Barcelona

The bohemian city of Barcelona is also the oldest port in Spain and one of the most important ports in Europe. On Ferryhopper, you can take a look at available ferry routes from/to the port of Barcelona, our travel tips for your vacation and book your tickets with just a few clicks!

Find useful information about the ferry port of Barcelona and read about holidays in the city:

• Barcelona ferry port
• Vacation in Barcelona 

Ferry at the port of Barcelona

Barcelona ferry port

The port of Barcelona is located right next to the city center. Barcelona has 1 port with different terminals and wharves for passenger ferries, cruises and cargo ships.

The whole area is called Port de Barcelona and most passenger ferries and cruise ships depart from Port Vell. It has 3 ferry passenger terminals: Terminal Drassanes, Terminal Ferry Barcelona, and Grimaldi Terminal Barcelona.

The ferry companies that normally operate from the port of Barcelona are Baleària, Trasmediterránea, Grimaldi Lines, Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) and Algérie Ferries.

If you drive to the port, you can access the terminal areas for short-term parking and drop-off. If you’re looking for long-term parking, the closest and easiest option would be the parking lot at the World Trade Center in the Moll de Barcelona.

Tip: visit the most charming neighborhoods of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter and Raval near the port area. Across the coast, there are large promenades and walking areas, marinas, hotels, shopping malls and cultural centers.

Aerial view of the marina of Barcelona and the city’s skyline

Ferries from Barcelona port: schedules and tickets

Ferries from Barcelona usually travel to the Balearic Islands, Morocco and Italy.

The majority of the ferry routes from Barcelona are operated by large ferries that have a garage for the transfer of vehicles. 

We have collected here some useful information about Barcelona ferries in order to plan your trip in the best possible way:

• Barcelona - Mallorca ferry: this is one of the most frequent ferry routes from Barcelona. There are daily ferries from Barcelona to Mallorca all year round. The duration of the Barcelona - Mallorca ferry trip ranges from 6 hours to 8 hours depending on the type of ferry and the destination port. The shortest ferry trip to Mallorca from Barcelona is to the port of Alcúdia in the north of the island. You can also travel from Barcelona’s port to the port of Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, in about 7.5 hours.
• Barcelona - Ibiza ferry: the route from Barcelona to the port of Ibiza town has regular weekly crossings all year round. The ferry ride from Barcelona to Ibiza usually takes about 8 hours and the total travel time depends on the company and type of ferry.
• Barcelona - Menorca ferry: there are daily ferry connections from Barcelona to the ports of Menorca (or Minorca) throughout the year. The ferry trip from Barcelona to Menorca ranges from 4 hours to 8 hours and the total travel time depends on the company, type of ferry (fast or standard) and the destination port. The shortest trip to Menorca is to the port of Mahón on the southeast coast of the island and it lasts 4 hours. You can also travel by ferry from Barcelona to the port of Ciutadella on the west coast, which takes approximately 7 hours.
• Barcelona - Formentera ferry: one of the easiest ways to get to the island of Formentera from mainland Spain is from the port of Barcelona. Normally, there are up to 6 ferry crossings per week to Formentera during the whole year. The duration of the ferry ride from Barcelona to Formentera is approximately 12 hours. 

The lighthouse at the end of Barcelona's seawall overlooking the Mediterranean sea

There are also several ferry routes from the port of Barcelona to Italy. The most popular ferry routes to Italy are to the port of Genoa and to the port of Porto Torres in Sardinia.

Here you can find more information on the ferry routes:

• Barcelona - Genoa ferry: there are about 3-4 weekly crossings from Barcelona to Genoa, taking about 20 hours to reach the Italian port. 
• Barcelona - Porto Torres ferry: the Barcelona - Porto Torres ferry route runs around 4 connections per week. The ferry trip lasts about 12 hours to reach the Sardinian port. 

Tip: ferry trips from Barcelona to the ports of Italy are long and usually overnight so we recommend you book a bed cabin for a more comfortable trip. 

