Arenal d'en Castell is a resort on Menorca's rugged and beautiful northern coast, in a region called Mercadal. A quiet and relaxed spot, Arenal d'en Castell is ideal for romantic getaways or family holidays with young children. It offers a stunning beach curved around a picture-postcard bay and a small but perfectly adequate range of shopping, dining and night-time activities without some of the more chaotic elements of larger and busier resorts.
For those seeking busy days out shopping, dining out and taking in the culture, the capital of Menorca, Mahon, has everything you need. The miniature train connecting all the points of interest around the resort is a favourite with kids as well as being incredibly convenient for tired grown-ups.
The countryside around Arenal d'en Castell lends itself to horse riding, walking and taking in the breath-taking views, including the high point at Mount Toro. However, the beautiful beach and calm ocean are the real stars of Arenal d'en Castell, offering both chilled out days in sun loungers as well as high adrenaline water sports, making your holiday in Arenal d'en Castell a perfect all-rounder.
A walk up to the 17th-century sanctuary at Mount Toro will reward you with panoramic views across the whole island for your holiday photo album. For further exploration, a bit of laid back horse riding is a novel way to see the island.
Arenal d'en Castell is fairly basic when it comes to shopping, which is great for some peace and quiet around your hotel. This makes the proximity to the capital of Mahon a big bonus, giving you the opportunity to experience city life before escaping back to your relaxed resort.
If you’re a golf fan, you’re in luck, because the only golf course on the island is located at nearby Son Parc, along with another lovely beach for a bit of variety.
Menorcan cuisine is typically Mediterranean and makes use of the abundant island produce. This is no different in the restaurants in Arenal d'en Castell. Seafood features prominently and the classic local speciality is the caldereta de llagosta (spiny lobster stew), which originated as a poor fishermen’s dish but has become a refined delicacy. You’ll also find plenty of meat, especially pork, lamb and rabbit, which are usually served simply grilled or in succulent stews. Menorca is also known for its excellent cheeses and cured sausages such as sobrassada and cuixot. These make wonderful tapas when served with pa amb tomàquet (country bread rubbed with tomato and garlic and drizzled with local olive oil). Wash it all down with some local wine – the chilled rosé wines are the perfect accompaniment on a hot day.
Just half an hour away from Arenal d'en Castell is the Lloc de Menorca zoological park, where kids will have a great time meeting kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs, parrots and more. There’s also time for a trip to the popular beach at Son Bou.
Since you’re surrounded by so much beautiful ocean, try one of the many boat trips available from Port Addaya.
Arena d’en Castell offers a wide range of water sports, whether you want to explore the rocky coastline in a kayak or have a go at windsurfing or sailing. The snorkelling and scuba diving is excellent, thanks to the protected waters, which are spectacularly clear. There are several good suppliers in the area that offer courses, diving excursions and equipment rental. The region is also great for hiking, with some wonderful coastal paths (including a section of the Camí de Cavalls, one of the best-known hiking routes on the island). You’ll also find tennis courts and golf courses in the area.
The beach is the biggest attraction at Arenal d'en Castell for very good reason. It’s been awarded the blue flag, which is the gold standard for beaches, and it’s easy to see why. With its golden sands, picturesque crescent bay and calm blue waters, it’s perfect for families with children who want to paddle or swim. It’s also great for watersports and romantic walks, as well as diving trips to explore the underwater wildlife. You can find diving companies and tour groups along the main strip in Arenal d'en Castell.
The quiet charm of this beautiful Menorcan resort is part of its appeal, and the nightlife scene reflects Arenal d'en Castell's easygoing, family-friendly vibe. There are some atmospheric seafront bars, where you can relax over a drink as the sun goes down, and a couple of pubs that host live gigs or karaoke night during the summer. If you’re in the mood to party hard, head to nearby resorts such as Cala n’Blanes, Cala Blanca or Es Mercadal for a wider range of bars and clubs. The Menorcan capital of Mahon is only a 15-minute away and has more options.
If you’re looking for a resort full of charm, a stunning bay and spectacular rugged scenery, then Arenal d’en Castell is ideal for a romantic holiday. The beach – a perfect arch of sand beautifully framed by rocky outcrops – is a perfect setting for romance. Laze on the pale sand, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or pack a picnic and head out along one of the coastal paths to find a secluded spot for a romantic lunch. The nightlife may be low-key in this peaceful resort, but there’s still plenty to keep romantics happy, thanks to the wonderful beach bars where you can sip a cocktail with your toes in the sand.
The annual Fiesta de Sant Antoni in nearby in Fornells (around a 20-minute drive from Arenal d'en Castell) on the last weekend of July is a traditional and spectacular local festival which also welcomes holidaymakers. It includes fireworks, a carnival parade, horses, live music and dancing, and is highly recommended for a lively and very special night out.
More horse-related entertainment is on offer with the Dancing Horses show at Somni in Cala Galdana (around a 30-minute drive from Arenal d'en Castell), which will be loved by kids and adults alike. It’s an evening you’re unlikely to forget as talented horses and performers are mixed with live music and magical visuals.