List of Ports in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide

Spain is a country with a rich maritime history, and its ports play a vital role in the country's economy and trade. With a coastline of over 1,800 kilometers, Spain has a diverse range of ports that cater to different types of vessels and cargo.

The country's ports are strategically located to facilitate trade with neighboring countries and beyond. For instance, the Port of Barcelona is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, handling over 9 million containers annually.

From the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean, Spain's ports offer a range of services, including cargo handling, passenger transportation, and ship repair. The Port of Valencia, for example, is a major hub for the automotive industry, with many car manufacturers using the port as a gateway to Europe.

The Bay of Algeciras is a significant port in Spain, located in the region of Andalusia, and it handled a substantial cargo tonnage of 109.4 MTn in 2019.

The port of Valencia is another major port in Spain, situated in the Valencian Community, and it recorded a cargo tonnage of 81.1 MTn in 2019.

The port of Barcelona is also a significant port in Spain, located in the region of Catalonia, and it handled a cargo tonnage of 67.7 MTn in 2019.

The port of Bilbao is a major port in the Basque Country, and it recorded a cargo tonnage of 35.5 MTn in 2019.

Here's a list of the top 5 ports in Spain by cargo tonnage in 2019:

The port of Huelva is another significant port in Spain, located in the region of Andalusia, and it recorded a cargo tonnage of 33.8 MTn in 2019.

The port of Tarragona is a major port in the region of Catalonia, and it handled a cargo tonnage of 33.3 MTn in 2019.

The port of Cartagena is a significant port in the Region of Murcia, and it recorded a cargo tonnage of 34.5 MTn in 2019.

Spain has a long coastline with numerous ports, each serving a unique purpose. There are 28 different port authorities in the country, coordinated by Puertos del Estado, a State-owned company.

Some of the major ports in Spain include the Bay of Algeciras, which handled 109.4 million tons of cargo in 2019, and the Valencia port, which is located in the Valencian Community and handled 81.1 million tons of cargo the same year.

Here's a breakdown of the top 5 ports in Spain by cargo tonnage in 2019:

Andalusia is home to the Port of Huelva, which is a significant hub for trade and commerce. Located on the Odiel and Rio Tinto estuary, the port is operated by the Autoridad Porturia de Huelva.

The port primarily exports silver and other products. In 2018, it handled nearly 26 million tons of liquid cargo, over 7 million tons of solid cargo, and over 70,000 TEUs.

The Port of Huelva has a special dock for larger vessels, known as the Puerto Exterior. It also has a separate dock for fishing activities, called the Puerto Interior or Levante Dock.

Transmediterranea operates a cruise from the port, linking the Canary Islands to Cadiz on the mainland.

Readers also liked: List of Busiest Ports by Cargo Tonnage

Catalonia is home to one of the oldest ports in the region, the Port of Barcelona. It's an important shipping hub of Spain, situated close to the Port of Tarragona, and is managed by the Barcelona Port Authority (BPA).

The Port of Barcelona is the 9th largest port in Europe, shipping 3.42 million TEUs in 2018. It's comprised of several minor harbours, including the Old Port, the Logistics Port, and the Commercial Port.

The main port is divided into three main areas: the Old Port (Port Vell), the Logistics Port (Barcelona Free Port), and the Commercial Port. Port Vell includes a fishing port, a ferry station, cruise landing area, and yacht harbours.

The port also houses a tourist centre, including an IMAX theatre, multiplex cinema, Europe's largest aquarium, and a shopping mall, known as the Maremagnum. This zone is easily accessible by rail and road, and is close to the airport and the main ports.

The Free Port is easily accessible by both rail and road, and is close to the airport and the main ports. The passenger terminals at the port are the Drassanes, Ferry Barcelona, Grimaldi Barcelona, and Port Nou terminals.

Expand your knowledge: Ports in Frankfurt Am Main

Marin Port is situated in the province of Pontevedra, Spain.

It serves as a crucial gateway for trade and shipping activities in the region.

Marin Port operates as a commercial port, facilitating the import and export of various goods including bulk cargo, containers, and petroleum products.

Its strategic location allows for modern facilities and efficient services for vessel handling, storage, and logistics operations.

This contributes significantly to the economic vitality and connectivity of the surrounding area.

Marin Port has a UN/LOCODE of ESMPG.

Spain has a vast network of ports that play a crucial role in the country's economy. The Port of Bilbao is one of the most significant ports in northern Spain, handling over 1 million TEU annually.

The port is strategically located in Bilbao, which makes it a vital link for European trade, especially with the UK and Northern Europe. In fact, the port is a gateway to northern Spain, connecting the region to the rest of the world.

On a similar theme: Postage to Spain from Us

The Port of Bilbao is known for handling diverse cargo, including steel, vehicles, and short-sea shipping. This makes it a unique port that caters to a wide range of industries.

Here are some of the major ports in Spain, listed in no particular order:

These ports are operated by 28 different port authorities, which are coordinated by Puertos del Estado, a State-owned company.

The Port of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands is one of the oldest ports in Spain and handles a significant amount of cargo, including frozen produce.

Located on the Eastern coast of Spain, the Port of Castellon is a small multipurpose port that can handle ships up to 300 m in length.

Sagunto Port, situated in Sagunto, Spain, serves as a vital maritime hub in the Mediterranean, accommodating various types of cargo, including bulk, container, and general cargo.

Here are some key statistics for these ports:

Alicante Port, located in southeastern Spain, is a vital maritime hub on the Mediterranean coast, accommodating various types of vessels, including cargo ships, cruise liners, and ferries.

So, you're planning a trip to Spain and want to know what's on offer at its various ports? Let's break it down.

