Cycling in Andorra, right in the heart of the Pyrenees. Who wouldn't want that? Beautiful views, classic, rugged climbs. The Pyrenees he is famous for the Tour and Vuelta, notorious for its irregular climbs and beloved by professionals for the possibility of sleeping at altitude and training well. Andorra also positions itself emphatically as an ideal location for a training camp. But how good is cycling in Andorra really? After all, there is only one way up and one way down? Nothing could be further from the truth. Read here our tips for a crazy cycling holiday in Andorra
Cycling in Andorra = 21 climbs
Where the Alpe d'Huez known for its 21 turns, you should remember when you visit Andorra that there are 21 mountain passes These are trails you could climb. That’s quite a different experience than the hills in Limburg! There’s an extensive network of trails in Andorra with numbered, signposted routes, which are also equipped with useful information. The capital city La Vella It is the center of the state. From here you can quickly reach several routes.
Andorra Route 2 – local favorite
If you are going to cycle in Andorra, route two is actually just the ascent of the Coll d’Ordino. In 8.9 kilometers you cover a total of 459 meters of elevation gain. It is a real and delicious training climb, because it is not extremely steep; nowhere does it exceed 8.5% meters, and the climb is very gradual. It is also the preparation for the Coll de Casamanya which leads to the center of the country at over 2700 meters. The Coll d’Ordino has another side as well, namely route Number 7, which is about as steep as that.
Coll de Ordino, Canillo, Andorra
• Distance: 8.8 km, Elevation difference: 460 m, Average gradient: 5.9 %
Andorra for cyclists with a little more experience
The Ordino (or Collet Montaup in the local language) is just a warm-up. If you want a bit more challenge, route number 9, against Collada de Beixalis, a must-try. The climb from Beixalis is also not extremely long, which applies to almost all climbs in Andorra. With 8.7 kilometers and almost 600 meters of elevation gain, this is more of a climb. In the end, you end up averaging a percentage of 6.8%. This climb also reaches a high of just over 10%, with an average kilometer at 9.4%. You pass the church of Beixalís and the church of Sant Esteve de la Valldigna. Saint Christopher of Anyos, in the hamlet of Anyos. This church dates from the 12th century, although it has been restored and modified since then. If you visit the church, you will see that the Beixalis On the other hand, the maximum percentage is 15.8%! The steepest meters in the entire tax haven. Below you can find the route with both ascents included.
Tour roof
Andorra invests heavily in cycling, especially the stages leading up to the Tour de France or the Vuelta finish. In particular, Route 18 to Port d’Envalira is popular, as we have seen a ‘La Grande Boucle’ finish there 9x already. This is also a favorite in the Vuelta. Philippe Gilbert even came in first there again, and also the good old Alejandro Valverde was often strong there. In 2021, Nairo Quintana came in first in the Tour de France. In 2025, the finish line was set in the Tour de France. Stage 7 of La Vuelta in Andorra.
With a length of 26 kilometers and 1345 meters of elevation gain, this is the highest mountain trail in the Pyrenees. The length of this climb is the real challenge, because with an average percentage of 5.2% it’s not even Iseran or Stelvio. Yet you also encounter stretches of 7.5% along the way, and that still really hurts. This climb has also been called the “Roof of the Tour” because of its high elevation.
Even more challenge
Short and concise. That’s how you could describe route number 1 to El Forn. Only 5 kilometers long, with an average ascent of 7.5%, which means you’ll almost reach 10%, making it a miserable climb. Along the way, you’ll again pass by beautiful church buildings, where you’ll probably intentionally light a candle to ask Mary or another divine figure for help. You might miss the beauty of St Miquel de Prats church.
The most beautiful
The climb of the Collada de Gallina It will be noticed by many with fear and trembling in the route. Rightly so, because from both sides this climb is 12 kilometers long with an average of 8.4%. From Sant Julia the climb is even a little more difficult and you have to deal with peaks of up to 14.5%! That really isn’t a walk in the park. But guys, what beautiful pictures come out of this route. Route 15 deserves a perfect 1 from us! It is almost a regular fixture in the Vuelta, where Enric Mas even came first once. In a word, beautiful.
Collada de la Gallina, Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra
• Distance: 12.1 km, Elevation gain: 1022 m, Average grade: 8.8 %
Practical
Andorra is a few hours from Barcelona airport, which makes it sometimes a bit difficult to get to, compared to other training meccas like Girona. The region is well-equipped for cyclists and you’ll find many ‘bike-friendly’ hotels there, both in La Vella and in popular places like La Massana. More info? Check the website of visitandorra.com!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.