What Andora's bay is like: fine sand and shallow water, free beaches, 2026 Blue Flag, children, dogs, snorkelling at Capo Mimosa and getting there.
The beaches of Andora fill the whole bay between Capo Mele and Capo Mimosa: roughly two kilometres of fine sand in front of the Marina, with the marina to the east and the rocks of the cape to the west. In 2026 Andora’s shore joined the Blue Flag list. Here is what the bay is like, how to choose between beach clubs and free beaches, what to know with children or a dog, and how to reach the sand without hunting for a parking space.
Andora’s coast is low and open. The Merula stream flows into the bay and divides it in two: to the east, between the river mouth and the marina, and to the west, as far as Capo Mimosa. The town describes its beaches as fine natural sand with a seabed that slopes gently: the first few metres of water stay shallow, which is why so many families choose Andora.
At the mouth of the Merula there is a small protected wetland, the Oasi del Merula, one of the few on the Ligurian coast where water birds stop. After heavy rain the water near the river mouth can stay cloudy for a few days: if so, move to the stretches further from the stream.
The eastern stretch runs up to Marina di Andora, the marina below Capo Mele. It is the handiest area if you are staying near the harbour or in the pine woods that climb towards the cape. Beyond the marina the coast turns rocky and rises towards the lighthouse: the next beaches, past Capo Mele, already belong to Laigueglia.
Along the main promenade, beach clubs with umbrellas, sunloungers, showers and bars alternate with stretches of free beach. In the central section there is also a free beach with optional services: one part is free if you bring your own umbrella, the other has paid daily services, with showers and accessible toilets. It is the liveliest area, with shops and ice-cream parlours a few steps away.
Heading west, the beach continues to Capo Mimosa, where sand gives way to rocks. Here the water gets deeper and clearer, and on calm days you can snorkel along the rocks. This stretch is close to the start of the cycle path, so you can come by bike and leave the car behind.
In 2026 the FEE awarded the Blue Flag to three stretches of Andora’s shore: Colombina, Foce Rio Mezza’acqua and Trinacria. In Liguria, Andora was one of the two new entries of the year, together with Taggia. The award looks at water quality and beach services; even so, after summer storms check the signs for any temporary bathing bans.
According to the town, Andora has one of the highest shares of free beach in the area. In practice, you will always find a stretch along the bay where you can spread your towel without paying. In July and August the most central free stretches fill up early in the morning: if you arrive mid-morning, head west.
If you would rather have an umbrella, book a beach club a few days ahead for the central weeks of August, directly or through booking apps. Outside July and August you can usually find a spot on the day.
Sand, shallow water and a flat promenade make Andora good for small children. For maximum comfort choose a beach club with a lifeguard and play area; the central stretches are the easiest with a pushchair and bags. For a change of scene, a few steps from the sea there is the Parco delle Farfalle, a public garden planted with coastal vegetation.
The rules for dogs on the beach change from season to season and depend on the town’s beach ordinance. On free beaches the ordinance applies; in beach clubs the operator decides, and some accept dogs with a dedicated umbrella. Before you go, ask at the tourist office in Palazzo Tagliaferro or check the Andora town website, and always bring a lead, water and bags.
Since 2016 Andora station has been inland, near the motorway: allow for a walk or take a bus to the sea. By car, spaces near the promenade fill up early in summer; the larger car parks are in Largo Milano, next to Palazzo Tagliaferro, and in Via Caprera. The easiest way is by bike: the cycle path runs west along the coast and continues to Cervo and Diano Marina.
For a change of beach, a few minutes’ drive takes you to Laigueglia, with its village beach, or to Alassio, whose sandy beaches are among the best known in Liguria.
FAQ
Yes, fine sand with a gently shelving seabed. There are rocks only towards Capo Mimosa and Capo Mele.
Yes, for three stretches of the shore: Colombina, Foce Rio Mezza’acqua and Trinacria.
Yes, many: the town has one of the highest shares of free beach in the area, plus a free beach with optional services in the centre.
It depends on the beach ordinance in force and on the individual beach clubs. Ask at the tourist office before you go.
On the rocks of Capo Mimosa, at the western end of the bay, on calm days.
Yes: sand, shallow water near the shore and a flat promenade. Beach clubs with a play area are the easiest option.
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