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 here, though, that pulls in so many repeat visitors.

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 beach-side 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. There’s a mini-train takes in the beach if you don’t fancy the walk up the hill there.

Beach lazing is a popular pastime here, though there are plenty of options when you want to get moving. For a start, there are tennis courts near the Coves Noves centre to the east, and an 18-hole golf course 10 minutes away in Son Parc. Plus you’ve got coastal walks – stroll to the fishing village of Na Macaret and you can always get the mini-train back.

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 in half an hour you can be in the capital, Mahon, with its Georgian architecture, 18th-century gin distillery and a port brimming with smart restaurants and boutiques.