Port of Barcelona Spain. Ancient and modern international Spanish port
The seaport of Barcelona is the trade gateway of Catalonia, one of the largest in Europe, where 1,700 ships can simultaneously enter. The city's sea front was completely renovated in preparation for the 1992 Olympics.
Most best view the port of Barcelona opens from Montjuïc mountain. Only from here, from above, can one appreciate the true scale of its sea area, berths and cargo terminals. For tourists, the Old Port is primarily of interest. From the famous statue of Columbus there is a pontoon pedestrian bridge, which offers views of the embankment and the Maremagnum shopping and entertainment center. On the left is a pier for yachts: they stand close to each other, pointed, elegant, masterpieces of shipbuilding art. There is also the magnificent Barcelona Aquarium - a unique structure with an excellent collection of marine life. And how impressive the terminal for mooring cruise ships looks! Huge ships, more like floating cities, bring almost 2 million tourists from all over the world to Barcelona every year.
The cargo port occupies almost 25 square kilometers coast - from above, its territory looks like a giant construction set consisting of colored cubes of sea containers. Despite the clearly industrial landscape of its surroundings, it has become an organic part of Barcelona, which also brings considerable income to the city and Catalonia as a whole.
Port of Barcelona
The history of the seaport of Barcelona dates back more than 2000 years, during which it became one of the most important seaports in Europe. Today it ranks 9th among the largest European ports. It was the port that became the basis of the enormous wealth that the city possessed in the Middle Ages.
At the initial stage, the port was just an anchorage for sea vessels, which was located south of Montjuic mountain. In ancient times, this site was used by Phoenician traders. But since the parking lot was not protected, losses of ships and goods occurred, and a decision was made to create an artificial port. The councilors of Barcelona received permission from King Alfonso V the Generous to build a port to facilitate loading and unloading work. The first work on the construction of a new port began in 1428.
Today, the Port of Barcelona covers an area of 7.86 square kilometers and consists of three main areas: the old part of Port Vell, as well as the commercial port and the logistics port. The port management hopes to double the port's area in the near future to include the area at the mouth of the Llobregat River.
Olympic port
Olympic Port, located between two popular beaches, is considered one of the city's best harbours.
The entire port area was created for the 1972 Olympics and was completely restored before the games took place in 2002. This place is the center of all kinds of entertainment venues and restaurants.
The Olympic Port was one of the first ports to take environmental measures and separate waste disposal. It can accommodate 700 yachts and offers its clients a wide range of services, including bars, restaurants and clubs, one of which is shaped like a huge whale fish.
The port of Barcelona is the fifth largest port in the world in terms of size, and the first among cruise ports. Mediterranean Sea. Port de Barcelona departs and receives daily ferries towards the Balearic Islands and has direct connections with the ports of Rome, Genoa and Algiers.
The seaport consists of 10 passenger terminals, 7 of which are cruise ships. The entrance to the port is at the Christopher Columbus Monument (Mirador de Colom).
The farthest from the city are the cruise terminals of the Moll Adossat zone - A, B, C and D. They are another 2 km away from the Columbus Monument.
The WTC World Trade Center has three terminals named after the cardinal directions:
- E – East,
- N - North
- S - South.
Passengers arriving here will be able to walk to the square in just 5 minutes.
Near Drassanes Square there are Terminals T and Z. Terminal T is called Sant Bertrand and is used by ferries between Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. Terminal Z - Drassanas, is currently used quite rarely by cruise ships.
Near the Maremagnum shopping center, which belongs to the territory of Port Vell, there is another small terminal - M. It is used mainly for large cargo ships.
So how do you get to Barcelona seaport?
From the city center by public transport
Bus number 20 goes from Pl. Congrés (photo: TMB Flickr)
The closest metro station to the port is Drassanes, line L3. From here it takes about 10 minutes to walk to terminals Z, T, N, S, E or M.
