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Photo tour of Arenal Den Castell
Use the Photo Tour to see high quality photographs of all the information described below.
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is located on the North East Coast. Approximatley 20 mins., from the Airport.
Use the Interactive Maps to take a detailed visual tour, with ariel views complete with additional photos and useful holiday information.
The resort of Arenal d'en Castell, along with it's nearest neighbour Son Parc with its golf course and tennis facilities, comprise some of the larger holiday resorts on the north east coast. Arenal den Castell is a mixture of hotels catering for packaged holidays, commercial apartments and private accommodation attracting the independent traveller.
The bay at Arenal d'en Castell is as close to a near perfect horseshoe as you can get. The headlands on the waters' horizon close in so much so that you think you might be standing at a large saltwater lake. While the area behind the beach has been developed toursitically due to the attraction of the beach, the varying ground height levels means its more natural than it might appear in photographs. The eastern end of the resort and beach is more naturally intact with wooded areas and sand dunes and is where most of the private villas and apartments are located.
The resort's geography defines it's character- There is a flat headland at the eastern end called Punta Grossa which links to the eastern, wooded end of the beach with it's sand dunes. Towards the western end the land rises with a steep valley splitting the resort- here the resort is terraced with facilties on about three distinct levels.
There are a number of small Mini Spar type supermarkets selling the everyday holiday essentials, along with a handful of other tourist type shops dotted around the resort. Self caterers who are mobile can find much better shopping and food supermarkets in the old town and Poligno ( Commercial area ) in Alaior town - which also makes a very pleasant visit.
Bars stay open until later but there are no nightclubs. No music after midnight. Resort offers a selection of shops, snack bars, ATMs within a few minutes walk of each other. There is a mini 'fun' train that shuttles around the resort and also over to the fishing village of Na Macaret where the simple restaurants are more authentic catering also for locals. Resort well suited for families with young children and for couples as a base for visiting the fabulous north coast virgin beaches and to enjoy Mahon's atmosphere.
At the entrance to the resort, just inland is Coves Noves which contains another commercial area, along with childrens play park and tennis courts to hire as well as diving centre.
Those with accommodation at the eastern ( Punta Grossa ) end of the resort will find Coves Noves more convienient
Rated as one of the best resort beaches on Menorca, especially for smaller children due it's perfect sands, gently sloping shallows into crystal clear turquoise waters. And while this makes it very popular for childern it's big enough for those who prefer to avoid the little ones to find their ideal spots! Sun lounger, umberella and pedalo hire is available on the beach.
The view on the beach looking out to sea is really attractive especially as the water here is very shallow making it look more like a natural lake. In early season it is particularly spectacular as the hotel crowds have not yet arrived and it's a very impressive piece of water!
There is a beach bar and restaurant at the eastern end of the beach. At the western end bars/restuarants are to be found just behind the beach area. If you are mobile and you are looking for something a little less full of children then head west for Arenal den Son Saura at nearby Son Parc or east to Es Grau, or the Virgin Beaches at Playa Cavalleria and Binimel la to the west.
The beach is set below a protective raised ground where most of the resort buildings are so from beach level the backdrop is a lot more natural and pleasant than the common ariel shots of the resort might imply - see Photo Tour
Mahon is also only 20 minutes away on the bus service that operates most days in season.
A resort train travels around the resorts and also out to Na Macaret on the hour, most of the days ( see locally for times ) cost 4 Eur single 6 Eur return (2011)
Bus, Taxi and Hire Car Detailed getting about infos.
Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, signposts as Maó it's correct local name. Also posted in the local papers eg Ultima Hora Menorca, Menorca towards the back pages are most of the islands bus timetables. You will nearly always find a copy of this in a spanish cafe bar ( any day in season will do ) - make notes, please don't take paper as its there for all to read. If you are staying longer than a week take a trip on this good network and see some of the other resorts/towns first hand.
There is a childrens playpark (Goody Goody Park) behind of the beach at the western end and aslo at Coves Noves at the eastern end. With bouncy castles, mini electric karts, tables games and other assorted flashing machines that children love.
Sailing is available in the nearby watersports centres of Fornells and golf and tennis in Son Parc which is just 15 mins drive away.
With its warm crystal clear waters, many underwater caves and coral encrusted rock formations, Menorca is recognised as one of the most spectacular diving locations in the Mediteranean. English speaking Dive centre in Coves Noves ( entrance to Arenal den Castell ) Marina Divers tauchen-menorca.jimdo.com
Classic Cruises in nearby Port Addaya ( Port Addaia ) offer day trips in traditional boat classiccruisesmenorca.com
Pedaloes can be hired on the beach along with sea kayaks. More 'serious stuff' ( sailing dingies, catamarans, windsurfers ) at nearby Fornells with its huge natural bay.
