Ibiza Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Ibiza’s cruise port is dead simple with plenty of ways to get there. The easiest option is flying to Ibiza Airport, which sits just 7km from the port. You’ll find loads of flights from big European cities, especially in the busy summer months. There aren’t any trains on the island, but local buses and taxis will get you to the cruise terminal without any fuss.

• A taxi from the airport takes roughly 15 minutes and costs £15-20
• Bus route L10 runs between the airport and port every half hour
• You can hire a car at the airport if you fancy driving
• Want it sorted before you arrive? Book a private transfer online

If you’re coming by car, you can park at the port’s secure car park, but it’s worth booking ahead in summer as it gets quite busy.

Port Parking Options

The port has short-term and long-term parking spots for cruise passengers. The main car park is just 200 metres from the cruise terminal, with round-the-clock security and good lighting. It costs £12 per day, but if you’re staying longer, you can get a better deal at £65 for the week.

Want to save some money? Try the overflow car park, which sits 800 metres from the terminal and charges from £8 daily. Don’t worry about the walk – a free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes between this car park and the terminal. During busy times (June-September), you’ll need to book your space ahead. Both car parks take credit cards and cash, and you can sort out your parking spot beforehand on the port’s website.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around Ibiza town from the cruise port is easy and won’t break the bank. Regular shuttle buses run every 30 minutes between the port and city centre, while taxis queue right outside your ship for quick trips. If you fancy stretching your legs, it’s a lovely 15-minute walk to the Old Town along the marina promenade.

• Public shuttle buses cost €2 per person each way and run from 8 AM to 8 PM
• Taxis charge a set rate of €10-12 for up to 4 passengers
• Free port shuttle buses go between different terminal areas
• Water taxis run from April to October, costing €8 per person

For bigger groups, booking a private transfer beforehand works out cheaper, especially when sharing the cost between everyone.

Port Terminal Facilities

Inside Ibiza’s cruise port terminals, you’ll find modern set-up built for passenger comfort. The main terminal has air-con, places to sit, loos, and tourist info desks where you can grab maps and local guides. There are ATMs, places to change money, and a handful of shops selling bits and bobs plus souvenirs.

You can use free Wi-Fi all over the terminal building, and there’s a special spot for taxis and tour operators to pick up passengers. The terminal staff know several languages and can sort you out with directions or help arrange travel. If you have trouble getting about, the whole place is wheelchair-friendly, and you can ask your cruise line ahead of time to arrange extra help if needed.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Before hopping on your cruise ship, you can have a brilliant day out in Ibiza. Most of the good spots are an easy walk from the port, which is handy when you want to see the sights before you sail. The famous Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is just around the corner, with amazing views and loads of local culture.

• Take a stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its cobbled streets and pop into the Gothic cathedral
• Spend some time at Playa d’en Bossa, the island’s longest beach – just grab a quick taxi there
• Browse the stylish shops along Marina Botafoch
• If it’s Saturday, head to the Hippie Market at Las Dalias

You can leave your bags at the port storage whilst you’re out and about, so you won’t have to lug them around during your pre-cruise wanderings.

Walks near the port

Several lovely walks start right at Ibiza’s cruise port, so it’s dead easy to wander around on foot. The most popular route takes you to Dalt Vila, the UNESCO-listed old town – it’s about a 15-minute walk. As you stroll along Marina Botafoch, you’ll spot posh yachts and local fishing boats bobbing in the water.

If you fancy a bit of nature, head north on the coastal path to Talamanca Beach – it’s roughly a 20-minute walk along the Mediterranean. For a proper taste of local life, take the southern path through Sa Penya, where you’ll find narrow streets and brilliant tapas bars. The walk up to the Cathedral is a bit steep but short, and you’ll be rewarded with cracking views of the port and beyond.

Dining and Shopping

The port area sits right next to where cruise ships pull in, with loads of places to eat and shop around Ibiza’s marina. You’ll spot seafood joints, tapas bars and all sorts of international restaurants dotted about. The streets nearby are packed with shops selling everything from posh clothes to local handicrafts.

• Marina Botafoch has fancy restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean food with lovely sea views
• La Marina’s traditional Spanish tapas bars are brilliant for trying local favourites
• Mercado Viejo (Old Market) is full of local fruit and veg, spices, and proper Ibizan goods
• The port shops have plenty of swimwear, designer sunnies, and handmade island jewellery

Keep an eye on prices – tourist spots tend to be pricier than local places. For genuine Ibizan items and better value, wander a bit further inland from the main port.

Accommodation near the port

Fancy staying near Ibiza’s cruise port? You’ll find loads of places to rest your head, from posh waterfront hotels to lovely little guesthouses. The swanky Hotel Torre del Mar and Ibiza Gran Hotel are just a 10-minute stroll from the terminal, complete with sea-view rooms, spas and rooftop pools.

