Mahon (Menorca) Cruise Ship Port Guide

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

The port sits about 3 miles from Menorca’s Mahon Airport (MAH), with several ways to get there. A taxi takes roughly 10 minutes and will set you back £15-20. The number 10 bus runs between the airport and port every half hour in high season – it’s a cheaper option.

If you’re coming by car, it’s straightforward: take the Me-12 from the airport, then hop onto the Me-1 straight to the port. You can rent cars at the airport or in Mahon town centre.

Menorca doesn’t have any trains, but regular buses connect different parts of the island to Mahon’s main bus station. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll to the cruise terminal.

Port Parking Options

The Port of Mahon has good parking spots that won’t cost you too much. The main port car park sits at Moll de Llevant, with both short and long-term spaces and round-the-clock security cameras. It’ll set you back €12 per day, or €70 if you’re staying for a week.

Want something cheaper? Try the public Es Freginal car park – it’s a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. You’ll pay €8 daily here, and during busy times there’s a free shuttle bus to the port. Another option is the underground Plaça del Carme car park in the centre of town. At €15 per day it’s a bit pricier, but you’ll be close to both the port and Mahon’s shops.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around Mahon is a piece of cake, with three simple ways to travel. The cruise terminal is just 1.2 kilometres from the city centre – a nice 15-minute walk along the harbour. If you’d rather not walk, regular shuttle buses run between the port and downtown every 30 minutes in peak season.

• Public buses cost €1.70 per ride and link the main sights, with Line 10 being most handy for cruise passengers
• Taxis wait at the cruise terminal, with a set fare of £10 to the city centre
• Water taxis give you a different view of the area, leaving hourly from the terminal and stopping at various harbour spots

If you fancy going to beaches or attractions further out, it’s worth booking an organised trip through your cruise line.

Port Terminal Facilities

Mahon’s modern cruise terminal has everything you need when arriving or departing. You’ll see information desks with staff who speak multiple languages, places to change your money, and free Wi-Fi in all areas. There’s a handy café for drinks and snacks, spotless loos, and several shops selling local Menorcan goods.

The waiting area is air-conditioned with plenty of comfy seats, and you can store your bags if needed. You’ll find cash machines, a taxi rank right outside, and car hire counters inside. The whole place is wheelchair-friendly with ramps and lifts. Security guards keep an eye on the entrances, and CCTV cameras monitor the terminal to keep everyone safe.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

A day in Mahon gives cruise passengers plenty to see before setting sail. The Mediterranean port city is packed with centuries of history, from old defence walls to beautiful Georgian buildings. Get going early at the Mercat del Claustre market, where you can taste the local cheeses and grab some fresh food.

• Pop into the Church of Santa Maria to see one of Europe’s biggest pipe organs – morning tours run regularly
• Take a stroll around the Port of Mahon, the second-largest natural harbour in Europe, and stop at the waterfront cafes for fresh seafood and Menorcan dishes
• Have a look round Fort Marlborough, an 18th-century British fort with brilliant harbour views and hands-on history displays

Be sure to try a glass of pomada, the local gin drink, before you head back to your ship.

Walks near the port

Nice walks pop up all around Mahon’s port area. The waterfront path runs for 2 kilometres along the harbour, with brilliant views of fancy yachts and fishing boats. If you start at the cruise terminal and go north along Moll de Llevant, you’ll walk past old buildings and lively cafes.

Fancy a bit of culture? Take the stone steps up to the old town from the port. You’ll pass the Church of Santa Maria and wind through narrow medieval streets. There’s also a lovely walk along the southern shore of the port to Es Castell, a charming village that the British built in the 18th century. The coastal path to Cales Fonts is worth your time too – it’s a lovely little cove with plenty of waterfront restaurants.

Dining and Shopping

The busy waterfront area is packed with great places to eat and shop. You’ll spot traditional Menorcan restaurants cooking up fresh seafood, local gin, and the well-known Mahón cheese. The old town’s winding streets are full of boutiques, craft shops, and local markets – brilliant spots to find genuine local items to take home.

Top spots for shopping and food:

• Carrer d’Hannover and Carrer d’Isabel II for fancy boutiques and traditional craft shops
• Mercat del Claustre, a covered market selling local produce, cheese, and regional foods
• Sa Baixada area, where waterfront restaurants pair lovely harbour views with fresh fish straight from the boats

Best to go shopping between 10 AM and 2 PM, since most shops shut for siesta before opening again later in the day.

