. Visit Andorra
- Itinerari d'Entremesaigües — A walk in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A special place for anyone wanting to discover Andorra's wilder side. Visit Andorra
Encamp
- Camí de les Pardines — An adapted 3.5 km path connecting Els Cortals with Lake Engolasters, passing botanical gardens and small waterfalls. It's flat and usually shady, making it ideal in summer. Visit Andorra
- Camí del riu blanc — A 2 km riverside walk that takes you to Lake Engolasters. Very peaceful, with little elevation gain, and perfect to combine with the loop around the lake. Visit Andorra
- Riverside walk to Les Bons — A flat, scenic path that follows the Valira d'Orient north from the centre of Encamp to the medieval village of Les Bons. The route is straight and almost flat, ideal for a relaxed afternoon walk. When you arrive, you'll find old stone houses and a defensive tower, and you can continue exploring the village.
Canillo
- Camí del Toll Bullidor — A walk of less than 1 km from the Meritxell roundabout to a viewpoint over a beautiful waterfall. It's very short, but the scenery is well worth it. Visit Andorra
- Camí de l'Obac d'Incles — A 3 km trail following the Incles River, with information panels about traditional trades along the way. Ideal with children and easy to combine with a visit to the Incles Valley. Visit Andorra
- Roca de l'Home Dret — A short, flat route through pine forests, perfect for a relaxed, uncomplicated afternoon with the family. Visit Andorra
La Massana
- Camí del Pla de l'Estany — A family-friendly route in the Comapedrosa Natural Park, with mountain scenery and high-altitude vegetation without having to climb too far. Visit Andorra
- Camí Ral de La Massana — An easy, flat route along the historic road from La Massana to Andorra la Vella. Visit Andorra
Ordino
- Iron Route — A cultural 4.2 km trail from Llorts to La Cortinada, passing old iron mines and outdoor sculptures. It's an easy walk that combines nature with Andorra's metalworking history. Visit Andorra
- Grau de la Llosa viewpoint — A 4.4 km walk in the Sorteny Natural Park with panoramic views across the Ordino Valley. There is little elevation gain, and it's especially beautiful in autumn when the colours change. Visit Andorra
Sant Julià de Lòria
- Camí dels Pujols — A short 1.2 km trail with panoramic views to the north of the parish. It's one of the shortest walks around, ideal if you only have an hour to spare. Visit Andorra
- Riu Runer viewpoint — A family walk of 1 km with views of the Runer River valley. It has very little elevation gain and is perfect with young children. Visit Andorra
- Camí de la Senyoreta — A path from Sant Julià de Lòria to the picturesque village of Juberri, skirting mountains and meadows with views towards the Spanish border. Visit Andorra
- Camí dels Bessets de baix — A 1.76 km walk between dry-stone terraces and the Auvinyà River. Very peaceful and shady, with almost no elevation gain. Visit Andorra
Born and raised in Encamp, Andorra. In my free time I explore my country and share the best activities, trails and hidden spots that most travel guides don't mention.