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Wheelchair Accessible Cruise Ports in Spain

July, 2019

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Read all you need to know about the different accessible cruise ports on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. In this comprehensive guide, you find information about the different facilities offered in the cruise terminals. You read about the distance from the terminal to the city center. How to get there and what kind of wheelchair accessible tours you can do in the destinations where the cruise ships dock. And much more.

Start your cruise relaxed and prepared. This guide starts by giving you information about about climate, safety, language and currency in Spain. Furthermore you get informed about the following cruise ports:
(Click on the name to jump to your port of interest)

Weather information

Because of the location of the various cruise ports, you will experience a different climate as you go along the coast. In the north, Catalunya has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. While more to the south, in Andalucia, you can sunbathe almost every day from June until September. There is basically no rainfall at this time. During the summer, the weather is constantly beautiful, even in the evenings.

Safety

Spain, in general, is considered a very safe country to travel to. So no need to worry, just be careful and mindful with your belongings. As with all European countries, there is some increased risk in places where many people come together. In Spain, these are the larger cities and the Costas. The main form of crime is pick pocketing. Especially the public transport in Barcelona is known as the place where you run most risk of getting robbed. 

Language

There are four official languages in Spain: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, and Galician. And everyone in Spain speaks Spanish as their main language. In the northern cruise ports, you find people speaking Catalan. However do not worry as most of the people working in touristic areas of the city also speak English.

Currency

Just as in other countries belonging to the European Union, the euro is the currency used in Spain. A euro consists of 100 cents. There are eight different coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros. There are also seven different banknotes with the following value: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.

Please note that the latter two are not accepted in most stores, bars, and restaurants. If you want to use an easy way to convert currencies, use this website/app!

Mallorca

The port in Palma the Mallorca is an essential stop-over for the main tourist itineraries in the Western Mediterranean. This cruise port perfectly combines the latest technology and tradition. When (st)rolling through the port of Palma you feel the Mediterranean philosophy (unhurried and relaxed). Yet with its modern character and facilities, it is a comfortable place to (dis)embark your cruise ship. At the cruise terminal, you find an ATM, waiting areas, accessible bathrooms, and the bus stop outside the terminal.

What to see/do

Explore the town of Palma, the capital of Mallorca. Discover its amazing buildings and architecture filled with history. Visit Valldemossa, the town that presents the life of the famous Polish composer Chopin. Go sightseeing in Sa Foradada where you get to see the rock shaped like an elephant. Next up are the villages of Alcudia and Lluch. Experience the Mediterranean atmosphere of these two towns in real life! Last but not least, you can visit the town of Soller which is famous for its oranges!

Want to know more about the accessible tours that are available in Mallorca? Check the link below. Besides the regular tours, there are many accessible sport activities. Completely adjustable, private, and above all: loads of fun!

Distances

From the Cruise Port to the City Center: 6 to 8 km
Airport: 20 minutes
Free shuttle service to the city: yes

How to get around

From the main port in Palma, it is about a 60-minute (st)roll to the old city of Palma. For the less energetic among us, there is a possibility to arrange an accessible taxi or take a public bus situated just outside the terminal. The buses to the city are numbers 10, 102, and 111. These are all wheelchair accessible.

The cruise port also offers a shuttle service that brings you to the cathedral of Palma. Sadly these shuttle buses are not accessible for wheelchair users. (Linea 1) departs every 15 minutes or so from Estació Marítima

Mallorca cruise port
Mallorca Palma Wheelchair Accessible Tour and Shore Excursion, Wheelchair Accessible Boat Tour incl visit to the Mountains
Mallorca, Palma Wheelchair Accessible Tour and Shore Excursions, incl Valldemossa

Barcelona

One of the most important ports in the Mediterranean in terms of calls and passengers. And the starting point of many cruise holidays. With its award-winning terminals, they show that they can handle the biggest cruise ships in the world. Each docking area can handle one ship at a time and with the location being almost in the heart of the city, you will be out and about in no-time.

Every terminal is adapted for wheelchair users. In the areas, you find accessible toilets, widened doors, elevators, and ramps where necessary. Besides adjusted facilities for disabled, there is a duty-free shopping area, money exchange booths, bars and restaurant, a VIP lounge and much more.

