Menorca Ports: Which Ones There Are, Where Ferries Depart From and How to Travel by Ferry

Menorca is the second largest island in the Balearic Islands and one of the Mediterranean's most highly regarded destinations thanks to its unspoilt nature, turquoise coves and historic centre, declared a Biosphere Reserve. Every year, thousands of travellers visit the island seeking a more relaxed pace than Mallorca or Ibiza, without giving up spectacular beaches or a rich cultural and gastronomic offering.

In addition to air travel, maritime transport plays a key role in connecting Menorca with mainland Spain and the rest of the Balearic archipelago. Thanks to its ports, it is possible to travel by ferry with both passengers and vehicles all year round, making it one of the most convenient ways to reach the island, especially if travelling by car.

Although Menorca has numerous marinas, fishing ports and yacht harbours, only two ports offer regular passenger ferry services: the Port of Mahón and the Port of Ciutadella.

If you're planning your trip, this guide explains how many ports there are in Menorca, which ones have ferry services, the routes they offer and the places worth visiting nearby.

Keep reading and discover everything about the ports of Menorca.

Menorca ports with ferry services

Menorca has two commercial ports with regular ferry connections: the Port of Mahón, located on the eastern side of the island, and the Port of Ciutadella, situated on the western tip.

Both ports allow travel between Menorca, mainland Spain and the other Balearic Islands, although each offers different routes depending on the destination and ferry operator.

1. Port of Mahón: routes and connections

The Port of Mahón is the main port of Menorca and one of the largest natural harbours in the world, stretching for more than 5 kilometres. Located beneath the historic centre of the island's capital, it handles most of Menorca's passenger and freight maritime traffic.

Thanks to its excellent location and wide range of connections, it is the main gateway for travellers arriving in Menorca from mainland Spain or the other Balearic Islands.

From the Port of Mahón, ferries depart for Barcelona, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca, depending on the season and ferry company.

It also features a modern passenger terminal, vehicle boarding areas and excellent connections with Mahón city centre and Menorca Airport.

1.1. What does the Port of Mahón offer?

• Passenger terminal with regular year-round ferry connections.
• Vehicle boarding for cars, motorcycles and motorhomes.
• One of the largest natural harbours in the world, stretching over 5 km.
• Quick access to Mahón's historic centre via lift and pedestrian walkway.
• Direct connection to Menorca Airport, just 5 km away.
• Wide selection of restaurants and terraces along the waterfront.

1.2. Ferry routes available from Mahón with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Mahón, you can comfortably travel to mainland Spain and other islands in the archipelago.

The main routes include:

• Mahón – Barcelona Ferry
• Mahón – Valencia Ferry
• Mahón – Palma de Mallorca Ferry
• Mahón – Alcúdia Ferry (depending on the season and ferry company)

At Kikoto Ferries, you can compare timetables, ferry companies and prices to find the best option for your trip.

1.3. What to see near the Port of Mahón?

If you arrive in Menorca by ferry, you'll only need a few minutes to start discovering some of the island's most iconic attractions.

1.3.1. Mahón Historic Centre

Overlooking the harbour is Mahón's historic centre, accessible on foot or via the panoramic harbour lift. Its streets retain a distinctive Georgian character, inherited from the British occupation during the 18th century.

As you stroll through its streets, you'll discover landmarks such as:

• Santa María Church, with its impressive 19th-century organ.
• Plaza de España and Plaza del Príncep.
• The Town Hall, with its historic clock brought from London.
• The Claustre del Carme and its market.

It is one of the most pleasant areas to explore on foot.

1.3.2. La Mola Fortress

At the entrance to the harbour stands the La Mola Fortress, an impressive 19th-century military fortress built to defend the island.

It offers some of the best panoramic views over Mahón's natural harbour and a fascinating tour through its underground galleries.

1.3.3. Isla del Rey

In the middle of the harbour lies Isla del Rey, a small island where Alfonso III landed in 1287. Today it is home to the ruins of a former British military hospital as well as a renowned contemporary art gallery.

It can be reached by boat from the harbour in just a few minutes.

1.3.4. S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park

A few kilometres from the harbour is the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the most important biosphere reserve in Menorca.

It is the perfect place for birdwatching, hiking and enjoying nature, with Es Grau Beach serving as the ideal starting point.

2. Port of Ciutadella: routes and connections

The Port of Ciutadella is Menorca's second commercial port and the main gateway on the western side of the island.

Its strategic location makes it possible to operate the shortest ferry crossings between Menorca and Mallorca, with frequent departures to the Port of Alcúdia.

For many travellers, it is the best option if their destination is in western Menorca or if they are looking for the fastest inter-island connection to Mallorca.

2.1. Why choose the Port of Ciutadella?

• Fast connection to Mallorca (Port of Alcúdia), with crossings of around one hour.
• Direct routes to Barcelona.
• Located in the heart of Ciutadella's old town, within walking distance of restaurants and terraces.
• Vehicle boarding available.
• An excellent starting point for visiting the southern coves of Menorca, such as Macarella and Turqueta.

