Alicante Cruise Port

Alicante is a cruise port located on Costa Blanca in the southeast of Spain. It’s known for its long beaches and beautiful scenery, as well as its vibrant nightlife. 

The city has a rich history going back to Roman times. So there are plenty of historical sites to explore, such as the Santa Barbara Castle that overlooks the city and the Mediterranean. 

You can access the castle by foot, elevator, or shuttle. The hike involves many steps and can be steep in places, but only takes about 15 minutes from the city center. 

The elevator is located across from Postiguet Beach and costs 2.7. However, it’s frequently closed, so check online before using this option. The shuttle costs 1.45 each way; click here for more information

The Alicante port terminal is about a 15-20 minute walk from the city center. However, a free shuttle is available to take you to the city center as well.

Postiguet Beach is also only a 15-minute walk from the port. 

✅ See the best Excursions in Alicante Here

Almeria Cruise Port

Almeria is a bustling port city located on the Mediterranean coast in the southeast of Spain.

Many people docking in Almeria will book a day trip to visit the Alhambra in Granada. 

However, there is plenty to see and do in Almeria if you want to stay in the city. The port is only a 10 to 15-minute walk to the city center, and many sites of interest here are very close together.

Visit the 10th-century Alcazaba of Almeria, a 6th-century cathedral, or the Almeria underground air raid shelters.

The Almeria air raid shelters are the longest in Europe and were built in the 1930s during the Spanish Civil War.

Almeria also boasts some incredible natural attractions such as Los Cabos de Gata Natural Park, about 45 minutes east of the city. Here you can take part in activities like hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling.

✅ Check the top excursions in Almeria

Barcelona Cruise Port

Barcelona Spain is one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe. Located in Catalonia on the Mediterranean coast, this city bursts with culture and history and boasts more than 80 museums. 

It’s a good 30 to 40-minute walk from Barcelona’s cruise port to the old city, so it’s best to take the shuttle, a bus, or a taxi.

The port shuttle drops you off at the Columbus Monument across the street from La Rambla. From here, it’s only about a 15-minute walk down La Rambla to the Gothic Quarter, with lots to see and experience along the way. 

One must-see site in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia Cathedral by Antoni Gaudi. La Sagrada is a brilliantly unique cathedral built in the Modernista style, full of light and color.

Located in the Eixample district, it’s best to take a taxi or public transit to get here. Be sure to book tickets online in advance to ensure they don’t sell out.  

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Bilbao Cruise Port

Bilbao, Spain is located in the Basque region of northern Spain, surrounded by lush green mountains.

The Bilbao cruise port is actually located in the neighboring town of Getxo. 

Most cruise lines offer a shuttle service from the port to Bilbao city center, or you can take the metro. Both options take about 20 minutes. 

Once in Bilbao’s city center, it’s very walkable with plenty of attractions within easy reach. The one site Bilbao is most well known for is its Guggenheim Museum. 

The Guggenheim Museum is a unique work of architecture full of sweeping curves and odd angles.

The building itself is as interesting as the modern art collections within. Skip the lines and book tickets for this must-see location online in advance.

✅ Bilbao Shore Excursions

Cartagena Cruise Port

Cartagena cruise port is located on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern Spain. The port is located right in Cartegena’s city center. Plus, the city itself is also very walkable, with lots of shore excursions available that are within easy reach.

There are three separate locations to view old Roman ruins in this city. The most impressive of the three is the 1st-century Roman amphitheater.

You can also view a Roman necropolis located in the Municipal Archaeology Museum. Or visit Casa de la Fortuna to see how upper-class Romans lived here at the time. 

Cartagena also has a rich collection of modernist architecture throughout the city.

Some of the most noteworthy of these buildings include Palacio Pedreno, Casino de Cartagena, Casa Cervantes, and the Gran Hotel. 

✅ See Cartagena Port Excursions Here

Murcia

Another option is to book an excursion from Cartagena to Murcia. The city of Murcia is a highly underrated destination, only about a 45-minute drive inland from Cartagena.

It’s nicknamed “Europe’s Orchard” for its fruit, vegetable, and flower exports, and has an amazing gastronomy scene. 

Murcia is a very walkable city, with many of its museums, monuments, and squares in close proximity.