Apart from the ferry connections from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands and Italy, there are also connections from the port of Barcelona to Morocco:

• Barcelona - Tangier ferry: there are usually 5 weekly crossings serving the Barcelona - Nador ferry route all year round. The ferry trip from Barcelona to Tanger-Med (Tangier) takes between 28 to 33 hr. Tickets start at €63.
• Barcelona - Nador ferry: the ferry connection from Barcelona to Nador with 2 weekly crossings takes approximately 26 hr. The Barcelona - Nador ferry price starts at €60.

Where is the ferry port in Barcelona?

The port of Barcelona is located in the community of Catalonia, on the northwest coast of Spain. It's also near the famous neighborhoods of Raval, Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta, Poble-Sec, Montjuic and Ribera.

You can actually walk from the passenger port to Plaça de Catalunya in the center of the city in about 15 minutes! 

How to get to Barcelona port

The closest metro station to the port is Drassanes on line L3. There are also several bus stops around the passenger terminals.

For example, you can catch any of the following bus services that take you to the port of Barcelona: 88, 88B, D20, 21, N0, N6, H14, and 59. There is also the T-3 Portbus that takes you from Drassanes to the cruise terminals.

There are also many taxis at designated ranks in the port area. The port of Barcelona is just a 20-minute walk to the train station of Estació de França and about 20 minutes by metro to the train station of Barcelona Sants.

You can easily go from the port of Barcelona to the airport by metro and bus. Catch the metro line L3 from the Drassanes stop to the city center and then buses A1 and A2 to the airport of Barcelona - El Prat.

Alternatively, if you’re heading to the port by car or motorbike, follow road C-31 which merges into B-10 that reaches the port area. 

Port Vell and the city of Barcelona as seen from the hill of Montjuïc

Vacation in Barcelona

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan port city and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe and around the globe. The city’s vibe is going to charm you as soon as you step foot in the Catalan capital.

The food, the history, the architecture and the culture of Barcelona are only a few of the reasons why you should visit the second most populated city in Spain. 

The best time to visit Barcelona is spring, as the weather is mild and pleasant. The high season in Barcelona is from June to August when the weather is usually hot and humid and you can find many outdoor events and festivals. 

How to get to Barcelona

You can easily get to Barcelona by plane, ferry, train, or your own vehicle from mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, Italy, France, as well as other European and international destinations.

Barcelona’s El Prat Airport is the second busiest airport in Spain and the closest to the city center. The distance between Barcelona center and the El Prat airport is approximately 12 km and 40 minutes by bus.

As for ferry routes, Barcelona is connected by ferry with the Balearic Islands, Italy and Morocco all year round.

Sunset over the neighborhood of Raval in the old town of Barcelona

What to do in Barcelona 

Barcelona is an all-year-round destination, perfect for summer holidays, ideal for culture-lovers, as well as a great stop before heading to the Balearic Islands by ferry.

Visit the stunning architectural works of the architect Antoni Gaudí, taste delicious Catalan products at the local food markets, catch panoramic views of the city from the hill of Montjuic and make sure you spend some time by the sea in one of the beautiful Barcelona beaches. 

Tip: Ferryhopper suggests that you spend at least 4 days in Barcelona in order to get a taste of the city vibe and see the main sights.

Beaches in Barcelona 

The city of Barcelona has a coastline of about 4.5 km so there are plenty of beaches to choose from, right on the city’s seafront. Close to the city center you can find beaches to chill and sunbathe, do watersports or enjoy a drink in classy bars and restaurants by the sea. 

