Andorra, the tiny principality nestled between France and Spain in the middle of the Pyrenees Mountain Range, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are so many summer activities in Andorra, from hiking to biking and more, making this a very popular destination for a summer adventure.
But, where should you stay if you travel to Andorra for a summer holiday? Well, there are many excellent Andorra accommodation options, from hotels to chalets to B&Bs, while another interesting accommodation option are the various campsites Andorra has to offer.
In this guide to the best campsites Andorra has available, we’ll break down exactly where you could stay if you fancy an accommodation experience that allows you to feel even closer to nature. We’ll also discuss the wild camping Andorra rules, so that you know if it is legal to camp in Andorra and where. So, let’s get to it!
Is it legal to camp in Andorra?
There are two types of camping. There is wild camping and there is camping in an official and recognised campsite. So, before you go ahead and pitch your tent in the alpine haven that is Andorra, it’s essential to know the rules and understand the legality of camping in Andorra.
Let’s, then, tackle the two main questions about campsites Andorra wide. Is it legal to camp in Andorra? Yes, it is legal to camp in Andorra in one of the microstate’s official campsites. Is wild camping legal in Andorra? No, wild camping is not generally legal in Andorra.
On the latter, there is a wild camping Andorra loophole, given that wild camping may be permitted in certain circumstances, namely when pitching a tent near a hut which is already filled with people. In this case, you might be allowed to pitch a tent in the Andorran countryside to provide some extra accommodation space.
Generally, however, you’ll have to pitch your tent in an official campsite, and later in this blog post we’ll list and discuss the best campsites Andorra has to offer.
How many days in Andorra is enough?
When you’re planning to travel to Andorra, it’s important to understand how many days are enough to visit Andorra. Especially considering that how to get to Andorra is an endeavour you’ll need to plan in advance, given the lack of an airport, you’ll want to calculate the number of days of your stay quite precisely.
The optimal number of days for visiting Andorra will really depend on which activities you want to do, and on how much of the country you want to see. Measuring in at just 468 square kilometres, Andorra can be explored fully in the space of just a few days, but perhaps you’ll want to spend longer in the principality if your itinerary is extra long!
Best campsites in Andorra
When it comes to discussing the best campsites Andorra has to offer, we might as well list every one of them considering there aren’t too many. How many official campsites are there in total in Andorra? Well, the Andorra Tourism Board currently lists five official campsites in all of Andorra. Three of these are located in the parish of Canillo, while there is one more in Erts and there is one campsite in Andorra la Vella, the capital city, too.
Here, then, are the five campsites Andorra’s Tourism Board officially recognises:
- Casal Campsite in Andorra: If you check the reviews for the best campsites Andorra has, then Casal in the parish of Canillo will often come up. It is especially popular with families because of all the amenities it has, including a children’s play park.
- Santa Creu Campsite in Andorra: Santa Creu is another campsite in Canillo. Perhaps a little more basic than Casal, it still has a good mix of options and amenities for those looking to explore this beautiful sector of the principality.
- Janramon Campsite in Andorra: Janramon is the third of the Andorra campsites based in Canillo. It too has a mix of options, whether you’re bringing your own tent or looking to use the accommodation options provided by the campsite.
- Xixerella Campsite in Andorra: This is a campsite located in the Erts part of Andorra. While it may be a little smaller than some of the others, it is perfect for those who want to explore this beautiful part of Andorra.
- Valira Campsite in Andorra: If you’re searching for campsites in Andorra la Vella, the capital of the country, then there is one official campsite and this is Valira. Despite being located in the capital, it has many cheap accommodation options.
Besides the five Andorra campsites mentioned above, there is also a site known as Camping Font de Ferrosins. This is also officially recognised by the Andorra Tourism Board, but it is a lot more like wild camping than any other official campsite Andorra wide. Camping Font de Ferrosins allows guests the opportunity to pitch their tent in a mountainous area, to fully feel at one with the Pyrenean countryside.
It’s also worth mentioning the motorhome campsites Andorra has dotted across the countryside. These are not full campsites, but rather spots where you can stop and stay in your motorhome as you explore Andorra on wheels.
So, you now know that although wild camping is restricted in Andorra, the country does offer plenty of fantastic campsites that allow you to experience its rugged landscapes without worrying about legal restrictions.