The Port of Barcelona is a major cruise ship terminal, welcoming over 3 million passengers each year. It's a hub for Mediterranean cruises.

The Port of Malaga is another popular destination, known for its stunning beaches and historic landmarks like the Alcazaba fortress. You can also visit the Picasso Museum here.

The Port of Valencia is a significant cargo port, but it's also a popular stop for cruise ships, offering a range of cultural and historical attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences.

Galicia is home to the Port of Ferrol, a major naval port in Spain that's also a hub for the Spanish Armada. The port has several bases in the region and is a key location for NATO maritime exercises.

The Port of Ferrol has undergone significant expansion activities since 2015, aimed at increasing its capacity and connectivity. This includes building 1.5 km of docks and improving the port's depth to 20 meters.

Forts line the entry to the port, adding to its defensive features. Nearby, you'll find the major shipbuilding yards of Navantia, a leading Spanish defense group.

Minor fishing activities are also carried out within the port at small facilities. The port's strategic location and capabilities make it an important naval port in Spain.

Asturian ports are a force to be reckoned with in northern Spain.

The Port of Gijón is a prime example, located in the industrial heart of Asturias. It's strategically situated to support the region's economy.

This port is a powerhouse, handling 5.3 million tons of non-containerized cargo annually.

It connects Asturias to national and international markets, facilitating the transportation of bulk cargo like coal and steel.

Gijón's coastline offers a unique combination of stunning beaches and scenic cliffs, attracting tourists alongside the industrial activity.

Algeciras Bay, Andalusia 109.4 is the largest port in Spain in terms of gross tonnage passing through annually. It's located in the Cadiz province of Andalusia.

The port is managed by the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay and neighbors the Port of Tarifa. It's situated near the Bay of Gibraltar, which experiences a large portion of the traffic in Spain.

Algeciras Bay is ranked 33rd in the global list of largest ports and is the largest along the Mediterranean coast. It's a major shipping hub that connects to nearly 200 ports on a weekly basis.

The port handles imports, exports, and transhipment, and is visited by nearly 30,000 ships annually. The main terminals that operate within the port include the APM Algeciras Terminal and the Total Terminal International Algeciras (TTI ALG).

These terminals house state-of-the-art facilities, with several ships-to-shore cranes. They can accommodate super Panamax, post-Panamax, as well as several mega-ships.

Over 100 mega-ships berth at the Algeciras Port annually. These vessels are capable of transporting more than 18,000 TEUs per voyage.

Here's a breakdown of the port's facilities:

The port's facilities are designed to handle a wide range of cargo, including container traffic, liquid bulk, solid bulk, and general cargo.

The Port of Valencia is a major maritime hub in Spain, located in the autonomous community of Valencia. It's the 5th busiest port in Europe and primarily deals with container ships and other general cargo vessels.

The port is managed by the Valencia Port Authority (VPA) and is the largest container port in Spain, handling 5.4 million TEU as of 2019. It's also the second largest in the Mediterranean region.

The port operates a 12 km long quay with large container yards spanning nearly 300 acres. In addition to cargo shipment, the port also deals with passenger ships.

The Port of Valencia is a vital economic driver for the region, generating over 50% of Spain's GDP and providing employment to over 75,000 people. It services up to 10,000 ships per year.

Here are some key statistics about the Port of Valencia:

The Port of Cartagena is another major maritime hub in Spain, located in the region of Murcia. It's a crucial hub for both commercial and passenger traffic.

Cartagena Port is situated along the Mediterranean coast and boasts modern facilities equipped to handle various types of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and petroleum products.

The port is managed by the Autoridad Portuaria de Cartagena and plays a vital role in facilitating international trade and contributing significantly to the region's economic development.

The Port of Alicante is a vital maritime hub in southeastern Spain, serving as a gateway to the Mediterranean. It accommodates various types of vessels, including cargo ships, cruise liners, and ferries.

The port is managed by the Autoridad Portuaria de Alicante and features modern facilities such as container terminals, berths for bulk cargo handling, passenger terminals, and logistics services.

The port's prime location enhances connectivity with major European and international markets, making it an essential gateway for imports and exports.

If this caught your attention, see: Yokohama International Port Terminal

Ceuta is a fantastic Spanish enclave located on the north coast of Africa. It's a mix of different cultures, including Spanish, Moroccan, and Portuguese.

You can easily walk into the city centre from the Ceuta port in just 10 minutes. The city is quite compact, making it easy to get around.

There are plenty of things to do in Ceuta, and you can explore the city in just a few hours. Some of the must-visit places include the Hercules Statue, Royal Walls of Ceuta, and the harbour.

Here are some of the top places to visit in Ceuta:

You can also grab a handy guide map in the port terminal to help you navigate the city.

Seville is a city in southwestern Spain that's home to an impressive inland port. The Port of Sevilla handles a significant amount of non-containerized cargo every year, with 5.7 million tons annually.

Located on the Guadalquivir River, the port connects to major Spanish cities and ports, making it a vital hub for inland freight distribution. This allows for the efficient transportation of diverse cargo like cereals, fertilizers, and liquid bulk.

Seville itself is a city that offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy flamenco shows and explore historical landmarks, giving them a taste of the city's vibrant culture.

For another approach, see: Port of Texas City

Huelva is a significant port in southwestern Spain, handling a substantial amount of non-containerized cargo annually, with 4.4 million tons passing through its facilities.

This port plays a crucial role in the import and export of minerals and metals, making it a key player in the industry.

Huelva's strategic location near mining reserves is a major factor in its importance, allowing it to serve as a vital hub for the mining industry.

The port's industrial heritage dates back centuries, with remnants of Roman mines still visible today, a testament to the region's rich history.

Here are some key facts about the Port of Huelva: