Castellón is successfully attracting boutique and luxury cruise ships thanks to its selection of exclusive experiences, the charming towns that can be visited—many of which are included on the list of Spain’s Most Beautiful Villages—and a variety of unrivaled outdoor activities.
In 2025, exclusive ships such as Deutschland, The World, Nautica, Seven Seas Splendor, World Navigator, Crystal Symphony, and Emerald Sakara have called at the Port of Castellón.
These boutique and luxury cruises aim to offer distinctive experiences in original destinations like Castellón and its province. For cruise guests who prefer to stay close to the ship, there are pleasant walks around El Grao and the Costa Quay, as well as transfers to the city center aboard the courtesy train provided by Castellón Cruise Club, with support from tourism guides in training at COSDA School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Among the available excursions, one of the most popular visits Peñíscola, including a stop at El Bufador, a fascinating rock formation where waves crash into the cliffs. The Peñíscola Castle, a medieval fortress with an intriguing history, is one of the most remarkable and unique sites on the Mediterranean.
Another popular option is the e-bike route to Oropesa via the seaside promenade and bike lane that follow the coastline. Visitors stop in Benicàssim to explore San Vicente Tower and the Belle Époque villas before continuing along the excellent Greenway to Oropesa, enjoying sea views, ocean breezes, and natural scenery.
Morella, with its impressive walled silhouette and medieval charm, has become one of the most exclusive inland destinations in the Valencian Community for boutique and luxury cruise passengers calling in Castellón. Its rich heritage, cobbled streets, and authentic atmosphere offer a unique cultural and gastronomic experience far from mass tourism. For travelers seeking authenticity, history, and mountain scenery, Morella provides a refined escape where time seems to stand still—ideal for private excursions or high-end, personalized experiences in one of Spain’s most beautiful villages.
Alternatively, much closer by, Villafamés is another picturesque village whose historic center has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Villafamés combines the charm of its cobbled streets with a strong artistic offering led by the Vicente Aguilera Cerni Museum of Contemporary Art. Surrounded by natural landscapes and local wineries, Villafamés offers a slower, refined experience—perfect for those wishing to discover the most authentic Mediterranean essence far from traditional crowds.
Food-loving cruise guests can enjoy themed truffle tours in the Maestrazgo region and, of course, savor Castellón’s cuisine, a true tribute to the Mediterranean where sea and mountains come together in dishes filled with flavor and tradition. From tasty paellas and seafood rice dishes to inland meats and cured sausages, the province offers a culinary richness that captivates every visitor. Local products such as olive oil, Benicarló artichokes, Vinaròs prawns, and Maestrat wines showcase the diversity of the region.
Castellón is an increasingly appreciated port of call among boutique and luxury cruise lines—an ideal destination for travelers looking for authentic, uncrowded places with genuine Mediterranean character.
Ruben Ibañez Bordonau, Castellón Port Authority president
Castellón is located in a major triangle alongside well-established ports such as Barcelona, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca. How is Castellón differentiating itself from these major destinations in order to attract cruise lines?
Castellón does not compete in terms of size, but in authenticity. We are a new, welcoming, and uncrowded destination. What we offer is a calm, close-to-home experience: a port with soul. Here, guests can discover charming villages, enjoy local gastronomy, or explore our coastline by bike. Our luxury lies in authenticity—genuinely connecting with the region.
2025 is proving to be a historic year for cruise activity in Castellón, with 11 calls scheduled after having had only one or none in previous years. How do you assess what has been achieved, and what goals have you set for the future?
It is a turning point. Going from one or no calls to eleven shows that our strategy is working. We have worked consistently, collaborating with luxury cruise lines and promoting Castellón as a boutique destination. We have taken part in key national and international trade fairs, organized familiarization trips with influencers from premium and luxury cruise lines, and developed promotional tools such as a new dedicated website—Discover Castellón—featuring an interactive catalog that reflects not only our offerings but also our values. In addition to all the information available through our main website (www.portcastello.com), we provide details on confirmed calls and the advantages Castellón offers to cruise ships. Castellón has so much to discover.
What feedback have you received from both tourism entities in the province and from local residents regarding the cruise ships that have arrived?
The Castellón Cruise Club, as the Driving Committee for Cruise Activity, works closely and in coordination with the PortCastelló Foundation and PortCastelló to ensure that every cruise guest enjoys an outstanding experience during their visit. This public-private collaboration has created a strong network of tourism entities, local businesses, and service providers who share a common goal: to deliver attentive, professional service that represents Castellón’s renowned hospitality.
The feedback has been very positive. Both the provincial tourism entities and local operators value the impact that cruise calls have in revitalizing the region. They view cruise arrivals as an opportunity to diversify their activity and showcase their offerings. Meanwhile, residents have welcomed this new type of tourism with enthusiasm—characterized by respect, cultural curiosity, and its ability to bring international visibility to Castellón.
In addition, service providers involved are becoming increasingly aware of the level of expectation that this type of visitor demands, as well as the high added value they bring. This is driving continuous improvement in service quality and in the professionalization of the destination, generating positive effects throughout the tourism chain.
In short, the overall balance is very encouraging: Castellón is demonstrating that it can welcome cruise ships with quality, authenticity, and hospitality that leaves a lasting impression on both visitors and the local community.
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