Castellón de la Plana, Valencia, Spain cruise port
MediterraneanSpainValencia › Castellón de la Plana

Castellón de la Plana, Valencia, Spain

Valencia's lesser-known coast delivers medieval towers, wide sandy beaches, and easy access to the walled hilltop town of Peñíscola — without the crowds of Barcelona or Valencia.

⚓ Docked (cruise terminal)🕒 Typical call: 8–10 hrs💵 Euro (€)🗣️ Spanish / Valencian
Docking
Ships berth at Puerto de Castellón (El Grao), ~4 km from the city centre; free shuttle bus provided
Walk to centre
Not walkable from port — free shuttle or taxi to Plaza Mayor (~10 min ride)
Best For
History lovers, beach days, foodies, day trips to Peñíscola or Valencia
Don't Miss
Climbing El Fadrí bell tower for panoramic rooftop views over the city

Getting Ashore

Ships dock at the commercial Port of Castellón (El Grao de Castellón), about 4 km east of the historic city centre.

Getting from Ship to City

  • 1
    Free Shuttle BusThe port operates a complimentary shuttle for all cruise passengers directly to the city centre (Plaza Mayor area). Service runs throughout the port call — check posted times at the gangway.
  • 2
    Taxi from TerminalTaxis queue outside the cruise terminal. The ride to Plaza Mayor takes about 10 minutes and costs roughly €8–12.
  • 3
    Explore El Grao FirstThe port neighbourhood itself has a seafront promenade, fishing harbour, and seafood restaurants — worth 30–45 minutes before heading into the city.

💡 Pro move: The port berth ('Prolongacion Dique Modesto Viguera') accommodates ships up to 300 m. A second berth (Muelle de Levante) is used for smaller vessels.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Castellón has a dedicated cruise berth at the commercial port in El Grao, about 4 km from the city centre.

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
Most cruise linesProlongacion Dique Modesto Viguera, Puerto de Castellón📍Docked
Smaller shipsMuelle de Levante, Puerto de Castellón📍Docked

Top Excursions

From an easy city stroll to a medieval cliff-top castle at Peñíscola or a full day in Valencia, Castellón punches well above its tourist profile.

History

El Fadrí Tower & Cathedral

The 16th-century octagonal bell tower stands 60 m tall beside the Concatedral de Santa María. Climb El Fadrí for sweeping views over the city and coast — the most iconic image of Castellón.

⏱ 1–2 hrs🚶 Easy stroll📷 Iconic views
Find guided city tours →
Iconic

Day Trip to Peñíscola

Drive about 50 minutes north to the 'Papal City,' where Papa Luna Castle — a 13th-century Templar fortress that later housed Antipope Benedict XIII — perches dramatically above the sea. The old town inside the walls is compact and walkable.

⏱ 4–5 hrs🚗 ~50 min drive north🏰 Templar cliff-top fortress
Find Peñíscola tours →
Nature

Coves de Sant Josep

Float through Europe's longest navigable underground river in these stunning limestone caves at La Vall d'Uixó, about 25 km southwest. Guided boat tours run through lit chambers with stalactites overhead.

⏱ 2–3 hrs🚗 ~30 min drive🚣 Boat tour included
Find cave tours →
Culture

Valencia City Day Trip

Spain's third city is under an hour away and delivers the City of Arts and Sciences, La Lonja market (UNESCO), and the birthplace of paella. Best for ships with longer calls or early departure.

⏱ 6–8 hrs🚗 ~50 min drive🏛️ Full day
Find Valencia day trips →
Adventure

Columbretes Islands Boat Trip

These remote volcanic islands about 30 nautical miles (~50 km) offshore are a protected marine reserve — superb snorkelling, diving, and seabird watching. Day boat trips depart from El Grao marina.

⏱ Full day⛵ Boat from El Grao🐠 Marine reserve
Find boat excursions →
History

Morella Hilltop Town

A perfectly preserved medieval walled town built on a soaring rock, topped by a ruined hilltop castle. Its cobbled streets and Gothic basilica feel unchanged for centuries — about 75 km inland.

⏱ Full day🚗 ~80 min drive🏰 Medieval walled city
Find Morella tours →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

Castellón's historic centre is flat and compact — an easy half-day on foot from wherever the shuttle drops you.

El Grao Seafront Stroll

2 km · 45 min · Easy

Walk the maritime promenade in the port district, past the fishing harbour and seafood restaurants, ending at Playa del Pinar.

