Spanish ports are major intermediaries in international traffic. The largest ports in Spain Large port in Spain
A seaport (Latin portūs “mouth, harbour, pier, warehouse”) is a complex engineering structure and a set of devices to perform a variety of functions from transporting heavy or bulky cargo to servicing arriving and departing passengers. The ports of Spain are mostly universal and occupy a key position in the field of international trade, cruise tourism, and are also the most important economic hub of the country.
What destinations does marine tourism offer in Spain?
Colorful sunny Spain with warm sea and its mild climate always attracts many tourists from all over the world, remaining a favorite destination for travelers. 2017 was a record year – 82 million tourists visited the country. Marine tourism is represented by a harmonious combination of offers in such directions as coastal, sightseeing tourism, ecotourism, diving, fishing, surfing, sea festivals.
The highest growth rates in 2019 are demonstrated by yacht and cruise types of marine tourism in Spain.
This is a unique opportunity to combine visits to different cities and countries with a rich cultural and educational program, and the sea, sun, and beach will be an integral part of an exciting journey through the sea.
What ports are there in Spain and their features
Spain, located in southwest Europe, is considered a window to the countries of Northern and South America, Africa and the Old World. The territory of the country's Mediterranean coast is oriented towards tourism. The northern coast, especially the territory of Galicia (a region in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula and an autonomous community of Spain), is an important center of foreign trade, which is carried out through sea routes. Major seaports and shipyards in Galicia supply sea vessels to countries all over the world.
Spain ranks 3rd in Europe (after Germany and the Netherlands) and 11th in the world for freight transport.
The largest cargo ports are Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tarragona, Gijon. Two ports are located on the African continent (Ceuta and Melilla) and 2 on the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean (Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Gran Canaria).
Ports in Barcelona
The history of Puerto de Barcelona began about 2000 years ago. Today it is the most important port in the field of cargo and passenger transportation on the Mediterranean coast. Ranks 5th among the largest European ports and first place as the largest cruise port in the Mediterranean, thanks to the rapid growth of the tourism sector. Consists of 10 passenger terminals, 7 of which are cruise terminals. The entrance to the port is at the Christopher Columbus Monument (Mirador de Colom). Area -7.86 km². Due to the rapid growth of the port, its size is to be doubled by extending the mouth of the Llobregat River 2 km to the south.
It is divided into 3 zones: the old port of Barcelona (Port Vell), the commercial port and the logistics port (for transport).
El Port Vell is the oldest and at the same time picturesque seaport area of Barcelona, which has been completely modernized and renovated. The El Port Vell area begins with the Columbus Monument at the very end of the famous Rambla. You can take a boat trip from there on the famous “Golodrinas” (swallows). The Porta Vell area has parking areas for pleasure boats and a separate area for cruise ships.
Puerto de Algeciras
The largest port in southern Spain with a cargo turnover of more than 50 million tons/year. It ranks first in the Mediterranean in terms of container traffic. The only port in its region capable of receiving giant ships that can accommodate twenty-three large-capacity containers in a row.
The container port is operated by two terminals: APM Terminals Algeciras (opened in 1986, providing 76% of container turnover) and Total Terminal International Algeciras (launched in 2010).
The port is also noteworthy for tourists, since only here you can see all the beauties of Gibraltar: admire the migration of birds, look at gigantic whales and get acquainted with the culture of Spain. This is one of the busiest ports in Europe and the best place for excursions or walking.
Puerto de Alicante is a large and picturesque cruise port - more than 80,000 passengers and 30,000 crew members pass through it annually cruise ships. Located in the very center of the city, across the street from the famous pedestrian boulevard Esplanade Paseo Maritimo.
Open and operating all year round, but ship schedules vary depending on the time of year and season.
The cargo part of the port is small and located away from the city. And the main part, along the embankment, falls on the main attraction of the port - the Yacht Marina (a specially equipped parking lot for yachts, where various services are provided to ship crews).
For tourists, trips to the open sea and to the nearest islands are organized at the sea pier. The port provides a free shuttle to the city center. Official website: www.puertoalicante.com.