2.2. Ferry routes available from Ciutadella with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Ciutadella you can travel to:

• Ciutadella – Alcúdia (Mallorca) Ferry
• Ciutadella – Barcelona Ferry

These routes are especially popular with travellers exploring several Balearic Islands or travelling with a vehicle.

2.3. What to see near the Port of Ciutadella?

2.3.1. Ciutadella Historic Centre

Just a few steps from the harbour lies the beautiful historic centre of Ciutadella, known as the «Vella i Bella», with cobbled streets, stately palaces and arcaded walkways such as Ses Voltes.

For many visitors, it is the most beautiful historic centre in Menorca.

2.3.2. Cathedral of Santa María

Very close to the harbour stands the Cathedral of Santa María of Ciutadella, built in Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque, with remains of its minaret still visible in the bell tower.

2.3.3. Plaça des Born

Plaça des Born is the social heart of the city, dominated by an obelisk commemorating the resistance against the Turkish attack of 1558 and surrounded by palaces such as Palau Salort and Palau de Torre-Saura.

2.3.4. Southern coves of Menorca

A short drive from Ciutadella are some of Menorca's most famous coves, including Macarella, Turqueta and Cala en Turqueta, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and pine forests reaching the shoreline.

3. Other ports and marinas in Menorca worth visiting

Besides the ports of Menorca with regular ferry services, the island is home to numerous marinas, fishing ports and yacht harbours known for their beauty, seafaring atmosphere and wide range of leisure and dining options. Although they do not offer passenger ferry services to mainland Spain or the Balearic Islands, many of them are must-see destinations during any trip to Menorca.

3.1. Es Castell and Cales Fonts

Very close to Mahón lies Es Castell, with its picturesque harbour of Cales Fonts, one of the island's most vibrant places to enjoy dinner by the sea.

It is also the first town in Spain to see the sunrise every day.

3.2. Fornells

The Port of Fornells, on the northern coast of the island, is a former fishing village famous for its lobster stew and for being one of the best places in Menorca to practise windsurfing and sailing.

Its sheltered bay and calm waters make it a very popular summer destination.

3.3. Cala'n Bosch and Cala en Forcat

In the southwest of the island, near Ciutadella, lies the marina of Cala'n Bosch, featuring navigable canals and a wide selection of waterfront restaurants, as well as the small marina of Cala en Forcat.

3.4. Port of Addaia

Located in northern Menorca, the Port of Addaia is a peaceful natural inlet converted into a marina, surrounded by islets and protected from the waves, making it ideal for water sports.

Complete list of ports and marinas in Menorca

Some of the island's main ports are:

• Port of Mahón (with ferry services)
• Port of Ciutadella (with ferry services)
• Es Castell and Cales Fonts
• Fornells
• Cala'n Bosch
• Cala en Forcat
• Port of Addaia
• Mahón Marina

Many of these ports are perfect for strolling, enjoying Menorcan gastronomy, booking boat excursions or admiring some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Mediterranean.

4. Ferry companies operating in Menorca

The Port of Mahón and the Port of Ciutadella offer regular ferry services operated by some of the leading ferry companies connecting the Balearic Islands with mainland Spain and with each other.

The main ferry companies operating from Menorca are:

• Baleària
• Trasmed
• GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) (on selected routes and during certain seasons)

With Kikoto Ferries, you can compare all ferry companies, check up-to-date timetables and book the ferry that best suits your trip.

Frequently asked questions about the ports of Menorca

How many ports are there in Menorca?

Menorca has numerous commercial ports, marinas, fishing ports and yacht harbours spread all around its coastline. However, only two ports offer regular passenger ferry services: the Port of Mahón and the Port of Ciutadella.

Which is the main port in Menorca?

The Port of Mahón is the island's main port and handles most of Menorca's passenger and freight traffic. It also offers the largest number of ferry connections with mainland Spain and the other Balearic Islands.

Can I travel with my car on the ferry from Menorca?

Yes. Both the Port of Mahón and the Port of Ciutadella allow passengers to board with cars, motorcycles, caravans and motorhomes, giving you complete freedom to explore your destination.

Which is the most beautiful port in Menorca?

The answer depends on the type of trip you're looking for. Many travellers love the elegant atmosphere of the Port of Ciutadella, surrounded by its historic centre, while others prefer the scale and history of the Port of Mahón, one of the world's largest natural harbours, or the traditional fishing charm of Fornells.

What is the difference between travelling from Mahón or Ciutadella?

The Port of Mahón offers more ferry connections with mainland Spain (Barcelona and Valencia) and is the best choice if your final destination is in eastern Menorca. The Port of Ciutadella provides the fastest crossing to Mallorca and is more convenient if you're staying in the western part of the island.

Ready to travel to Menorca by ferry?

Now that you know the main ports of Menorca, you can choose the one that best suits your journey. If you're arriving from mainland Spain, the Port of Mahón will, in most cases, be your main gateway to the island. If your destination is in western Menorca or you're travelling onwards to Mallorca, the Port of Ciutadella is an excellent alternative.

With Kikoto Ferries, you can compare ferry timetables, ferry companies and prices, book your ticket online in just a few minutes and enjoy a comfortable and flexible way to travel between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands or between the different islands of the archipelago.