Bus number 20 arrives as close as possible to terminals N, S, E, stop – Pl. Congrés. At the very entrance to the port, near the Columbus monument, buses stop on routes 20, 21, 64, 120, D20, H14, N0, N6, stop – Drassanes. Here, those who are interested in remote terminals A, B, C or D can transfer to the T3 PortBus port shuttle.
Shuttle bus T3 PortBus
Bus T3 in the port of Barcelona (photo: autobuses de catalunya)
The T3 PortBus runs between all Barcelona port terminals and the Christopher Columbus Monument. The one-way fare is €2, if you take a return ticket – €3.50 (valid for one day). Take care of small bills; you can only pay for travel in cash from the bus driver. Ticket public transport From Barcelona the T3 PortBus shuttle does not operate.
The shuttle does not have a specific schedule; it is adjusted to the arrival and departure of cruise ships. On average, the bus leaves every 20-30 minutes from the Columbus Monument.
From El Prat Airport to Barcelona Port
By public transport
Cruise ships in the port of Barcelona (photo: carolGB)
Near terminals T1 and T2 you can take the blue express bus Aerobus A1 or A2, which runs every 5-15 minutes between the airport and the city center - Placa de Catalunya. Then at Plaza Catalunya you need to change to metro line L3 and travel 2 stops to Drassanes station. Next you need to go to the Columbus Monument, where the port entrance is located, and if you need terminals A, B, C or D, take the T3 PortBus port shuttle here.
The cost of such a move will be €10.05:
- €5.90 – Aerobus
- €2.15 – metro
- €2.00 – PortBus
Travel time will take from 1.5 to 2 hours.
By taxi
Since there is no direct connection between the airport and the port, a taxi is the fastest and easiest way to get around. For 2015, a single fee of €39 has been established for moving from the port to the airport, or vice versa. The transfer will take about 30 minutes.
You can order a transfer on the website. In this case, you won't have to stand in line for a taxi. The driver will personally meet you with a sign in the arrivals hall and immediately lead you to the car. There are often discounts on the kiwitaxi website, which can make your trip even more profitable.
From Montjuic to the port of Barcelona
You can take the Teleférico de Barcelona cable car from Montjuïc directly to the port of Barcelona. Its upper station Miramar is located next to. The other two are in the port of Barcelona: Torre Jaume I - next to the World Trade Center (WTC) and Torre San Sebastián - in the old part of the port (Port Vell).
A one-way trip costs €11, a round-trip ticket costs €16.5.
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Old port of Barcelona (Spain) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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In anticipation of the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona underwent a major renovation that brought the Old Port back to life. By this time, it was thoroughly abandoned, and the issue of completely demolishing the dilapidated buildings to clear space for new development was seriously discussed. Fortunately, the opposite point of view won in the shortest possible time the unkempt area was turned into a vibrant tourist attraction, very successfully combining opportunities for shopping, entertainment, museum excursions and just have a nice walk.
At least 16 million people visit the Old Port of Barcelona every year.
What to see
Going down to the sea along the Rambla, tourists come to the Columbus Monument, which divides the Barcelona harbor into the Old and New Ports. To the left of the column rise the huge hangars of the Royal Dockyard, which now houses the Maritime Museum. Beautiful building on the right, built in the neo-Gothic style with lancet windows and towers at the corners and richly decorated with stucco, is the Barcelona Port Authority. The continuation of the famous street is the wooden pedestrian bridge Rambla del Mar, leading to artificial island in the middle of the bay and the Mole d'España promenade. From time to time the bridge opens, releasing another luxury yacht into the sea.
The main attraction of the Old Port is the Maremagnum shopping center with hundreds of boutiques selling shoes, clothing, perfumes and accessories from the most famous and fashionable brands. Among them there is even an official store sports club Barcelona, selling products with the symbols of the Catalans' favorite football team. There is also an IMAX cinema here. The building nearby is the famous aquarium with a transparent underwater tunnel.
