When is the best time for a cruise to Spain?

There's never a bad time for cruises to Spain, which is why MSC Cruises offers itineraries all year round. The best time to travel depends on what kind of experience you're after. For a balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds and prime sightseeing, spring and autumn are ideal. Spring is particularly lovely for southern Spain cruises, with vibrant blooms and outdoor festivals, including the Easter holidays, when processions fill the streets during Holy Week. If you're craving summer sun, beach time and a lively atmosphere, June through August is the peak season, when you can expect higher temperatures and more visitors. For milder summer temperatures, consider destinations on Spain's Atlantic Coast, like Bilbao and La Coruña. Winter holidays to Spain offer a chance to escape northern Europe's chill and enjoy a quieter, more cultural experience. A February highlight is the exuberant Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, whose subtropical climate ensures pleasant temperatures year-round.

What's the weather like in Spain?

MSC Cruises offers year-round cruises to Spain. Whether you're seeking sunny beaches, vibrant cities or cultural treasures, the weather in Spain varies by region to match every traveller's preference. Southern Spain (Malaga, Seville, Marbella) is perfect for sun-seekers. Summer temperatures often soar above 30°C, although coastal areas like Malaga enjoy some milder weather. The winter months bring slightly cooler temperatures and are ideal for enjoying your Spain holidays without the crowds. For even cooler temperatures, head to northern Spain (Bilbao, La Coruña), where summer highs still hover between 21°C to 25°C. Winter is cooler and rainier, with daytime temperatures between 5°C to 12°C, offering a cosy atmosphere for enjoying local culture. The Canary Islands feature mild, subtropical weather year-round, with temperatures between 18°C to 25°C. There's still a pleasant warmth in winter, making the archipelago an ideal getaway from the colder northern climates. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) offer sunny, beach-filled summers with temperatures around 25°C to 31°C, and mild winters - perfect for a relaxing winter retreat.

Which ports do MSC Cruises visit in Spain?

MSC Cruises opens up a world of Spanish charm and Mediterranean allure with its extensive lineup of itineraries departing from Spain's most vibrant ports. Your dream cruise to Spain sets sail from Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga or Alicante and stops in vibrant ports of call, where you can immerse yourself in local sights, flavours and traditions, either on exciting excursions or on your own. Soak up the medieval charm of Tarragona and the historic streets of Cadiz and Seville, or take in the coastal scenes of Cartagena and Ceuta, the Spanish exclave in North Africa. In the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca serves as our main hub, but we also bring you to the sun-kissed shores of Ibiza and to Menorca, with its quaint capital, Mahon. Headed for the Canary Islands? Start your Atlantic escape in either Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. On memorable island-hopping adventures, stop in charming Santa Cruz de la Palma, Arrecife in Lanzarote (with its otherworldly volcanic landscapes), picturesque Puerto del Rosario on Fuerteventura and laid-back San Sebastián de la Gomera. Those wishing to explore verdant landscapes and historic towns on their holidays to Spain should check out our cruises departing from Bilbao, our main Spanish port for northern Europe-bound voyages. Some ships also drop anchor in La Coruña for easy access to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela.

How much is a cruise to Spain?

Whether you're looking for an affordable escape to keep things simple or a luxurious excursion to ease the stresses of modern life, MSC Cruises has a variety of options tailored to suit every preference and budget. Explore vibrant cities including Barcelona and Valencia, unwind on the pristine beaches of Mallorca or take in the stunning landscapes of the Canary Islands with one of our Spain cruise deals. Thanks to a wide range of cabin choices and amenities to ensure your every comfort - plus our exciting itineraries - you'll be spoiled for choice. A cruise to Spain with MSC Cruises is, quite simply, a delight, and it's all achievable at a price that suits your budget.

What to pack for a cruise to Spain?

Packing for your Spain cruise is all about balancing sunny days, stylish evenings, city exploration and lazy beach sessions. You'll want to mix comfort with a touch of flair to ensure you're prepared for everything during your holidays to Spain, from strolling through vibrant cities to enjoying elegant dinners onboard. Since evenings can get a bit cooler, especially on the water, a light jumper or jacket is a must. Comfortable shoes are key for shore excursions - think trainers or walking shoes for exploring places like Barcelona and Valencia. For beach days or poolside lounging, don't forget sliders and a swimsuit. For evening meals, pack some casual-chic options like dresses or collared shirts and trousers. If your cruise includes formal nights, a suit or dress will be perfect for those special occasions. Expect slightly warmer weather on our southern Spain cruises and those around the Canary Islands, so pack breathable fabrics for the day and a jacket for cooler evenings. For cruises leaving from Bilbao, prepare for northern Spain's mild but sometimes unpredictable weather, which could result in sunshine one minute and light rain the next, meaning that layering is your best bet. Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, just in case.

What is the currency of Spain?

Since January 1999, Spain's currency has been the euro.

What is the time zone in Spain?

Spain and the Balearic Islands are in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The Canary Islands are in the same time zone as the UK. Both Spain and the UK shift to Daylight Saving Time on the same day, meaning the time difference is the same year-round.

What other countries are included in a cruise that goes to Spain?

A cruise to Spain with MSC Cruises can also include visits to other Mediterranean countries within the itinerary. Picture yourself strolling through the bustling streets of Marseille or visiting Italy's grand and historic cities, from Florence, Venice and Rome to Palermo and Pompei. Other routes let you soak up dramatic Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, or the historic beauty of Malta's Valletta. A few even whisk you away to Istanbul, the stunning Greek islands of Corfu and Crete, and the colourful city of La Goulette in Tunisia. Our Canary Islands cruises often include a stop in the picturesque Portuguese island of Madeira, and some even drop by Casablanca in Morocco for a taste of North African culture.

