Villa Saona

About Villa Saona

Villa Saona suits travellers who want a self-contained base on Menorca's north coast. It is an apartment or villa, not rated, with an outdoor pool and a kitchen. The property sits in the Punta Grossa area of Arenal d'en Castell, a near-circular bay of pale sand, about 1 km from the beach. The setting is quiet and residential, a short drive from the village and the sea.

The stay is practical for families and couples alike. The villa has air conditioning, free wifi and free car parking, so you can come and go without depending on timetables. The kitchen and washing machine make longer stays easy. With the pool and the bay close by, the days can be spent between the water and the terrace, with the north coast's windswept landscape as a backdrop.

Location: Arenal d'en Castell

Villa Saona is in Arenal d'en Castell, a resort on Menorca's north coast built around a sheltered bay. The beach is about 1 km away in a straight line, a short drive or a walk of roughly a kilometre along the roads. The village has shops, restaurants and a small port, though the area is quieter than the south coast resorts. The north coast here is characterised by darker rock and reddish sand, and the bay is a calm, shallow curve of pale sand.

The villa is not on the beachfront. The nearest area, Arenal d'en Castell, is 1 km away. Fornells, a fishing village known for caldereta de llagosta, is 5.7 km away. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 8.7 km away. A car is useful for reaching these places and the rest of the island. In high summer, the bay and village get busy, but the villa's residential location offers some separation. In the shoulder months of May and September, the area is much quieter, and some businesses close from roughly November to April.

Rooms and facilities

The villa's listed facilities include air conditioning, a kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave, a washing machine, and a safe. There is free wifi and internet access throughout. The outdoor pool and pool bar are part of the property, though the pool bar's operation may vary by season. The rooms are non-smoking, and a smoke detector is listed. The accommodation is self-catering, so you prepare your own meals, with the kitchen equipped for that.

For families, the villa offers space and the convenience of a washing machine and a dishwasher. For couples, the quiet location and the pool provide a private retreat. Late arrivals are possible with a car, as parking is free on site. Confirm with the property about the exact layout, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and whether the pool bar is open during your stay. The villa does not appear to have a reception, so check the check-in procedure directly.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 18.3 km away in a straight line. From the airport, a taxi or a hire car takes about 25 to 30 minutes by road, depending on traffic. Buses run to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts, but a car is the most flexible option for reaching the villa. The airport is about 4-5 km south-west of Maó, and the main road north passes through Es Mercadal before descending to the coast.

If you arrive by ferry, Maó port is 16.6 km away in a straight line. Ferries from Barcelona, Palma and other ports dock there. From the port, a taxi or hire car is the practical choice. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some seasonal bus lines stop running. Check the island bus operator for current schedules. The villa's free parking means you can collect a car at the airport or port and drive directly to the property.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Arenal d'en Castell is the nearest beach, 1 km away. It is a near-circular bay of pale sand, sheltered and good for swimming. Fornells, 5.7 km away, is a fishing village where the local speciality is caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew. The village has a port and a few shops. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 8.7 km away; Monte Toro is the highest point on Menorca, about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts.

The north coast offers kayaking, with a kayak launch point about 7.7 km away, and the Favàritx lighthouse is 7.7 km away, inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park. The lighthouse stands on dark slate and is a striking sight. The park is the core zone of the Biosphere Reserve, with a lagoon, dunes and birds. The Camí de Cavalls, the historic bridleway around the coast, passes through the area. From the villa, these places are all within a short drive.

A day from Villa Saona

Start the day at Villa Saona with coffee made in the kitchen, then drive the 1 km to Arenal d'en Castell for a morning swim in the bay. The pale sand and calm water are good for families. After a couple of hours, head inland to Es Mercadal, 8.7 km away, and walk up Monte Toro for views of the island. The sanctuary at the top is a quiet spot. Return to the villa for lunch and a rest by the pool.

In the afternoon, drive to the Favàritx lighthouse, 7.7 km away, and walk around the dark slate headland. The wind is often strong here, so bring a layer. On the way back, stop at Fornells, 5.7 km away, for a walk along the port and, if you wish, a seafood dinner. The drive back to the villa is short. In the evening, the pool bar at the villa may be open, or you can relax on the terrace after the day's exploring.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check the villa's opening dates before booking. July and August are the busiest months, with the beach and village at their fullest. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of property, is reduced for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rates with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Villa Saona