2 days ago
Spanish city introduces strict new limits on tourists and it affects thousands a day
THE popular Spanish city destination of Barcelona is due to limit the number of cruises entering the city.
New plans to demolish two terminals at the Port of Barcelona have been revealed.
Two terminals will be completely demolished - A and B - with terminal C also being demolished to make way for a new terminal on the site.
In total, the number of terminals will be reduced from seven to five.
As part of the €185million (£160.95million) scheme, the new terminal will serve around 7,000 passengers "at any given time".
However, the changes will mean that Barcelona's maximum cruise capacity will reduce from 37,000 passengers to 31,000 per day.
The reduction in cruise terminals follows increasing local backlash against overtourism impacting the city.
The cruise hub is one of the key hubs in the Mediterranean.
According to Travel Weekly, Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni said: "For the first time in history, a limit is being placed on the growth of cruises in the city."
Cruise passengers increased by 20 per cent between 2018 and 2024, without any capacity limits.
The Mayor added: "The current management of tourism involves setting limits and managing better."
In a statement, the Port of Barcelona said: "The agreement signed today acknowledges that maritime tourism is an economic sector with a significant weight in the city, but specifies that it requires planning and management measures, just as is already happening in other tourism sectors such as accommodation, mobility, public spatial planning or taxation.
The ultimate cruising experience - From Universal Studios to Florida's Everglades onboard the Icon of the Seas
"This agreement consolidates the joint commitment of both the Port and the City Council to move towards a more orderly and efficient maritime tourism model that respects the urban and environmental setting of Barcelona."
The plans also include a regular shuttle service for passengers.
Information screens will be installed in the terminals too, providing real-time information to help better spread out visitors and reduce crowds in the busiest areas of the city.
Work on getting rid of terminals A and B will start by the end of 2026 and the entire project is set to be completed in 2030.
Additionally, there is a €50million (£43million) plan to overhaul the area where terminals A and B currently are - eventually offer travellers improved services.
And there will be a €90million (£77.9million) expansion to the Porta d'Europa bridge which links the wharf with the city.
Once complete, the bridge will have bike and walking routes.
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In 2024, Spanish ports received 12.8million cruise passengers - 3.7million of whom were to Barcelona port.
Barcelona first started to scale back cruise operations to the city in 2018, when it moved most operations from the city centre to Adossat Wharf.
By 2023, the city had closed the North Terminal - which is located at the end of the famous Las Ramblas.
And in the past years, Barcelona has more widely battled against issues of overtourism with many locals taking to protesting about the number of holidaymakers in the city.
Last year, the city also announced that by 2029 it would ban all short-term rentals in an attempt to ease the current housing crisis.
Exploring Las Ramblas in Barcelona
TRAVEL reporter Cyann Fielding shares her thoughts on one of the biggest tourist traps in the world, that happens to be in Barcelona.
According to Nomad - an international eSim company, Las Ramblas is the second worst tourist trap in the world and the top in Europe - based on 826 reviews.
But the spot actually holds so much history and is one of the most fascinating destinations to explore - and it has come a long way from it's origins.
As you wander down the street, make sure to stop off at Casa Beethoven - essentially Harry Potter's Ollivanders but for sheet music not wands.
Just down from Casa Beethoven is La Boqueria market - one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets.
Heading on from the market, make sure to look out on the floor for a mosaic by artist Joan Miró, who lived in Barcelona.
Carrying on, make sure to take a detour down Carrer Nou de La Rambla to see Palau Güell - which people often miss not knowing it is there.
I think part of the reason why so many people walk away from Las Ramblas either overwhelmed or disappointed, is because they don't know its history or the top places to explore.
And there are pickpockets, so you just need to be wary.
But by taking your time and exploring the routes different sections and side streets, it makes a great day out immersing yourself in Spanish - and more specifically - Barcelonan culture.
More widely, Spain has also just introduced rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make.
Plus, the little-known way to travel across Spain by train for free this summer.
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