In this article
In this article
Hi, my name is Manuel and I was born and raised in Andorra. The Rec del Solà is one of my favourite walks near the centre. It's a path where you can see Andorra la Vella from above. The best part is that after the initial climb, the rest is flat. It's one of the most accessible easy hiking routes in Andorra.
This path doesn't get much mention in travel guides, but for me it's the perfect excursion close to the centre and open all year round. It's a place I often go with my family, because my dad lives right next to the start of the path.
In this article I'll explain how to get to the Rec del Solà (with every access point and where to park), what it is and what you'll see along the way, why it's worth the walk, and some tips for going in winter or with dogs.
Book a guided tour of Old Andorra
If you want to get to know the old town of Andorra la Vella properly, I'd recommend this Civitatis guided tour. I always suggest it because the reviews are excellent (9.6 out of 10) and it's cheap. It's a good way to see the historic part of the city with a local guide. It pairs perfectly with the Rec del Solà, since you finish right next to the old town.
How to get to the Rec del Solà
The full return trip is about 5km (~1h10). After the first 10 to 15 minutes uphill, the rest is flat. You don't need to do the whole route, you can walk as far as you like and turn back.
There are several access points along the path. Here are the Google Maps links:
- A: North end access point
- B: Carrer les Canals access point
- C: Parc Guillemó access point
- D: Plaça del Poble access point
- E: Ciudad de Valls access point 1
- F: Ciudad de Valls access point 2
For parking, the cheapest option is the blue zone. Check my guide to parking in Andorra for the details.
What is the Rec del Solà?
The Rec del Solà is a historic irrigation channel that used to carry water to the vegetable gardens on the mountainside. Today it's a pedestrian path that runs along the mountain just above Andorra la Vella. The name comes from "rec" (irrigation channel in Catalan) and "solà" (the part of the mountain that catches the sun). Together with the Rec de l'Obac (on the opposite mountain), it forms the Green Ring of Andorra la Vella.
Along the path you get panoramic views of central Andorra, Avinguda Meritxell, Caldea, the buildings... There are also vegetable gardens and growing terraces where neighbours grow their own produce. It's interesting to see how these farming traditions are kept alive so close to the centre. If you walk all the way to the north end you can see the Romanesque bridge of Sant Antoni and the Sant Antoni de la Grella oratory.
Why it's worth the walk
It's one of the few routes where you get incredible panoramic views without having to climb much. After the first 10 to 15 minutes uphill, the rest is flat. You don't need to get in the car or travel far, there are several access points from the centre of Andorra la Vella itself.
You can walk there from Avinguda Meritxell in 10 to 15 minutes. If you want more viewpoints with almost no walking involved, have a look at my Andorra viewpoints you can drive to.
Since the path is flat and not too long, it's perfect if you're going with kids, older people or anyone who isn't used to walking. It also pairs well with other activities: you can do the walk in the morning and then head to Caldea, combine it with shopping on Avinguda Meritxell, or visit Casa de la Vall. In fact it's part of day 2 of my Andorra in 2-3 days guide.
Hiking the Rec del Solà in winter
The Rec del Solà is one of the best options for hiking in Andorra in winter because it sits at a low altitude and doesn't usually hold as much snow as the higher mountain routes. That makes it a perfect choice when other trails are out of reach. Even so, there can be snow or ice on some stretches. I'd recommend footwear with a good grip. I've been several times in winter and with a bit of care it's perfectly doable.
With dogs
The Rec del Solà is perfect for bringing dogs. I usually go with my family and the dogs. The path is safe (there are no cars) and there's room for them to walk comfortably. Just keep them on a leash out of respect for the other walkers.
Other easy hiking routes in Andorra
If you liked this route and you're after more easy hikes in Andorra, I'd recommend:
- Top 7 easy hikes: The best easy hikes in Andorra: from city walks with views to accessible mountain lakes. A local's guide with the practical details.
- Guide to Andorra's lakes: Andorra's lakes ranked: the prettiest ones, the easy to reach ones and where you can swim.
- Tibetan Bridge in Encamp: A short route with a free suspension bridge and the chance to swim in the river in summer.
- Les Bons: A walk through an old village up to the church of Sant Romà with its Romanesque frescoes. From there a green mountain path continues, perfect for a longer stroll.
- Engolasters Lake: A mountain lake you can drive to in Encamp. A flat 30-minute loop through the forest, great for families and open in winter too.
- Tristaina Lakes: Three high-mountain lakes joined by a 4.4 km loop in Ordino Arcalís. In summer you can swim in one of them (cold, but worth it!).
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.
