Best Iberian Peninsula cruise destinations

Portugal's capital Lisbon protrudes along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, so it should come as no surprise that this historic city was once the center of a vast trading empire. With Portuguese traders once sailing as far as the shores of Brazil and India in the 15th and 16th centuries, Lisbon has a rich tradition of bold explorers looking to go beyond the horizon - a cultural spirit captured in the city's Monument to the Discoveries. Inaugurated in 1960, the statue is shaped like a large wooden ship moving toward the Tagus River and flanked by 33 important Portuguese figures and explorers, such as Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama.

Sailing north from Portugal into Spain, your Iberian cruise vacation will take you to the medieval port of Vigo, the largest city in Galicia. Vigo sits on the slopes of the Monte del Castro, which overlooks one of the country's largest and most stunning bays. With the rich tradition of Catholicism in Spain, Vigo honors the life and work of St. James the Apostle, whom the Spanish refer to as Santiago. The Old Town is noted for its stunning Romanesque and Baroque architecture, with the St. James Cathedral in its center. The Apostle's' remains were said to be buried, and travelers and pilgrims who walk and bike this route have followed The Way of St. James to this point for hundreds of years.

Another amazing part of your Iberian Peninsula cruise is sailing to the dramatic volcanic landscapes Azores Islands, which lie about 800 miles west of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. Sailors have sought shelter on this collection of nine islands for generations, and the landscape is noted for its extinct volcanoes and hot springs. Here, you can tour the magnificent blue and green Sete Cidades and Crater Lakes. With the Pineapple Greenhouses, Antonio Borges Botanical Gardens and Terra Nostra Park, vacationers can take in the exotic flora that thrive on these volcanic islands. Consider hopping into a four-wheel-drive vehicle and navigate the island's volcanic terrain, winding through remote landscapes and discovering hidden corners few tourists reach.

If you're ready to take in the amazing sights and sounds of Spain and Portugal, a European Cruise that takes you along the Iberian Peninsula and offers Iberia tours is the vacation for you. Explore the incredible destinations that lie in wait for you with a vacation from Princess Cruises. View Europe cruises.

Beyond Lisbon, Vigo and the Azores, Iberian Peninsula cruises often call at Barcelona, Seville (Cadiz), Málaga, Porto and Gibraltar. Each port carries its own cultural fingerprint: Barcelona's Gaudí architecture and Catalan cuisine, Málaga's Moorish heritage and Picasso connections, Cádiz's Roman ruins and centuries-old fishing tradition, Porto's port-wine cellars along the Douro River and Gibraltar's iconic Rock with its British colonial character. Most itineraries pair several of these ports across a 7- to 14-day voyage.

Spain and Portugal share a love of food that's worth working into your shore excursion plans. In Spain, expect tapas, paella and a glass of Rioja or sparkling cava. Portugal is famous for pastéis de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (salt cod) and port wine — especially in the cellars of Porto. Many cruise excursions include tastings or guided market visits, and most ports have a casual café culture that makes a long lunch easy to extend into the afternoon.

The best time to cruise the Iberian Peninsula is generally spring through fall (April to October), when temperatures are warm and rainfall is minimal. Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer ideal conditions with smaller crowds, while peak summer (July–August) brings the warmest weather and the busiest ports.

Whether following the path of Portuguese explorers, walking the medieval streets of Vigo or sipping port wine on a sunlit terrace, the Iberian Peninsula rewards travelers who arrive curious View Europe cruises and start planning your next voyage.