A walk along the embankment past piers with moored boats and yachts leads to a huge gloomy building of old port warehouses. After reconstruction, it housed the Museum of the History of Catalonia (not to be confused with the Museum of the History of Barcelona). Its halls display interesting exhibits dating back to prehistoric times, artifacts from archaeological excavations, weapons of the ancient Romans and Carthaginians, knightly armor and numerous documents.
The wide square next to the museum is decorated, and for some, disfigured, by the sculpture “Face of Barcelona” based on the series of works by Roy Lichtenstein “Brush Strokes”. The 15-meter-long pop art object reveals itself in a new way from different angles, with a woman's face drawn in red dots gradually emerging against a white background. Nearby, a giant shrimp hanging above their heads grins at passers-by.
The further route around the Old Port leads past countless shops and cafes to the clock tower, once a lighthouse, and the cable car station leading from here to the top of the Montjuic hill. A delightful sight opens up from its trailers - the masts of yachts sway above the piers, turquoise reflections play on the walls and shiny shop windows of the shopping center, and at the pier the next three-masted packet boat "Santa Eulalia" built at the beginning of the last century is preparing to depart.
Practical information
How to get there: by metro on line L3 to the station. Drassanes; by bus No. N0, BCTE to the stop. Port Vell, No. 17, 59, 120, D20, H14, N6, V13 to the stop. Portal de la Pau.
The Port of Barcelona (Puerto de Barcelona, Port of Barcelona) is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, the ninth largest in Europe and the most important in the implementation of cargo and passenger transportation on the Mediterranean coast.
In addition, it is one of the oldest major ports, its history goes back more than 2,000 years. Since the very beginning of its formation, the port of Barcelona has constantly expanded, and continues to grow at the present time, gaining momentum.
The Port of Barcelona consists of three zones:
Commercial port (mainly container cargo transportation), energy and logistics ports;
Cruise port, where cruise ships leave and arrive;
And, the old part of the port is Port Vell, which includes several marinas and a fishing port.
The cargo (industrial) port occupies an impressive territory and is located between the mouth of the Llobregat River and the famous Montjuic mountain. The cruise part begins behind the industrial port and extends to Place de les Drassanes. The part of the port that lies further behind the cruise port and stretches to the city arouses the greatest interest among tourists - this is the old port of Barcelona.
Old Port of Barcelona or Port Vell- the central part of the port. The most vibrant and tourist part of the Barcelona seaport, this is where the main attractions, as well as places for walking and relaxation, are concentrated.
The landmark of the old port can be considered the Placa Portal de la Pau, from which the famous promenade La Rambla originates. The undoubted decoration of the square is the monument to the Spanish navigator and discoverer - Christopher Columbus (Monument a Colom). Inside the column there is an elevator where you can go up to observation deck, which offers views of the embankment and part of the city.
Near the Columbus Monument you can see the Great Market (Mercat Port Antic) and historical monument- the old building of the port administration (Port Authority - Admiral Historic Authority).
Also, near the square there is a small station (excursion agencies), from which tourist pleasure boats and catamarans depart for boat trips around the port area and beyond.
For example: a walk along the Barcelona coastline, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, or a boat trip along the port of Barcelona, lasting 40 minutes.
The very square begins from the square. beautiful bridge Barcelona Port Rambla del Mar. The bridge is designed in the shape of a wave and moves apart when yachts enter the closed harbor.
On one side of the bridge there is a beautiful view of the yacht marina, and on the other there are small sculptures of stargazers looking to the sky.
The bridge leads to the Maremagnum shopping center and Europe's largest aquarium (L'Aquàrium), which houses 8,000 fish and 11 sharks in 22 pools filled with 6 million liters of seawater.
Along the yacht pier, on the city side, there is a beautiful walking boulevard (Moll de Bosch i Alsina), walking along which you can admire the yachts. There are places for relaxation and sculpture.