Son Parc offers the islands only ( 2011) 18 hole golf course with putting green and (floodlit) driving range. There are also tennis courts available for hire (raquets and balls can be hired at golf shop ) and a comfortable club house bar with restaurant overlooking the course . The clubhouse terrace (open to non players) offers snacks, drinks and evening meals. Tee times can be booked in advance as can the tennis courts.
As with most resorts in Menorca, organised evening entertainment here is generally to be found in the resort hotels and some bars. Mahon, Ciutadella and Es Castell however offer alot more with something for everyone, but with none of the "bing drink clubbing" to be found on Ibizia and Majorca. Menorca is not Majorca but that is why many people come here!
In Arenal Den Castell there are various mixed bars and restaurants with differing atmospheres catering to clientel both young and old. Some bars have evening entertainment but best to see locally what is on offer. Most entertainment happens in the larger hotels also open to non residents.
If you are looking for more traditional bars and better restaurants visit Es Mercadal or Alaior.
Na Macaret is a relaxed fishing village on the coast with terrific views out to the north coast bays and Port Addaia and lots of boats-something for those looking to find authentic Menorca by the sea. A pleasant sandy beach forms the centrepiece of Na Macaret with Bar Restaurant at its rear.
Still active with fisherman and more authentically Menorca the local bars and restaurants ( four around the central plaza ) cater to locals with good value fish dishes. Small mini supermarket.
The 'Arenal-Macaret Express' mini road train pendles to nearby Arenal den Castell/Coves Noves with it's huge beach and greater tourist facilities.
Es Mercadal is a small town in the centre of the island, with rustic whitewashed houses lining pretty narrow streets. It lies at the base to Monte Toro, Menorcas' highest 'mountain' (357 m). On top there are viewing areas and a small pleasant cafeteria with small outside terrace. From up here there are excellent views of the whole island - upto the bay at Fornells ,the northern coast and the rolling hills of the island's centre.
Es Mercadal is also a Gastronomy and Restaurant oasis, with a range from simple to fine dining but the quality in every price range is very good. "Centre Artesanal de Menorca" is located here too and is the crafts center of Menorca showcasing traditional and comtemporary crafts.
This is a great town for wandering early mornings or late evenings when the heat of sun is not around. The "third" capital of the island and a cultural centre. The old town is very pretty and makes a great change to the beach, with a good mix of little shops to browse, Cafes, Bars and Restaurants. And, some great home made ice cream parlours! Childrens playground on the pretty town square (next to ice cream cafes!). Alaior has a weekly market plus an evening artisans market with jewellry and other handicrafts and clothing.
Ladies Alaior is home to the Pons Quintana shoe factory shop. An name relatively unknown in the UK because most of its high quality leather shoes are exported to France and Germany. At the factory shop you will get heavily reduced prices on beautiful high quality shoes.
Arenal den Castell, Son Parc, Son Bou, & Cala en Porter selfcaterers - Visit the larger supermarkets here at the Poligno ( commercial area ) for a much better food and price selection.
Fornells a watersports and seafood restaurant eldorado. The village with it's speciality seafood restaurants is located at the entrance to a huge enclosed natural bay whose protected waters make it perfect for all manner of sail based 'messing about'. More like a large salt water lake the wind conditions here are great for beginners of anything that floats on water. Very pleasant for lunch time and evening drinks and meals alongside the harbour quay.
Mahon has a great mediterranean charm around the centre and harbour. Busy pavement Cafes and Bars, superb fruit and fish markets and all enclosed in a maze of narrow streets with architecture and many reminders of its Georgian past. In addition to the traditional the town offers a myriad of stylish shops and bars. Along the whole length of the harbour quayside (Moll de Llevant) there is an electic collection of Cafes, Bars and Restaurants for all pockets and styles. A spectacular setting above the huge natural harbour with ships and boats of every shape and sizes.
S'Albufera Parc Natural - is a wonderful place for an early morning or evening walk (avoiding the summer heat) . Footpaths lead, through pleasant lakelandscapes and woodlands to the sand dunes behind the beautiful beach at Es Grau. Walk on further to the fishing village of Es Grau to enjoy beachside sunsets at the waterside Cafe Bars.
Es Castell - is a delightful harbour town with a great mix of little shops, cafes, bars, Restaurants and clubs to suit all tastes, price ranges and styles. Not just the extensive harbour areas but also in the many side streets. In the main Cala Fons harbour the old fishermans caves have been adapted by various Bars and Restaurants. Es Castell is a very popular eating place for lunchtime Menu del Dias and a great place to while away the summer evenings.
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