Andorra, a Cyclist’s Territory, spectacular mountain passes for cyclists.
Cycling in Andorra in summer is booming and that’s because Andorra is a cyclist’s territory. Andorra is a paradise for road cyclists, especially for climbers or those looking to train at altitude, with over 20 cycling passes in Andorra.
Cycling has arrived in Andorra to stay. Increasingly, more professional cyclists in Andorra are settling in Andorra and professional cycling teams are training in Andorra. Besides the Catalan Joaquim “Purito” Rodríguez, other active professional cyclists have chosen Andorra like Esteban Chaves, Dan Martin, Dani Moreno, or Jonathan Castroviejo, and members of the Movistar team like Marc Soler, Imanol Erviti, Carlos Betancur, or José Joaquín Rojas. There are also professional cyclists from the Michelton-Scott and Jumbo-Visma teams like Robert Gesink in Andorra. It is not surprising to see many of them training on the roads of Andorra.
Andorra, is a very attractive country for any cyclist and cycling enthusiasts, especially in summer, thanks to the geography of the country with numerous mountain passes for cyclists in Andorra, its roads, its altitude, and the possibility of cycling training at altitude in Andorra, and for the quality of life.
Andorra is known among cyclists for the difficulty of the numerous cycling mountain passes in Andorra that you can find, the spectacular beauty of the natural landscapes, and the richness of the cultural heritage, especially in Romanesque art.
Furthermore, Andorran institutions are greatly promoting cycling in Andorra, improving roads with bike lanes, and signposting all the mountain passes, with information aimed at cyclists, and also at drivers. Hence, the institutional campaign: ANDORRA TERRITORY CYCLIST
Many of the Andorran roads are specially designated for cycling, with asphalt in perfect condition for endurance bikes, equipped with informative panels about the characteristics of the cycling route in Andorra. As a picture is worth a thousand words, this video perfectly illustrates how cycling in Andorra is an unforgettable experience:
https://youtu.be/HLFFhcQWRsY
As you can see, the passion for cycling in Andorra is serious. Andorra is a paradise for cycling, especially in spring, summer, and autumn. Cyclists from all over the world travel through our mountain passes, undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover Andorra. Don’t miss out on trying your tour of Andorra by road bike.
Cycling routes in Andorra
In Andorra, you will find 21 mountain passes for cycling. It sounds easy… doesn’t it? Andorra is a cycling territory. And that’s why both the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France choose Andorra for some of their queen stages with mountain passes.
We have provided below some links with all the information about cycling routes in Andorra so you can perfectly plan your cycling days in Andorra.
OFFICIAL CYCLING GUIDE FOR ANDORRA
This is the official cycling guide for Andorra, where you will find all the possible cycling routes in Andorra, with technical details for each cycling route in Andorra including distance, elevation, difficulty, and the % gradient of each section, as well as anecdotes about the route to enjoy the scenery.
It also includes a QR code to download the route. Click here to download the official cycling guide for Andorra.
TECHNICAL SHEET OF CYCLING ROUTES IN ANDORRA
You also have all the online information with the technical sheet of the 21 cycling routes in Andorra, where you can filter by location for better planning of your cycling route in Andorra.
Click here to access the official Andorra cycling site and get the technical sheets for the 21 cycling routes in Andorra, and where you can download the route for each cycling itinerary in Andorra.
CYCLING EVENTS IN ANDORRA
Every summer, 3 major cycling events in Andorra take place:
LA VOLTA ALS PORTS D’ANDORRA
This is a local cyclo-tourism event in Andorra, with over 40 editions. A must-attend event for all cycling enthusiasts who want to discover Andorra by bike.
It usually takes place on the first weekend of July, and offers 4 cycling routes in Andorra, ranging from 1 to 4 stars, depending on the difficulty.
The routes vary from 27 km to 109 km for intermediate to advanced cyclists, facing 4 high mountain passes: Coll de la Rabassa, Coll de la Comella, Collada de Beixalís, and Coma d’Arcalís.
Check out this video for a glimpse of La Volta als Ports d’Andorra, and you’ll likely be tempted to try it in the next edition.
So every cyclist can find their ideal route in Andorra. On this link, you can see the 4 routes, with all the technical details and also how to register: https://www.voltaalsports.com/es/inscripcion/volta-als-ports-d-andorra/
An unmissable event in the world of cyclo-tourism in Andorra.
LA PURITO
Joaquim Rodríguez Oliver, known to all as “Purito,” organizes every year “La Purito” in Andorra, a cyclo-tourism event that covers the main mountain passes in Andorra.