Here is a list of the best beaches in Barcelona: 

• Barceloneta: the most popular beach in Barcelona. A long sandy beach where you can try water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s easily accessible on foot from the city center. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds and it also has bathroom and shower facilities as well as lockers. 
• Nova Icària: one of the most beautiful beaches of Barcelona. A long sandy beach that is great for families with children or if you want to relax without having to go far from the city center. The beach is accessible and it has parking nearby, as well as umbrellas and sunbeds for rent. 
• Sant Sebastià: the second most popular beach in Barcelona, the closest to the port of Barcelona. Slightly less crowded than Barceloneta, but with a similar lively vibe. It is an accessible beach with many amenities such as public toilets, showers, umbrellas, sunbeds and kiosks for refreshments.
• Mar Bella: a long sandy beach north of the city center, with a calmer vibe compared to Barceloneta and Sant Sebastià. It is a popular place to play volleyball, skateboard, or rollerblade on the promenade, as well as to swim and play with the waves. One side of the beach is clothing-optional, while on the other side you can find a playground for children.
• Llevant: the beach is relatively new, part of the development of the Diagonal Mar area, close to the Sant Martí neighborhood. It is one of the quietest beaches in Barcelona, easily accessible by car. 
• Fòrum: the Fòrum bathing area is not a beach but a paved area with direct access to the sea. It’s close to the urban park of Barcelona and it has watersports facilities. It has a designated section for people with disabilities and in the summer there are bathing support services available.
• Castelldefels: a wide and long beach with golden sand located at the Costa del Garraf about 20 minutes by train from Barcelona. It has sailing and windsurfing schools, and it’s near the impressive Parc Natural del Garraf.

Aerial view of Barceloneta on a sunny day

Sightseeing and activities in Barcelona 

Barcelona is a city full of sights and monuments, with many of them being part of the UNESCO Heritage Sites list. Walking around Barcelona's neighborhoods is one of the best ways to explore its sites and admire the city's architecture. 

Are you wondering what to see in Barcelona? We made a list of some of the must-see sights in the city: 

• La Sagrada Familia: an impressive basilica that combines different architectural styles designed by Antoni Gaudí. Probably the most famous tourist attraction in Barcelona, it attracts nearly 3 million visitors every year. 
• Parc Guëll: a colorful park with a stunning view of the city of Barcelona, with landscape designs by Gaudí. One of the most emblematic areas of the city. 
• Casa Batlló: one of the most famous buildings by Gaudí. Its surrealist facade is one of the most impressive things you will see while walking in the center of Barcelona.
• Palau de la Música Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music): the main concert hall of Barcelona was built between 1905 and 1908. It’s a great example of the Art Nouveau decorative style. It’s worth visiting even outside concert hours to see the impressive skylight and the decoration of the space. 
• Fundació Joan Miró (Joan Miró Foundation): a museum dedicated to the art of Joan Miró in a beautiful location in the Montjuïc Park.
• Quadrat d'Or: part of the Eixample area, Quadrat d'Or is a beautiful neighborhood that looks like an open-air museum. A walk around its modernist buildings, colorful walls, ceramic art, decorative elements and statues will charm you. 
• Parc de la Ciutadella: a beautiful park ideal for a peaceful break in the city of Barcelona. It has a zoo, a small lake and the city’s Natural History Museum (Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona).
• La Boqueria Market: located in the old town of Barcelona, it’s one of the oldest open-air markets in the city. It can be crowded as it’s a popular tourist attraction but you will find more than 200 stalls with amazing local products to taste or buy. 

The colorful Park Güell in Barcelona with a stunning view of the city

Day trips from Barcelona

If you are planning to stay in Barcelona a bit longer we would recommend adding to your schedule a day trip to nearby destinations to explore cultural sites and natural attractions. 

Some suggestions for short trips from Barcelona: 

• Girona: a beautiful medieval town about 40 minutes by train from Barcelona. 
• Sitges: beautiful coastal town 35km southwest of Barcelona, known for its resorts and cultural events. Perfect if you wish to combine your time in Barcelona with seaside holidays.
• Montserrat Monastery: the Montserrat mountain, located about 60 km north of Barcelona is an imposing natural sight that is also great for hiking. The Montserrat Monastery is a popular tourist attraction, dating from the 11th century and home to a community of Benedictine monks.
• Vic: a small town with charming historic quarters of Medieval style and architecture. About 1.5 hours by train or bus from Barcelona. 
• Andorra: an independent principality in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is famous for its impressive nature, its ski resorts as well as duty-free shopping. You can get there in about 3.5 hours by train from Barcelona.

