Located northeast of Barcelona, the ports of Palamós and Roses are on the maritime route of high-end cruise ships that sail the western Mediterranean, positioning themselves as ideal strategic enclaves to discover a destination of great cultural and scenic richness: the Costa Brava.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 78 – September 2026
The ports of Palamós and Roses are the gateway to an authentic, surprising, and welcoming destination brimming with experiences. From the medieval stone villages of Pals, Peratallada, and Peralada, to the surreal world of Salvador Dalí, passing through the "surf and turf" cuisine boasting 20 Michelin stars, wines from the Empordà Designation of Origin, and the ancient history of Girona.
It is a genuine destination, of modest size, with modern infrastructure, quality in its offerings and tourist services, and authenticity in its natural and human landscape.
That is why it is attracting more and more premium and luxury cruise lines, in line with the strategy of the Port Authority that manages cruise traffic in the two ports, whose objective is precisely to attract high-end cruises with tourists with greater purchasing power, willing to learn more intensely about the history, culture, traditions, leisure and gastronomy of the region.
This strategy is paying off this season, with 92% of cruise ships in the ports of Palamós and Roses being high-end vessels.
A record year with many inaugural calls
This year, Palamós and Roses are expected to jointly receive 70,000 cruise passengers, 1,000 more than the previous season, which would represent a new record in passenger arrivals, and 71 cruise calls.
Palamós will receive 67,400 passengers in 65 stops while Roses will have 6 stops with 2,600 passengers.
The Silver Muse kicked off the cruise season in Palamós with its inaugural call on March 4th. Luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises is making a strong commitment to the Costa Brava with 13 calls in Palamós featuring four ships from its fleet: Silver Muse, Silver Shadow, Silver Ray, and Silver Spirit.
There are eight inaugural stops planned throughout the season: Allura, Amera, Europa 2, Explora II, Scenic Eclipse II, Silver Muse, Silver Shadow and Star Legend.
Cruise passengers will visit the municipality of Palamós and several other locations in the region, with excursions to Girona's old town, the medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada, and the historic center of Begur, as well as Figueres and Púbol to discover Salvador Dalí's surrealist legacy. Some tourists will choose to visit Pals and its rice paddies by bicycle, while others will opt for a small train. They will also be able to participate in food and wine tours of wineries in the Empordà DO (Designation of Origin).
The 2026 cruise season in the port of Roses began on May 10th with the arrival of the SeaDream I, from the SeaDream Yacht Club, which has been visiting Roses and the Costa Brava for 14 years. The season will run for six months, until October 2nd, with a total of five cruise lines: Azamara, Club Med, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Windstar Cruises. In addition, the port of Roses will host the inaugural call of the Azamara Onward this season.
One of the main features of the season is that all the cruise ships that will stop in Roses are high-end, which means the arrival of a visitor profile with greater purchasing power.
The program is also notable for its contribution to reducing the seasonality of tourism in the Alt Empordà and the Costa Brava. 70% of the planned stops will take place during the off-season, boosting economic activity and employment in Roses and the surrounding area.
The strategic approach of the Port Authority managing cruise traffic in the two Costa Brava ports focuses on offering high-quality, personalized, and exclusive services both at the ports and at the destination, tailored to the needs of cruise ships and passengers. This "boutique" service is offered at each port of call, with only one cruise ship being accommodated per port of call. The priority is to provide optimal service quality.
Palamós and the essence of the Costa Brava:
Palamós offers cruise passengers a perfect combination of maritime tradition, Mediterranean beaches, gastronomy, and heritage. The port is located next to the center of this town in the Baix Empordà region, whose old town retains its character as a former fishing village. Must-see attractions include the Fishing Museum, the Church of Santa Maria del Mar, and the Murada and Cap Gros viewpoints, from which to enjoy excellent panoramic views of the coast.
Just a few minutes away, you'll find some of the most iconic scenes of the Costa Brava, such as La Fosca, S'Alguer, and Castell beach, as well as charming coastal paths winding through pine forests and along cliffs. The area also offers the opportunity to discover Sant Esteve Castle and the remains of an Iberian settlement near Castell beach.
For those with more time or who book a tour, Palamós is also an excellent gateway to some of the most charming villages in the Baix Empordà region, such as Calella de Palafrugell, Begur, Pals, and Peratallada, where Mediterranean landscapes and an extraordinary medieval heritage combine. And, of course, no visit would be complete without trying the famous Palamós prawn, one of the great gastronomic treasures of this part of the Costa Brava.
Roses, nature, history and Mediterranean essence.
Roses offers cruise passengers a magnificent gateway to the Costa Brava, with the port located a few meters from the town centre and framed by the bay of Roses and two natural areas of great value.
The visit can begin at the Citadel of Roses, an impressive archaeological site that brings together Greek, Roman, and medieval remains, or at the Trinity Castle, which offers magnificent views of the bay. The beaches and small coves, the coastal paths, and the nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park also provide numerous opportunities to enjoy the Mediterranean landscape.
Passengers with more time or who book an excursion can visit Cadaqués and Portlligat, both linked to Salvador Dalí, or explore the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà wetlands. The local cuisine is another major draw: fresh fish from the market, seafood dishes, and wines from the Empordà DO reflect Roses' close connection to the sea and its surrounding area.
Costa Brava Cruise Ports:
On the Costa Brava, ports and destinations have joined forces under the Costa Brava Cruise Ports brand to promote cruise activity at the main trade fairs, congresses, assemblies, and conferences in the sector. This collaborative effort provides significant international synergies for these municipalities, placing them at the heart of the cruise industry. The brand is comprised of: Ports de la Generalitat (the Catalan Port Authority), the Palamós City Council, the Roses City Council, the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, the Palamós Chamber of Commerce, and the Girona Chamber of Commerce.
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