  1. StartPuerto de Castellón, El Grao, Castellón de la Plana
  2. StopPasseig Marítim de la Platja del Pinar, Castellón de la Plana
  3. EndPlaya del Pinar, Castellón de la Plana
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Castellón de la Plana, Valencia, Spain (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy Days
Jan59°F / 15°C43°F / 6°C4
Feb61°F / 16°C44°F / 7°C3
Mar64°F / 18°C48°F / 9°C7
Apr66°F / 19°C52°F / 11°C6
May73°F / 23°C58°F / 14°C5
Jun80°F / 27°C66°F / 19°C4
Jul85°F / 29°C72°F / 22°C2
Aug85°F / 29°C72°F / 22°C4
Sep80°F / 27°C67°F / 19°C7
Oct74°F / 23°C60°F / 16°C6
Nov66°F / 19°C52°F / 11°C6
Dec61°F / 16°C46°F / 8°C3

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • 🚌
    Take the free shuttle. The port is too far to walk to the city centre — the complimentary bus saves you ~€10 in taxi fares each way.
  • 🕐
    Peñíscola needs a full half-day. Allow at least 4 hours for the drive, castle visit, and old town — don't try to squeeze it in with Valencia on the same call.
  • 🍊
    Eat in El Grao, not the tourist centre. The port neighbourhood's seafood restaurants serve fresher paella and arroz a banda at local prices — avoid the places near Plaza Mayor that cater to groups.
  • 💳
    Cards accepted almost everywhere. You'll rarely need cash, but keep a few euros for the market, small cafes, or El Fadrí tower entry.
  • 🌞
    Summer calls are hot. July–August temperatures regularly exceed 30°C. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and plan beach time or caves in the middle of the day.

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Castellón de la Plana, Valencia, Spain. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

