València Sets Record for Cruise Ship Calls with 262 Arrivals, Rising Turnaround Traffic, Smaller Ships, and Sustainable Growth Policies Boosting Its Mediterranean Appeal

Published on November 28, 2025

València is celebrating a historic year in cruise tourism as the city’s port sees its highest-ever number of cruise ship calls. In the first ten months of 2025, the Port of València welcomed 262 cruise ships, surpassing last year’s total by 20 calls and significantly exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This increase contributes to a total of 1.46 million passengers arriving by sea, with nearly half of them traveling on cruise vessels. The surge in cruise activity highlights València’s growing appeal as both a key port of call and a turnaround port in the Mediterranean.

Record Cruise Ship Calls and Continued Growth

The 262 cruise ships that visited València between January and October 2025 represent an 83-ship increase over the same period in 2019, the last year before the pandemic. Compared to ten years ago, when the city recorded just 151 ship calls, this year’s numbers show a 75% increase. València’s growth rate is the fastest among Spain’s primary cruise ports, surpassing Tenerife and Las Palmas, which reported growth rates of 58% and 59%, respectively, over the same decade.

Although larger hubs like Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands continue to lead in total ship calls, València’s impressive progress in narrowing the gap underscores its rising importance along Western Mediterranean and Atlantic cruise routes. The city’s cultural attractions, historic center, and enhanced air and rail connectivity remain key factors in its appeal to cruise lines.

Shift Toward Turnaround Calls: A Boon for Local Tourism

Of the 1.46 million passengers arriving in València by sea, 726,889 were cruise passengers, while the rest traveled by ferries or other passenger services. Notably, the city has seen an increase in turnaround calls—when passengers begin or end their cruises in València—while the number of transit visitors has slightly decreased. Turnaround calls typically involve longer stays in the city, generating higher local expenditures as passengers book hotels, tours, and use local transportation networks. This trend signifies that València is becoming a more significant origin-and-destination port, aligning with tourism strategies focused on maximizing economic benefits while improving the management of visitor flows.

The Trend of Smaller Ships and Sustainable Policies

Despite the increase in cruise calls, the average number of passengers per ship has declined, from 3,020 passengers in 2024 to 2,774 passengers in 2025. This shift towards smaller and mid-sized vessels reflects the city’s growing focus on sustainability. Local authorities have introduced policies that will restrict mega cruise ships—those carrying over 3,000 passengers—from docking in València starting in 2026. These measures are designed to reduce congestion, limit environmental impact, and ensure that cruise tourism remains a sustainable contributor to the local economy.

A Balanced Approach to Growth and Sustainability

València’s cruise tourism success, despite challenges in the broader maritime trade sector, demonstrates the city’s resilience and adaptability. The gradual shift towards smaller ships and the increase in turnaround traffic reflect a balanced strategy that prioritizes both tourism growth and sustainable urban development. For travelers, this may result in a more manageable and enjoyable experience, with less congestion and a better distribution of visitors throughout the city.

A Bright Future for València’s Cruise Sector

As València continues to rise as a major Mediterranean cruise hub, the city faces the challenge of managing its growth while maintaining high-quality experiences for both visitors and residents. The port’s ongoing success in attracting cruise calls is a testament to its strategic approach to tourism development, with sustainability at its core. Moving forward, the balance between economic growth, responsible tourism, and environmental management will be crucial to ensuring the long-term success of València’s cruise sector.

Conclusion

València is making waves in the cruise tourism industry with record ship calls, rising turnaround traffic, and a growing reputation as a key Mediterranean destination. With policies aimed at sustainability and visitor experience, the city is well on its way to becoming a leading player in the region’s cruise tourism sector, all while maintaining a focus on responsible growth.