ferry Ciudad de Mahon Balearia
ferry Ciudad de Mahon
âš“ The Ciudad de Mahon is a conventional ferry in the Baleària fleet working the routes between mainland Spain and Menorca, linking mainly Barcelona and Valencia with the port of Mahón. She is one of the company's highest-capacity vessels on that link and is particularly popular with islanders for her combination of cabins, budget seats and vehicle decks. She is the go-to ferry for reaching Menorca on an overnight or full-day crossing with every comfort on board.
The Ciudad de Mahon belongs to the generation of conventional Baleària ferries designed specifically to serve the Balearic Islands reliably all year round, in high season and low season alike. Her large vehicle hold makes her a firm favourite with families and with anyone travelling in a van, a motorhome or an oversized vehicle.
A name, an island
The name Ciudad de Mahon is a direct nod to Mahón (Maó in Catalan), the capital of Menorca and one of the largest and best-preserved natural harbours in the western Mediterranean. More than 5 km long and deep enough to have sheltered naval fleets since antiquity, the port of Mahón is considered one of the finest natural anchorages in the world. The ship therefore takes the name of her main destination, following a seafaring tradition deeply rooted in the company.
History and background of the ship
The Ciudad de Mahón was launched on 30 August 2007 at the Hijos de J. Barreras shipyard in Vigo under the name Volcán de Tijarafe and delivered on 28 April 2008 to Naviera Armas, which put her into service on 5 May on the routes between Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife and Valverde. Over the summer of 2008 she also worked links to Funchal and Portimão.
On 16 July 2021 her transfer to Grimaldi Trasmed was announced, and she joined the routes between Barcelona, Ibiza and Valencia. On 28 December that year she collided with the GNV Sealand in the port of Ibiza in bad weather. In January 2022 she was renamed Ciudad de Mahón — after Mahón, the capital of Menorca, known in Mallorcan and Menorcan as Maó. In February 2024 she was taken on a five-year bareboat charter by Baleària and stayed on the same route. In May 2025 she moved to the links between Motril and Tanger Med, where she now operates in place of the Dénia Ciutat Creativa.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional ro-pax ferry |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 26.8 m |
| Draught | 6.4 m |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,500 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~600 lane metres (cars, vans, lorries) |
| Propulsion | Diesel (conventional engines) |
| Passenger decks | Several (cabins + seats + public areas) |
| Cabins | Yes (inside and outside) |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9204517 |
| Call sign | EBYP |
| Operator | Baleària |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Mahón (Menorca) | ~9 h | ~22:00 (overnight) |
| Mahón (Menorca) → Barcelona | ~9 h | ~22:00 (overnight) |
| Valencia → Mahón (Menorca) | ~15 h | ~22:00 (overnight) |
| Mahón (Menorca) → Valencia | ~15 h | ~08:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Mahón: getting there and what to bear in mind
The Ciudad de Mahon sails into the Port de Maó, at the eastern tip of Menorca and widely regarded as one of the largest natural harbours in Europe. More than 5 km long, it is also one of the best-sheltered in the Mediterranean, which makes it an exceptional anchorage and allows berthing manoeuvres even in poor weather.
The port sits within the town of Mahón itself, a few minutes' walk from the historic centre. If you are heading for Ciutadella or the west of the island, allow around 45 minutes by car (roughly 45 km along the Me-1 main road). Foot passengers will find a public bus service linking the port with the centre of Mahón and other towns on the island.
If you are travelling with a car or a large vehicle, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. On overnight crossings with a cabin, vehicle loading usually starts between two and three hours before departure.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Ciudad de Mahon starts at around €40–50 each way in low season, rising above €80–100 in high season (July and August). Cabins carry a supplement that depends on the category and the number of berths. We recommend booking ahead, especially in summer, as cabin capacity is limited.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It applies to residents of the Balearic Islands, Menorca included.
- Carnet Joven (youth card): reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them against future bookings.
- Large families: special discounts on production of an official large-family certificate.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat |
| Hoping to sleep on an overnight crossing | Inside cabin (2 or 4 berths) |
| As a couple or family, with sea views | Outside cabin |
| A group of friends or a large family | 4-berth cabin |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin + pet place |
| On business, or wanting maximum privacy | Deluxe cabin or suite (where available) |
ferry Ciudad de Mahon · Accommodations
Seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every public space on the ship. Ideal if you prefer to move freely around the vessel during the crossing, or if you are sailing by day.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to all public areas
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
✓ The most affordable option on the ship
Inside cabin · Overnight
A cabin without a window, with single beds or bunks. The perfect way to sleep through an overnight crossing at the best price. Available in 2- or 4-berth layouts.