The imposing rock formations of the Monserrat mountain and the historic monastery below

Nightlife in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the top destinations for nightlife in Spain! There are many tapas restaurants across the city where you can enjoy typical Spanish food and drink. We recommend checking out the tapas bars in the area of Poble Sec. 

In the heart of Barcelona's old town, Ciutat Vella, you will find stylish bars and alternative all-day cafes. In the district of Eixample, you'll go to listen to Latin music and dance to the latest hits, while the area also has many LGBT-friendly bars and clubs.

In the marina of Port Olympic, the area next to Barceloneta, the nightlife is lively and loud. Popular nightclubs, classy bar restaurants and big DJ events are the main attraction in the area for both locals and tourists. Get ready to party hard!

To get a taste of the more luxurious side of the city, you should go to the exclusive clubs north of Diagonal Avenue. Most of the bars and clubs will have a dress code and you might be lucky to meet celebrities while drinking your fancy cocktail. 

Tip: the city metro is open 24 hours during the weekends so you don't have to worry about how to get home after a long night out!

Food in Barcelona 

Catalonia is a destination that is famous for its delicious recipes and tasty local products. To get an idea of Barcelona's gastronomy we recommend trying different restaurants and tapas bars around the city. 

A few suggestions on what to try while in Barcelona: 

• esqueixada de bacallà (salted cod, tomatoes, red peppers and onions)
• escalivada (grilled vegetables with peppers, eggplant, and tomato)
• arròs negre (rice with squid ink and homemade garlic mayonnaise)
• canelonones (pasta filled with stewed meat or duck)
• faves a la Catalana (beans stew with sausage)
• crema Catalana (creamy custard)

Barcelona Tips

Here are some more useful Barcelona tips to help make your holidays even more enjoyable:

• If you wish to see some art while in Barcelona we recommend purchasing an Articket, which offers free entry to 6 of the largest museums in the city: the Picasso Museum, the Foundation Joan Miró, the MACBA, the Fundació Antoni Tàpies, the National Museum, and the CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona). 
• If you are staying for at least 3 to 5 days in Barcelona it might be worth buying a Barcelona Card. The card is both a transport card and a museum pass. while it can also be used for discounts in specific places and services. The best value for money is the 5-day card that costs €61. 
• Try the cableway Telefèric de Montjuïc to get to the top of Montjuic hill. The trip is short, about 10 minutes, and the view of the city of Barcelona is amazing. 
• The city of Barcelona has made significant efforts to services and locations across the city accessible to people with disabilities. For example, nearly all metro stations and buses are accessible to wheelchair users while the majority of Barcelona beaches have accessible facilities. Explore more advice for people with disabilities traveling by ferry in Spain.

The cable car to Montjuic hill with an impressive view of the city of Barcelona

Useful information about Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the largest cities in Spain, a modern city with lively vibes and impressive architecture. It has highly developed tourist services and there are things to see and do all year long.

In Barcelona, you will find a variety of accommodation options depending on your style and budget. If you want to go sightseeing around the city, we would recommend staying in a hotel or apartment in the Gothic Quarter or the Eixample district. 

As for hospitals, there are several options in the center of Barcelona and the suburbs, so you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Barcelona

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Barcelona: 

• European emergency number: 112
• National Police: 091
• Transport network Barcelona: +34900701149
• Barcelona Port Authority: +34933068800
• Barcelona Hospital: +34932275400
• Barcelona airport information: +34913211000
• Radio taxi services: +34933033033 

Restaurant in a picturesque courtyard in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

Transportation in Barcelona

You can get around the Barcelona city center on foot or by bicycle. It's actually the best way to explore its neighborhoods and charming corners. 

Barcelona has a great transport network with metro, buses, trains, and trams. You can get a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus and visit all the famous landmarks and city attractions. 

Where to book Barcelona ferry tickets online

On Ferryhopper, you can book tickets from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands and other Mediterranean destinations. Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from the port of Barcelona, check our Map of ferries for the available ferry crossings, compare companies and book ferry tickets online at no extra cost!