If you book a trip to Murcia, one site you cannot miss is the Murcia Cathedral on the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga. 

The cathedral has a gothic interior surrounded by a Baroque exterior, built atop an 11th-century Moorish mosque. In the adjoining cathedral museum, you can view excavations of the prior mosque.

Cadiz Cruise Port

Cadiz, Spain is a historic port city located on the country’s southwestern coast. The city sits on a narrow spit of land, surrounded by water on three sides.

Founded in 1104 BC, this is possibly the oldest continually-inhabited city in all of Western Europe. 

The cruise port is only a five-minute walk from the city center. And the city itself is easily walkable with plenty of things to do and see, making it ideal for those looking to explore while visiting this beautiful coastal town.

However, if you prefer not to walk, the cruise terminal is one of the stops for the Cádiz Hop On Hop Off Bus.

As Cadiz is known for its total of 129 watchtowers, one must-have experience is climbing to the top of the Torre Tavira.

This watchtower is located in the center of the city and is the highest point in the historic city center, at 45 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Along the way to the tower from the cruise port, you’ll wander through the El Populo neighborhood, the oldest neighborhood in Cadiz.

On the way, take time to visit the New Cathedral and the 1st-century Roman amphitheater. Then finish the day off strolling along Cadiz’s seafront promenades. 

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Seville

If you make port in Cadiz, you may want to consider booking an excursion to Seville. Seville is just an hour and 15 minutes inland from Cadiz. 

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and claims to be Spain’s only river port. It’s a highly walkable city, with its old town covering 2 square miles. 

Within Seville’s old town, you can visit the Alcazar palace, Seville’s cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies, all UNESCO world heritage sites. 

Ibiza is one of the islands in Spain’s Balearic archipelago off its western coast in the Mediterranean. This little island is world-renowned for its nightlife, but it has much more to offer than parties. 

The island is also equally known for rest and relaxation. It claims about 15 spas across the island, where you can book a massage, take a yoga class, or go for a relaxing dip in a pool.

It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on a little rest and relaxation.

If it’s history and architecture you’re looking for though, be sure to check out the UNESCO world heritage site Dalt Vila. “Dalt Vila” means “upper town.”

This walled and fortified section is Ibiza town’s oldest part, sitting atop a mountain overlooking the rest of the town and the sea. 

The walk from Ibiza’s cruise port terminal to the city itself is about 20 minutes. However, many cruise lines offer a shuttle service for a fee, or taxis are available for a similar price.

Once in Ibiza town, the city itself is very walkable. 

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La Coruna Cruise Port

La Coruna, Spain is a stunning cruise port located on a small peninsula in the Galicia region on the country’s northern coast. The Galicia region has a rugged beauty, and La Coruna serves as its gateway. 

It’s a short 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal to La Coruna’s city center. And there’s plenty of history and architecture to explore here. You’ll want to take the bus to reach the Tower of Hercules, though.

The Tower of Hercules is a Roman lighthouse, and it is one of La Coruna’s most noteworthy sites. However, this is not just any Roman lighthouse. 

Originally built in the 1st century and updated in 1791, it is the only Roman lighthouse in the world that is still standing and operating today.

This 2000-year-old structure stands 180 feet tall, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. 

If La Coruna doesn’t catch your interest, however, you can plan a day trip or excursion to the surrounding countryside.

Two great cities to visit are Santiago de Compostela and Lugo. After all, La Coruna isn’t called the Gateway to Galicia for nothing! 

✅ Check prices for La Coruna Excursions

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, Spain is just a half hour south of La Coruna by train. This city is full of history, is easily walkable, and offers visitors plenty of things to do and see during their visit. 

Santiago de Compostela is the end destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

It’s claimed that the apostle St. James is buried in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. The pilgrimage route leads believers to this shrine. 

While here, you can also explore the Old Town, and visit the city’s art galleries, and parks. From its impressive monuments, churches, restaurants, bars, and shops – there’s something for everyone in Santiago de Compostela! 

Lugo

Another option is to book an excursion from La Coruna to Lugo. Lugo is a little over an hour’s drive inland from La Coruna.

The city of Lugo sits surrounded by its enduring and magnificent 3rd-century Roman walls and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

You can walk the 7,000-foot perimeter of this massive wall, with its 71 towers and 10 gates. 

