In this article
In this article
Andorra doesn't have a beach. It's a mountain country in the Pyrenees and, when summer arrives, everyone asks the same thing: so where do I actually swim?
I'm Manuel, I was born and grew up in Andorra. Swimming in rivers and mountain lakes has been one of my passions since I was a kid, so I'm going to tell you exactly where I go when the heat kicks in: rivers with enough depth, lakes where swimming is allowed, the municipal pools in every village and thermal waters if you'd rather not brave the cold.
I'll also clear up the rules (yes, you can swim in almost every river and lake, with a few important exceptions) and share the safety tips that'll save you a bad surprise. If you're visiting in summer, this guide will come in handy.
Quick answer
If you just want the short version: yes, you can swim in Andorra in summer. Here's a summary of the spots:
- Lakes — Tristaina and Abelletes, among others. The easiest ones to access where you can swim.
- Pools — I recommend the outdoor pool at La Mola in Encamp. There's usually space and fewer people than in the centre.
- Rivers — the Riu de les Deveses in Encamp (my favourite) and the river in Canillo.
- Thermal waters — Caldea's outdoor lake, at 32-34 °C all year round.
A heads-up: the water in rivers and mountain lakes is cold even in August. That's part of the experience, but if you want a warm pool, head straight to the municipal ones or to Caldea.
Does Andorra have a beach?
No. Andorra is a landlocked country with no coastline, so it has no beaches or sea.
In 2020 and 2021, Sant Julià de Lòria tried out an urban river beach (the Cala Laurediana), but it was a temporary experiment that no longer exists.
Where is swimming allowed in Andorra?
In rivers, according to my research there's no general ban on swimming: you can swim in pretty much any spot, unless there's a sign saying otherwise. Bear in mind, though, that this doesn't mean it's an official swimming area: there are no lifeguards on rivers or in mountain lakes, so the responsibility is yours.
In lakes the rule is the opposite of what you might expect: by default swimming is allowed unless there's a sign prohibiting it — there are three important exceptions (Engolasters, Estany de l'Estanyó and the Estanys del Comapedrosa). Here I explain each case in more detail.
Lakes where you can swim in Andorra
If you like the idea of hiking a bit and rewarding yourself with a dip, most high-altitude mountain lakes allow swimming: Tristaina, Pessons, Juclar and Abelletes are the best known. The ones where it's forbidden are Engolasters, Estany de l'Estanyó and the Estanys del Comapedrosa.
The water is crystal-clear and freezing cold even in August, but that's precisely the whole point.
→ Complete guide to Andorra's lakes (routes, access, which ones are off-limits)Pools in Andorra
If you prefer water without surprises, some grass and a lifeguard on duty, the pools are your best bet. Almost every parish has one, at affordable prices (adult tickets are around €8). Here I cover the outdoor pools — the ones that open in summer — and for each one I mention the indoor pool the parish has in case you visit at another time of year.
La Mola outdoor pool (Encamp)
It's the classic summer spot in Andorra. It opens from mid-June to early September, 10:00 to 20:00, with grass, sun loungers, aquagym and beach volleyball. There's usually space and fewer people than in the centre. Adult entry is about €8.20 and kids/seniors around €4.60.
If you visit at another time, Encamp also has the indoor pool at the Polideportivo sports centre (25×15 m), open all year round.
Serradells pool (Andorra la Vella)
The Centre Esportiu Serradells has an outdoor pool in summer and, year-round, a 25-metre indoor pool with 8 lanes. It's the most central option if you're staying in Andorra la Vella. Official website · Google Maps
Termal de Muntanya pool (Escaldes-Engordany)
It's actually the pool at the Hotel Carlemany (Hotel Spa Termes Carlemany), located about 200 metres from the hotel on the Camí de Coll de Caldes. It's one of the few pools where you can swim in warm water outdoors with the mountains as a backdrop. If you're not a guest, adult entry costs €10.80; guests get a 50% discount.
