Spain Targets Overtourism With New Barcelona Cruise Limits

Spain is taking action to combat overtourism by reducing cruise traffic at the Port of Barcelona. In a newly announced agreement between Barcelona’s city hall and the port authority, the number of cruise terminals will be cut from seven to five by 2030.

“For the first time in history, limits are being placed on the growth of cruise ships in the city,” said Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni, speaking to Reuters. The move aims to reduce crowding in one of Europe’s most heavily visited cruise destinations.

Barcelona has seen a sharp rise in cruise activity in recent years, with a 21% increase in ship arrivals and a 20% rise in cruise passenger traffic—reaching 1.2 million—in the first five months of 2025 alone. Between 2018 and 2024, passenger volume surged 20%, putting increased pressure on local infrastructure and quality of life.

As part of the new agreement, three existing cruise terminals will be consolidated into one, and the port’s total passenger capacity will be reduced from 37,000 to 31,000.

Officials also revealed that cruise lines homeporting in Barcelona will be given priority over stopover visits. The goal is to encourage longer stays, reduce environmental impact, and boost local spending by travelers who embark or disembark in the city.

The changes align with previous statements by Mayor Collboni to cut down on one-day cruise calls, which contribute to overcrowding without significant economic benefit. The new strategy represents a key step in Barcelona’s broader sustainability and tourism management efforts.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/cruise