Costa Verde Cruises

Explore the Beauty of Costa Verde on Your Next Cruise

Welcome to Costa Verde, a stunningly beautiful coastal region in northern Spain, also known as the “Green Coast.” Characterised by its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages, Costa Verde boasts a rich natural beauty that is evident in its vibrant greenery and rugged coastline. Fun fact: Costa Verde is home to the famous Picos de Europa National Park, where you can find some of the most spectacular scenery in Spain! Cruising to Costa Verde gives you the chance to explore breathtaking scenery, enjoy delectable local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the region's stunning cultural heritage.

Top Major Cruise Lines to Costa Verde

• Celebrity Cruises: With a fleet of 15 ships, Celebrity Cruises operates 3 vessels—including Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Reflection—that offer itineraries to Costa Verde. Known for their modern luxury experience, Celebrity provides exceptional dining options, stunning entertainment, and outstanding service. Departures typically occur from international ports like Barcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome), providing a seamless entry to the lush landscapes of Costa Verde.
• Ambassador Cruise Line: This newer cruise line operates a fleet of 2 ships, both of which (Ambience and Ambition) offer itineraries to Costa Verde. Ambassador is known for its focus on providing a sophisticated onboard atmosphere, tailored experiences, and engaging itineraries that connect guests with the destinations. Most departures take place from international ports such as London and Southampton, ensuring cruisers enjoy an easy journey to Costa Verde.
• MSC Cruises: With a fleet size of 24, MSC operates 3 vessels—MSC Magnifica, MSC Lirica, and MSC Preziosa—that feature itineraries to Costa Verde. Known for their vibrant European flair, MSC provides family-friendly amenities and a diverse range of onboard entertainment. Departures typically occur from popular international ports like Barcelona and Genoa, making it hassle-free for guests to access the captivating beauty of Costa Verde.
• P&O Cruises: Operating a fleet of 7 ships, P&O Cruises has 2 vessels—Ventura and Oriana—offering itineraries to Costa Verde. Renowned for its British charm and family-friendly atmosphere, P&O offers a range of onboard activities and dining options that cater to various tastes. Departures usually occur from international ports like Southampton, ensuring a smooth transition into Costa Verde’s stunning landscapes.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: With a fleet of 21 ships, Norwegian offers itineraries to Costa Verde on 5 vessels, including Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Getaway. Known for their Freestyle Dining concept, Norwegian allows guests to enjoy flexibility in dining and entertainment options throughout their voyage. Departures typically happen from international ports like Barcelona and Venice, making it easy to embark on your Costa Verde adventure.

Luxury and Small Ship Cruising Opportunities

• Viking Ocean Cruises: With a fleet of 11 ships, Viking operates 6 vessels—including Viking Sky and Viking Saturn—that feature itineraries to Costa Verde. Viking is recognised for their intimate cruising experience and culturally enriching voyages, making it perfect for guests eager to connect deeply with the destinations they visit. Departures usually occur from popular international ports like Barcelona or Bergen, ensuring a smooth transition into the green beauty of Costa Verde.
• Oceania Cruises: With a fleet size of 8, Oceania offers itineraries to Costa Verde on 4 vessels, including Marina and Sirena. Known for their exceptional culinary experiences and luxurious onboard accommodations, Oceania caters to discerning cruisers wanting to indulge in high-quality service and exploration. Most cruises depart from major international ports such as Lisbon or Southampton, ensuring easy access to Costa Verde.
• Silversea: With a fleet of 12 ships, Silversea operates 3 vessels—Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper, and Silver Dawn—that feature itineraries to Costa Verde. Renowned for their ultra-luxury service and all-inclusive experiences, Silversea ensures a high level of personalised attention for every guest. Departures typically occur from international ports like Lisbon or Southampton, providing seamless access to this vibrant region.
• Azamara Cruises: Operating a fleet of 4 ships, Azamara features 3 vessels—Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Onward—with itineraries that include Costa Verde. Azamara is known for its immersive travel experiences, offering longer stays in port to give guests more time to experience the local culture. Departures usually take place from international ports like Málaga or Barcelona, ensuring easy access to this stunning destination.
• Viking River Cruises: With a vast fleet of 66 ships ready to explore, Viking River Cruises operates 5 vessels—Viking Gyda, Viking Hemming, and more—offering itineraries that include Costa Verde. Their unique focus on enriching local experiences ensures guests explore the area’s rich history and culture. Departures generally occur from international ports like Porto, leading cruisers to Costa Verde.

Top Harbours to Explore in Costa Verde

• Leixões: This vibrant port city serves as a gateway to the beautiful region of Porto. When you dock in Leixões, take a quick trip into Porto, where you can explore its stunning architecture, famous port wine cellars, and the picturesque Ribeira district alongside the Douro River. Be sure to sample local delicacies like Francesinha, a delicious sandwich filled with cured meats and smothered in a rich sauce!
• Porto: As one of Costa Verde's most famous destinations, Porto offers a wealth of activities for cruise passengers. While enjoying your time in this charming city, visit landmarks like the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and admire the stunning São Bento Railway Station with its beautiful azulejos (decorative tiles). Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets filled with shops, or venture to one of the many wine cellars nearby for a guided tasting of Portugal's renowned port wines.

Additional Harbours Typically Visited by Cruises Going to Costa Verde

• Lisbon, Portugal: A frequently visited port on cruises heading to Costa Verde, Lisbon is famous for its hilly streets, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. Cruise passengers can take a tram ride through the city, visit the historic Belém Tower, and enjoy delicious pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at a local café. Lisbon is a city steeped in history and offers an abundance of activities and sights to enjoy during your stop.
• Bordeaux, France: Often included in itineraries before or after Costa Verde, Bordeaux is a beautiful city known for its wine production. While in port, visit the stunning Place de la Bourse, stroll along the Garonne River, and take in the picturesque architecture. A quick trip to surrounding vineyards allows for wine tastings and tours, making Bordeaux a delightful port of call.

Best Times to Cruise to Costa Verde

The best time to cruise to Costa Verde generally spans from April to October, with temperatures typically ranging from 12°C to 28°C. This delightful period provides wonderful weather and vibrant coastal life for exciting beach days and cultural tours. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during the November to March timeframe offers cooler temperatures averaging between 6°C and 18°C, along with more intimate encounters with the local culture.

Costs of Cruising to Costa Verde

A typical one-week cruise to Costa Verde generally costs around $1100, while a two-week cruise may start from approximately $2100. For luxury cruises, expect prices to begin around $4500 for a week. Dining costs in and around Costa Verde can be quite reasonable, with meal prices averaging between $15 and $35, while drinks usually range from $4 to $9, allowing guests to enjoy the flavours of the region without stretching their budget.

Alternative Regions Worth Considering for Your Next Cruise

If Costa Verde has piqued your interest, consider these alternative regions for your next adventure:

• Galicia: Renowned for its lush landscapes and rich seafood culture, Galicia offers charming coastal towns and a unique blend of Spanish and Celtic influences.
• Costa Brava: Known for its picturesque beaches and beautiful coastal towns, Costa Brava is ideal for those seeking both relaxation and outdoor adventures.
• Biscay Bay: A region that presents stunning coastal views and vibrant cities, Biscay Bay invites exploration of its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture.
• Basque Country: Famous for its culinary offerings and stunning coastline, the Basque Country is a food lover's paradise and a haven for stunning landscapes.
• Asturias: Known for its rugged coastline and natural parks, Asturias offers stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and charming towns filled with local culture.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey exploring Costa Verde? Book your cruise with Cruise1st today and immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and delightful flavors this stunning region has to offer!