What are the best things to do in Spain?

An MSC Cruises adventure to Spain reveals a cornucopia of experiences that will linger in your memory long after you've returned home. Visit Barcelona to explore the surreal world of Gaudí at the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, then lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow streets in the Gothic Quarter. In Valencia, embrace the futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, home to Oceanogràfic, one of Europe's largest aquariums. Don't miss wandering through the charming Old Town and sampling world-famous paella. Head to the north of Spain and explore the coastal beauty of Bilbao, with its world-class museums including the iconic Guggenheim, and sample some pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. A special place in northern Spain is Santiago de Compostela, the final stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Seville seduces with its exuberant Andalusian spirit. Visit the stunning Alcázar and the majestic Seville Cathedral before soaking up the lively atmosphere in the city's bustling squares. Malaga, meanwhile, opens up Granada, a stunning city backed by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada and home to the outstanding Alhambra, built by Moors and known as one of the best-preserved monuments of historic Islam. Whether it's hiking through the volcanic terrain of El Teide National Park in Tenerife, grazing on tapas in Palma de Mallorca or sampling the party spirit of Ibiza, your Spain holiday with MSC Cruises is sure to be unforgettable.

What is Spain famous for?

Start discovering what Spain is famous for on MSC Cruises excursions that explore the country's architectural wonders. On cruises to Spain, you can experience everything from the colossus that is Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to the cutting-edge City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia and Granada's awe-inspiring Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spain's culinary scene is equally celebrated, with a flavour-packed line-up of tapas and iconic dishes like paella and Galician-style octopus, each offering a true taste of traditions in different regions. The lively atmosphere of the Plaza Mayor in Mallorca's capital, Palma, or Seville's flamenco-filled streets reflect the country's deep cultural roots. With stunning landscapes - from the blissful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the ethereal volcanic landscape of Tenerife - you'll find an enticing mix of experiences sure to make your holidays to Spain stand out like never before.

MSC Protectours

Discover MSC Protectours, where unforgettable adventures bring you closer to the world around you. Enjoy activities like cycling, kayaking, tree planting, exploring on foot embracing the beauty of each destination and contributing to local communities. Experience travel that goes beyond sightseeing and leaves a meaningful mark.

EXPLORE AND PRESERVE

What are Protectours

We are committed to preserving a beautiful world for future generations to enjoy. By focusing on the environment, Protectours helps to achieve this vital goal.

All tours involve activities with lower environmental impact – like walking, cycling, or kayaking – while other experiences go even further, offering hands-on ways to support nature, like tree planting or visiting conservation sites. So, you can enjoy original insights into the natural world while preserving its beauty and helping to ensure a better future!

Respecting the place we visit | MSC Cruises

COMMITMENT TO NATURE

MSC Cruises and the environment

We care for the environment in which we operate, the guests who sail with us and the people who work with us. Our commitment extends to our onshore activities too. Protectours are not only a way to offer our guests a variety of shore excursion with less impact, but also a means encouraging our onshore partners to develop tours that are focused on protecting the environment.

CONNECT WITH NATURE

A world of amazing experiences

Protectours offer you unforgettable experiences in close contact with nature and communities in a variety of environments around the world. Local guides, with an expertise in wildlife or traditions, will bring you to snorkel around a coral plantation, or take you on a Fjord Safari aboard a hybrid-electric catamaran and much more.

United Arab Emirates, Sir Bani Yas Island

Behind the Scenes cruise tours | MSC Cruises

AWARDS

Readers Awards - Porthole Magazine

MSC Cruises’ Environmentally Conscious Excursions
have been awarded with Readers Awards from Porthole Magazine in 2022.

MSC PROTECTOURS

Respecting the places we visit

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Save up to 20% off the onboard prices*

Booking your excursions online provides exclusive savings and hassle-free reservations in just a few clicks.

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Terms and conditions

Some Excursions are very popular and therefore availability cannot always be guaranteed. We therefore strongly advise to book in advance.

Tours can be provided in 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian) depending on the area and upon availability of guides. The final language will be confirmed on board during your cruise.

*The discount may vary according to your cruise, please log in to MY MSC area to verify the applied discount. Prices shown in the personal area are already discounted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book MSC Protectours?

You can book tours online or once onboard our ships. As these experiences frequently sell out, we recommend you book your tour online to avoid disappointment.

How MSC Protectours helps to have a positive impact ?

MSC Protectours offer the choice among different activities, some are involving local communities and foster local consumption, other makes you directly contribute to preserve the nature by planting trees or makes you discover the destination by walking, kayaking, hiking ensuring a lower impact transportation.

What type of transportation are used for the MSC Protectours?

At least 70 % of the transportations used in each MSC Protectours are zero emission.

How are the MSC Protectours different from other regular shore Excursions?

Transportation and activities are carefully selected to have a lower environmental impact compare to other experiences.

EXCURSION SPECIALS

Tailored excursions for all

Experience unforgettable adventures with MSC Cruises, offering a variety of excursions tailored for all travellers. Enjoy exclusive MSC Yacht Club experiences, dive deeper with the Explorer Package, and explore with ease through our Easy & Accessible Tours. Discover the inner workings of our ships on Behind the Scenes tours, and participate in eco-friendly excursions with MSC Protectours.

Excursion Explorer Package

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Behind the scenes Tours

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Bike Tours

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Easy and Accessible Tours

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MSC Yacht Club Tours

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