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Beach
There is no house beach here but with Menorca you are never that far from the next beach.
nearby beaches
Location and distance to Airport 0 miles / km
How do I get from Menorca Airport to ?
| Direct Transfer | 0 Hrs. 0 mins. |
| All Transfer Options | eg Shared Shuttle from 13 Eur pp or Taxi max. 4 pers. Eur , Public Airport Bus - none! |
| Bus Services | operate all year . NO AIRPORT SHUTTLES |
| A place for you? |
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for families
for couples
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Location
is located on the North East Coast. Approximatley 20 mins., from the Airport. Can really be considered part of Arenal den Castell
Getting the most from this Guide :
Use the Interactive Maps to take a detailed visual tour, with ariel views complete with additional photos and useful holiday information.
Overview
The resort of Coves Noves/ 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. Coves Noves 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.
Facilities
Coves Noves has it's own commercial area, with several Bars and restaurants along with childrens play park and tennis courts to hire as well as diving centre.
There are a number of small Mini Spar type supermarkets around the main resort 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.
Beach
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!
Eastern (Punta Grossa) end of beach
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
Beach Loungers Coves Noves
2019 - Typical price to hire 2 loungers + (fixed) Umbrella is between 17-19 Euro all day. Reductions usually (after 15:00). Facility closes around 19:00
Coves Noves - Local Serviced Beaches
Coves Noves - Local Virgin Beaches
by David Sintes i Febrer
by alcaudique
Taken by Lluis Pous
Getting About
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)
Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, front of buses and signposts as Maó, it's local name. If you are staying longer than a week take a trip on this good network and see some of the other sights, resorts/towns and attractions.
Bus, Taxi and Hire Car - Detailed getting about info.
Daytime Activities
There is a childrens playpark (Goody Goody Park) behind of the beach at the western end beside a smaller one at Coves Noves. 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.
Diving
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
Boat Trips
Classic Cruises in nearby Port Addaya ( Port Addaia ) offer day trips in traditional boat classiccruisesmenorca.com
Water Sports
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 Golf and Tennis
Son Parc offers the island's only 18 hole golf course set in wooded countryside complete 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 Bar-Restaurant Es Bruc GOLF with outside terrace overlooking the course . Tee times can be booked in advance as can the tennis courts. Website
Nightime Entertainment
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 Coves Noves / 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 nearby Na Macaret, Es Mercadal or Alaior.
Coves Noves - Near By
Na Macaret
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.
Na Macaret
Coves Noves - Near By
Es Mercadal
Es Mercadal is a small town in the centre of the island, with rustic whitewashed houses lining pretty narrow streets. Lying at the base to Monte Toro, Menorca's 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.
Menorca Tips
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.
Es Mercadal guide
Es Mercadal All Hotels and Holiday accommodation
Coves Noves - Near By
Alaior
Has a charming old town set on a hill for wandering early mornings or late evenings when the extreme heat of the summer sun has gone. 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 some delightful Cafes, Bars and Restaurants. A few several clothes and shoe boutiques offering original items not chain store repetition. Childrens playground on the pretty town square (next to ice cream cafes!). Alaior has a weekly market plus an evening market (weds june-sept ) with Artisan goods,jewellery , other handicrafts and small boutiques.
Menorca Tips
There is a late night bus to return from Alaior's evening market. Alaior is home to the Pons Quintana shoe factory shop. A brand relatively unknown in the UK because most of its high quality leather shoes are exported to France and Germany. The shop offers reduced prices on beautiful high quality shoes and leather goods.
Alaior guide
Coves Noves - Near By
Fornells
A watersports and restaurant favourite. 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. Lot's of boat excursions and activities are based here. Perfect for a quiet authentic Menorca stay. Mountain Bike Hire. Watersports include Jetski,Waterskiing,Windsurfing, Dinghy,Kayaks and Diving.
Fornells
Hotels and Holiday accommodation in Fornells
Coves Noves - Near By
Mahon ( Mao or Maó )
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 it's 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.
Mahon (Mao) guide
Mahon All Hotels and Holiday accommodation
Coves Noves - Near By
S' Albufera Nature Reserve
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.
S'Albufera
Coves Noves - Near By
Fortalleza de La Mola
Is a very large 19th century fort at the entrance to Mahon harbour. The fortress of Isabel II or 'la Mola' , built between 1850 and 1875 is one of the best examples of military architecture. Built to protect the strategic harbour from the English and French, the fortress was never attacked, therefore it is in relatively good state of preservation.
Menorca Holiday Tip
Even if you are not into history the location is scenically great, and children will love the myriad of underground tunnels/rooms to let our energy( perfectly safe ). Great place to visit after 6p.m to enjoy atmospheric light and watch the evenings sunset over the harbour. There is a little bathing bay just before entrance and you will be see an attractive part of Menorca seldom seen by visitors.
You can get the Water Taxi from Es Castell for a special trip across harbour. ( 12 Eur pp ) you just agree a pick up time.
Opening times: July and August: from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. June to September 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May and October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From November to April, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. closed Mondays. The approximate duration of the visit is 2 hours. Admission: 7 Euro but children under 12 FREE. Guided tours are available for individuals and groups. Individual audio-guides are available in different languages.
Out and about in
Buses -
Looking for Airport Shuttle / Transfers?
Good to know
Bus Network Map with Bus stops to download
TIP:Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, front of buses and signposts as Maó, it's local name. If you are staying longer than a week take a trip on this good network and see some of the other sights, resorts/towns and attractions.
Bus Times,places to visit by bus - Airport BusTaxis -
Airport to/from Airport one way Eur
Good to know
Menorca has no private Cab firms , Uber or ....'Dodgy Touts!'
Taxis are licensed for a MAX. of 4 Passengers. (any Age child counts as 1 passenger)
Summer peak In recent years Taxis have been in short supply due to not enough drivers for licensed areas. Consider a private transfer to reach Airport in good time for flight home.
Comprehensive Guide Menorca Taxis - how to book
for Holiday Visitors - at a glance
Does have enough shops?
Menorca beach resorts have no/few local residents so you will need to goto to local towns for anything beyond summer beach wear,tourist items and beach toys/inflatables and souvenir items.
Supermarkets
Big shop supermarkets and online , delivery ? Supermarkets Locations,Online and Delivery
Is Safe?
You can be assured that women,children will feel safe - no focus on singles, binge drinking holidays
- maps
Where to stay
Pick of the Popular Hotels ( All Hotels @ )
Tips and Advice
What's the weather like in
Weather Now Partly cloudy
has a mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers. Menorca has pleasant cooling Summer breeze. The sea temperatures at Coves Noves will be around 22-26 degrees in Summer. In October the water is still warm. Spring time ( early March to April ) will have sunny days with temperatures around 20 and above , ideal for sightseeing, walking, cycling and horseriding activities.
Coves Noves - beaches nearby
Coves Noves All beaches nearby on map
Markets in and near
All about Menorca's Markets