Puerto de A Coruna
One of the most important in the world for foreign trade, but also one of the most convenient cruise ports in all of Spain. The main terminal is located in the center of La Coruña and offers tourists convenient services and has spacious shopping areas.
The port's berths stretch for 6 km in length. The transatlantic pier was built in 1991 and accommodates more than 90 cruise ships a year, in addition to military ships and yachts. The Batería y Calvo Sotelo pier was a symbol of the city's progress in the 60s and 70s of the 20th century. The San Diego pier was built in the 60s and is used primarily to unload oil and petroleum products that come in for the city's refinery.
Valencia port
The busiest cargo port in Spain in terms of container volumes and turnover. Important transport node and a landmark that locals are proud of.
Historically, the port is associated with the development of trade, primarily with the export of agricultural products, which unites around itself a huge number of logistics and transport companies. The area is more than 600 hectares, the length of the pier is more than 12 km.
It consists of the city port and the adjacent harbors of Gandia and Sagunto. The cruise terminal is modernly equipped and located in Poniente Quay (4 km from the city center). There are free tourist maps and detailed information how and where you can get there by public transport.
Since the port is quite large, you can get to the passenger terminal from distant berths by free buses. From the port you can travel to Ibiza and Mallorca by ferry, which runs regularly.
Ports of Vigo
One of the most important fishing points in the world. Many international companies are based here, the fish is supplied throughout Spain, and is also exported to Portugal, Italy, France and other countries, even reaching the Asian market. The port of Vigo is more than 20 km long and has a large number of berths.
Muelle de Transatlanticos is located almost in the city center and has 3 berths for receiving cruise ships.
Puerto de Melilla
Melilla is a city on the Mediterranean coast of Africa, on the border with Morocco. This is a commercial port focused on import-export of products. Cruise ships can also call, they moor at the pier in the city center, next to the promenade.
One of the oldest cities on the coast Mediterranean Sea, located south of the Iberian Peninsula, Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. e.
Puerto de Malaga has a flotation area of 7,095 hectares and a land area of 1,150,884 m². It operates as a cargo port (mainly for import operations, export of olive oil, grains, etc.) and a fishing port.
In addition, it is a major passenger port (the second largest cruise port in the Iberian Peninsula after Barcelona), where the largest cruise ships in the world can call. Every year it receives more than 0.6 million passengers, about half of them from cruise ships.
The cruise port is located on the Mediterranean coast in the heart of Malaga's coastal strip, 800 meters from the historic city center. Along the port there is a promenade - the Muelle Uno alley (Paseo del Muelle Uno) - most beautiful place for evening walks with museums and several architectural attractions.
Part of the boulevard (Muelle 1) is a whole shopping and entertainment area with many cafes and restaurants, shops and shopping center(Muelle Uno), there is a boat excursion agency. The second part of the boulevard (Muelle 2) is a picturesque walking boulevard with a palm grove of surprises, Palmeral De Las Sorpresas, interesting sculptures, shady seating areas, a small fountain and areas for children's games.
In the harbor of the cargo and passenger port there is the port of El Candado for sports ships, where the oldest Royal Mediterranean Yacht Club of Spain (opened in 1873) is located, and a marina for yachts.
Puerto de Tarragona
Tarragona is a city with a large seaport, which is divided into three zones: commercial part, fisheries, external passenger port. More than 2,000 cargo ships come here every year.
The cruise line began to develop 3 years ago and is now popular. Mostly small ships and sailboats from premium class companies come here. And large liners call at the port extremely rarely due to the considerable distance from Barcelona (98 km). In 2016, 22 airliners and more than 14,000 passengers visited here.
Tourists will be interested in historical and cultural heritage city, which is not numerous, but worthy of attention. Near the port there are well-maintained, clean beaches that attract tourists from different countries.
Port of Saplaya
The small town with colorful houses along the canal looks very picturesque and is located 4 km from Valencia. Puerto de Saplaya is a harbor with canal streets for parking small yachts, boats, and boats. There is a beach with developed infrastructure on the embankment.
Tourists can visit a large shopping area and engage in any kind of water sports and visit palm gardens with bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. This colorful place, “little Spanish Venice,” is undoubtedly suitable for relaxation and a great time.