Within Lugo’s city walls, you’ll find plenty to explore, including a Romanesque cathedral and the Provincial Museum of Lugo. Lugo’s Old Town is compact and easily walkable. 

Malaga Cruise Port

Malaga, Spain is a vibrant cruise port located on the country’s southern Costa Del Sol. 

The city is easily walkable, with the majority of its historical sites of interest within 5 to 15 minutes away from each other by foot.

The cruise terminal is about a 20-minute walk from Malaga’s city center. 

There are three must-see sites in Malaga, all within a 15-minute walk of one another: the Castle of Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba, and the Roman Amphitheater. 

The Castle of Gibralfaro stands atop a hill overlooking the city of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea. Built-in the 14th century, it’s full of history. While here, walk the perimeter of the outer walls for a beautiful view. 

Next, wander down the hill to the Alcazaba. This Moorish palace served as inspiration for parts of Granada’s Alhambra. Plus, it is one of Spain’s most well-preserved Moorish palaces.

Then, make your way to the bottom of the hill to see a 1st-century Roman amphitheater. It sits right in the city center of Malaga, where you’ll find great restaurants and plenty of shopping. 

And lastly, be sure to visit the beach for tapas and drinks. La Malagueta is a popular beach and the closest beach to the city center and port. 

✅ See Malaga Excursions Here

Palma de Mallorca Cruise Port

Palma de Mallorca, Spain is a beautiful cruise port located on one of the country’s Balearic Islands.

From its beautiful beaches and Mediterranean charm to its many museums, churches, restaurants, bars, and shops – there’s something for everyone in Palma de Mallorca! 

Two notable places to visit here are the Santa Maria Cathedral and Bellver Castle.

The Santa Maria cathedral sits in the Old Town, easy to walk to. It’s built of warm sandstone and features ornaments from Antoni Gaudi. 

Bellver Castle sits atop a hill above the city. This Gothic castle is unique in its circular shape. It houses the city history museum and offers a beautiful view of the city below.

However, it’s almost 2 miles from the city center, so it’s best to take public transit or a taxi to get here. 

The city itself is easily walkable. However, the cruise port is around 4 miles from the city center.

The drive from the port to the city takes about 15 minutes. Most cruise lines offer a shuttle, but check the price, as it may cost as much as a taxi. 

With so much to explore in this charming Spanish destination, it’s no wonder why Palma de Mallorca continues to be one of Spain’s most popular ports!

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Valencia Cruise Port

Valencia, Spain is a bustling port city located on the southeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. This Mediterranean city is an interesting mix of the old and new, featuring modern and futuristic architecture alongside the historical. 

The cruise terminal is about 2.5 miles from the city center. Most cruise lines usually offer a shuttle service, or there are taxis available as well. 

The city itself is very walkable with plenty to do for visitors. Two must-see sites here are the City of the Arts and Sciences and La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange).

The City of Arts and Sciences is a unique piece of modern architecture. One of the most popular tourist draws in Valencia, it houses an opera house, an aquarium, a botanical garden, a planetarium, an interactive science museum, and an IMAX theater.

La Lonja de la Seda is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of Valencia’s most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture. Built during the late 15th century, it was a major center of trade during the height of Valencia’s golden age.  

If there’s still time, it’s worth exploring the Barrio del Carmen district, which offers an array of restaurants, bars, galleries, and more.

But whether you choose to spend your day strolling along the beach, visiting museums,  or sightseeing in historic neighborhoods, Valencia has something for everyone.

✅ See the top 10 Palma de Mallorca Tours

Vigo Cruise Port

Vigo, Spain is a coastal port city located in the northwest corner of Spain in the Galicia region. It’s known for its stunning beaches and its vibrant nightlife. 

The city also offers plenty to do during the day, including exploring historical sites such as Castillo de San Sebastian or taking a walk through Parque Monte del Castro. 

With its picturesque cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, it’s easy to explore Vigo on foot. And the cruise port terminal is conveniently located just 10 minutes on foot from the city center. 

Vigo is Spain’s busiest fishing port, so you can count on numerous restaurants offering fresh seafood dishes. The city also holds many wonderful cafes serving delicious coffee and pastries. 

✅ Book a Shore Excursion in Vigo