Above the pier line lies the famous Passeig de Colom, along which you can see historical Buildings and cheerful sculptures of huge sizes: a shrimp (Gambrinus Lobster Statue) and the Barcelona head (La cara de Barcelona).
The embankment along the yacht pier will lead us to the History Museum of Catalonia.
Here, near the museum, there is another marina for yachts, but larger and more respectable ones.
Along the pier there is a promenade with places to relax and cafes. Here, along the boulevard, street vendors of all sorts of things feel great.
On the Moll de Pescadors pier there is a landmark - the Lighthouse Tower (Torre del Rellotge Barceloneta).
Walking further along the port you can see the funicular tower - the San Sebastian Tower, 78.4 meters high. This cable car connects the Barceloneta area and port with Montjuic. A good option to visit the sights of Montjuic and explore the port and surrounding area from above.
Funicular cost: 11 Euro one way and 16.5 round trip.
Funicular opening hours:
01.12 - 28.02: start at 11:00, last ride at 17:30;
01.03 - 31.05: start at 10:30, last ride at 19:00;
01.06 - 10.09: start at 10:30, last ride at 20:00;
11.09 - 29.10: start at 10:30, last ride at 19:00;
30.10 - 31.12: start at 11:00, last ride 17:30;
Attention! The fare and operating hours of the funicular are subject to change! Check before visiting!
The port of Barcelona has already celebrated two millennia of its existence. It is one of the largest European port facilities and the most important on the Mediterranean Sea. The pier where cruise ships moor is in fourth place in the world ranking of structures of this kind. Only Caribbean ports are ahead of it.
Barcelona sea port is distinguished by three main zones:
- logistics port, freight transportation which have a total turnover of over seventeen million tons;
- cruise port for passenger liners;
- the old port of Vell - the location of the business center of Barcelona.
All parts of the Port of Barcelona have their own territories, the necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel.
Location and monument to Columbus
The industrial zone begins on the coast of Llobregat and ends at Montjuic. After this is the cruise section of the port, the end of which is located next to Drassanes Square. Next you can visit the old port of Welle.
The monument to the famous navigator Columbus serves here as an excellent landmark, dividing one common port area into two. We are talking about the cruise section and the old port. Thanks to this monument, tourists arriving on the ship can instantly find their bearings and find the most famous street in Barcelona - La Rambla. Near the stone Columbus is the entrance to the cruise site. Nearby there is a stop pavilion where the port bus T3 PortBus arrives.
History of the port
In ancient times, the ancient Iberians sailed from here on their boats, whose main trading partner was Greece. In the 13th century, Pedro III of Aragon ordered the construction of the first docks, in which galleys were subsequently built. The laying of the first stone of the port took place in 1428 during the reign of Alfonso V. A pier was built to connect the coast and the islet of Mayansa, which later became part of the land. The fishing district of Barceloneta is located here.
The commercial importance of the port gradually grew, and its territory expanded. At the end of the eighties of the last century, a decision was made to modernize the port, before which it had an unsightly appearance. It was updated before the Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
Today, the length of the berth front is 15.6 km. The port has a total area of about a thousand hectares. Its water area has a depth of 12 m and can accommodate over 1.7 thousand ships. The local government is going to double the port area by moving the Lobregat mouth.
Cargo port
The location of the cargo port is the most distant part of the port area from Barcelona. Montjuïc offers beautiful views. The industrial areas of the port are located on an area of 25 square kilometers. Huge complex is proud of its logistics, which is well-functioning at the highest level.
Port Vell
Port Vell attracts visitors to Barcelona. It starts next to the Columbus Monument and ends in Barceloneta. A complete renewal of this territory took place at the end of the twentieth century. It is now a crowded tourist area that is lively at night and during the day. It boasts the beautiful curved Rambla del Mar bridge. From here you can admire the elegant embankment.
Near the entrance to the bridge there is a small cape with a large shopping center "Maremagnum". On the left side of it you can admire the yacht pier, and then the famous Aquarium with thousands of Mediterranean waterfowl.
