Many of Spain and Portugal’s most intriguing sights can be found in or near port cities making cruising Iberia a good vacation option. From Barcelona to Bilbao, immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying beautiful landscapes and coastlines.
During your exciting cruise to Spain and Portugal you’ll easily discover Iberia’s rich history and mix of cultures reflected in the unique historic sights, art, architecture, cuisine and wine.
Magnificent Sights
- Spain’s number one attraction is The Alhambra Palace in Granada. The palace-fortress combination built by the Moors in the 13th to 14th centuries continues to enthral visitors with its magnificent architecture, gardens and pools. Visit on tours from the port of Malaga.
- The picturesque white villages of Andalusia can be seen from the ports of Cadiz and Malaga. Take time to enjoy tapas and a glass of local sherry.
- Seville, the charming Andalucian city and principle centre for bullfighting and Flamenco, can be visited from the port of Cadiz.
- This historic centre of Cartagena has some fascinating ruins and buildings from as far back as the Carthaginians and Romans. The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology is also found here.
- The beaches of the Costa Blanca are accessible from the ports of Valencia and Alicante. Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, known for its striking modern architecture and the yacht harbour which is home to the America’s Cup yacht race.
- The tranquil Balearic Island of Mallorca is stunning with its dramatic cliff faces, caves and mountains, quaint villages and fabulous beaches, accessible from the port of Palma de Mallorca. Neighbouring Menorca is equally beautiful with the town of Mahon, a cruise ship port.
- Visit the famous Guggenheim Museum of 20th century art, itself a striking piece of modern architecture, during calls at Bilbao or Santander.
- The important pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostello is accessible from the ports of Vigo or La Coruña. This is also Spain’s best shellfish region.
- Sail into the port of Lisbon, Portugal’s beautiful capital city. Day tours can take you to Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Évora, Óbidos or on a pilgrimage to Fátima.
- Discover Portugal’s spectacular Algarve coast from Portimao.
- Porto, or Oporto is Portugal’s second largest city. Situated in the Port producing area on the Douro River, the medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Barcelona: Home Port & Port of Call
Barcelona is Spain’s largest cruise port with many ships home-porting here for Mediterranean cruises. It’s a convenient harbor, about half an hour from the airport and close to the major attractions of the old city.
- Pre and post cruise stays are easy with a wide selection of hotels a short taxi ride from the piers.
- Combine a cruise to/from Barcelona with a longer stay in Spain.
- Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer cruise-tours of Barcelona and Madrid in conjunction with Med sailings round-trip from Barcelona.
Itinerary Options
Spain and Portugal are included on many itineraries thanks to their strategic location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. These are the best routes to consider.
- Port intensive Iberia sailings from Lisbon, Barcelona, Southampton or Genoa are offered by many lines including MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar in 2010/2011
- When ships position between the Mediterranean and Baltic in the spring and early fall, they often call at many ports in Spain and Portugal. Oceania Cruises is one line with some good itineraries on this route.
- Cruises to the Spanish Canary Islands and the Portuguese island of Madeira usually include calls in Portugal and Spain. Check out Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean for a variety of good itineraries.
- Portugal and Northern Spain are included on some Western Europe sailings from Southampton and Amsterdam. See Cunard Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America.
- A day and overnight on board in Barcelona lets you explore this artistic city and surrounding area. Holland America Line and Crystal feature this longer stay on some sailings.
- Malaga is the home port of Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas from June to November, 2010. Combine your stay in Spain with a cruise to the Western Med. Two sailings in November 2010 visit the Canary Islands and Madeira. Select dates are being offered in 2011 as well. The Grandeur of the Seas is sailing out of Palm de Mallorca, May through Oct0ber 2011
Douro River Cruise with Uniworld River Cruises
Travel Europe’s most unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage river valley through Portugal and Spain aboard Uniworld’s new Douro Spirit.
- Your cruise-tour starts with a 3-night stay in Lisbon including a city tour and accommodation at the deluxe Tiara Park Atlantic Hotel.
- Drive to Lisbon, and on route you’ll stop in Portugal’s 3rd largest city, Coimbra for a tour and family-style lunch.
- 7 night cruise sailing as far as Salamanca in Spain and back to Porto.
- Daily sightseeing excursions are included in the price. Among the highlights are:
- An authentic lunch and flamenco show.
- Visits to historic sights like Porto’s medieval town centre and Salamanca’s university.
- Learning the secrets of Port wine production, Portugal’s most celebrated drink.
View our most popular Spain tours.
Spain and Portugal offer spectacular river cruising. For a deeper look at the Uniworld experience, our advisors’ South of France River Royale cruise review gives an authentic firsthand account.
