Arenal d'en Castell, Sandy bay in Es Mercadal, Menorca, Spain.
Arenal d'en Castell features a horseshoe-shaped bay with fine white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and two protective coastal rocks that shelter the beach from strong winds and storms throughout the year.
The beach developed as a resort destination during the latter half of the 20th century, transforming from a natural cove into one of Menorca's established family-friendly tourist areas with modern facilities and services.
The bay attracts families and beachgoers who value calm swimming conditions and accessible water sports, reflecting Menorca's reputation as a relaxed Mediterranean destination focused on outdoor recreation and natural settings rather than nightlife.
Visitors can reach Arenal d'en Castell by driving 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Menorca Airport via the Me-7 road toward Fornells, with free parking lots located around 330 feet (100 meters) from the sand and seasonal bus services available from May to October.
The bay's shallow depth and natural enclosure create conditions resembling a large natural swimming pool, making it especially suitable for young children and offering one of the longest stretches of sand on the island after Son Bou.
Address: Carrer de s'Ul·lera, 119B, 07740 Es Mercadal, Illes Balears, Spain 07740
GPS coordinates: 40.02360,4.18307
Latest update: December 1, 2025 12:26
Menorca offers remarkable coastal diversity. The island's 200-plus coves and beaches range from long sand stretches like Son Bou, Menorca's largest beach at roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), to small secluded coves like Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta. The northern coast presents reddish sand of volcanic origin at beaches like Cavalleria and Cala Pregonda, while the southern coast displays white sand and turquoise waters at places like Macarella and Turqueta. This geological divide makes the island an appealing destination for visitors seeking varied coastal environments. Some beaches like Punta Prima, Cala Galdana, and Arenal d'en Castell provide full facilities with restaurants, sunbed rentals, and water sports. Others like Cala de Trebalúger, Cala Escorxada, and Binigaus remain natural and undeveloped, accessible via coastal walking trails through Mediterranean vegetation. The sheltered position of most coves ensures calm waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Son Bou includes wetlands behind the beach and early Christian basilica ruins. Menorca's coastal variety, from the red cliffs at Cala Morell to the white sands at Son Saura, reflects the island's status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and provides options for different preferences.
Monastery of the Toro Virgin
7.3 km
Parque Natural de s'Albufera des Grau
7.4 km
El Toro
7.3 km
Far de Favàritx
7.7 km
S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park
7.1 km
Cala Tirant
7 km
Favàritx Lighthouse
7.7 km
Torre de Fornells
6.1 km
Playa Arenal d'en Castell
201 m
Arenal de Son Saura del Nord, Menorca
2.1 km
Castle of Sant Antoni
5.7 km
Lourdes Hermitage in Fornells
6.1 km
Early Christian Basilica of Port de Fornells
4.5 km
Torre de la Isla de Ses Sargantanes
4.8 km
Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot
5.7 km
Cala Fornells
5.6 km
Sa Torreta de Tramuntana
8.1 km
Menorca Biosphere Reserve
6 km
Cala Pudenta
3 km
House of the Boatswain in Fornells
5.6 km
Cala Tortuga
7.3 km
Cala Molí Tower
2 km
S'Escala, Menorca
7.1 km
S'Arenal de Morella
7.8 km
Arenal Castell
213 m
Torre d'Addaia
2 km
Talaia del Toro
7.4 km
Necròpolis de Capifort
5.1 kmReviews
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