In general, La Purito takes place on the first Sunday of August.
La Purito is famous for following the same route as the legendary queen stage of the 2015 Vuelta a España, the eleventh stage, considered by many as the hardest stage of The Vuelta. That year, Purito finished it, but the stage victory went to Mikel Landa.
Likewise, Purito has designed 3 versions of this stage for “La Purito” in Andorra to make it accessible to all cyclists. Just choose your challenge. Check out the different La Purito routes in Andorra. More information on La Purito and registration here.
Although only 5 editions have been held, La Purito is already a well-established cycling event in Andorra and one of the most awaited in the cycling calendar.
LA VUELTA
In 2019, Andorra hosted La Vuelta a España on September 1st. On September 1st, we were able to witness in Andorra the 9th stage of La Vuelta, which was entirely in Andorra.
A must-see event in Andorra for cycling enthusiasts, to see the best professional cyclists in the world up close. And undoubtedly, a route to try, even in stages, for cycling lovers.
THE TOUR DE FRANCE 2021 IN ANDORRA
In 2021, the Tour de France passed through Andorra. On July 11, 2021, Andorra la Vella was the stage for the end of the 15th stage of the Tour de France 2021. This stage started from Céret, and the best cyclists in the world arrived in Andorra via the Pas de la Casa (border between France and Andorra) to reach Andorra la Vella, passing in front of our house, the Mountain Hostel Tarter.
American Sepp Kuss from Jumbo-Visma won this 15th stage of the Tour de France, arriving in Andorra, his home, after a spectacular escape. Nevertheless, Tadej Pogacar from UAE Team Emirates renewed his yellow jersey in Andorra.
+INFO at https://visitandorra.com/es/agenda/le-tour/
ACCOMMODATION FOR CYCLISTS IN ANDORRA
Mountain Hostel Tarter: bike-friendly accommodation in Andorra
At Mountain Hostel Tarter, we are cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. That’s why we offer all the services a cyclist needs when away from home. It’s no coincidence that we have earned the bike-friendly quality label, as an accommodation for cyclists in Andorra. We also have the Andorran Government’s pictogram as a hostel specialized in hosting cyclists.
EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BIKE
Of course, we have all the services a cyclist needs for their bike, because we know your bike is as important, if not more, than you!
At Mountain Hostel Tarter, you can use our locked box to store your bike while not in use, with individual and group locks.
You also have access to our workshop space, with basic tools for assembling your bike upon arrival, for simple repairs, or just to check your bike and get it ready for the next day. Of course, there is an air pump available for you.
If you want to clean it, in our washing area, you can use the high-pressure washer whenever you need, and paper towels to dry your bike thoroughly after washing.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to travel light, at Mountain Hostel Tarter, we can help you rent a bike for your cycling days in Andorra. We know all the specialized stores in the country and will surely find a bike suited to your needs and expectations, including road bikes.
EVERYTHING FOR YOU, CYCLIST
At Mountain Hostel Tarter, you’ll find all the amenities and services of a 5-star hostel for cyclists and athletes like you.
From group rooms for 4, 5, and 6 people (shared rooms for those on a budget), to private double rooms:
In our large, open, shared kitchen, you can prepare any meals you want, so you can stick to your preferred diet. The kitchen is fully equipped, with everything you need to cook and eat whatever you want, whenever you want.
The best part? Our outdoor pool-jacuzzi. After finishing your cycling route in Andorra, or your daily workout, the best way to relax your muscles is in our jacuzzi, with hot water and a hydromassage. And with spectacular views, in the heart of the mountains.
BOOK HERE your bed or room, and if you stay more than 7 nights, you can benefit from a 10% discount on the total of your booking.
AN ENTIRE HOUSE IN ANDORRA FOR CYCLING TEAMS
Looking for a house for cyclists in Andorra?
This is your house. You can rent Mountain Hostel Tarter exclusively, exclusively for a cycling stage in Andorra in a group, or for your cycling team.
This way you have the entire house, whole and exclusive, for you and your cycling group. To enjoy all the facilities and services of Mountain Hostel Tarter exclusively. A rustic and cozy house, in the middle of the mountains, in Andorra, at 1,750 meters altitude, with an equipped kitchen and outdoor jacuzzi pool.
Mountain Hostel Tarter is a borda, a typical mountain house in Andorra, in El Tarter, over 200 years old, fully renovated and equipped with all the comforts for a pleasant stay. Check out our photo section.
For more + INFO, write to us at info@mountainhosteltarter.com