Barcelona Slashes Cruise Terminals to Curb Tourist Surge
City Moves to Limit Cruise Passenger Numbers by 2030
Barcelona will reduce its cruise terminals from seven to five by the end of the decade. This decision, part of an agreement between the City Council and Port Authority, aims to limit daily cruise passenger capacity from 37,000 to 31,000. Mayor Jaume Collboni confirmed it’s the first time the city has officially restricted cruise growth. The focus now shifts to fewer short-term visits, which currently overwhelm key attractions like La Rambla and the Sagrada Familia.
Infrastructure Overhaul to Support Sustainable Growth
As part of the plan, Barcelona will demolish Terminals A, B, and C. A new, eco-friendly Terminal C will replace the old one, featuring shore power and space for 7,000 passengers. The redevelopment also includes a €90 million expansion of the Porta d’Europa bridge and improved shuttle connections. Four of the five terminals will be operated by major cruise lines like Carnival, MSC, and Royal Caribbean, while Terminal C remains publicly owned.
Local Pressure Forces Rethink on Mass Tourism
The changes follow years of growing local opposition to mass tourism. In early 2025, cruise passenger arrivals rose 20% compared to 2024. The sharp rise has strained housing, inflated rental prices, and clogged public spaces. July 2024 protests where locals squirted tourists with water pistols captured global attention. Now, with €185 million in public-private investment, the city is acting to protect its residents while modernising its port for a more balanced tourism future.