See classical architecture, hob-nob in hip bars, or scale an imposing volcano.
Tucked into the far southwestern corner of Europe, the nations of the Iberian Peninsula are home to diverse cultural riches and myriad opportunities for outdoor exploration. Start a cruise vacation to experience Spain's Islamic-inflected architectural heritage at the Alhambra in Granada and the Giralda in Seville. See the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters of Portugal's Algarve, and take exhilarating hikes around the calderas of active volcanoes in the Canary Islands. As an added bonus, the food and drink in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands is life-altering — from finger foods like Spanish tapas and Portuguese petiscos to crisp white wines like Vinho Verde and bold reds from Rioja.
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Top Destinations in Spain
Retrace centuries of history along Spain’s coast, where vibrant cities, ancient ports, and island escapes meet sunny plazas, sweeping sea views, and a culture shaped by art, exploration, and life by the water.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and Gaudí’s imagination. Tour the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudí, then wander Park Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage icon. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter’s medieval lanes, and ride up Montjuïc Hill for skyline views.
Cartagena
Cartagena blends Roman roots with seaside Spain in one walkable, sunlit port. Explore the Roman Theatre Museum, climb up to Castillo de la Concepción for harbor views, and wander the Old Town’s modernist façades. For beach time, head to Cala Cortina, a local favorite close to the city.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife, Canary Islands, is your launchpad for epic volcanic scenery and breezy beach days. Ride up Mount Teide in Teide National Park for otherworldly views, then relax on the golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas. In Santa Cruz or La Laguna, find lively plazas, tapas and island style.
Portugal Cruise Ports
Soak up the beauty of Portugal’s cruise ports, from vibrant coastal cities to wine‑country landscapes and dramatic Atlantic cliffs—each stop offering rich culture, local flavor, and unforgettable views by sea.
Lisbon
Lisbon brings seafaring history to life in Belém. Step inside Jerónimos Monastery and see Belém Tower—both part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site—then savor riverside views along the Tagus. Want a fairytale day trip? Head to Sintra to tour the colorful Pena National Palace.
Porto
Porto pours on old-world charm, from tiled streets to riverside wine lodges. Cruise the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of terraced vineyards, then toast the day with crisp Vinho Verde and rich port tastings. Back in town, explore waterfront cafés and viewpoints along the Douro River.
Madeira
Madeira is Portugal’s lush, cliffside escape—made for scenic drives and fresh-air adventure. Stroll Funchal’s waterfront, then hike a levada trail through laurel forests or chase viewpoints like Cabo Girão. Round it out with local Madeira wine and sweet treats as Atlantic sunsets light up the hills.
Encounter beauty both natural and manmade in
Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands
Sail to Spain to sink your teeth into tapas, Portugal to sip sweet port wine or the Canary Islands to feast on the majesty of natural bliss. No matter where in southwestern Europe you visit, a feast is guaranteed.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Best Time to Go to Spain
The ideal time to take a cruise in Spain depends on the experience you’re after. Travelers who enjoy warm weather and lively cities often prefer late spring through early fall, while those seeking fewer crowds may favor the winter months.
The weather in Spain, Portugal and the Canaries is pleasant most of the year, though winter can be rainy and occasionally chilly. Summer (and most of spring and fall) are dry, but it's not uncommon for daytime temperatures to rise up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in the Canary Islands and low-lying places in Spain and Portugal.
1
Carry a dictionary with you, or update the "Translate" app on your phone. Even in the major cities and ports of Spain and Portugal, English isn't widely spoken.
2
Pack your schedule lightly: The siesta culture of Spain means cities and towns shut down for an hour every afternoon, which can shave off some time on your to-do list.
3
Portugal has famously relaxed views on punctuality in Portugal, so factor in a few extra minutes when trying to get around.
FOOD AND CULINARY EXPERIENCES
The culinary patchwork of Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands is as colorful as the various languages its people speak and the many cultural traditions they follow. From the tapas in Spain to meat and potatoes covered in Canarian mojo sauce, you're sure to find many ways to express your contentment during your vacation.
PAELLA POWER
Featuring tender seafood with savory saffron rice, paella's claim to fame is simplicity. In one bite of this dish, you can taste all of the flavors that have made Spain's signature dish famous around the world.
REACH RIGHT IN
Whether you try tapas in Spain or petiscos in Portugal, a few things stay true: These small plates of meat dishes, pastries and sandwiches meant to be eaten by hand aren't tiny, and a friend to help you eat is just as useful as a glass of fruity sangria wine punch to wash it down.
CHEW ON CHURROS
These long, fried pastries covered in cinnamon and sugar not only taste better in Spain, where they originated long ago, but they're also available in their first incarnation: served with a rich cup of hot chocolate, a meal so satisfying it's not even considered dessert.
Related Ports
Discover Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands in-depth. Read about Málaga, the hub of Spain's Costa del Sol where Pablo Picasso was born, or Portugal's colorful capital Lisbon. Then get to know the Canary Islands, from the busy beaches of Tenerife to peaceful La Palma.
