A seaport (lat. Portūs "mouth, harbor, wharf, warehouse") is a complex engineering structure and a set of devices for performing a variety of functions from the transportation of 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 directions does sea tourism in Spain offer?
Colorful sunny Spain With warm sea and mild climate always attracts many tourists from all over the world, remaining a favorite destination for travelers. 2017 became a record year - 82 million tourists visited the country. Sea tourism is represented by a harmonious combination of proposals in such areas as coastal tourism, excursion tourism, ecotourism, diving, fishing, surfing, sea festivals.
The highest growth rates in 2019 are demonstrated by yacht and cruise types of sea tourism in Spain.
This is a unique opportunity to combine a visit different cities and countries with a rich cultural and educational program, and the sea, sun, beach will be an integral part of an exciting journey across the sea.
What ports are there in Spain and their features
Spain, located in southwestern Europe, is considered a window to the countries of the North and South America, Africa and the Old World. The territory of the Mediterranean coast of the country is focused on a tourist destination. The northern coast, especially the territory of Galicia (a region in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula and the autonomous community of Spain), is an important center of foreign trade, which is carried out through sea routes. Large seaports and shipyards of 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 in terms of freight traffic.
The largest cargo ports are Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tarragona, Gijón. Two ports are located on the African continent (Ceuta and Melilla) and two 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. Ranked 5th among the largest European ports and number 1 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. The port entrance is located at the monument to Christopher Columbus (Mirador de Colom). The area is 7.86 km². Due to the rapid growth of the port, its size should be doubled at the mouth of the Llobregat River by 2 km to the south.
It is subdivided into 3 zones: the old port of Barcelona (Port Vell), the commercial port and the logistics one (for transport).
El Port Vell is the oldest and at the same time picturesque area of the seaport of Barcelona, which has been completely modernized and renovated. The El Port Vell zone begins with the Columbus monument at the very end famous street Rambla. You can take a boat trip from there on the famous "Golodrinas" (swallows). The Port Vell area has parking spaces for pleasure craft and a separate area for cruise ships.
Puerto de Algeciras
The largest port in the south of Spain with a cargo turnover of over 50 million tons / year. Ranks first in the Mediterranean in terms of container traffic. The only port in its region capable of receiving giant ships, on which twenty-three large-capacity containers can be placed in a row at once.
The container port is operated by two terminals: APM Terminals Algeciras (opened in 1986, provides 76% of container turnover) and Total Terminal International Algeciras (launched in 2010).
For tourists, the port is also remarkable, since only here you can see all the beauties of Gibraltar: admire the migration of birds, look at giant whales and get acquainted with the culture of Spain. It is one of the busiest ports in Europe and the best place for excursions or hiking.
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 liners... Located in the heart of the city, across the street from the famous Paseo Maritimo Esplanade pedestrian boulevard.
Open and open all year round, but the schedule of ships depends on the time of year and season.
The cargo area of the port is small and located far from the city. And the main part along the embankment falls on the main attraction of the port - Yacht Marina (a specially equipped yacht dock, where various services are provided to ship crews).
For tourists at the marina, trips to the open sea and to the nearest islands are organized. The port provides free transfer to the city center. Official website: www.puertoalicante.com.
Puerto de A-Coruña
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 the city of A Coruña and offers convenient service to tourists and has spacious shopping areas.
The port's berths are 6 km long. The transatlantic pier was built in 1991 and receives over 90 cruise ships a year, in addition to warships and yachts. The Batería y Calvo Sotelo pier was a symbol of the city's progress in the 60s and 70s of the XX century. The San Diego Wharf was built in the 60s and is used primarily for offloading oil and petroleum products that come to the city's refinery.
Valencia port
The busiest cargo port in Spain in terms of container volumes and turnover. An important transport hub and attraction that the locals are proud of.
It so happened historically that the port is associated with the development of trade, primarily with the export of agricultural products, which has united 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.
Consists of the city port and the adjacent harbors of Gandia and Sagunto. Cruise terminal modernly equipped and located in Poniente Quay (4 km. from the city center). There are free tourist maps and provided detailed information how and where you can get by public transport.
Since the port is large enough, you can drive up to the passenger terminal from distant berths by free buses... From the port you can take a regular ferry to Ibiza and Mallorca.
Vigo ports
One of the most important fishing destinations in the world. Many international companies are based here, fish are supplied to all of Spain, and also exported to Portugal, Italy, France and other countries, even reaching the Asian market. The port of Vigo is over 20 km long and has large quantity berths.
Muelle de Transatlanticos is located practically in the center of the city, it has 3 berths for receiving cruise liners.
Puerto de melilla
Melilla is a city on the Mediterranean coast of Africa, on the border with Morocco. It is a trading port focused on import-export of products. Cruise ships can also call, they dock 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 an area of 7,095 hectares for flotation and land plot with an area of 1150884 m². It operates as a cargo port (mainly for import operations, export of olive oil, grain, etc.) and a fishing port.