Cruise port
The location of the cruise port is an area that is located near La Rambla. Passing through Place Joseph Carner, you will reach the entrance to the port, which has ten terminals, of which seven are cruise terminals. From this place you can go on a sea voyage.
Every day dozens leave from here cruise ships.
There are three terminals located near the capital of Catalonia. They are located next to the World Trade Center. Their names reflect the cardinal directions. We are talking about the South, North and East terminals. Not far from the center is Saint Bertrand. There are ferries departing towards the Balearics and Barcelona.
The Adossat embankment is located near terminals A, B, C and D, remote from the Catalan capital. The cruise port is connected to them by bus. It is located at a distance of about two kilometers from the terminals.
T3 PortBus – port bus
You can move between terminals on the blue PortBus shuttle, which moves in a circle from the Columbus statue and to reverse direction. Not far from the monument there is the Drassanes metro station. It serves line L3. From here you can get anywhere in Barcelona.
You won't be able to take a port bus using a transport card. Payment is made only in cash at the entrance to the shuttle. A one-way trip costs two euros, and a round trip costs three. There is no clear bus schedule. However, it is tied to the schedule of cruise ships. The port shuttle departs approximately every 30 minutes.
Parking near the cruise terminals
Only passengers boarding and disembarking are carried out near the terminals. Short stops are allowed, but no long stops. The port area is equipped with private paid parking lots, the closest of which is located next to the World Trade Center. 900 cars can be parked here at the same time. Parking for three to seven days will cost 75 euros. Passengers from cruise ships can take advantage of special discounts.
Storing things
There are no storage lockers on the territory of the terminals. While exploring the Catalan capital, it is best to send your luggage to the airport. The cruise terminal is equipped with a counter manned by a delivery service. After returning your items, you can receive them at the airport terminal at any time convenient for you.
The cost of this service is ten euros per piece of luggage.
In Barcelona itself there are large paid storage lockers. They are located next to Plaza Catalunya, at the Sants train station and Nord bus station. Renting a locker here costs 3.5-11 euros. The tariff is affected by the dimensions of the items. The cameras are located in the central part of the city. Here your luggage is under reliable protection. So you can go on a city tour or on a cruise. Things will wait for you safe and sound.
How to get to the port of Barcelona
The territory of the Barcelona port is huge. You can get to it in different ways.
To reach Cruise Terminals E, N and S and the World Trade Center, take bus number 20 and get off at the Mall de Barcelona stop. You can also use cable car Teleferico de Barcelona, boarding at Montjuïc and leaving at Torre Jaume I station.
To get to the Tower of St. Sebastian or the Marina (the location of the sports and yacht ports), you need to take the 39th, 64th or V15th bus and get off at the Joan de Borbo-Mall de Catalunya stop. You can also take the Teleferico de Barcelona cable car from Montjuïc and exit at Torre Sant Sebastia station.
To get to Terminal M, the Maremagnum shopping center and the aquarium, take the V17 bus and get off at the Maremagnum or Port Vell stop.
You can get to Pau Vila Square by taking the L4 metro line. Exit: Barceloneta station. Buses 39, 45, 59, 64, D20, N2 and V15 also go there. You need to get off at the Joan de Borbo stop.
You can get to the cruise terminals via metro line L3. Exit – Drassanes station. You can take the 20th, 21st, 64th, D20 or H14 buses and get off at the Parallel-Drassanes stop. Bus number 88 also goes there to the stop Mall Sant Bertrand - Mall Barcelona.
There is plenty of transport to cruise terminals A, B, C and D. They can be reached by buses 20, 21, 64, 88, 120, D20, H14 and N6, as well as by metro line L3. Exit - Drassanes or Columbus Square, and from there take the port shuttle T3 PortBus.
The easiest way to get to the port is by taxi. You can take a taxi from the airport to the cruise terminals or in the opposite direction for forty euros.