Cruise passengers will find cultural, gastronomic and scenic riches in Spain.

Spain has established itself as one of the main destinations and embarkation points for the most important cruise companies in the world. Its privileged geographical location, the quality of its port infrastructures and the diversity of its tourist offer make it an essential stopover for thousands of travellers every year. With world-class ports in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, the country welcomed a total of 12.8 million cruise passengers in 2024, proving that it is a key cog in the global industry. The main cruise companies have made a strong commitment to Spain as a centre of operations in Europe. Leaders in the sector such as MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Costa Cruises offer regular departures from Spanish ports, taking advantage of air and land connectivity with the main tourist issuing markets. In addition, luxury brands such as Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas and Ponant have integrated stopovers in exclusive destinations in the country, attracting a premium segment in search of personalised, high-end experiences.

Small cruise ship arriving at the cove of Sa Calobra in the municipality of Escorca (Mallorca, Spain) © Shutterstock

Key ports for the cruise industry

The port of Barcelona is the largest port in Spain and one of the main ports in the world in terms of cruise traffic, with more than 3.6 million passengers in 2024. Its connection with itineraries in the western Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands makes it a strategic base for embarkations and stopovers. Málaga, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca have established themselves as important alternatives, offering accessibility to cultural and paradisiacal destinations. In the Atlantic, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria stand out on transatlantic routes and in the Canary Islands, a destination increasingly in demand by European and American cruise passengers. Other ports such as Cadiz, Cartagena and Bilbao are experiencing significant growth, thanks to investment in infrastructure and diversification of routes. As well as its modern and sustainable port infrastructure, Spain offers cruise passengers an unparalleled wealth of culture, gastronomy and landscapes. From historic and picturesque streets in the old town to the beaches of Ibiza or the majesty of its monuments and buildings, the country guarantees unique experiences for all types of travellers.