Sandwiched Between France And Spain, A Hidden Gem Hike Tours One Of Europe’s Smallest Countries

Let’s say you’re going on a multi-day hike in Andorra and you might receive some intrigued looks. Andorra, located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, is one of the smallest states in Europe according to Britannica: the entire country covers just 468 square kilometers (181 square miles). Those who have heard of Andorra probably know this microstate for its iconic ski resorts and duty-free shopping, which inspired Rick Steves to compare the country to a giant shopping mall. But for adventurous hikers, a trip on the Coronallacs Trail is a must to get off the beaten track in Europe.

The Coronallacs Trail is a 92 kilometer circular hut-to-hut hike crossing the rugged peaks and beautiful landscapes of Andorra. The trail begins in Escaldes-Engordany, near the capital of Andorra la Vella, passing 20 lakes while crossing the mountains. According to travel blog Unexpected Catalonia, the hike is ideal for experienced hikers. After all, it is touted as one of the most difficult trails in the Pyrenees. Unexpected Catalonia recommends doing the hike between late June and early October, and Visit Andorra notes that it could take around four days to complete.

Overnight accommodation is available in four staffed mountain huts offering breakfast and dinner. The option to add a picnic when booking is also available: there is virtually no place to buy food on the trail, so this is a smart choice, unless you want to bring your own food for lunches. The shelters have bunk beds in the shared dormitories, which include bedding like blankets and pillows. They also have additional comforts such as showers and charging stations.

Read more: Rick Steves’ most and least favorite places in Europe

What to expect on the Coronallacs Trail

The Coronallacs Trail is divided into five sections, covering between 13 and 22 kilometers (8 and 14 miles) each day. The real highlight is the ascent: the route has 6,449 meters (21,158 feet) of elevation gain. The Guardian’s Ben Lerwill reported that the trail is “furiously hilly” – constantly going up and down. Tink Adventures reports that it is easy to navigate, but the path can be difficult, forcing hikers to contend with rocky terrain and chains in some places.

The scenery of the trail itself is the highlight here, with great views of the Pyrenees mountains. Unexpected Catalonia notes scenic highlights like “craggy peaks, high-altitude lakes, breathtaking valleys and meadows full of colorful wildflowers.” Adventurer Nic from Komoot noted the 12 Pessons Lakes and the Estany de Cabana Sorda as some of the most beautiful views found throughout the adventure.

It’s a 25-minute walk – or a short bus ride – from the main bus station to the trailhead at the Escaldes-Engordany tourist office. Although Andorra does not have an airport or train station, it is easy to access with strong bus connections from Barcelona in Spain and Toulouse in France; both journeys take approximately 4 hours. If you’re looking for an easier walk, Away With Maja has many day hikes in Andorra that are perfect for a shorter adventure. For more scenic multi-day hikes in Europe, consider the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland or the West Highland Way in Scotland.

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