Andora between fine sand, nature and Ligurian culture

Sea, beach and harbour

The beaches of Andora have very fine, natural sand. In front of Andora lies a sandy seabed that slopes gently. On the western promenade, a free, freely accessible corridor to the sea makes windsurfing possible during the summer season. If you are planning your stay by the sea, the sand, seabed and seasonal windsurfing on the promenade may appeal to different interests.

If you would like to combine different activities on the water, you can go surfing and kitesurfing in Andora. Whale-watching excursions depart from Andora harbour. The Pelagos Sanctuary flag also flies there. The harbour therefore sets a different accent from the sports: the focus is on observing whales.

Nature and trails

The Oasi del Merula lies at the mouth of the river of the same name in the built-up area of Andora and is a wetland of regional importance. More than 50 bird species have been observed in this area. Autumn and spring are considered the best seasons for birdwatching. The river mouth adds a wetland within the built-up area to Andora's landscape.

The Sentiero delle Orchidee skirts the transmission facilities and descends gently towards Parco Ciappà and Cervo. One trail joins the ancient Via Julia Augusta and follows it to Colla Micheri. This allows you to choose between the natural environment and the ancient road connection as different themes when selecting trails.

Stage 23 of the Sentiero Liguria begins in Andora and ends in the beautiful historic centre of Albenga. A trail starts at the staircase to the right of the fortified house, or rectory, and leads along a mule track to the upper part of Rollo, “Case Banda di là”. This gives you different starting and destination points for your planning.

Churches, museums and views

In Borgo Castello stands the Church of Saints James and Philip, a well-preserved Romanesque building from the 12th or 13th century. Its basilica-style floor plan comprises three naves. If you would like to reach it on foot, trails leading to Borgo Castello include some uphill sections.

The Museo Mineralogico Luciano Dabroi houses a collection of more than 5,000 specimens donated to the municipality of Andora by Dr Luciano Dabroi. Schoolchildren and other interested visitors can use an educational trail or guided learning tour there. Its focus on these two visitor groups makes the educational trail an explicitly educational part of the museum.

The Palazzo Tagliaferro houses the Contemporary Culture Center, an exhibition space for contemporary art curated by Whitelabs. Two viewing terraces offer views of Parco delle Farfalle, the sea and the hills of Andora. The views complement the focus on art with a landscape vista.

Every year, Rollo hosts the Festa delle Erbe Aromatiche, dedicated to the flavours of Liguria and medicinal herbs. Andora's culinary tradition includes fresh pasta, seafood dishes and flavours shaped by rural traditions. In this way, maritime and rural influences come together with a typically Italian staple of cuisine.

More destinations

Quiliano, Rialto, Pero, Carcare, Bormida, Millesimo, Cosseria and Bardino Nuovo

For the higher-level travel overview: Savona.