Where to Party in Arinsal-Pal

Although people have heard of Andorra with its tax-fee shopping, and although most may have heard of Pas de la Casa with its buzzing nightlife, not everyone realises that Arinsal is almost as lively. “Apres in Arinsal is excellent, with friendly bar staff, loads of promotions and freebies,” said a reporter.

A river runs through Arinsal and next to it – as well as being close to the lift station – is the main spread of bars. The proximity to the lifts means that skiers often choose to download for the last run of the day before popping in for some sustained drinking.

Over 24 bars are open until late and most of the nightlife is in Arinsal, with people coming in from Pal down the road. A good variety of live music is on offer in the bars – ranging from rock and techno, to house and salsa.

Popular bars include El Cau, which has a dance floor and live acts such as performing sumo wrestlers. Quo Vadis is more intimate, whilst La Jungla and El Moli (+376 835 281) are both good places for a quieter drink. Surf (+376 838 069) is an Argentinian restaurant/bar and The Derby Irish Bar is also popular. Cisco’s (+376 836 398) is a Mexican restaurant/bar with DJs.

More discos and bars can be found in Ordino and La Massana. In La Massana, the action is at El Cocktail de l’Avi Discoteca (+376 625070) and El Xtu en el Complejo Tabola.

Escaldes-Engordany, on the outskirts of Andorra La Vella, is home to Caldea, a futuristic spa inspired by Gaudi and made entirely from glass and metal. It’s well worth a visit after skiing. Inside is a miniature mosque housing Turkish, Roman, Aztec, and Icelandic baths, as well as a thermal lagoon.