Arenal d'en Castell Holidays

Arenal d’en Castell hugs the cliffs on Menorca’s rugged northern coast. The surrounding woodland gives the place a relaxed feel, while the waterfront bars and restaurants add a lively buzz to the evenings. It’s the golden, sandy beach, though, that pulls in so many repeat visitors to this corner of the Balearic Islands.

Soft sand powders the horseshoe-shaped bay, while the sea’s warm, shallow waters beckon even the smallest paddlers. To the east, there’s a beachside snack bar, plus you’ve got bars and restaurants at the western end. You’ll find plenty of sunloungers, pedalos and water-skis for hire along the stretch.

Beach lazing's a popular pastime here, though there are plenty of options when you want to get moving. For a start, there are tennis courts to the east of town, and an 18-hole golf course 10 minutes' drive away in Son Parc. Plus, you’ve got coastal walks – stroll to the fishing village of Na Macaret in half an hour.

A 20-minute drive from Arenal d’en Castell takes you through rural Menorca to Es Mercadal. This small town is the base for walks to the island’s highest point, Monte Toro, though it’s worth a visit for the whitewashed houses and pastry shops selling amargos, or almond macaroons. Or, within 20 minutes' drive, you can be in the capital Mahon, with its Georgian architecture, 18th-century gin distillery and a port brimming with smart restaurants and boutiques.