Arenal d’en Castell is one of Menorca’s favourite family resorts and I can’t recommend it highly enough for families with younger children. The laid back vibe and the relaxed pace at which everyone lives and holidays here makes it a choice destination, especially if the prospect of a holiday with young kids feels a little daunting.
With so much to keep the little ones (and you!) entertained, you can’t go far wrong in Arenal d’en Castell. Here we introduce some of the best things you can look out for when in the resort.
A Wonderful Beach
Recognised as one of the best beaches on the island, this is my first choice for anyone with little ones. Clear, calm, warm waters lap gently onto rich, golden sands that make perfect sand castle material. The beach is shallow and only gets deeper very gradually, so is a great confidence builder for the children who might be a bit unsure about getting into the sea.
There is a lovely boardwalk that is perfect for a lovely afternoon stroll, and you can be rewarded with a cold drink and snack at one of the beach cafes or bars at the end.
Most importantly, the beach is well managed and extremely clean – a priority for me and my young family.
More Family Fun
Water Park
The water park at Marina Park Hotel is open to the public and is an excellent option for a day out. You can buy full-day tickets that include all drinks and food, which are really very reasonable. There are wave pools, splash pools, slides and tubes, as well as areas for sunbathing and a great cafe too.
Prices:
Adult: €27
Children: €23
Fun on the Water
Enjoying some family fun in the water is always memorable and hiring a pedalo can be very exciting for the youngsters, not to mention extremely relaxing for the adults. Older children might like to try kayaking or even paddle boarding, as both are possible options on the beach.
Play Parks
It is always good to know that there is a play park within easy reach when you’re away with the kids. Goody Goody Park is at the western end of the beach and is partly undercover, so it’s great if you want the kids to stay out of the sun for part of the day. Coves Noves, at the eastern end, is a hit with slightly older children as it offers more than just swings and slides; here the youngsters can enjoy bouncy castles, mini electric karts, table games and more.
A Trip on the Fun Train
Head to Na Macaret, a quaint fishing village, on the little train that has become a tourist favourite. Not only will the children love the novelty of the mini train, but you will get to see another part of this lovely coastline. Na Macaret, with its authentic feel, has a delightful beach and there is a nice restaurant that makes a good stop for lunch too.
Other Activities
From bike hire to boat hire and from a trip to Ciutadella to a visit to Menorca’s Zoo, there is a plethora of activities to do when staying in Arenal d’en Castell. All combine to provide the perfect ingredients you need to create a memorable family holiday.
Where to Stay
White Sands Beach Club: Close to the beach and boasting wonderfully spacious apartments with balconies or terraces, this hotel offers simple accommodation that is very well suited to families. The self-catering facilities make it a convenient choice when you are travelling with children who need to be fed often! The free Wi-Fi is another added bonus and can be a real godsend if you just want to keep the kids entertained indoors for an hour or two.
Apartamentos Castell Sol: Bright apartments that overlook the sea make this a lovely accommodation choice for families. Equipped with a kitchenette and seating area with a sofa bed, there is plenty of room to spread out. Wi-Fi and access to the pool come as standard and the staff on reception are more than happy to help with the provision of local information.
Las Belisas – Apartamentos: These functional apartments are ideal for families who like to be able to spread out and make their holiday house their home. Every apartment has access to the pool and garden and comes with a patio or balcony, which is great for al fresco eating. The barbeque is a welcome feature here.
How to Get There
There are plenty of flights from the UK to Menorca Airport (MAH) and with the flight taking just over 2 hours, it is very manageable with kids. Sun-Air is the airline of choice, especially if you’re looking for bargain prices for your flights.
On arrival, I can highly recommend the services of Shuttle Direct, a company offering excellent airport transfers directly to your resort. The journey from the airport to Arenal d’en Castell takes 29 minutes and is only 23 km. I suggest pre-booking in the UK, and make sure you request any car seats that you require for the kids. All you then have to worry about is looking forward to a comfortable and relaxing start to your holiday.
Overview
- UK to MAH Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- MAH to Arenal d’en Castell Distance: 23 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 29 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
We are one of the leading companies providing transfers to and from airports across Europe. Taking great pride in our professional and friendly service, we offer private or shared options and can provide car seats for families travelling with children. Pre-book with us at Shuttle Direct before you leave home and look forward to stress-free onward travel.
