Day trip from Andorra
Sant Julia de Loria and Naturlandia
Sant Julià de Lòria is Andorra's southernmost parish, located just 7 kilometres from Andorra la Vella along the CG-1 road toward the Spanish border. Bus Line 6 departs from central Andorra la Vella for a fare of €1.85 one way, with a journey of approximately 15 minutes. By car, the drive is similar in duration.
The parish's principal attraction is Naturlandia, an outdoor adventure park occupying the forested slopes above the village at an altitude of 1,600 to 2,000 metres. The park is best known for the TuboBob, a 5.3-kilometre toboggan run descended in purpose-built inflatable tubes — among the longest of its kind in the world. The TuboBob operates year-round and is reached by a gondola lift from the base station. Tickets are sold on-site, but advance online booking is strongly recommended in summer, as time slots routinely sell out before noon on busy weekends.
Beyond the TuboBob, Naturlandia offers zip lines, an aerial assault course, a supervised animal park featuring Pyrenean species, and extensive waymarked hiking and mountain biking trails through the adjacent Forestal park network. The Forestal trails range from easy forest walks to technical single-track descents suited to experienced mountain bikers, with bike hire available at the base station.
In the village of Sant Julià de Lòria, the Pont de la Margineda is a striking medieval stone bridge crossing the Gran Valira river, dating from at least the 13th century and among the oldest surviving structures in Andorra. It is freely accessible on foot year-round and the adjacent riverside area suits a short walk.
The Museu del Tabac (Tobacco Museum) occupies a former cigarette factory and documents Andorra's historic tobacco trade, which was central to the country's economy well into the 20th century. The museum is one of the more distinctive in Andorra and is rarely crowded.
A practical day arc: arrive at Naturlandia mid-morning for the TuboBob and Forestal trails (allow three to four hours), lunch at the park's on-site restaurant or a village café in Sant Julià, then an afternoon visit to the Pont de la Margineda and the Museu del Tabac before returning to Andorra la Vella in the early evening.
How to get there
- Bus Line 6 from Andorra la Vella (€1.85)
- Car via CG-1
Highlights
- Naturlandia adventure park with the TuboBob 5.3km toboggan run
- Pont de la Margineda Roman-era bridge
- Local tobacco museum detailing Andorra's historic tobacco trade
- Forestal park mountain bike trails
Tips
- Book TuboBob time slots online in advance during summer weekends — morning slots on busy days sell out before 9am on the day of visit.
- Bus Line 6 from Andorra la Vella runs to Sant Julià de Lòria for €1.85 one way; the journey takes around 15 minutes.
- The TuboBob gondola has a minimum height requirement of approximately 120cm; verify before planning a trip with young children.
- Forestal mountain bike hire is available at the park base station but stocks are limited on peak summer weekends — arrive early or arrange hire in advance.
- The Museu del Tabac is typically closed on Mondays; check opening times before making it a fixed stop in the itinerary.
FAQ
What is the TuboBob at Naturlandia?
The TuboBob is a 5.3-kilometre toboggan run at Naturlandia park in Sant Julià de Lòria, descended in purpose-built inflatable tubes. It is among the longest toboggan runs in the world and operates year-round. A gondola lift carries riders from the base to the start point at the top of the course.
Do visitors need to book Naturlandia tickets in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for the TuboBob during summer weekends, when time slots sell out before noon. Tickets can be purchased online via the Naturlandia website.
What is the Pont de la Margineda?
The Pont de la Margineda is a medieval stone bridge crossing the Gran Valira river in Sant Julià de Lòria, dating from at least the 13th century. It is one of the oldest surviving structures in Andorra and is freely accessible on foot year-round.
Is Naturlandia suitable for adult visitors as well as families?
Yes. While Naturlandia has strong family appeal — particularly the TuboBob and animal park — the Forestal mountain bike network and hiking trails cater to adults, and the aerial assault course and zip lines are popular with teenagers and older visitors.
When to visit
Naturlandia operates year-round, with summer (June to September) the peak season for the TuboBob and Forestal trails. Weekday visits are considerably less crowded than weekends. Winter transforms the upper park into a snow activity zone for the SnowBob and snowshoe trails.