Barcelona to limit cruise ship traffic in fight against overtourism

Friday 18 July 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Barcelona to limit cruise ship traffic in fight against overtourism

Barcelona has announced a major step to reduce cruise ship traffic, part of a growing European push to counter overtourism.

Under a new agreement signed by the city council and the port authority, the number of cruise terminals will be reduced from seven to five by 2030. This will lower the port’s maximum cruise passenger capacity from 37,000 to 31,000.

Barcelona’s port is among the busiest for cruise travel globally. In 2024 alone, it welcomed 3.65 million cruise passengers, according to data from the city's Tourism Observatory. That marks a 20% increase from 2018 levels.

“For the first time in history, limits are being set on the growth of cruise ships in the city,” said Barcelona’s Socialist mayor Jaume Collboni. The €185 million project involves demolishing three terminals and building a new one, building on previous investments dating back to an initial 2018 protocol.

Tourism plays a critical role in Spain’s economy. The country welcomed 94 million foreign visitors in 2024, making it the world’s second-most visited nation. But the influx has also triggered backlash, especially in urban centers like Barcelona.

Critics argue that tourism inflates housing costs and disrupts community life. Barcelona has seen repeated protests over these issues. In response, the city announced in 2023 its intention to eliminate around 10,000 tourist rental apartments by 2028.

Barcelona, with its Mediterranean beaches and landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, has long been a global tourist magnet. But it now stands at the forefront of cities attempting to rebalance the sector.

Elsewhere in Europe, similar actions are underway. Venice recently imposed a fee on day visitors. Greece is rolling out a tax on cruise ships stopping at its islands. These steps mark a wider recalibration of tourism across Europe to address sustainability and urban livability.