In addition, it is a large passenger port (the second cruise port of the Iberian Peninsula after Barcelona), where the largest cruise liners in the world can call. It annually receives more than 0.6 million passengers, of which about half are from cruise ships.
The cruise port is located on the Mediterranean coast in the heart of the coastal strip of Malaga, 800 meters from historic center cities. There is a promenade along the port - Paseo del Muelle Uno - beautiful place for evening walks with museums and several architectural sights.
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 tour agency. The second part of the boulevard (Muelle 2) is a picturesque promenade with a palm grove of surprises Palmeral De Las Sorpresas, interesting sculptures, shady seating areas, a small fountain and playgrounds for children.
In the harbor of the cargo-passenger port is the port of El Candado for sports ships, where the oldest Royal Mediterranean Yacht Club in Spain (opened in 1873), and a marina for yachts are located.
Puerto de Tarragona
Tarragona is a city with a large seaport, which is divided into three zones: a commercial part, a fishery, an external passenger port. More than 2,000 cargo ships come here annually.
The cruise direction began to develop 3 years ago and is now popular. It is mainly visited by small vessels and sailing ships of premium companies. A large liners do not enter the port very rarely due to the considerable distance from Barcelona (98 km). In 2016, 22 liners and more than 14,000 passengers visited it.
Tourists will be interested in historical and cultural heritage a city that is not numerous, but worthy of attention. Near the port are well-groomed clean beaches that attract tourists from different countries.
Saplaya port
A 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, boats. There is a beach with a developed infrastructure on the promenade.
Tourists can visit the large trading floor, do any kind water sports and visit the palm parks with bars, coffee shops, restaurants. This picturesque place, "little Spanish Venice", will undoubtedly be suitable for relaxation and great pastime.
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) to the interior of the continent.
There are two container terminal fixed lifting cranes and two cruise ship terminals. In recent years, the port has handled more than 80 million tons of cargo. Due to its excellent location - in the north of the African continent right 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 a constant monitoring of security and control, excursions are conducted, organized tours, there is an opportunity to visit the nearby cities of Morocco - Tangier, Tetouan or Chefchaouen.
Marina de Denia
Dear resort of Denia with beautiful beaches, excellent 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, breakwaters, 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 more than 8 meters long and 2 sports ports for larger vessels (Club Náutico accepts vessels up to 20 m, Puerto Deportivo La Marina - up to 60 m). Ferries to the Balearic Islands leave from Marina de Denia every day. 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 mooring front is 15 km. Cruise ships dock at the terminal in the seaside town of Getxo, 20 km away. from Bilbao.
In March 2017, a new passenger terminal, OLATUA, was opened in Bilbao, and in the same year 61 cruise ships with 83,674 passengers entered the port.
There are 47 ports in Spain, which can be viewed on the map for clarity.
How to buy or rent a yacht in Spain
Such direction of sea tourism as yachting is interesting and profitable for investors. Confirmation is the fact that in Europe there are about 1.5 million anchorages for yachts, and in the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, yacht transit a year averages 2 million vessels. From a financial point of view, this is about 12 billion euros.
In Spain, sea borders cover more than 90% of the territory, so it is not surprising that this country is the birthplace of yachting.
If you prefer to rent, then today you can find both motor and sailing yachts.
When choosing a place to conquer water spaces, you need to understand what you prefer to do on land: for active rest Ibiza, Menorca or Mallorca will do; for privacy from the hustle and bustle, it is better to rent a boat to the quietest of Balearic Islands- Formentera. Buying a yacht requires 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 the inhabitants of the whole world with goods, food, and also annually receive tens of millions of sea tourists.
Seaport in Spain: Video
Most famous port city in Spain no doubt Barcelona. Considering geographical position, Spain, washed by Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, is simply obliged to have at least several ports besides 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 became one of the leaders in the 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 inflow of investments. By the time of its accession to 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 amount of valuable cargo. All conditions have been created on the territory of the port for the transportation and storage of construction materials, food products and complex chemicals.
The 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 America, where Spanish is spoken, one of the three in the number of speakers 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 to be their native language.
Let's return to the considered port city in Spain... Barcelona, in addition to the above, is also tourist resort with luxurious beaches and truly European service. The city is home to numerous sites worthy of the attention of guests: 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 were engaged in the work for a long time); fortress "Castell de Montjuic"; Guell's palace; "House of Bones"; "Quarter of Disagreement"; Columbus monument; mesmerizing Catholic churches and monasteries.
Despite the hot and passionate temperament, the Spaniards are distinguished by their benevolence and hospitality, so travelers do not have to worry about their vacation - here they will always gladly help you and tell you many impressive stories about the area (residents are sincerely proud of their cultural and architectural heritage). In addition, in Spain, in particular in Barcelona, a great tourist experience has been accumulated - you can see this by ordering tourist voucher almost anywhere in Russia, and personally see the local luxury hotels and evaluate the level of service. It is the tourism sector that is primarily due to the Russian-Spanish relations, which have been actively developing in recent decades.
