Castellón is succeeding in attracting boutique and luxury cruises thanks to its offering of exclusive experiences, the towns that can be visited – many of which are included in the list of the most beautiful towns in Spain – and an unrivaled variety of outdoor activities.
In 2025, exclusive ships such as the Deutschland, The World, Nautica, Seven Seas Splendor, World Navigator, Crystal Symphony and Emerald Sakara made a stop in the port of Castellón.
These boutique and luxury cruisesaim to offer unique experiences in original destinations, such as Castellón and its province. For cruise passengers who prefer not to stray too far from the ship, excursions are offered along the Grao and the Muelle de Costa (Coastal Wharf), or a transfer to the center of Castellón by train, courtesy of Castellón Cruise Club, with the collaboration of tourist information officers from the COSDA School of Hospitality and Tourism's Degree in Tourist Guiding program.
As for excursions, one of the most popular is the one that visits Peñíscola, with a stop at "El Bufador," a fascinating rock formation where the waves crash against the cliffs. And indeed, Peñíscola Castle, a medieval fortress with an interesting history, is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the Mediterranean.
The route to Oropesa by electric bike, using the seafront promenade and cycle path that runs along the coast, is also proving very popular. Once in Benicàssim, tourists visit the Tower of San Vicente and the Belle Époque villas, and then continue to Oropesa along the excellent Vía Verde (Greenway), enjoying stunning sea views, the sea breeze, and the natural surroundings.
Morella, with its imposing walled silhouette and medieval charm, has established itself as one of the most exclusive destinations in the Valencian Community for luxury and boutique cruise passengers stopping in Castellón. Its historical heritage, cobbled streets, and authentic atmosphere offer a unique cultural and gastronomic experience, far removed from the crowded tourist routes. For cruise passengers seeking authenticity, history, and mountain scenery, Morella represents a select getaway where time seems to stand still, ideal for private excursions or high-end personalized experiences in one of Spain's most beautiful towns.
Alternatively, Villafamés, which is much closer, is also a beautiful village whose historic center has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Villafamés combines the charm of its cobbled streets with a rich artistic scene, highlighted by the Vicente Aguilera Cerni Museum of Contemporary Art. Surrounded by natural landscapes and local wineries, Villafamés offers visitors a leisurely and refined experience, perfect for those who wish to discover the most authentic Mediterranean essence away from the hustle and bustle of traditional tourist destinations.
Gourmet cruise passengers can enjoy truffle-themed excursions in the Maestrazgo region and, of course, savor the gastronomy of Castellón, a true homage to the Mediterranean, where sea and mountains come together in dishes brimming with flavor and tradition. From its savory paellas and seafood rice dishes to the meats and cured meats of the inland areas, the province offers a culinary richness that captivates every visitor. Local products such as olive oil, Benicarló artichokes, Vinaròs prawns, and Maestrat wines stand out, showcasing the region's diversity.
Castellón is becoming an increasingly popular stop for boutique and luxury cruise lines, ideal for those seeking authentic, less crowded destinations with a Mediterranean essence.
Ruben Ibañez Bordonau, president of the Port Authority of Castellón
Castellón is located in a triangle with very important and established ports such as Barcelona, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca. How is Castellón differentiating itself from these major destinations to attract cruise lines?
Castellón doesn't compete on size, but on authenticity. We are a new, welcoming, and uncrowded destination. What we offer is a peaceful and intimate experience: a port with soul. Here, travelers can discover charming villages, savor local cuisine, or explore our coastline by bicycle. Our luxury lies in authenticity, in truly connecting with the land.
2025 is proving to be a historic year for cruise ships in Castellón, with 11 scheduled calls, compared to one or none in previous years. How do you assess this achievement and what goals have you set for the future?
This is a turning point. Going from one or no port calls to eleven demonstrates that the strategy is working. We have worked consistently, collaborating with luxury cruise lines and promoting Castellón as a boutique destination, attending leading national and international trade fairs, organizing familiarization trips for key influencers from premium and luxury cruise lines, and developing promotional tools such as a new dedicated website, 'Discover Castellón,' which includes an interactive catalog reflecting not only our offerings but also our values. In addition to all the information we provide through our website (www.portcastello.com), including confirmed port calls and the advantages of the Port of Castellón for cruise ships, Castellón has much to offer.
What feedback have you received from both the province's tourism entities and the local population regarding the cruise ships that have arrived?
The Castellón Cruise Club, as the Cruise Promotion Committee, works closely and in coordination with the PortCastelló Foundation and PortCastelló to ensure that every cruise passenger has an excellent experience during their stopover. This public-private partnership has created a strong network of tourism entities, local businesses, and suppliers who share a common goal: to offer attentive, professional service that reflects the hospitality of Castellón.
The feedback received has been very positive. Both the province's tourism organizations and local tour operators value the impact that cruise ship calls have on revitalizing the region, and they see the arrival of cruise ships as an opportunity to diversify their activities and enhance their offerings. For their part, the local population is enthusiastically embracing this new type of tourism, characterized by its respect for the environment, its cultural interest, and its ability to generate international visibility for Castellón.
Furthermore, the service providers involved are becoming fully aware of the high standards this type of visitor demands, as well as the significant added value they bring. This is driving continuous improvement in service quality and the professionalization of the destination, which has a positive impact on the entire tourism value chain.
In short, the overall result is very encouraging: Castellón is proving that it can receive cruise ships with quality, authenticity, and a welcome that leaves a lasting impression on both the visitor and the local community.
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