✓ Beds with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Your own key
✓ Ideal for an overnight crossing
Outside cabin · With views
A cabin with a porthole or window and sea views. Brighter and roomier in feel. Recommended for daytime sailings or for anyone after a more comfortable experience. Available with 2 or 4 berths.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Beds with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Brighter and more comfortable
4-berth cabin · Family
A cabin with four bunks, ideal for families with children or groups of friends. It lets you travel together in a private space and split the cost of the cabin four ways, bringing the price per person down considerably.
✓ Four bunks in a private space
✓ Bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Available inside or outside
✓ The cheapest cabin option per person
Club · Priority access
A restricted-access area with better seats and extra services. It includes priority service and access to exclusive parts of the ship. Check availability when you book.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ Higher-quality seats
✓ Priority service in the lounge
✓ More peace and quiet
ferry Ciudad de Mahon · On-board services
Café and catering on board
The Ciudad de Mahon has a café and catering service available throughout the crossing. The menu covers cold options (baguettes, sandwiches, salads) as well as hot dishes, along with drinks, snacks and a selection of travel essentials. On overnight sailings, the café stays open at hours suited to the crossing.
Open deck
The Ciudad de Mahon has an open deck where passengers can enjoy the Mediterranean air and the views during the crossing. It is one of the most popular spaces on board, above all on daytime sailings or around departure and arrival, when the panoramas of the port of Mahón are especially spectacular.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Ciudad de Mahon has adapted entrances, lifts and reserved spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend telling Baleària when you book so that the best possible assistance can be arranged at boarding, during the crossing and on arrival.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Ciudad de Mahon you have Baleària's SmartB platform, the fleet's digital entertainment and connectivity system:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp without using your data allowance
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone or tablet
- Free digital magazines and newspapers through PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with seat and cabin assignment online
- Real-time trip information on your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Ciudad de Mahon
Which routes does the Ciudad de Mahon ferry operate?
She works mainly the Barcelona–Mahón and Valencia–Mahón routes for Baleària. Frequencies and ship allocation can change from season to season. Check up-to-date timetables in our Balearic route finder.
How long does the Ciudad de Mahon take from Barcelona to Menorca?
The Barcelona–Mahón crossing takes about 9 hours, usually overnight, leaving in the evening and arriving first thing in the morning. The Valencia–Mahón crossing takes about 15 hours.
Does the Ciudad de Mahon carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. She is a ro-pax ferry with a large vehicle hold for cars, vans, lorries and motorhomes. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the Ciudad de Mahon offer?
She has standard seats, inside cabins (no window, 2 or 4 berths), outside cabins (with window or porthole, 2 or 4 berths) and a Club area with premium seats and exclusive access.
Is there free WiFi on the Ciudad de Mahon?
Yes. Through Baleària's SmartB platform you get free WiFi, free WhatsApp that uses no data, digital entertainment and online newspapers with PressReader throughout the crossing.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Ciudad de Mahon?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands (Menorca included) are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Ciudad de Mahon?
Yes. The Ciudad de Mahon accepts pets in a dedicated area on board. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket and comply with Baleària's rules (health documentation, carrier or lead depending on the size of the animal).
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The ship has adapted entrances, lifts and reserved spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend telling Baleària when you book so that the best possible assistance can be arranged.
How much does it cost to travel on the Ciudad de Mahon?
A standard seat starts at around €40–50 each way in low season. Cabins carry a supplement depending on category and berths. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Book ahead in summer. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes before departure (on overnight crossings with a cabin, loading can start 2–3 hours earlier). As a foot passenger, 45–60 minutes is enough. In July and August, allow a little extra.
Where does the Ciudad de Mahon berth in Menorca?
At Port de Maó (Mahón), at the eastern tip of Menorca and regarded as one of the largest natural harbours in Europe. It sits within the town of Mahón itself, a few minutes' walk from the historic centre.
Does the Ciudad de Mahon operate all year round?
Yes, she sails all year round, although frequencies and the ship's allocation to particular routes can change from season to season. Sailings on the Barcelona–Mahón route increase in summer. Check the latest calendar in our search engine.
Is there a café on board the Ciudad de Mahon?
Yes. The Ciudad de Mahon has a café serving hot and cold food throughout the crossing: baguettes, hot dishes, drinks, snacks and travel essentials. On overnight sailings, the café stays open at hours suited to the crossing.