Crystal Serenity
Crystal Cruises
IJmuiden → Barcelona
⚓ Calls 20 Aug 08:00 - 18:00 202618 nights14 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 03
View itinerary · 14 ports
18 days, one-way from IJmuiden to Barcelona
  1. 03 Aug 19:00Departing from IJmuiden, Netherlands North Holland
  2. 05 Aug 09:45 - 21:00Saint-Malo, France
  3. 06 Aug 09:00 - 18:00Brest, France
  4. 07 Aug 08:00 - 08 Aug 16:00Nantes, Montoir-de-Bretagne, France
  5. 09 Aug 08:00 - 10 Aug 15:00Bilbao, Spain Biscay Basque Country
  6. 11 Aug 07:00 - 19:00La Coruna, Spain Galicia
  7. 13 Aug 07:00 - 17:00Porto-Leixoes, Oporto, Portugal
  8. 14 Aug - 21:00Lisbon, Portugal
  9. 16 Aug 07:00 - 19:00Cadiz, Spain, Sevilla
  10. 17 Aug 08:00 - 19:00Malaga, Spain Granada
  11. 18 Aug 09:00 - 23:00Cartagena Spain, Murcia
  12. 19 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Alicante, Spain
  13. 20 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Castellon de la Plana, Spain
  14. 21 Aug 07:00Arriving in Barcelona, Spain
Find this cruise to book →
$15800from / pp
Crystal Serenity
Crystal Cruises
Lisbon → Barcelona
⚓ Calls 20 Aug 08:00 - 18:00 20267 nights7 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 14
View itinerary · 7 ports
7 days, one-way from Lisbon to Barcelona
  1. 14 Aug 21:00Departing from Lisbon, Portugal
  2. 16 Aug 07:00 - 19:00Cadiz, Spain, Sevilla
  3. 17 Aug 08:00 - 19:00Malaga, Spain Granada
  4. 18 Aug 09:00 - 23:00Cartagena Spain, Murcia
  5. 19 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Alicante, Spain
  6. 20 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Castellon de la Plana, Spain
  7. 21 Aug 07:00Arriving in Barcelona, Spain
Find this cruise to book →
$5600from / pp
Crystal Serenity
Crystal Cruises
Lisbon → Piraeus-Athens
⚓ Calls 20 Aug 08:00 - 18:00 202632 nights28 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 14
View itinerary · 28 ports
32 days, one-way from Lisbon to Piraeus-Athens
  1. 14 Aug 21:00Departing from Lisbon, Portugal
  2. 16 Aug 07:00 - 19:00Cadiz, Spain, Sevilla
  3. 17 Aug 08:00 - 19:00Malaga, Spain Granada
  4. 18 Aug 09:00 - 23:00Cartagena Spain, Murcia
  5. 19 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Alicante, Spain
  6. 20 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Castellon de la Plana, Spain
  7. 21 Aug - 21:00Barcelona, Spain
  8. 23 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Toulon, France Riviera, La Seyne-sur-Mer
  9. 24 Aug 08:00 - 19:00Monte Carlo, Monaco City
  10. 25 Aug 07:00 - 20:00Livorno, Florence-Pisa, Italy
  11. 26 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Porto Santo Stefano, Italy
  12. 27 Aug 07:00 - 17:00Olbia, Sardinia Italy
  13. 28 Aug 09:00 - 18:00Trapani, Sicily Italy
  14. 29 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Salerno, Italy
  15. 30 Aug - 20:00Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy
  16. 31 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Sorrento, Italy
  17. 01 Sep 10:00 - 19:00Siracusa, Sicily Italy, Syracuse
  18. 03 Sep 07:00 - 17:00Corfu Island, Kerkyra, Greece
  19. 04 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Kotor, Montenegro
  20. 05 Sep 10:00 - 19:00Zadar, Croatia
  21. 06 Sep 08:00 - 07 Sep 21:00Ravenna, Porto Corsini, Italy
  22. 08 Sep - 20:00Venice, Marghera, Italy
  23. 09 Sep 08:00 - 22:00Trieste, Italy
  24. 11 Sep 07:00 - 17:00Dubrovnik, Croatia, Port Gruz
  25. 12 Sep 09:00 - 19:00Corfu Island, Kerkyra, Greece
  26. 13 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Kefalonia Island, Argostoli-Fiskardo, Greece
  27. 14 Sep 09:00 - 19:00Monemvasia, Greece
  28. 15 SepArriving in Piraeus-Athens, Greece
Find this cruise to book →
$22500from / pp
Emerald Sakara
Emerald Cruises
Barcelona → Malaga
⚓ Calls 19 Oct 20268 nights9 portsDeparts 2026 Oct 18
View itinerary · 9 ports
8 days, one-way from Barcelona to Malaga
  1. 18 OctDeparting from Barcelona, Spain
  2. 19 OctCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  3. 20 OctPalma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  4. 21 OctAlicante, Spain
  5. 22 OctCartagena Spain, Murcia
  6. 23 OctAlmeria, Spain Andalusia
  7. 24 OctGibraltar
  8. 25 OctTangier, Morocco, Tanger-Ville
  9. 26 OctArriving in Malaga, Spain Granada
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
National Geographic Orion
Lindblad Expeditions Cruises
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria → Barcelona
⚓ Calls 06 Apr 202711 nights13 portsDeparts 2027 Mar 27
View itinerary · 13 ports
11 days, one-way from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Barcelona
  1. 27 MarDeparting from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
  2. 28 MarArrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
  3. 30 MarAgadir, Morocco
  4. 31 MarEssaouira, Marrakesh, Morocco
  5. 01 AprCasablanca, Marrakesh, Morocco
  6. 02 AprTangier, Morocco, Tanger-Ville
  7. 03 AprMalaga, Spain Granada
  8. 04 AprCartagena Spain, Murcia
  9. 05 AprValencia, Spain
  10. 06 AprCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  11. 06 AprColumbretes Islands Spain
  12. 06 AprCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  13. 07 AprArriving in Barcelona, Spain
Find this cruise to book →
$17342from / pp
CFC Renaissance
Ambassador Cruise Line Cruises
Dunkirk → Marseille
⚓ Calls 12 Apr 08:00 - 17:00 202711 nights9 portsDeparts 2027 Apr 03
View itinerary · 9 ports
11 days, one-way from Dunkirk to Marseille
  1. 03 Apr 17:00Departing from Dunkirk, Dunkerque, France
  2. 05 Apr 07:00 - 17:00Brest, France