Accommodation near the port

You’ll spot plenty of places to stay around Mahón’s port, from fancy waterfront hotels to simple guesthouses and B&Bs. The Hotel Port Mahón and Hotel ARTIEM Capri have brilliant harbour views, plus all the modern bits and bobs you’d want – they’re right next to the cruise terminal with their own restaurants.

For something a bit easier on the wallet, Hotel San Miguel and Hostal La Isla are both just five minutes from the port. They’re clean and comfy, with all the basics you need.

If you’re watching the pennies, try the family-run places like Hostal Jume and Pension La Goleta in the old town. They’re a bit further out (about 10-15 minutes on foot), but you’ll get more bang for your buck and a proper local feel.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting Ready for Your First Cruise from Mahón Port

Best to show up three hours before your ship leaves – this gives you plenty of time to sort out all the paperwork without rushing. Keep your cruise papers, passport and boarding passes where you can grab them quickly.

The port’s quite simple to get around, but it helps to know where things are:

• You’ll find everything you need at Moll de Llevant – places to drop your bags, check-in desks and security
• You can swap money or use cash machines inside the terminal, though it’s smarter to sort your currency out earlier
• There’s a taxi stand right outside, but you’ll spend less if you book your ride in advance

Grab the port’s mobile app – it’s handy for updates about your ship and any important messages. Pack a small bag with your must-haves, since your main luggage will take a while to reach your cabin.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs and immigration at Mahón Port is quite simple, but you’ll need to follow a few steps. Keep your passport and cruise ship ID with you when you leave the ship – you’ll need to show them to officials. If you’re from the EU, your national ID card will do instead of a passport.

When you come back to the ship, you’ll go through security where staff will scan your bags and look at your documents again. It usually takes 5-10 minutes when it’s quiet, but this can stretch to 20-30 minutes during busy times. Since Menorca is in Spain’s Schengen Area, you won’t need to fill in any arrival cards. Just remember that if you’re bringing shopping back with you, it needs to meet EU customs rules, especially for alcohol and tobacco allowances.

Local Currency & Payment Options

When you clear customs, you’ll need some local money. Mahon is in the European Union, so they use Euros (€). You’ll spot plenty of cash machines near the cruise port and in town – these usually give better rates than the currency exchange places.

Most shops and restaurants take credit cards, but it’s smart to have some cash on you, especially for:

• Buying bits and bobs at local markets and food stands
• Paying for taxis and leaving tips
• Shopping at traditional craft shops and smaller sellers

While big shops and restaurants are happy with cards, smaller places and taxi drivers often prefer cash. If you’re planning to use your credit card, let your bank know you’re going abroad to avoid any bother with declined payments during your stay.

Emergency Contacts

Keep these important emergency numbers with you in Mahon: 112 for general emergencies, 061 for medical emergencies, 091 for National Police, and 092 for Local Police.

If you need medical help, head to Hospital Mateu Orfila at Ronda de Malbúger, 1, about 10 minutes from the cruise port. For minor medical issues, pop into Centro de Salud Dalt Sant Joan at Carrer de Josep Maria Quadrado, 17.

The security office on your cruise ship can help with emergencies too – just make a note of their number before you go ashore. Need help with anything port-related? Ring the Port Authority of Mahon on +34 971 363 066.

History of The Port

The port of Mahon has been around for more than 2,000 years, since Carthaginian traders first set up shop here. As you walk around, you’ll spot traces of all the different civilisations that ran this important harbour – from Romans and Moors to Brits and Spaniards. Thanks to its natural deep-water harbour, one of the Mediterranean’s biggest, the port has always been a crucial spot.

The British really left their mark in the 1700s:

• They built massive defences like Fort Marlborough and La Mola Fortress
• Set up a Royal Navy base that ruled Mediterranean waters
• Created the Georgian buildings you can still see along the waterfront today

These days, the port mixes its historical roots with modern shipping needs. It’s a busy stop for cruise ships while showing off Menorca’s rich past.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

The port of Mahon has really stepped up its game when it comes to looking after the environment. These days, it’s leading the way in eco-friendly shipping. They’ve got brilliant waste handling systems in place, with proper recycling spots and a special plant that deals with all the muck from cruise ships. Ships can plug straight into the port’s power supply whilst they’re moored up, which means they don’t have to keep their engines running – much better for the air quality and far quieter too.

You’ll spot solar panels all over the port buildings and storage areas, which power lots of the daily operations. They’ve put in charging points for electric cars and fitted LED lights everywhere. The whole place runs under what they call their “Green Port” scheme, which keeps tabs on water quality, protects sea life, and makes ships stick to strict pollution rules. Thanks to all this good work, Mahon has picked up quite a few environmental awards and certificates for running such a green port.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

Mahon’s cruise port is well set up for disabled passengers with good access all around. You’ll see wheelchair ramps, lifts and accessible loos throughout the terminal. The staff know how to help people with different mobility needs and can lend a hand getting from ship to shore.

