Arenal d’en Castell is a popular resort with families, located on the rugged Northern coast of the Island of Menorca and forms part of the municipal district of Es Mercadal. It is just a short 20 minute drive from the capital Mahon and the Airport and also close by is the small, attractive fishing village of Fornells.
Beaches
The bay at Arenal d’en Castell has a near perfect horseshoe beach with soft, golden sand and calm, warm waters, making it ideal for youngsters, and has been a recent winner of the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ for cleanliness, and has plenty of quiet areas for those seeking peace and tranquillity.
Eating Out
The resort has an excellent selection of restaurants, which serve everything from tapas to pizza, and some of the resort’s Hotels also offer dining opportunities with the added attraction of live entertainment. For an excellent fish meal, the nearby fishing village of Fornells is renowned for its water-front restaurants - one of the most famous dishes is Caldereta de Llagosta (lobster stew), and it is said that King Juan Carlos occasionally sails in to partake of this delicious local specialitiy.
Leisure
The beach at Arenal d’en Castell caters for all members of the family, offering sun beds and parasols for hire, beach bars and pedaloes for the children. For the more adventurous, there is also the possibility of windsurfing and water-skiing. Venture off to the nearby Capital and it is possible to take boat trips or even indulge in big game fishing trips from Mahon Harbour. Whilst Arenal d’en Castell offers the usual tourist type shops and supermarkets, Mahon is a shopper’s paradise, with an excellent choice of designer and local craft shops, and a traditional market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Don’t miss the famous Xoriguer Gin Distillery on the Harbour front, where you can sample the Gin and liqueurs before purchasing!
Places to Visit
Whilst the beauty of Menorca lies in its stupendous choice of natural, unspoilt beaches, there are also many places of interest to visit. Aside from the attractions of nearby Mahon, it is also worth making a visit to the old Capital of the Island, Ciutadella, a most attractive historic city with Cathedral, timeless squares and a delightful harbour. The three other main towns of Ferreries, Es Mercadal and Alaior, are also worthy of a visit, and from Es Mercadal, you can drive up to the highest point on the Island, Monte Toro, with its Augustin Monastery and restored Renaissance Church. Menorca is steeped in history and dotted all around the Island are over a thousand prehistoric monuments, making the Island an unbelievable open-air museum.
