This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Arinsal.
Arinsal, Andorra, is a small town in Andorra, the largest microstate of Europe that is located in the Eastern Pyrenees between Spain and France. It is located at most most westerly part of the three valleys that run through the country and is the town closest to the highest mountain of the country, Coma Pedrosa. Although there is quite a good network of buses operating all over Andorra, they do not go all the way to Arinsal, therefore, if you are planning on staying here for a long time and are keen to explore, it is definitely better if you have your own transportation. Parking is normally no problem here.
The reason why most people come to Arinsal is skiing. There are diverse skiing slopes in the Arinsal-Pal-La Massana triangle of various difficulties. While the prices are not the cheapest, you get really good quality service for your money. The other main attraction in this area is hiking. Andorra boasts with an excellent hiking network and you can pick from various routes depending on whether you are interested in really putting yourself to the test or prefer a stroll in nature along some beautiful turquoise lakes, for which Andorra is so famous. The most popular hike in this part of the country is the conquest of Coma Pedrosa, the highest peak of the country; however, it is only advised in good weather conditions and for those with plenty of hiking experience. Alternatively, if you just want to take it easy, you can do a day hike to one of the beautiful mountain huts nearby, enjoy a relaxing lunch there, and hike back by the evening.
Your options for a hostel in Arinsal, Andorra, are very limited; there are however some really nice atmospheric mountain hotels in the town. Although they are definitely not for the frugal traveler, staying in one of these hotels will let you experience what living in the mountains in this part of the world is like. However, if you are specifically looking for hostel accommodation, you might want to base yourself in the hostel in Andorra la Vella or in Sispony, which is halfway between Arinsal and the capital.
Written by local enthusiast for Arinsal hostels
JudyM