• Each car park has disabled spaces no more than 50 metres from the terminal entrance, with flat paths leading to it
• Easy-access shuttle buses with hydraulic lifts run between the cruise terminal and Mahon town centre
• Messages in different languages come through speakers and displays for passengers who are hard of hearing or have vision difficulties

Give your cruise line a ring at least 48 hours before you arrive if you need any special help. The port’s accessibility team is around whenever cruise ships dock and lets you borrow mobility equipment at no cost.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Don’t let medical emergencies spoil your cruise from Mahon Port – there’s a proper medical centre with English-speaking doctors on hand all day and night. The port clinic can sort out minor injuries, seasickness and everyday health issues. For anything more serious, you’re only 10 minutes from Hospital General Mateu Orfila.

You’ll want solid travel insurance that’s specifically for cruises. Your policy should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation and anything that might happen during shore trips. Most cruise companies won’t let you aboard without proper insurance papers. Keep your insurance documents and medical records handy, and save digital copies on your mobile. If you take regular medicines, pack enough for the whole journey plus some spare in case you’re delayed.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Taking the kids through Mahon Port is straightforward with all its family-friendly bits and bobs. The main building has baby-changing facilities, pushchairs for hire, and a watched-over play space where little ones can let off steam if there’s a hold-up.

When you’re pottering around the port with your family, you’ll spot plenty for the kids:

• The Port Museum has brilliant hands-on sea exhibits for children, where they can try sailing simulations and go on treasure hunts
• Near Gate B, there’s a handy family spot with a small playground, snack machines, and comfy seats where parents can take a breather
• Pop by the information desk to grab free activity packs for the kids – they’ll love the colouring books and puzzles about Menorca’s past

Worth knowing: the port runs different family activities throughout the day, including seasonal puppet shows and fun lessons about sea creatures.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

The heart of Mahon’s culture kicks off right at the port, where old meets new in a brilliant mix of entertainment. You’ll hear local musicians belting out Menorcan folk tunes along the waterfront, particularly on warm summer nights.

Pop by the artisan markets at Plaça del Carme, running twice weekly, where skilled craftsmen make traditional Menorcan items right before your eyes. If you’re around in September, you’ll be in time for the Mare de Déu de Gràcia festival – it’s brilliant, with horse parades and local dancers showing off the traditional ball de bot.

The city’s stunning Georgian buildings tell tales of its British colonial past, and you can see this influence clearly at Teatre Principal, the oldest opera house in Menorca. For a proper taste of local life, head to the fish market in the morning to see locals haggling over the fresh catch of the day.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

The best times to cruise from Mahon fit nicely with the local way of life. From May through October, you’ll get lovely sailing weather, with July and August being the busiest months for Mediterranean trips. During this time, the port has calm waters and bright skies – brilliant for ships coming in and for wandering around the island.

• Late spring (May-June) brings nice 24°C weather and fewer tourists, making it great for activities on shore
• Peak summer (July-August) is the warmest and most lively time, but expect more crowds and steeper prices
• Early autumn (September-October) gives you good sailing weather with warm seas and plenty of harvest celebrations

Winter cruises aren’t as common because of the occasional strong winds and cooler temps, though some ships still pop in throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Local Boat Rentals Available Near the Cruise Port?

Plenty of boat hire places just a stone’s throw from the port. You can take your pick from little motorboats, sailboats, or speedboats if you fancy a day on the water. The costs differ between companies, but it’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

What Is the Average Water Temperature in Mahon Harbor Throughout the Year?

The water’s lovely all year round, with temps going from a brisk 14°C in winter to a warm 25°C in summer. The best swimming can be had from June right through to September.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities for Early Arrivals at the Port?

There aren’t any set luggage storage spots at the port. If you arrive early, your best bet is to ring your cruise line or pop into nearby hotels to see if they can keep your bags until it’s time to board.

Which Cruise Lines Regularly Use Mahon as Their Port of Call?

Around 100 cruise ships pop into Mahon each year! You’ll spot MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, and P&O pulling up to the port regularly. The posh cruise companies like Seabourn and Silversea are keen on Mahon too, and you’ll see them dropping anchor quite often.

Can Passengers Take Their Own Food and Drinks Onto the Cruise Ships?

Most cruise lines won’t let you bring lots of food and drinks on board. While it’s usually fine to pack some snacks and unopened water bottles, they don’t allow alcohol or big amounts of food.