If you’re after something mid-range, Hotel Marítimo or Hotel El Puerto fit the bill nicely – they’re right in Ibiza Town’s marina area, brilliant for getting to both the port and the old town. Watching your pennies? Pop over to the Figueretas area, where you’ll find plenty of hostels and guest houses about 15 minutes’ walk from the port. Marina Botafoch is another good shout, with decent apartments where you can nab harbour views and your own kitchen without breaking the bank.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your cruise from Ibiza Port? A bit of planning goes a long way. The port gets rather packed in busy season, so pop in three hours before your ship leaves. It’s worth booking your port transport ahead – you’ll save money and skip the hassle of finding a taxi at the last minute.

• Grab the port’s app on your phone to stay up to date with your ship’s timing
• Have a small bag with your must-haves, as you might not see your main bags for a few hours after you get on board
• Sort out your currency at local banks beforehand – the port money shops tend to be pricier
• Keep your cruise papers and passport handy and separate from your big bags

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through Ibiza’s customs and immigration usually takes around 30 minutes for most cruise passengers. You’ll want your passport, cruise card and filled-in arrival form ready when you leave the ship. If you’ve got an EU passport, you can use the quick lane, while everyone else needs to queue in the regular immigration lines.

You must tell customs if you’re carrying more than €10,000 in cash or similar. Spanish rules let you bring in duty-free goods within normal EU amounts: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits, or 4 litres of wine. When you head back to your ship, there’s no paperwork needed – just keep your cruise card and photo ID ready. Worth noting that queues get quite long during busy times (July-August), so give yourself extra time if you’ve got tours booked.

Local Currency & Payment Options

The euro (€) keeps money simple in Ibiza. Most places take cards, but it’s handy to have some cash for small bits and bobs, taxi rides, and buying from beach sellers.

• You’ll find cash machines near the cruise port and all around Ibiza Town with good exchange rates
• Shops and restaurants generally take Visa and Mastercard, though fewer places accept American Express
• While you don’t have to tip, leaving 5-10% at restaurants is normal if you liked the service
• Posh beach clubs and fancy spots prefer cards, but you’ll need cash for street markets and smaller shops

Give your bank a ring before you go to let them know you’ll be in Ibiza – this stops them from blocking your card whilst you’re away.

Emergency Contacts

When you’re in Ibiza sorting your money stuff, it’s smart to have emergency numbers ready too. Save these important contacts in your phone: 112 for all emergencies – this gets you through to police, ambulance and fire services. If you need the police directly, ring 091 for National Police or 062 for Guardia Civil.

Can Misses Hospital (+34 971 397 000) is the main public hospital in Ibiza Town. If you’re on a cruise ship and have a medical problem, speak to your ship’s medical team first. American visitors can contact their nearest consulate in Barcelona (+34 932 802 227), while British people can ring the British Consulate in Ibiza on +34 933 666 200.

History of The Port

The port of Ibiza goes all the way back to the ancient Phoenicians, who used it as a major trading spot in the Mediterranean. The brilliant location meant loads of merchants and sailors wanted to stop here over the years. What started as a small fishing harbour has grown into a massive cruise ship port – quite a change over the centuries!

When the Romans popped in around 123 BCE, they made the port bigger and turned it into a proper salt trading centre. Things got a bit rough in the 16th century, so they had to beef up the defences to keep pirates at bay. Fast forward to 1912, and they built the first decent pier for bigger boats.

In the 1990s, the whole place got a proper makeover with new cruise ship facilities. These days, more than 500,000 passengers come through each year.

It’s brilliant how the old and new bits work together now – you’ve got all the history mixed with modern facilities, making it one of the Mediterranean’s busiest cruise stops.

• Ancient Phoenician trading post
• Roman expansion in 123 BCE
• 16th-century defence improvements
• First proper pier built 1912
• 1990s cruise terminal development
• Now welcomes 500,000+ yearly visitors

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since 2015, Ibiza’s port authorities have brought in some brilliant green projects to look after their lovely Mediterranean waters. You’ll spot solar panels running most terminal buildings and LED lighting across the port. They’ve put in place strict rules about waste, making all cruise ships use low-sulphur fuel whilst they’re docked.

Around the port, you can see electric charging points for vehicles and clever kit that keeps an eye on air and water quality as it happens. Their ‘Blue Flag’ scheme means regular water testing and beach clean-ups. If you’re keen on sustainability, have a look at the information boards near the terminal – they show what the port’s doing to protect marine life, including their work with artificial reefs and protecting seagrass beds.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Ibiza port has good accessibility with modern facilities throughout the cruise terminal. You’ll spot wheelchair-accessible ramps, lifts and wide doorways that work well for all mobility needs. The terminal workers know how to help passengers with different disabilities, making boarding and getting off the ship straightforward.

