Sol Naixent

About Sol Naixent

Sol Naixent suits travellers who want a straightforward base in a working fishing village rather than a resort complex. The one-star hotel keeps things simple: self-catering apartments with kitchens, a garden and a terrace, plus bike and canoe hire for exploring the coast. It works well for couples who plan to be out most of the day and for families who prefer to cook their own meals.

The hotel sits in Fornells, a village on a sheltered bay known for lobster stew. The setting is low-key, with the harbour and its restaurants a short walk away. The accommodation is basic, so the appeal lies in the location and the freedom to come and go without fixed meal times. The hotel has no guest score listed, so expectations should rest on the one-star rating and the facilities described.

Location: Fornells

Fornells is 0.4 km from Sol Naixent, an easy walk to the village centre and the bay. The village is a fishing port with a calm, protected harbour, whitewashed houses and a handful of shops. It is quieter than the southern resorts, and the north coast around it is open and windy, with reddish sand and darker rock. The hotel is not on the beachfront, so expect a short stroll to the water rather than direct access.

The hotel is 6 km from Arenal d'en Castell, a near-circular bay with a sandy beach and a small resort. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 7.7 km away, and Menorca Airport is 22.5 km straight line. In high summer, Fornells fills with day-trippers and diners, but the village retains its working character. From November to April, many businesses close, so the area is much quieter and some services may be limited.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists apartments with kitchens or kitchenettes, each with a refrigerator, microwave, oven and toaster. Rooms include a bath with a bidet, a hairdryer, a desk, a fan and a TV with DVD and video. Free Wi-Fi and internet access are listed, along with a washing machine and ironing equipment. Families can request a cot and high chairs, and the property has family rooms and non-smoking rooms.

The facilities suggest a practical, self-catering stay rather than a hotel with daily restaurant service. A bar and lounge are listed, but there is no mention of a full restaurant. Guests who arrive late should confirm check-in arrangements with the property, as the hotel does not list specific hours. The garden, patio and terrace provide outdoor space, and the hotel is wheelchair accessible, though it is worth checking which rooms and entrances are suitable.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 22.5 km straight line from Sol Naixent. A taxi is the most direct option, taking about half an hour depending on traffic. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer some services reach the north coast, but schedules are limited outside the season. A hire car gives the most flexibility, especially for reaching the hotel and exploring the island.

The ferry port at Maó is 21.5 km straight line from the hotel. From the port, a taxi or hire car is the practical choice, as bus connections to Fornells are infrequent outside summer. The hotel is 0.4 km from Fornells village, so once you arrive, the harbour and bay are within walking distance. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, so check timetables with the operators before travelling.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Fornells is the closest point, 0.4 km away, with its sheltered bay and a reputation for caldereta de llagosta, the local lobster stew. The Camí de Cavalls, the historic bridleway around the coast, passes near the village, and kayaking along the north coast is listed as a sight 2.6 km away. Arenal d'en Castell, 6 km off, offers a sandy beach in a near-circular bay, good for swimming in calm conditions.

Monte Toro, the island's highest point at about 358 m, is 7.6 km from the hotel. The summit has a sanctuary and views of both coasts. The Favàritx lighthouse, 13.2 km away, stands on dark slate within S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the core of the Biosphere Reserve. The park has a lagoon, dunes and birds. A car is useful for reaching these sights, though bike hire from the hotel could cover shorter trips.

A day from Sol Naixent

Start the morning with a walk into Fornells, 0.4 km away, to watch the fishing boats come in. Pick up supplies from the village shops for a picnic later. Then drive or cycle to Arenal d'en Castell, 6 km off, for a swim in the bay before the heat builds. The beach is sandy and sheltered, and the drive takes about ten minutes.

In the afternoon, head inland to Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, 7.7 km away. The road climbs to the sanctuary at about 358 m, with views across the island. Return to Fornells in the evening for a meal in the village, perhaps trying the lobster stew that the area is known for. The day covers coast and countryside without long drives, and the hotel's garden or terrace is a quiet place to finish the evening.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Sol Naixent about its opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, when Fornells and the beaches are busiest. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax, the ecotasa, is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of room, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Sol Naixent