Villa Anabel

About Villa Anabel

Villa Anabel is a self-catering villa on the Carrer Des Pardal, set back from the coast on Menorca's north side. It suits travellers who want a quiet base with their own kitchen, a private outdoor pool and the freedom to cook and come and go without fixed meal times. The villa is not rated, so there is no star category; the accommodation is simple and practical, aimed at families or small groups who prefer independence over hotel services.

The villa sits about 1.1 km in a straight line from Arenal d'en Castell, a near-circular bay of pale sand. That distance means the beach is not walkable in a couple of minutes, but it is close enough for a short drive or a longer walk. The north coast around here is windier and less developed than the south, which keeps the pace relaxed. The property lists air conditioning, a washing machine and a dishwasher, so it works well for longer stays as much as for a week's holiday.

Location: Arenal d'en Castell

Arenal d'en Castell is a purpose-built resort on Menorca's north coast, centred on a sheltered bay with pale sand and shallow water. The bay is near-circular, which gives it a calm, protected feel. The resort has shops, bars and restaurants, though many close from roughly November to April. Villa Anabel is on a residential street a short drive from the bay, so it is quieter than the seafront but still close to the resort's facilities.

The villa is 6.1 km in a straight line from Fornells, a fishing village known for caldereta de llagosta, the local lobster stew. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 9.2 km away. A car is useful for reaching the beach and exploring the coast, though the nearest bus stop is within the resort. In high summer, the bay fills with families, but the villa's position away from the seafront keeps noise down. In May, June or September, the area is much quieter and many places shorten their hours.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Anabel is listed as an apartment or villa, so the accommodation is a whole unit rather than a hotel room. The facilities include a kitchen with an oven, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator, which means you can cook full meals. There is a washing machine, a bath, a terrace and a TV with a DVD player. Air conditioning is listed, which helps in July and August. Free WiFi and internet access are included, and there is a smoke detector.

The villa has an outdoor pool, so you can swim without going to the beach. A cot is listed, which makes it possible for families with a baby. There is free car parking on the property. Non-smoking rooms are listed, so the whole villa is likely smoke-free. Since the property is self-catering, there is no reception or daily cleaning; confirm with the owner before booking what is provided for check-in, such as bed linen, towels and any welcome pack. The listed facilities are what the property states, so check directly for details.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 18.3 km away in a straight line from Villa Anabel. A taxi from the airport takes about 25 minutes depending on traffic; a hire car gives more freedom for the stay. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts, but they may not serve Arenal d'en Castell directly. Check the island bus operator for current routes and timetables, as services are fewer in winter.

If you arrive by ferry, Maó port is 16.4 km in a straight line from the villa. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma dock at Maó; from there, a taxi or hire car is the most direct option. The villa has free parking, so a car is practical. In the shoulder months of May and October, flights and ferries are fewer, and some seasonal bus lines do not run. Confirm the villa's exact access by car, as the Carrer Des Pardal is a residential street.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Arenal d'en Castell is the nearest beach, 1.1 km away. It is a sheltered bay with pale sand and calm water, good for swimming and for children. Fornells, 6.1 km away, is a working fishing village where you can watch boats come in and eat caldereta de llagosta. Es Mercadal, 9.2 km away, sits at the foot of Monte Toro, the island's highest point at about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts.

The Favàritx lighthouse is 7.2 km away, on the dark slate coast inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park. That park is the core zone of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve, with a lagoon, dunes and birdlife. Monte Toro is 7.9 km away from the villa. The north coast around here is windier and has reddish sand in places. For a longer excursion, the Camí de Cavalls, a historic bridleway of about 185 km, runs along the coast and passes near several of these sights.

A day from Villa Anabel

Start the morning with a drive to Arenal d'en Castell, 1.1 km away, for a swim in the bay before the heat builds. The water is calm and shallow, good for a slow start. Afterwards, drive north to Fornells, 6.1 km away, and walk around the fishing port. You could buy fresh bread and cheese, such as Mahón-Menorca with its protected designation of origin, for a picnic lunch by the water.

In the afternoon, head to Favàritx lighthouse, 7.2 km away, on the exposed north-east coast. The dark slate rocks and the wind make it a dramatic spot; the lighthouse is inside the natural park, so keep to paths. On the way back, stop at Es Mercadal, 9.2 km away, and drive up Monte Toro for the view. Return to Villa Anabel for a swim in the pool and an evening meal cooked in the kitchen, then sit on the terrace as the light fades.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes from roughly November to April, so check with Villa Anabel about its opening dates before booking. July and August are the busiest months, with the bay at its fullest and higher demand for car parking. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax, the ecotasa, is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate varies by season and length of stay, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Villa Anabel