The mountain village of Arinsal drapes itself along a valley in the north-west of Andorra, not far from the Spanish border. The forested slopes of the Pyrenees close in on either side – a preview of the walking and cycling territory that’s the highlight of a summer holiday in this neck of the woods. Back at base, the restaurants and cafés are as international as their clientele. For a change of scene, hop on a bus to La Massana and its family-friendly adventure park or head to the capital city of Andorra La Vella.
Walking in Comapedrosa Nature Park: the top of Andorra
Comapedrosa Nature Park lies just north of Arinsal, where you can hike marked paths to high mountain waterfalls, lakes and forests – all watched over by Coma Pedrosa itself which, at almost 3,000m tall, is Andorra’s highest peak. For a walk with a hearty mountain food finale, climb through forests and along a ravine to a stone-clad mountain refuge called – you guessed it – Comapedrosa.
Summer holidays exploring La Massana and the Ordino Valley
Arinsal is the final village that makes up the Vallnord region. At its entrance you’ll find La Massana, a bustling village just a 15 minute bus ride away where the gondola goes up to the treetop ropes courses and playgrounds of a mountain top park. Bike tracks are also up here and range from smooth sidewinding paths to bumpy backcountry trails.
If you prefer boots to bikes, follow the river valley from La Massana to the start of the Camí Ral d’Ordino footpath. It’s an easy 6km trail connecting valley villages, wooden bridges and churches. It also traces part of the Iron Route that follows the history of the forges and mines in this patch of the Pyrenees.
Biking on the agenda?
Whilst Arinsal is a walkers paradise in the summer, some may be interested to hear that there are hundreds of bike-friendly routes and roads around Arinsal but particularly in the nearby town of La Massana, with rentals ranging from road bikes and MTBs to e-bikes that help make long-distance rides achievable for more casual cyclists.
For those interested in sporting events, you may have heard of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup that takes place every summer in the Vallnord bike park above La Massana. It’s impossible not to get swept along with the joy of the spectators, who travel from all over to watch cyclists speed down some seriously hair-raising trails.
Europe’s highest capital: Andorra La Vella
The capital city of Andorra la Vella is a 30-minute bus ride away from Arinsal and a great day-trip to enjoy its lively summer atmosphere. Wander the stone-walled old quarter to see Casa de la Vall, the seat of one of the longest-running parliaments in Europe, and past the handsome St Esteve Church. The riverside park is a lovely walk too. Restaurants, stylish spas, including the Caldea spa which is the largest thermal spa in Southern Europe and the famous tax-free Shopping Mile also offer a break from the trails. Once a month, Mercat de la Vall hosts local craftspeople selling everything from homemade sweets and aromatherapy oils to screen-printed t-shirts and jewellery.
Why book a summer holiday in Arinsal with Inghams?
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Arinsal include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Andorra's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
