Port information & tips for Castellon De La Plana
Castellón de la Plana is a hidden gem on the Spanish Costa Azahar and captivates with a charming blend of historical tradition and Mediterranean lightness. The sun-drenched region impresses with wide sandy beaches and an authentic atmosphere that invites discovery. Visitors can admire the city's landmark, the free-standing bell tower El Fadrí, while exploring the magnificent Concatedral de Santa María and the lively Plaza Mayor. Directly on the coast, the fascinating Planetari de Castelló is another highlight. Cruise ships dock at the Muelle de Cruceros in the port of Castellón, from where the city center, located about five kilometers away, can be reached in a short time thanks to comfortable shuttle buses.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Castellón de la Plana is an easily accessible cruise port on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, which, thanks to its good connections by car, train, and plane, is ideally suited for guests from the DACH region. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Castellón (PortCastelló) in the El Grao de Castellón area, located a few kilometers from the city center. Two dedicated cruise berths are available here, which also offer shuttle services to the center.
Car
The Port of Castellón is excellently connected to the Spanish road network. The main access road to the port is the CS-22 motorway, which connects directly to the N-340 highway as well as the AP-7 motorway. Additionally, the CV-10 expressway provides a convenient connection. These important traffic arteries allow for direct travel from all directions and link Castellón with metropolises such as Valencia and Barcelona. For parking, the "Puerto Azahar - Grao Castellón" parking garage near the port is available. There are also other underground parking garages in the city center, such as "Parking País Valencià," from which you can easily reach the port. Booking a parking space online in advance is recommended.
Train
The main train station of Castellón de la Plana (Estación de Castellón de la Plana) is a central transport hub connecting the city with major Spanish cities such as Valencia, Barcelona, and Madrid. The station is located approximately two kilometers from the city center and is designed as an intermodal complex that also integrates a bus stop. From there, you can take public city buses, the TRAM line, or a taxi directly to the maritime district of El Grao and thus to the cruise terminal. The taxi ride to the center takes about 5-7 minutes.
Plane
The nearest airport is Castellón–Costa Azahar Airport (CDT), located about 28 to 32 kilometers north of the city of Castellón. The travel time to the city center from there is about 27 minutes. Alternatively, Valencia International Airport (VLC) is a good option, located approximately 75 to 79 kilometers away, allowing for a travel time of around 50 minutes to Castellón. Convenient transfer options are available from both airports, including private taxi and shuttle services that take you directly to your cruise ship or a pre-booked hotel. Especially for long-haul flights from the DACH region, arriving the day before is advisable to start your cruise adventure relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
From the terminal in Castellón de la Plana, you can easily and directly reach the maritime district of El Grao as well as the historic city center thanks to the good infrastructure.
TRAM de Castelló
These modern trolleybuses connect the El Grao port area with the city center of Castellón at regular intervals. The journey is inexpensive and also provides an authentic insight into local life during the trip to the center.
Shuttle Service
The port authority or the cruise lines usually provide comfortable shuttle buses that take you directly from the berth to the central Plaza de la Independencia. This service is ideal for a relaxed start to your shore excursion and saves valuable time for sightseeing.
Taxi
Official taxis are available for passengers immediately at the exit of the cruise terminal. They offer a flexible way to quickly and easily reach nearby attractions such as the Planetarium or the extensive sandy beaches of the Costa del Azahar.
To make the most of your time in Castellón de la Plana, we recommend a visit to the lively harbor district combined with the historical treasures in the city center or an excursion to the region's impressive monuments.
El Grao & Playa del Pinar
The charming district directly at the harbor impresses with its maritime promenade and the extensive sandy beach Playa del Pinar, which, thanks to its close proximity to the ship, is perfect for a relaxed morning by the sea.
Plaza Mayor & El Fadrí
The central square in the city center impresses with the Gothic cathedral and the iconic bell tower El Fadrí; furthermore, the surrounding historical alleys offer an ideal opportunity for a culinary discovery tour thanks to their authentic atmosphere.
Peñíscola
This picturesque town with its towering Templar castle is easily accessible via a short drive and fascinates as a cultural highlight directly on the coast, while the historic old town offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea thanks to its location on a rocky plateau.
Playa del Pinar
The extensive Playa del Pinar is located in the El Grau district and is easily accessible from the port in just a few minutes by taxi or a short walk. This fine sandy beach impresses with its excellent water quality and first-class infrastructure, featuring inviting chiringuitos for refreshments and comfortable lounging options. Thanks to the adjacent parks and the well-maintained promenade, the location is perfect for a relaxed day by the Mediterranean and offers plenty of space for restful hours. It is best to visit the beach directly in the morning to secure a prime spot, and plan your return to the ship approximately ninety minutes before departure.
Returning to the port of Castellón is straightforward and relaxed thanks to the short distances between the El Grao district and the terminals. Plan for a travel time of about 20 minutes from the city center to arrive at the ship punctually and stress-free.
Taxi
Taxis are available at any time for a quick return journey at Plaza de Santa Clara in the city center and at Plaza de la Independencia. Thanks to the short distances, you can reach the Muelle de Cruceros terminal within a few minutes and enjoy the convenience of a direct drop-off point right at the port entrance.
Shuttle Bus and Tram
The modern Line 1 tram runs regularly from Park Ribalta to the final stop in the El Grao port district, offering a reliable connection to the port area. Many cruise lines also provide comfortable shuttle buses that pick up guests at central meeting points and bring them safely and directly back to the ship.
On Foot
A stroll through the maritime district of El Grao can be wonderfully combined with the way back and, thanks to good signage, offers easy orientation towards the berths. Since the cruise terminal is located separately for smooth operations, the final part of the path leads simply via marked areas directly to the secured port entrance.