• Free wheelchair service when you tell your cruise line beforehand
• Special accessible parking spots within 50 metres of the terminal entrance
• Easy-access toilets with emergency buttons and support bars
• Priority desks with lower counters for wheelchair users

If you’re bringing special equipment or need extra help, ring your cruise line at least 48 hours before you arrive to sort out what you need. The port authority has a special helpline for any accessibility questions.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Getting the right travel insurance is vital when you’re sailing to Ibiza. Look for a policy that covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation and emergency medical costs – especially ones suited for cruise holidays.

You’ll find a medical centre with basic first-aid right by Terminal 1 at Ibiza port. If something more serious comes up, Can Misses Hospital is just a 10-minute journey away in Ibiza Town. There are also two chemists within easy walking distance from the port if you need to sort out any regular medicines.

It’s worth looking carefully at what activities your insurance covers when you’re going ashore in Ibiza. These days, most cruise companies want you to have COVID-19 coverage before they’ll let you board, so keep that in mind when choosing your policy.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Ibiza’s cruise port is great for families with kids, with plenty to keep little ones happy. You’ll spot play areas, family loos with baby-changing facilities, and paths that are easy to navigate with buggies. Pop by the information desk for kid-friendly maps and guides to help you plan your day.

• Kids’ water play area next to Terminal 2 with staff watching over water fun in summer
• Family rest area with comfy seats, tellies showing cartoons, and a collection of children’s books
• Small playground with soft, bouncy flooring and play equipment for tots through to older kids
• Family dining area with kids’ meals, food for those with allergies, plus highchairs and booster seats

The restaurant team can help with special food needs, and the security staff know how to support families who might need extra help.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

The port area in Ibiza comes alive with brilliant cultural events all year round. You’ll spot traditional Balearic folk dancers in the Marina area, especially on summer nights. The Medieval Festival in May is a highlight – the UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila fills with people in period dress, craft markets and musicians playing live.

If you’re around in August, catch the Feast of Sant Ciriac, which marks Ibiza’s liberation from the Moors with parades and a fantastic firework show near the port. For an arts fix, pop into the Contemporary Art Museum by the cruise terminal, or join one of the walking tours through the old fishermen’s quarter. At weekends, local makers set up their stalls along the harbour, selling lovely handmade pottery and woven fabrics.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

The best time to cruise around Ibiza is between May and October, when you’ll get lovely warm Mediterranean weather and not much rain. If you fancy quieter times and better prices, try April or November – just keep in mind some beach clubs and restaurants might run shorter hours.

• July and August are properly hot (85-90°F/29-32°C) and packed with people – brilliant if you love beaches and parties
• May, June and September give you lovely warm days (75-82°F/24-28°C) and nice evenings
• Winter cruises (December-March) hardly happen, since most tourist spots shut down and it gets cooler at around 60°F/16°C
• October’s usually quite nice with fewer tourists about – great for wandering around and taking in the culture

If you want to skip the busy crowds but still get decent weather, booking in the quieter months (April or November) might be your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There ATMS Directly on Cruise Ships Docked at Ibiza Port?

Most big cruise ships docked at Ibiza port have cash machines, usually close to the casino or reception area. But watch out – the fees are quite steep compared to using ATMs in the port building itself.

What Happens if My Cruise Ship Arrives Late Due to Weather?

No worries – just like bad weather passing by, plans can change. If your ship runs late, your shore trips might need to be cut short or called off, but you’ll get your money back for any missed tours and the staff will sort out a new schedule for you.

Can I Bring Local Wine Purchased in Ibiza Back Onto the Ship?

You’re generally fine to bring local wine back on the ship, but you’ll likely need to pay a bit extra for corkage. Most cruise lines let each grown-up passenger bring 1-2 bottles aboard when they’ve bought them whilst in port – but it’s worth having a look at your cruise company’s rules first.

Are There Quiet Beaches Within Walking Distance of the Cruise Port?

Much like a peaceful Mediterranean inlet, you’ll need to go a bit farther out. There aren’t any peaceful beaches that you can walk to from the port – your best bet is grabbing a taxi or hopping on a bus to find the calmer spots.

Do Cruise Ships Offer Special Party Packages for Ibiza’s Famous Nightclubs?

The big cruise ships sort out proper club packages for Ibiza’s top spots like Pacha and Ushuaïa. You’ll get transport, entry tickets and drinks vouchers thrown in. These packages tend to sell out fast, so grab yours well ahead of time.