Barcelona, Spain

Its strategic location, splendid facilities, and proximity to the city's attractions elevate Barcelona to the position of a leading port in Europe and the Mediterranean and a premier cruise destination. Functioning as both a prominent transit stop and a popular starting point for Mediterranean cruises, the city offers hassle-free connectivity to prominent landmarks. Barcelona is the "home port" for numerous Western Mediterranean cruise itineraries, thanks to its position on the Mediterranean Sea. From Barcelona, cruise lines offer routes to various destinations, including Italy, Greece, and North Africa, allowing you a wide range of options to choose from. Here is a sneak peek into what the city has to offer, and a unique Spanish feel.

Barcelona's Top Attractions and Activities

Sagrada Familia

A church devoted to the Holy Family, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is counted as one of the most popular of Antoni Gaudí's works. The fascinating interplay of light and color through its stained-glass windows and its status as an iconic, still-unfinished masterpiece add a mystique to this magnum opus, luring visitors. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the top of its tower. The nativity facade and crypt have also won UNESCO World Heritage Status, which puts the value of this celebrated structure in the right context, enjoying a popularity that transcends continents.

Park Güell 

Vibrant mosaic art, quirky architecture like the iconic mosaic lizard and the serpentine bench, and stunning panoramic views of Barcelona make any visit to this fabulous destination a truly fulfilling experience. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Park Güell successfully brings together nature and art and presents a one-of-a-kind artistic experience as well as a chance to witness one of Gaudí's most celebrated and colorful creations in all its magnificence.

Gothic Quarter

A sneak peek into the glorious past of the city, the Gothic Quarter gives you a fabulous opportunity to stroll through the historic center of medieval Barcelona and visit some of the city's most prominent political buildings and Gothic architecture. Named for its later medieval Gothic architecture, the area has its genesis in a history that dates back 2,000 years to its classical Roman roots. No wonder it is the oldest part of Barcelona.

Museu Picasso 

Opened in 1963, the Picasso Museum sheds a great deal of light on understanding the early years of Pablo Picasso, whose genius is represented in his 4,251 works that adorn the museum. The place is also privy to the intimate relationship with the city. The Museum also boasts an important set of works from 1917, and the series Las Meninas (1957), along with a comprehensive print collection.

 

Montjuïc Hill

The hill is popular for offering splendid views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea and its diverse cultural attractions like the Montjuïc Castle, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), and the lush gardens. The “Hill” also offers a perfect venue to explore historic sites, enjoy artistic and architectural marvels like the Magic Fountain and Poble Espanyol, and experience various gardens and parks. You can also visit the Zoologic Restaurant for a meal and refuel to explore the fascinating destination.

The Best Time to Cruise to Barcelona

Late spring, especially April to June, is considered the best time to cruise to Barcelona. Several reasons, like a perfect mix of weather, crowd levels, cruise options, and affordability, make the time most opportune. 

First and foremost, the temperatures during these times are most gentle and hover around 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C). The skies are also sunny without being oppressive, making the situation perfect for sightseeing or simply relaxing. The weather is also comfortable for undertaking long walking tours.

Top tourist attractions during this time are not crowded, enabling you to enjoy them without being jostled. Cruise ports in the Mediterranean are also less congested, which makes boarding smooth and shore days more enjoyable.

Then again, most prominent cruise lines launch their full Mediterranean schedules in April and May, allowing you plenty of options to choose from while ports like Rome, Florence, Marseille, Palma, and Naples are all active and can be accessed.