In this port city there is a place for everyone: and for amateurs beach holiday, and fans of Gothic culture, and those interested in historical sites. Even inveterate athletes will be pleasantly surprised by Barcelona - which is only the eponymous football club, recognized as one of the most successful in Europe. In addition, one cannot but recall the Olympic Games held here in 1992 - especially for this great event, the authorities ordered the construction of a new district with an additional port.
The port is the gateway to any maritime city in Spain. Every day a huge number of ships come to them, 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 focus on the largest and most significant.
Port of Barcelona
Port of the Balearic Islands
It is the commercial, fishing, passenger and sports port of the capital of the Balearic Islands - Palma de Mallorca. There are a total of 5 ports on the Balearic Islands, but this one is the largest.
In the 19th century, Spain began to lose its colonies, and this did not in the best way affect trade between Spain and America. However, the port of Cadiz continued to function actively, although it underwent certain changes. The construction of a new port began in 1870, and in 1982 all ports in the region were merged into a single entity- the port of the Gulf of Cadiz, which made it one of the largest and most important ports in Spain.
Port of Valencia
Sea 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 on, the city's economy began to grow at a rapid pace. 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 merged into the Autonomous Port of Valencia.
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 on 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. From time immemorial there was a fishing village, 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 was established.
The close location of steel mines, as well as a fairly developed industry, made Bilbao one of the most important sea trade ports in Spain. The main imports were alcohol, sugar, coal and coke. Olives, wine, iron, chestnuts and wool were exported.
Nowadays, Bilbao is the administrative center of the province of Vizcaya with a population of more than 355 thousand people. The port was moved 15 km from the town and now it is 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 years ago at the mouth of the Lebregat River. If in the 10-12 centuries it was the usual anchorage for ships, then in 1428, thanks to King Alfonso V, the construction of the port began.
Currently, it is the 5th port in the world, which covers more than 20 km. coast and can accommodate more than 1,650 ships at once. Divided into three parts - Trading port, Cruise port and the Old Port.
In the port area, there are railway tracks, factories for gasification of aqueous methane and the shipment of potash.
Every month about 20 liners leave for sea cruises on different countries the world. Open constant movement passenger ships along the entire coast of Spain, 2 companies Buquebus and Trasmediterranea, while each has an individual terminal in the port.
If the weather is good, you can get to the Balearic Islands in just 3-4 hours. There are also 3 ferries running, on which there is not only a bar and a cafe, but also a huge number of small shops and a VIP-hall. They can carry a car and a languid carry-on luggage... Curiously, 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 by direct agreement with the owner of the boat or sailboat.
Your cruise ship will be docked at the port terminal, from where you can take a port bus to Barcelona city center for € 1.50. The bus will take you to the port entrance, from where the central 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, in the area of Bellver Castle, located in the western part of the city. The cruise pier is located far enough (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 lines organize their own buses from the port directly to Ayuntamiento Square in the center of Valencia. Also in the port you can ...
Malaga
The cruise terminal in Malaga was built quite recently. The East Pier is used by cruise ships. The city center is a 15-minute walk (about 2 km) along Piazza de la Constitucion and Puerta de Mar. The Malaga Port Authority offers shuttle buses departing from ...
Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
The Santa Catalina cruise terminal in Las Palmas is the 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. Muelle stands 100 meters away - a very modern shopping ...
Santa Cruz (Tenerife)
Cruise ships moored at the port of Santa Cruz. The city center is about 800 meters away from you or a little further - it all depends on which part of the bay your liner is in. Smaller ships usually stop closer to the city. Tenerife Port Authority ...
Vigo
Spain's busiest fishing port, charming Vigo, sits on a rugged west coast the province of Galicia in a deep fjord-like bay. Vigo definitely loves his guests arriving on cruise ships because the whole port area ...
Cadiz
Cadiz appears almost out of nowhere, when only the sea and the empty coastline surround 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 main square de San Juan de Dios with ...
Mahon (Menorca)
When approaching Mahon (in the local Mao dialect), be sure to step out on deck. 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 long bay with ...
Cartagena
The cruise terminal of Cartagena is located in the commercial part of the Maritime Station, behind the new building of the yacht club. This cultural, leisure and shopping section of the waterfront is very convenient, as the city center is very close. The terminal has bus stop, parking ...
Arrecife (Lanzarote)
Ships dock at the cargo docks at Muelle de los Marmoles, a 30-minute walk from the center of Arrecife. You can also get to the heart of the city by a free shuttle.
Ibiza
The port of Ibiza is within walking distance of the historic attractions and entertainment that this vibrant island is famous for.
Tarragona
Tarragona - small town, located on the coast of Spain, the streets and some buildings of which have survived from the time 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 port is the center of the city. It was originally the humble Puerto del Cabras (Goat Harbor). But over time, it turned into a busy operating port, which continues to develop today. With the latest improvements in ...