  3. 07 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Porto-Leixoes, Oporto, Portugal
  4. 08 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Lisbon, Portugal
  5. 10 Apr 08:00 - 13:30Gibraltar
  6. 11 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Cartagena Spain, Murcia
  7. 12 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Castellon de la Plana, Spain
  8. 13 Apr 09:00 - 16:00Port Mahon, Menorca Island Balearic Spain
  9. 14 Apr 08:00Arriving in Marseille, France Riviera
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
SeaDream II
SeaDream Yacht Club Cruises
Malaga → Villefranche-sur-Mer
⚓ Calls 06 May 20277 nights7 portsDeparts 2027 May 02
View itinerary · 7 ports
7 days, one-way from Malaga to Villefranche-sur-Mer
  1. 02 MayDeparting from Malaga, Spain Granada
  2. 03 May - 04 MayCartagena Spain, Murcia
  3. 05 MayValencia, Spain
  4. 06 MayCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  5. 07 MayPort-Vendres, France, Perpignan
  6. 08 MaySanary-sur-Mer, France Riviera
  7. 09 MayArriving in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, France Riviera
Find this cruise to book →
$6719from / pp
Marella Explorer 2
Marella Cruises
Round-trip from Malaga
⚓ Calls 30 May 09:00 - 18:00 20277 nights7 portsDeparts 2027 May 26
View itinerary · 7 ports
7 days, round-trip Spanish Sights
  1. 26 May 22:00Departing from Malaga, Spain Granada
  2. 28 May 08:00 - 17:00Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  3. 29 May 08:00 - 18:00Palamos, Spain Costa Brava
  4. 30 May 09:00 - 18:00Castellon de la Plana, Spain
  5. 31 May 09:00 - 16:00Cartagena Spain, Murcia
  6. 01 Jun 12:00 - 19:00Gibraltar
  7. 02 Jun 06:00Arriving in Malaga, Spain Granada
Find this cruise to book →
$1838from / pp
National Geographic Orion
Lindblad Expeditions Cruises
Barcelona → Ponta Delgada
⚓ Calls 26 Jun 202711 nights11 portsDeparts 2027 Jun 25
View itinerary · 11 ports
11 days, one-way from Barcelona to Ponta Delgada
  1. 25 JunDeparting from Barcelona, Spain
  2. 26 JunCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  3. 26 JunColumbretes Islands Spain
  4. 26 JunCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  5. 27 JunValencia, Spain
  6. 28 JunCartagena Spain, Murcia
  7. 29 JunMalaga, Spain Granada
  8. 30 JunTangier, Morocco, Tanger-Ville
  9. 01 JulPortimao, Portugal
  10. 02 JulLisbon, Portugal
  11. 06 JulArriving in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island Azores Portugal
Find this cruise to book →
$14040from / pp
Marella Explorer 2
Marella Cruises
Round-trip from Malaga
⚓ Calls 08 Aug 09:00 - 18:00 20277 nights7 portsDeparts 2027 Aug 04
View itinerary · 7 ports
7 days, round-trip Spanish Sights
  1. 04 Aug 22:00Departing from Malaga, Spain Granada
  2. 06 Aug 08:00 - 17:00Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  3. 07 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Palamos, Spain Costa Brava
  4. 08 Aug 09:00 - 18:00Castellon de la Plana, Spain
  5. 09 Aug 09:00 - 16:00Cartagena Spain, Murcia
  6. 10 Aug 12:00 - 19:00Gibraltar
  7. 11 Aug 06:00Arriving in Malaga, Spain Granada
Find this cruise to book →
$2071from / pp
National Geographic Orion
Lindblad Expeditions Cruises
Ponta Delgada → Barcelona
⚓ Calls 08 Aug 202711 nights12 portsDeparts 2027 Jul 29
View itinerary · 12 ports
11 days, one-way from Ponta Delgada to Barcelona
  1. 29 JulDeparting from Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island Azores Portugal
  2. 02 Aug - 03 AugTangier, Morocco, Tanger-Ville
  3. 04 AugMalaga, Spain Granada
  4. 05 AugMotril, Spain Granada
  5. 05 AugMalaga, Spain Granada
  6. 05 AugMotril, Spain Granada
  7. 06 AugCartagena Spain, Murcia
  8. 07 AugValencia, Spain
  9. 08 AugCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  10. 08 AugColumbretes Islands Spain
  11. 08 AugCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  12. 09 AugArriving in Barcelona, Spain
Find this cruise to book →
$27181from / pp
Marella Explorer 2
Marella Cruises
Round-trip from Malaga
⚓ Calls 19 Sep 09:00 - 18:00 20277 nights7 portsDeparts 2027 Sep 15
View itinerary · 7 ports
7 days, round-trip Spanish Sights
  1. 15 Sep 22:00Departing from Malaga, Spain Granada
  2. 17 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  3. 18 Sep 08:00 - 18:00Palamos, Spain Costa Brava
  4. 19 Sep 09:00 - 18:00Castellon de la Plana, Spain
  5. 20 Sep 09:00 - 16:00Cartagena Spain, Murcia
  6. 21 Sep 12:00 - 19:00Gibraltar
  7. 22 Sep 06:00Arriving in Malaga, Spain Granada
Find this cruise to book →
$1994from / pp
National Geographic Orion
Lindblad Expeditions Cruises
Barcelona → Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
⚓ Calls 04 Oct 202711 nights13 portsDeparts 2027 Oct 03
View itinerary · 13 ports
11 days, one-way from Barcelona to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
  1. 03 OctDeparting from Barcelona, Spain
  2. 04 OctCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  3. 04 OctColumbretes Islands Spain
  4. 04 OctCastellon de la Plana, Spain
  5. 05 OctValencia, Spain
  6. 06 OctCartagena Spain, Murcia
  7. 07 OctMalaga, Spain Granada
  8. 08 OctTangier, Morocco, Tanger-Ville
  9. 09 OctCasablanca, Marrakesh, Morocco
  10. 10 OctEssaouira, Marrakesh, Morocco
  11. 11 OctAgadir, Morocco
  12. 13 OctArrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
  13. 14 OctArriving in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Find this cruise to book →
$19725from / pp
See more cruises visiting Castellón de la Plana →

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