First stop: Arenal d’en Castell
We start the tour in the northern part of the island: Arenal d’en Castell, one of the most touristy and urbanized coves in Menorca. It is surrounded by incredible scenery, as well as hotels, resorts, supermarkets and more, to offer travelers everything they need in one place.
With an area of approximately 500 meters wide, Arenal d’en Castell offers white sand and calm waters, making it ideal for family visits with the little ones. The only time the sea is not so calm is when the north wind blows. But on other occasions, the cliffs that surround it serve as a shelter, also creating a spectacular landscape.
Parking here is not only easy, it is also free. Next to the pine forest that surrounds this cove there are unpaved spaces where you can leave your car. From there, you will have to walk through the pine forest until you find the closest staircase that will take you directly to one of the most beautiful beaches in Menorca.
Second stop: Favàritx Lighthouse
Towards the southeast and just 18 kilometers from Arenal d’en Castell is the Favaritx Lighthouse. As there is no coastal road, you will have to go south on Me-9, then take Me-11 and finally CF-1 north to reach the lighthouse.
Definitely, this site is one of the most impressive landscapes on the island. Unlike other places on the island, the landscape of the lighthouse is devoid of vegetation and is characterized by a gray slate soil mixed with stones and fossils that indicate that you are in the oldest part of the island.
It was the island’s first concrete lighthouse, and its black and white spiral painting contrasts with the landscape in a unique way. During the tourist season you cannot access the lighthouse by car, but you can leave it in a parking lot that is 2 kilometers from it. This will allow you to walk towards it enjoying the landscape and, if you arrive at the right time, you will be able to see the moon rise in one of the best places to do it.
Third stop: S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park
Continuing south and 19.5 kilometers from the Favaritx lighthouse we arrive at the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park. With the car, we must go south on the CF-1, retaking the Me-9 and then north on the Me-5 to reach this natural reserve of more than 5,000 hectares and an enormous biodiversity.
It is one of the most beautiful places to visit if you are a fan of hiking, vegetation and animals. Its 70 hectare and 3 meter deep lagoon stands out, which is one of the most visited attractions in the park.
The S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park is open all year round from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00, although its closing time may be later seasonally. Admission is free and it has a parking lot south of the nearby soccer field and a smaller one on the beach, but this is usually full during the summer season.
To discover the landscapes of this protected natural park, there are three marked trails where you can see different vegetation, go bird watching and discover the coast from above.
