Villa Serafina

About Villa Serafina

Villa Serafina suits travellers who want a self-catering base on Menorca's north coast, with a pool and parking included. The property is an apartment or villa in a residential area of Arenal d'en Castell, a near-circular bay of pale sand. It is not rated with stars and has no guest score listed.

The stay is independent: guests have a kitchen, a washing machine and free Wi-Fi. The outdoor pool and pool bar are on site. This is a quiet, car-friendly location for exploring the Tramuntana coast and the interior of the island. The property is not beachfront, but the beach at Arenal d'en Castell is 1.9 km away in a straight line.

Location: Arenal d'en Castell

Villa Serafina is in Arenal d'en Castell, a resort on Menorca's north coast built around a near-circular bay of pale sand. The area has a handful of shops, restaurants and a small harbour. The beach is 1.9 km straight-line from the villa; a taxi or hire car is the practical way to reach it. Fornells, a fishing village known for caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew), is 4.4 km away. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, the highest point on the island at about 358 m, are 7.4 km straight-line.

In July and August the resort is busy, with day visitors parking near the beach. The shoulder months of May, June, September and October are quieter, and the sea temperature is warm enough for swimming from June to September. Much of the tourism business in Arenal d'en Castell closes from roughly November to April; check the hotel's opening dates before booking.

Rooms and facilities

The rooms at Villa Serafina are listed with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a safe and a smoke detector. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, a microwave and coffee-making equipment. A washing machine is provided, which is useful for longer stays or families. The property is described as non-smoking throughout.

Guests should confirm the exact layout and number of bedrooms with the property, as these details are not listed. The outdoor pool is shared, and the pool bar is open in season. Late arrivals should check the check-in procedure in advance; the check-in time is not stated in the listing.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 18.8 km straight-line from Villa Serafina. A taxi takes about 25-30 minutes. A hire car collected at the airport gives flexibility for the whole stay; the villa has free car parking. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer some services continue to the north coast resorts, but a change may be needed. In winter, flights and buses are fewer.

Maó port is 17.5 km straight-line away. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive there; a taxi or hire car from the port takes about 20-25 minutes. Fornells is 4.4 km away, and Es Mercadal is 7.4 km away. A car is recommended for exploring the coves and the Camí de Cavalls, the historic bridleway around the coast.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Arenal d'en Castell beach is 1.9 km straight-line from Villa Serafina. Fornells, 4.4 km away, is a fishing village with a sheltered harbour and several places serving caldereta de llagosta. Es Mercadal, 7.4 km away, sits at the foot of Monte Toro, the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. The Favàritx lighthouse, 9.3 km away, stands on dark slate inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the core zone of the Biosphere Reserve.

The north coast (Tramuntana) has darker rock and reddish sand, and is windier than the south. Kayaking along this coast is possible; the nearest kayak launch point is about 6.1 km straight-line from the villa. The Camí de Cavalls (GR 223) runs for about 185 km around the whole island in 20 stages. Mahón-Menorca cheese, with a protected designation of origin, is worth trying.

A day from Villa Serafina

A day from Villa Serafina could start with a short drive to Arenal d'en Castell beach, 1.9 km away. The near-circular bay has pale sand and calm water. After a morning swim, drive 4.4 km to Fornells for lunch. The village is a fishing port; caldereta de llagosta is a local speciality. In the afternoon, head to Es Mercadal, 7.4 km away, and drive up Monte Toro for the view.

From Monte Toro, the road leads east towards the Favàritx lighthouse, 9.3 km from the villa. The lighthouse sits on dark slate inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park. The park has a lagoon, dunes and birdlife. Return to Villa Serafina in the evening. The outdoor pool and pool bar are on site for a quiet end to the day. A hire car is essential for this itinerary.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check Villa Serafina's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest beaches and higher demand for hire cars. 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 Villa Serafina