Arinsal

Arinsal is a village in Andorra, a small mountainous country in the Pyrenees mountains at the head of a valley. The old village part is clearly evident, but because it is also a ski resort it has grown a lot and has quite a number of hotels catering to this trade. As a result though outside the ski season the place is pretty much closed up including some of the bars and restaurants.

This resort is very popular with English-speaking skiers.



Get in
The main road up from La Massana which itself is up from Andorra La Vella.

Get around
There is a bus service between Arinsal and Andorra La Vella, passing through La Massana. It is not very regular so it is worth checking the timetable before planning any trips. The cost is reasonable.

The road continues up out of the village and stops about another 1 or 2 up at another hotel. Then there is a semi-private road that winds up the mountain for about 4.5-6 km (3-4 miles) to the top station of the cable car lift.

See
There is great mountain scenery all around and it is a really good location for starting out on any hiking or climbing trip.

The highest mountain Pic de Coma Pedrosa in Andorra at 2942 metres (9,665 ft) is located in this area.

Do

 * During the ski season which is approximately December to March or so, you can go skiing. There is a cable car up to the Arinsal ski area which is in the centre of the village. Arinsal and nearby Pal offer good skiing for the novice and the intermediate skier, and first time skiers often head for Arinsal and Palfor their first holiday or two before heading for Soldeu and Pas de la Casa. Arinsal is a little different from Soldeu and Pas de la Casa too in that it has quite a few full-time residents and the villages are 'year round' while the others are fairly seasonal. For this reason Arinsal and Pal can be the perfect answer to those who are embarking on their first ski holiday as there is more than just skiing, Ordino and her first class sports centre is easily accessed for example, and if you decide skiing isn’t for you, you do have other choices too. Arinsal-Pal piste map
 * Arinsal is good too for snowboard activities with a freestyle area.

Buy
There are ski and snowboard shops in and a couple of supermarkets, but for the best shopping head for Andorra la Vella.

Eat
There is a very good range of restaurants in Arinsal. If you want to try the local Catalan cuisine, there are several options including El Bosc, 360, and The Rocky. For international tastes, there is Surf (Argentinian Steak), Cisco's (Mexican), El Moli pub & restaurant (pizza, pasta, burger, salad, Thai curries, kids' menu) and Quo Vadis (Pub Grub & Italian).

Drink
Arinsal has many bars to choose from, and most are family friendly.



Sleep

 * Hotel Arinsal, +376 835 640.
 * Princesa Park, +376 736 500.
 * Aparthotel Crest, +376 835 866.
 * Hotel Palarine, +376 835410.
 * Hotel Arinsal, +376 835 640.
 * Princesa Park, +376 736 500.
 * Aparthotel Crest, +376 835 866.
 * Hotel Palarine, +376 835410.

Go next
The capital Andorra La Vella is reachable by public transport, and the duty free shopping and department stores.