Puerto de Ceuta
The seaport of Ceuta, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, is an important link in cargo transportation from the Atlantic Ocean (Asia, Africa, America) into the continent.
There are two container terminals, fixed cranes and two cruise ship terminals. Behind last years The port handles more than 80 million tons of cargo. Thanks to its excellent location - in the north of the African continent directly in the Strait of Gibraltar with the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea - Ceuta is ideal for cruise ships passing through the Western Mediterranean, the Atlantic Peninsula and Morocco, connecting routes to Madeira and Canary Islands. For tourists, a transfer to the city is provided, there is constant monitoring of security and control, excursions and organized tours are provided, and there is the opportunity to visit the nearby cities of Morocco - Tangier, Tetouan or Chefchaouen.
Marina de Denia
Expensive Denia resort with beautiful beaches, well-equipped infrastructure, mountain climate attracts tourists from all over the world.
Marina de Denia is a large and important port of the country. Here you can see hundreds of yachts and boats moored at piers, breakwaters, and in the southern part of the port there is a large fish market. There is a small pier for boats and yachts no longer than 8 meters and 2 sports ports for larger ships (Club Náutico accepts ships up to 20 m, Puerto Deportivo La Marina - up to 60 m). Ferries depart every day from Marina de Denia to the Balearic Islands. A boat trip to Ibiza takes 3.5 hours, to Mallorca – 7.5 hours.
One of the largest cargo ports in the country. The length of the berthing front is 15 km. Cruise ships dock at the terminal in the seaside town of Getxo, which is 20 km away. from Bilbao.
In March 2017, the new OLATUA passenger terminal was opened in Bilbao and in the same year 61 cruise ships carrying 83,674 passengers called at the port.
There are 47 ports in Spain, which can be seen on the map for clarity.
How to buy or rent a yacht in Spain
Such a direction of marine tourism as yachting is interesting and profitable for investors. This is confirmed by the fact that in Europe there are about 1.5 million anchorages for yachts, and in the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, yacht transit per year averages 2 million vessels. From a financial point of view, this is about 12 billion euros.
In Spain, maritime borders occupy more than 90% of the territory, so it is not surprising that this country is the birthplace of yachting.
If you prefer to rent, today you can find both motor and sailing yachts.
When choosing a place to conquer the waters, you need to understand what you prefer to do on land: for active rest Ibiza, Menorca or Mallorca are suitable; To get away from the hustle and bustle, it’s better to rent a boat to the quietest of the Balearic Islands – Formentera. To purchase a yacht, you need not only professional knowledge in this area, but also practical experience.
Conclusion
Since ancient times, seaports have been major intermediaries in the communication of peoples. Three of the five continents of the Earth are giant islands, the exchange of goods between which is possible only with the help of sea vessels.
The ports of Spain play an important role in providing people around the world with goods and food, and also annually receive tens of millions of sea tourists.
Seaport in Spain: Video
Your cruise ship will dock at the port terminal, from where you can take the port bus to Barcelona city center for 1.5 euros. The bus will take you to the entrance to the port, where the main street of Barcelona, Las Ramblas, begins. After 1.2 km it ends...
Palma de Mallorca
In Palma, most cruise ships dock at the commercial and naval port, around Bellver Castle, located in the western part of the city. The cruise pier is located quite far (75-90 minutes walk) from the main tourist attractions...
Valencia
Valencia's large, busy port is located about 4 kilometers from the city center. Some cruise companies organize their own buses from the port directly to Plaza Ayuntamiento, which is located in the center of Valencia. Also at the port you can...
Malaga
The cruise terminal in Malaga was recently built. The east pier is used by cruise ships. The city center is a 15-minute walk (approx. 2 km) via Plaza de la Constitucion and Puerta de Mar. The Port Authority of Malaga offers shuttle buses departing from...
Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
The Santa Catalina Cruise Terminal in Las Palmas is main port for ferries and cruise ships, so it is always busy. Located right in the city center, the cruise terminal can accommodate 2 large ships. 100 meters away stands Muelle - a very modern shopping mall...
