Quick FactsOverview
About Roc del Metge Spring
Roc del Metge Spring, Andorra is a natural thermal spring on Avinguda Miquel Mateu, Escaldes-Engordany, near the Pont de la Tosca. Water emerges at 68-71 degrees Celsius (55-60 degrees on colder days), one of the hottest thermal springs in Europe. Sulphurous and sodium-rich. Central thermal water reservoir of Andorra: Caldea uses ~35m3/hour; it also supplies hotels and buildings. Free access; no soaking.
Roc del Metge means Rock of the Doctor in Catalan, after a French physician who bought the property from the Quart of Escaldes and built a chalet. The spring starts the official Water Route of Escaldes-Engordany (museus.ad), connecting to the Tosca Bridge (1820), the Engordany Bridge (1785), Cal Molines mill, and Caldea.
The parish name includes the Catalan word caldes (thermal waters); more than 34 springs flow above 60 degrees here, known since Roman times. They drove the development of the first hotel-balnearios in Andorra in the early 20th century. One early guest of the original chalet was Boris I, the self-proclaimed king of Andorra.
Location & Access
Getting to Roc del Metge Spring
Roc del Metge Spring is on Avinguda Miquel Mateu, Escaldes-Engordany, within 50 metres of the Andes Hostel and near the Pont de la Tosca. Easily walkable from central Escaldes-Engordany and Andorra la Vella. Bus lines L1 and L4 stop at Parnal, approximately 2 minutes walk away; lines BN1, BN2, and BN3 also serve the Avinguda Carlemany area.
Andorra has no airport or railway. From Barcelona, drive approximately 200 kilometres northwest via the C-16 and Tunel del Cadi, approximately 3 hours. From Toulouse, drive south approximately 170 kilometres on the N-20 through the Ariege valley to the border at Pas de la Casa; approximately 2.5 hours. Regular bus services connect Barcelona and Toulouse to Andorra la Vella; Escaldes-Engordany is the next parish east and easily reached by local bus or on foot from the main bus station.
The spring is freely accessible at all times; there are no formal opening hours. The Roc del Metge is most visible as a thermal feature when ambient temperatures are cool, as the steam from the 68-71 degree water becomes more dramatically visible against cold air. The Piscina Termal Muntanya outdoor thermal pool, fed from the same spring system, is approximately 300 metres away. Caldea, the largest spa in southern Europe and the main user of the Roc del Metge water, is also nearby.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Roc del Metge Spring Suits
Roc del Metge Spring suits visitors to Andorra who want to see and touch one of the hottest natural thermal springs in Europe at no cost; those following the Escaldes-Engordany Water Route (museus.ad) which uses the spring as its starting point; families and curious travellers who want to understand where Andorra's famous thermal water comes from before visiting Caldea or Piscina Termal Muntanya; and anyone interested in the geological and cultural history of a country whose identity has been shaped by its hot springs. Free hot springs Andorra are rare; this is one of the most accessible examples.
Escaldes-Engordany is Andorra's seventh and newest parish, formed in 1978. The area is dominated by the Avinguda Carlemany shopping street, Caldea's distinctive glass spire (the tallest structure in Andorra), and a cluster of historic bridges over the Valira d'Orient and Madriu rivers. The Mola Park, with sculptures, old-growth trees, and water channels, is one of the oldest parks in Andorra. The Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre (CAEE) has a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The spring sits at the convergence of three rivers: the Valira d'Orient, Valira del Nord, and Gran Valira.
Wheelchair access to the spring viewpoint area has not been confirmed. The site is at street level on a main avenue, which suggests pavement access, but the exact terrain around the spring feature itself may vary. Contact Escaldes-Engordany commune at visitandorra.com before visiting if mobility access is a concern.
Safety & Etiquette
Roc del Metge Spring Safety Tips
Roc del Metge Spring water emerges at 68-71 degrees Celsius, which causes severe burns on immediate contact. Do not place hands or any body part into the spring water or its immediate flow. The spring can be touched very briefly and carefully at the outer edges of its flow where the water has cooled slightly, but treat it with the same caution you would give a very hot kettle. Supervise children closely at the spring; the extreme temperature is not obvious from appearance and children may not instinctively avoid touching it. Steam may rise noticeably from the spring, particularly on cool days.
The spring is at street level and freely accessible with no physical barriers separating visitors from the hot water at all points. Follow any posted signage or barriers at the site. The spring's decorative fountain or viewing structure varies; any touching of the water or surfaces that contact the water should be done with extreme caution. The Water Route of Escaldes-Engordany includes informational signage about the geology and history of the spring; read these for context before approaching. Photography of the steam and the spring feature is a popular activity and a good reason to visit on a cool morning or evening.
Andorra sits at high altitude in the Pyrenees; Escaldes-Engordany is at approximately 1,050 metres. In summer, the sun is intense even during mild temperatures; sunscreen is advisable for any extended outdoor time. The Pont de la Tosca and Engordany Bridge nearby are historic stone structures worth viewing; the bridges are open to pedestrian crossing and are generally in good condition. The Piscina Termal Muntanya thermal pool using the same spring water cooled to 27-28 degrees is within a few minutes walk and offers a safe bathing option.