What to see/do

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city with many different faces. During the day you can enjoy many sights, Gaudi architecture, museums and fun activities for the children, or you can go shopping. While in the evening you can go for a drink in a café, eat out in a nice tapas restaurant or spend until the early hours in a nightclub. You can make it as expensive (or cheap) as you want. In Barcelona, there is something for everyone!

We offer several private, adjustable and wheelchair accessible tours, in the city or the surroundings. Check out the link below to find out about perfect ways to explore this beautiful city.

Distances

City center: 2.5 km max
Airport: 12 km via highspeed
Free shuttle service to city: no

How to get around

The cruise terminals are located very close to the city center. In getting around, you have the option to take the cruise bus or arrange a private accessible taxi. The Cruise bus takes you within 10 minutes to the statue of Columbus, the beginning of the Ramblas. From there everything is (st)rolling distance.

You can buy a one-way ticket for €3 and a return ticket for €4. Tickets can be purchased online before you arrive or with cash in the bus itself. The bus is accessible for wheelchairs and can be accessed via a hydraulic ramp on the backside of the bus.

Barcelona Cruise port
Barcelona Amphibious Chair Nova Icaria Beach
Barcelona Beach

Valencia

The cruise port of Valencia is one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Due to its favorable location in an attractive region, it is one of the top ports in Spain. It can dock a large number of cruise ships at the same time. Besides the location, there is no other port in Spain that mixes old and new so fascinatingly together as the port of Valencia. The constant improvements have led to massive growth in urban tourism in the city, and it is the connection between the Balearic Islands and Italy.

At the port in Valencia, there are two terminals where you find wheelchair accessible bathrooms, information desks, and bars and restaurants. Furthermore, there are tons of souvenir shops and duty-free stores.

Note that there is no ATM at the cruise port, but in most facilities, you are able to pay with a debit- or credit card.

What to see/do

You will not be bored for a minute in Valencia. The city has so much to offer that you hardly have enough time to see everything in one day. Most cruise passengers therefore, choose to spend a full day in Valencia. The most popular attractions are the historic city center, the green belt of vegetable gardens, the beautiful beaches, the Turia river bed and especially the modernist buildings of the “City of Arts and Sciences”.

Disabled Accessible Travel offers several private, wheelchair accessible and adjustable tours in Valencia. From having a relaxed day at a winery including a wine tasting, to a tour of the old town of Valencia. Click on the more information to see all our tours.

Distances

City center: 4 km
Airport: 11 km
Free shuttle service to the city: no

How to get around

You usually dock at the cruise terminal itself, but depending on the day’s activity or the size of your ship, you can also dock further in the industrial part of the port. In that case, wheelchair accessible shuttle buses are provided for to take you to the cruise terminal, which is also an important transit zone for trans-Mediterranean ferry passengers. The shuttle takes about 20 minutes and costs between €1,50 to €10 for a one-way ticket.

Cruise port Valencia
Valencia Oranges
Valencia View

Cartagena

An ancient city that has been occupied by many different civilizations and cultures, ever since its first existence 3000 years ago. Even before you dock you can see influences of these times. From the water, you see the old city walls and the towering fortress. A beautiful sight when entering the harbor of Cartagena. The port grew to be one of the most (industrial) ports in Spain.

The cruise port is located in the heart of the city, just 200 meters from the center. After mooring at the terminal, you are a short (st)roll away from immersing yourself in the bustling city life of Cartagena. In the center, you find bars, restaurants, and beautiful sights and architecture.

Along with the general facilities, there also is an accessible bathroom inside the cruise terminal. Furthermore, there is a yacht club right next to the terminal with a restaurant that gives a spectacular view of the harbor.

What to see/do

Explore the city accompanied with an officially licensed guide. He will show you the most beautiful sites Cartagena has to offer. From beautiful views from the top of a hill to the inside of the cathedral, and the religious shrine which is completely built in the 18th Baroque fashion of that time.