Santa Cruz (Tenerife)
Cruise ships moored at the port of Santa Cruz. The city center is about 800 meters from you or a little further - it all depends on what part of the bay your ship is in. Smaller ships usually stop closer to the city. Tenerife Port Authority...
Vigo
Spain's busiest fishing port, charming Vigo, is located on a rugged west coast province of Galicia in a deep bay, similar to a fjord. Vigo definitely loves its cruise ship guests because the entire port area...
Cadiz
Cadiz appears almost out of nowhere, with only the sea and empty coastline surrounding you on all sides. Cruise ships dock in the city center, making it easy to get around on foot. Almost immediately behind the busy Avenida del Puerto is the main square de San Juan de Dios with...
Mahon (Menorca)
When approaching Maon (in the local dialect Mao), be sure to go out on deck. The white houses clinging to the rocky shore, together with the old town rising above the bay, create a delightful sight. Mahon Bay is a natural 6 km bay with...
Cartagena
The Cartagena Cruise Terminal is located in the commercial part of the Marine Station behind the new yacht club building. This cultural, leisure and shopping area of the embankment is very convenient, because the city center is very close. The terminal has bus stop, parking...
Arrecife (Lanzarote)
The ships moor at the cargo piers at the port of Muelle de los Marmoles, located 30 minutes' walk from the center of Arrecife. You can also get to the heart of the city using a free shuttle.
Ibiza
Ibiza Port is within walking distance of the historical attractions and entertainment for which this vibrant island is famous.
Tarragona
Tarragona is a small city located on the coast of Spain, whose streets and some buildings have been preserved from the times of the Roman Empire. Sunny and hospitable, like all the cities of Catalonia, it attracts tourists from all over the world with its architectural monuments, delicious...
Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura)
Puerto del Rosario is the capital of Fuerteventura. The center of the city is the port. It was originally a modest Puerto del Cabras (Goat Harbor). But over time, it turned into a busy operating port, which continues to develop today. Thanks to the latest improvements in...
Spain is a maritime country. In the south and east its shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and in the north and west it borders Atlantic Ocean. The major ports of Spain are Bilbao, Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga; oil - Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Algeciras and Tarragona; coal - Gijon.
One of the first ports in Spain was the city of Bilbao. Since time immemorial there has been a fishing village there, and in 1300 the city was founded by the ruler of Vizcaya. By the middle of the 15th century, trade with the South American colonies had improved.
The close location of steel mines, as well as a fairly developed industry, made Bilbao one of the important sea trading ports of Spain. The main imports were alcohol, sugar, coal and coke. Olives, wine, iron, chestnuts and wool were exported.
Nowadays Bilbao is administrative center province of Vizcaya with a population of more than 355 thousand people. The port was moved 15 km from the town and is now located on the shores of the Bay of Biscay. There is a permanent ferry line Bilbao-Portsmouth (UK).
The Port of Barcelona was founded around 2000 ago at the mouth of the Lebregat River. If in the 10th-12th centuries it was an ordinary anchorage for ships, then in 1428, thanks to King Alfonso V, construction of the port began.
Currently, it is the 5th port in the world, which occupies more than 20 km. coast and can accommodate more than 1,650 ships at once. Divided into three parts - Commercial port, Cruise port and Old Port.
On the territory of the port there are railway tracks, factories for gasification of watery methane and shipment of potash.
Every month about 20 ships go on sea cruises around different countries peace. The constant movement of passenger ships along the entire coast of Spain has been opened by two companies, Buquebus and Trasmediterranea, while each has an individual terminal in the port.
If the weather is good, you can reach the Balearic Islands in just 3-4 hours. There are also 3 ferries, which have not only a bar and a cafe, but also a huge number of small shops and a VIP room. They can transport a car and languid hand luggage. Interestingly, the cost of a ferry ticket at night is almost 50% cheaper.
Taking into account the location of Spain, along the entire coast you can find a huge number of marinas and sports and excursion ports. Tickets for excursions can be purchased on the beach, at the hotel, or directly agreed with the owner of the boat or sailboat.
