One of the items near the top of most holiday goers’ packing lists is swimwear. While the image of an Andorra swimming pool might not be the first to come to mind for most visitors to this principality that is better known for its skiing, outdoor activities and scenery, it is still worth making the space for some swimwear in the suitcase for a holiday in Andorra. With outdoors lakes and indoor pools, there are plenty of options for those looking to bathe during their stay.
Andorra lakes
If you’re wondering ‘Does Andorra have a lake?’ then the answer is yes, Andorra has many lakes.
How many lakes are in Andorra?
In fact, there are more than 80 lakes in the principality of Andorra. Given that Andorra is a Pyrenean country, it boasts spectacular mountain scenery and there are many lovely Andorra lakes located in between the landscape of peaks, some of which are warm enough to swim in.
What is the largest lake in Andorra?
When it comes to the biggest Andorra swimming lakes, one stands apart as Juclar Lake is the largest of all Andorra lakes at 21 hectares. Located in the Incles valley, this isn’t the most accessible lake in the microstate, as access to the Vall d’Incles is closed in summer, but there is an electric train as well as a popular and moderate hiking route for those who want to visit.
It may not be the biggest lake in Andorra, but Engolasters Lake, which has a surface area of seven hectares, is one of the most popular Andorra lakes given its lower altitude and given how close it is to Andorra la Vella, the capital. However, it must be noted that Engolasters Lake is not one of the Andorra swimming lakes, as bathing is strictly prohibited in this lake that is used for water storage.
Where to swim in Andorra: What are the major Andorra swimming lakes and rivers?
In terms of the Andorra lakes or rivers for swimming, Juclar Lake, Nou Lake, Pessons Lake and Tristaina Lake are widely considered to be among the best Andorra swimming lakes, although some of them require quite a hike along the Andorra trekking routes to get there. The Nou Lake is one of the hardest Andorra lakes to reach, but it does have warmer water since it feeds from groundwater.
Andorra rivers: Is there a river Andorra tourists should see?
There are also several rivers in Andorra, with the longest river Andorra has to offer being the Gran Valira. The Gran Valira river system is 35 kilometres in length and if flows through the principality’s capital of Andorra la Vella.
Visitors to the microstate should keep in mind that the concept of ‘River Andorra’ can also mean something quite different to the idea of a body of water. That’s because River is the name of one of Andorra’s most popular shopping centres, while River Andorra MoraBanc used to be the name of the basketball team that is now called MoraBanc Andorra.
Swimming in Andorra: What is the best Andorra swimming pool?
As mentioned above, there are a few Andorra lakes where swimming can be a fun activity. But, the best site for swimming in the microstate might be with an Andorra swimming pool. There are various swimming pools in Andorra, such as the pool of the Escaldes-Engordany Sports Centre, while the Caldea Spa in Andorra also has a variety of options for guests who’d like to bathe during their Andorra holiday.