The lively city of Murcia is a scenic drive away of about 40 minutes. With cozy streets and squares, plus the magnificent cathedral and the famous casino. There are plenty of charming places to try the local tapas or see a flamenco show. Check out the information button to see which tour is perfect for you.

Distances

City center: 200 meters
Airport: Murcia-San Javier: 30km, El Altet: 100km
Free shuttle service: If requested

How to get around

Since the cruise port is located in the center of the city, it is very easy to get around. And best of all, it saves a lot of time! From the moment you get off the ship, you are ready to explore. The streets are very wheelchair friendly. There are some hills, however if you stick to the walking/rolling paths and take the elevators it is pretty effortless.

Cartagena Roman Theater
Cartagena tours Statue Man
Cartagena cruise port flat service

Málaga

The port of Málaga is an international seaport and a popular fishing port. It is the oldest one of its kind operating in Spain. The port is in a natural bay, well protected by the shape of the coastline. The port is situated on the edge of the historic cultural center and has access to all of the city´s beaches via the Promenade Pablo Ruiz Picasso. It is the second most important port in Spain for cruise passengers.

Depending on where you dock, there are several facilities in the terminal buildings. In the terminals, you find shopping area’s, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, parking, and various bars and restaurants.

What to see/do

Málaga, a city in the province of Andalusia is famous for its history and youthful vitality. Internationally famous for its 3000 years of history and architectural delights featuring the influence of the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. Join us for our very popular walking/rolling tour in Málaga where over a period of four hours you discover the best the city has to offer. Highlights include visits to the Palace of Justice, City Hall, the historic center of the old city, with hidden nooks and crannies to explore en route.

Other full day tour options with private wheelchair accessible adapted vehicles, allows to visit the surrounding villages of Malaga, such as the charming white town of Mijas, or Marbella. Click the more information button to see our tours and request more detail.

Distances

City center: 5 – 20 minutes
Airport: 8 km
Free shuttle bus to the center: no

How to get around

There is a wheelchair accessible shuttle service running from the piers to the city center of Málaga. This bus takes you to Plaza de la Marina. From there everything in the city is easily accessible. They run every 15-20 minutes and costs €2,- per person for a one-way ticket. You find the bus stop just outside the cruise terminal.

The city of Málaga lends itself very well for wheelchair users. Apart from a few slanted areas, the streets are flat as is the long seafront boulavard, just outside the cruise terminal. At some places you find some mild cobblestones but they do not pose any major obstacle.

Cruise Port Malaga City View
Malaga bikes and ocean view
City tour Malaga with guide

Cádiz

Cádiz is a popular destination during a cruise vacation to Spain. The city appears almost out of nowhere with only sea and empty coastline on both sides. This historic city is beautifully situated along the Atlantic Ocean. Cádiz is especially popular because of the excursion options to Seville. Since the terminals are located in the center, the city is just a (st)roll away.

At the terminals, you find wheelchair accessible bathrooms, a phone booth, taxi services, and the police if necessary.

What to see/do

Join us for our very popular (st)rolling tour in Cádiz. Starting either at the port or from your accommodation, with this tour you can enjoy the best of the city. Within a half-day period, you will see the most important sites of Cadíz. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the stunning Cathedral, constructed in three distinct architectural styles. Furthermore, you get to see the Iglesia de Santiago, the Casa Manuel de Falla, and the delightful Plaza España. En route, you see further architectural features and buildings, and you learn about the local gastronomy, which is a major part of Spanish life.

Click on the more information button to see what you can do in and from Cádiz.

Distances

City center: 200 meters
Airport: 31 km
Free shuttle bus to the center: no

How to get around

Since the port is located in the city center you get around very easy by wheel. The bus stop is outside the terminal where wheelchair accessible buses bring you around the center, or to the beaches that are near Cádiz.

In Cádiz, it is very easy to get around as all of the roads are flat, although there are a few cobblestones. Fantastic long promenade of about 8 km and a lovely, well kept sandy beach. Public transport is fully wheelchair accessible and cheap.

Cadiz View Cruise Ship and City
Cadiz Boulevard Smooth Path
Rolling Tour Cadiz

Go on your cruise prepared and with peace of mind. Anything missing in this guide? Please contact us!

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