A port is the gateway to any sea city in Spain . A huge number of ships come to them every day, life is in full swing there at any time, we can say that this is a completely special world. The ports of Spain can be viewed from different angles, but the article will discuss the largest and most significant ones.
Port of Barcelona
Port of the Balearic Islands
This is the commercial, fishing, passenger and sports port of the capital of the Balearic Islands - Palma de Mallorca. There are 5 ports in total on the Balearic Islands, but this one is the largest.
In the 19th century, Spain began to lose its colonies, and this did not have the best effect on trade between Spain and America. However, the port of Cadiz continued to operate actively, although it underwent certain changes. Since 1870, construction of a new port began, and in 1982, all ports in the region were united into a single legal entity - the Port of the Gulf of Cadiz, which made it one of the largest and most important ports in Spain.
Port of Valencia
Maritime trade in this region began long before the founding of the city itself. The first mention of the port of Valencia dates back to March 17, 1491, and from that moment the city's economy began to grow rapidly. Throughout the history of Valencia, the port has been of great importance to the city. In 1985, by royal decree, the ports of Valencia, Gandia and Sagunto were united into the Autonomous Port of Valencia.
Most famous port city in Spain, without a doubt, Barcelona. Considering geographical position, Spain, washed by Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, is simply obliged to have at least several ports other than Barcelona. These are Alicante, Cadiz, Vigo, A Coruña, Gijon, Tarragona and others. But we will focus on the first, more famous outside of Spain.
Barcelona is not only port city, but also the economic and industrial center of the country, the significance and level of influence of which cannot be overestimated. Several centuries ago, this Spanish city was among the leaders in terms of quantity and quality of production in Europe, when the foundations of standards were being formed. Today, Barcelona produces the lion's share of textiles, modern technology, vehicles and medical equipment in Spain, so the government pays due attention to the formation of the city budget and the influx of investment. By the time it joined the European Union in 1986, Spain was already famous as a financially stable, developed state, which was also the merit of Barcelona.
The port, which is almost 2 millennia old, is of great importance in the field of logistics throughout the entire Mediterranean coast: sea transport passing through eastern part Spain, carries a huge number of passengers and a large volume of valuable cargo. The port territory has all the conditions for transportation and storage of construction materials, food and complex chemicals.
The permanent resident population is more than one and a half million people (in the province, accordingly, this number already exceeds 5 million), which gives this port city the second place among all settlements Spain. The vast majority are Spanish by origin, although there are also many people from South American countries where it is common Spanish, one of the top three in terms of the number of carriers in the world. The latter fact explains the cultural diversity of Spanish society and foreign policy - about 400 million people from Europe, Asia, Africa and America consider Spanish their native language.
Let's return to the matter in question port city in Spain. Barcelona, in addition to the above, is also a tourist resort with luxurious beaches and truly European service. The city has numerous objects worthy of visitors' attention: a Gothic-style quarter in the old part of Barcelona; museums focused on different areas of art (do not forget that it was here that Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali worked for a long time); fortress "Castell de Montjuic"; Palace Güell; "House of Bones"; "Quarter of Discord"; Columbus Monument; fascinating Catholic churches and monasteries.
Despite their hot and passionate temperament, the Spaniards are friendly and hospitable, so travelers don’t have to worry about their holiday - they will always be happy to help you and tell you many impressive stories about the area (the residents are sincerely proud of their cultural and architectural heritage). In addition, in Spain, in particular in Barcelona, a lot of tourist experience has been accumulated - you can verify this by ordering a tourist package in almost anywhere in Russia, and see with your own eyes the local luxury hotels and evaluate the level of service. It is the tourism sector that is primarily responsible for Russian-Spanish relations, which have been actively developing in recent decades.
In this port city there is a place for everyone: even lovers beach holiday, and fans of Gothic culture, and those interested in historical objects. Even avid athletes will be pleasantly surprised by Barcelona - just look at the city of the same name football club, recognized as one of the most successful in Europe. In addition, one cannot help but recall the Olympic Games held here in 1992 - especially for this greatest event, the authorities ordered the construction of a new area with an additional port.