By Amanda Mesa | Published on August 1, 2023
A Barcelona vacation is synonymous with culture, natural beauty, history and warm hospitality. As the capital of Spain's Catalonia region, this ancient seaside city is one of the most coveted vacation destinations in the world during spring, summer, fall and even winter, and it's one of the top 10 most-visited cities in Europe. Once you arrive, it's easy to see why — Barcelona's abundance of leafy parks with stately monuments and fountains, romantic Gothic Quarter with its winding cobblestone streets, crave-worthy food and bar scene and gorgeous architecture check all the boxes for an unforgettable European vacation.
Located along the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean, with long stretches of golden, sun-kissed beaches and multiple bustling harbors, Barcelona is well situated to receive guests from the sea. Traveling to Barcelona by ship gives you a taste of history. The Barcelona port of call has been an important site for over 2,000 years and has an ancient seafaring legacy that traces back to the time of ancient Romans — perhaps even earlier. It remained an active port through the Middle Ages, facilitating trade for centuries. By visiting Barcelona via ship, you're taking part in a millennia-old tradition — watching the coastline expand into view on the horizon, with the laughter of gulls and the salty spray of the ocean welcoming you to the city. Barcelona's historic maritime hub is called Port Vell, which means "Old Port." Today, its tranquil waters are dotted with small pleasure boats and sleek yachts. It's also home to the city's hundred-year-old customs' office building, as well as an 18th-century clock tower called the Torre del Rellotge and plenty of great stores at the Maremagnum shopping complex.
If your Barcelona vacation brings you to the city by cruise ship, you won't be sailing into Port Vell. Instead, you'll arrive in the city's much larger cruise port located a few miles away. It's located at the foot of the Barcelona's most iconic boulevard, La Rambla (sometimes referred to as Las Ramblas), which runs right through the center of Barcelona and offers easy access to the city's many attractions.
To give you an idea of how big the Barcelona port is, it's home to nine terminals — seven of which serve as cruise terminals. Because of its size as a cruise port — as well as its prime location in the Mediterranean — Barcelona serves as a starting point or stop on many cruises through the region. Getting into the city from the cruise port is also easy. There's a shuttle bus service that connects the port terminals to La Rambla — just look for blue buses that say "Cruise Bus" on the front-facing display panel of each bus.
Once you're out of the port, it's an easy walk to some of Barcelona's top must-visit areas and sights. The Gothic Quarter is just a 10-minute walk from Portal de la Pau, where the Cruise Buses drop off. Güell Palace, the mansion designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudí, is even closer. And if you're craving some delicious tapas after your seafaring voyage, you can stroll on over to Mercado de La Boqueria, a lively food market just 10 minutes from Portal de la Pau. Truly, arriving to Barcelona by sea places you closer to the action than arriving by plane, as Barcelona's international airport is located nearly nine miles from this vibrant part of the city. Arriving by train to Barcelona Sants station will put you in a good spot to kick off your vacation, but you'll still be about two miles away from the popular El Raval and Gothic Quarter neighborhoods.
If you're looking at Spain cruises that feature Barcelona as a stop rather than a starting or ending point, you'll have less time to explore the city's many marvels. That said, because cruising puts you so close to some of the top attractions in Barcelona, you can easily fill a few hours with wonder. If you're pressed for time, stick to the sights closest to the port. We already mentioned Güell Palace, but it's worth repeating — aside from the Sagrada Família cathedral and Parc Güell, this mansion is one of the dreamiest examples of Gaudí's work and makes for a beautiful backdrop to photos. It offers tours in English, Spanish, French and Catalan included in your admission ticket.
Also close to the port is the Catedral de Barcelona — an impressive cathedral that dates back to 1298. With its graceful buttresses and soaring spires, it's one of the most awe-inspiring buildings in the city, and it's less than a mile from Portal de la Pau. Admission into the cathedral costs just nine euros, and you can add access to the Diocesan Museum for six euros extra. Guided visits are also available.
Another great option close to port is the Gran Teatre del Liceu, a stunning theater built in the mid-1800s in a former monastery. Guided tours of the spectacular space are available. What's more, just up La Rambla is Mercado de la Boqueria, a fantastic food hall. You'll find all kinds of delicious food at this bustling market, from savory jamón ibérico and briny grilled sardines to crispy pan con tomate and more. You can also enjoy a wide range of Spanish wines, sherries and vermouth. It's the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before heading back to the ship during your Barcelona vacation.