Apartamento de Ensueno

About Apartamento de Ensueno

Apartamento de Ensueno suits travellers who want a self-contained base on Menorca's north coast without the formality of a hotel. The apartment or villa provides independence for couples or families who prefer to cook their own meals and come and go on their own schedule. The property is not rated with stars and has no guest score, so the accommodation stands on its own merits as a practical choice for a straightforward holiday.

The stay is an apartment or villa in the Arenal d'en Castell area, about 0.6 km straight line from the near-circular bay of pale sand. The listed facilities include an outdoor pool, a kids pool, a garden area and a terrace, which give outdoor space for relaxing between trips to the coast. Wifi and internet access are listed, along with family rooms, non-smoking rooms and a safe. This is a functional, no-frills option for those who want a kitchen and living space rather than hotel services.

Location: Arenal d'en Castell

Apartamento de Ensueno is in the Arenal d'en Castell area on Menorca's north coast. Arenal d'en Castell is a near-circular bay of pale sand, about 0.6 km straight line from the property, so the beach is a short walk or drive. The area has a purpose-built resort feel with bars, a market and an ATM listed among the facilities, meaning daily essentials are within reach without a car. Fornells, 5.6 km straight line, is a fishing village known for its harbour and caldereta de llagosta, reachable by a short drive or taxi.

In high summer, July and August, Arenal d'en Castell is busy with holidaymakers and the beach fills early. The shoulder months of May, June and September are quieter, with more space on the sand and easier parking. The property's garden and pool offer a retreat from the crowds. The north coast is windier than the south, which can be a relief on hot days but means a breeze even in summer. From November to April, much of the resort closes, so check the hotel's opening dates.

Rooms and facilities

The property is listed as an apartment or villa, so guests have their own living space, kitchen and bathroom. The facilities include family rooms, non-smoking rooms and a safe. Wifi and internet access are listed, which is useful for planning days out or staying in touch. The terrace and garden area give outdoor space for eating or relaxing. There is no mention of air conditioning, so confirm with the property whether it is available, especially for stays in July and August.

For families, the kids pool and family rooms are listed, and the apartment layout gives separate sleeping and living areas. Late arrivals should check the check-in times with the property, as the concierge and luggage room are listed, which may help with early or late access. The listed cleaning, laundry service and dry cleaning service mean the apartment is maintained during the stay, but guests should confirm the schedule. The iron and board are useful for longer stays.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 18 km straight line from Apartamento de Ensueno. A taxi from the airport takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts, but the service to Arenal d'en Castell may be seasonal, so check the island bus operator. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility for exploring the island and reaching the property, as the north coast is less served by public transport than the south.

Maó port is 16.4 km straight line, so a taxi or hire car from the ferry terminal takes about 25 minutes. Fornells is 5.6 km straight line and Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 8 km straight line, so these are easy drives. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus lines stop running, so a hire car is recommended for stays outside the main season. The property lists parking, so guests with a car have a place to leave it.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Arenal d'en Castell beach is 0.6 km straight line, a near-circular bay of pale sand with calm water, good for swimming and families. Fornells, 5.6 km straight line, is a fishing village on a natural harbour, known for its lobster stew, caldereta de llagosta. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 8 km straight line; Monte Toro is the highest point on Menorca, about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. The Favàritx lighthouse, 8 km straight line, sits on dark slate inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park.

The north coast (Tramuntana) has darker, older rock and reddish sand, with coves and cliffs that are less crowded than the south. Kayaking the north coast is listed as a nearby activity, 7.4 km straight line, and the Camí de Cavalls, the historic bridleway around the island, passes through the area. The south coast, with white sand coves like Cala Galdana and Cala Macarella, is a drive of about 30-40 minutes. Mahón-Menorca cheese is produced on the island and is worth trying.

A day from Apartamento de Ensueno

Start the morning at Apartamento de Ensueno with breakfast on the terrace, then walk or drive the 0.6 km to Arenal d'en Castell beach for a swim before the crowds arrive. After a couple of hours on the sand, drive the 5.6 km to Fornells for a walk around the harbour and a coffee at a café. The fishing village is quiet in the morning, with boats bobbing in the water and the smell of the sea. Buy some local cheese or bread at the market for a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, drive 8 km to Es Mercadal at the foot of Monte Toro, then take the winding road up to the sanctuary for views of both coasts. From there, continue 8 km to the Favàritx lighthouse on the north-east coast, where the dark slate landscape contrasts with the blue sea. Return to the apartment in the late afternoon for a dip in the outdoor pool and a rest on the terrace. In the evening, drive back to Fornells for a dinner of caldereta de llagosta, a Menorcan speciality.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check Apartamento de Ensueno's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the hottest weather and busiest beaches; book well in advance. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the type of accommodation and the season, is reduced in low season and for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears website.

Questions about Apartamento de Ensueno