Things to do in Andorra… apart from skiing and tax-free shopping
Although many people have heard of Andorra with its kilometres of tax-fee shopping and its five ski resorts, only very few have actually ventured further than the Pas de la Casa or Andorra la Vella where a different world awaits them, still untouched by mass tourism and far away from the main shopping streets: mountains ranging up to almost 3000m, quiet and beautiful valleys, mountain lakes that contain trout, forests with crystal streams…
Arinsal is located amongst this tranquillity, in one of Andorra’s prettiest valleys. Arinsal, along with Ordino and Pal, is one of the few villages in Andorra that has kept its charm without being invaded by huge hotels, mass tourism and the never ending coming and going of coaches. Although Arinsal does get animated during the winter months with a few pubs and discos, the rest of the year, you will just find a peaceful and quiet mountain village. Arinsal is only 8 km from the capital Andorra la Vella but those only looking to buy cheap alcohol and petrol will not find what they are looking for in Arinsal.
Many think that you can only ski in Andorra. Well they are in for a surprise: Andorra is a paradise for mountain walks! There are many fantastic excursions you can do on well marked trails which start right from Arinsal such as the Coma Pedrosa (2942m), Andorra’s highest peak, the Pic de Médécourbe (2914m) and many others. What’s more, there are 3 free mountain huts at a 1h30min. hike as well as 7 mountain lakes! The GR 11 passes through the village and the GRP passes just above!
Apart from trekking, there’s Caldea (Europe’s largest recreational spa), cultural visits, horseback riding, mountain biking, trout fishing, 4×4, golf (there’s a pitch & putt 10 min from Arinsal and 3 18-hole courses at a 1-hour drive), indoor and outdoor pools, Via Ferratas etc etc. Check http://www.hola-andorra.com/arinsal/english/activgbsummer.html for details.
Who is Arinsal for?
In the winter, the main activity is obviously skiing followed by “après-ski” for which Arinsal is well known for. In the spring time and fall, Arinsal is for those looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday (as of May, you have sun on the terrace from 10:00 AM to 19:00 PM), combined with a few walks in the mountains and cultural visits. During the summer months, a whole range of activities awaits you, from mountain biking, via trout fishing and trekking to doing absolutely nothing!
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Tags: andorra, arinsal, mountain walks, skiing