For indoor swimming, Escaldes-Engordany has the Piscines Comunals on the Avinguda Copríncep de Gaulle: a 25×12.5 m pool plus an 8×6 m kids' pool with 80 cm depth, open on weekdays from 6:30 to 22:00.
Prat del Molí outdoor pool (La Massana)
It's actually the pool at the Hotel Marco Polo on the Avinguda Sant Antoni, with depths from 1 to 2.8 metres, a bar and sun loungers surrounded by mountains. If you're not a hotel guest, entry costs €10. Quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
In La Massana, the pool at L'Aldosa is outdoor but heated, so it also works as an indoor option when the temperature drops.
Palau de Gel (Canillo)
The Palau de Gel has a heated 25-metre pool and a Splash zone with slides in summer: three slides starting at 7 metres high with runs of up to 53 metres. A blast for the little ones (and not so little ones).
In Canillo, the parish sports centre also has a heated indoor pool.
Ordino, Sant Julià de Lòria and Pas de la Casa also have sports centres with indoor pools: the Centre Esportiu del Pas de la Casa, for example, has three pools (a main one, a kids' pool and a jacuzzi).
Rivers for swimming
Andorra has lots of small rivers, so you've got plenty of options. Here I only list the spots where I've actually swum or have first-hand info.
Riu de les Deveses (Encamp) — My favourite
The Riu de les Deveses runs down through the Els Cortals valley in Encamp, my home village. It's the same river that flows under the Tibetan bridge of Encamp, and it's without a doubt my favourite spot in the mountains of Andorra. I usually go with my family and the dogs all year round, and in summer I swim just above the bridge where the water has a bit more depth.
If you want to know how to get there, where to park and see photos of the area, I cover it all in my guide to the Tibetan bridge of Encamp.
Valira d'Orient river in Encamp
The Valira d'Orient river cuts right through Encamp and there are several spots where you can get in.
The spot I usually go to in summer is at the entrance to Encamp, not far from the tunnel (Google Maps ). It doesn't have much depth, but if you lie down in the water you get fully wet and cool off nicely. Plus it's in the shade, which is a real blessing in the middle of August.
To park, you can leave your car in the blue zone next to Radio Andorra. You'll find all the details in my guide on where to park in Encamp.
Further north, along the river walk, I've seen people swimming, although I haven't tried it myself (Google Maps ). You can walk upstream and see which spot you like best.
Swimming area on the Valira d'Orient river (Canillo)
In Canillo, the same Valira d'Orient river has an easy-to-reach swimming area near the village centre, with proper access points down to the riverbed. It's one of the most convenient river swimming spots in Andorra because you don't have to walk at all: park the car and you're right there.
The current is steady and gentle. Fair warning though, the water comes straight from the snowmelt in the peaks, so it's very cold.
📍 View on Google MapsLooking for somewhere to stay near the swimming spots?
Hotels in Encamp, Canillo and surroundings, close to the rivers and lakes
Thermal waters and thermal pools
Cold water? No thanks. If your plan is to float around without freezing, Andorra has the largest thermal spa in southern Europe: Caldea, in Escaldes-Engordany. Its outdoor lagoon is at 32-34 °C all year round, so in summer it's a curious experience: thermal water with the mountains as a backdrop. The Classic entry starts at €37 and includes the outdoor areas.
I worked at Caldea one summer when I was a student, so I can tell you it's worth it, especially in the morning when there are fewer people. Here's my full guide to Caldea with the types of entry and which one to pick.
If you prefer something quieter and cheaper, there are other spas and thermal centres dotted around the country — you'll find them all in my guide to spas and thermal centres in Andorra.
Swimming in Andorra with kids
With little ones, my advice is to play it safe: municipal pools with a lifeguard and kids' areas. La Mola in Encamp has grass, a beach volleyball area and a big pool with plenty of room. The Palau de Gel in Canillo has a kids' pool with adapted slides in the Splash zone. In Caldea, kids can enter from age 5 and there's a kids' spa (Likids) for ages 3 to 8.
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.
