P&O Cruises: 7 top Spain & France cruise ports on the Atlantic coast

P&O Cruises Atlantic coast itineraries ensure a blend of golden beaches, medieval history, hot restaurants, fresh seafood and much more.

The British cruise line – available to book via the UK’s favourite cruise travel agent Bolsover Cruise Club – calls at multiple destinations in both Spain and France on these Atlantic coast cruises. So let’s find out more about what you can expect…

Where does P&O Cruises cruise to in Spain and France?

P&O Cruises’ sailings to Spain and France generally cruise to a selection of the below six Atlantic coast ports, depending on the itinerary:

Bilbao
Cherbourg
Gijón
La Coruña
La Rochelle
Santander
Vigo

Bilbao

Bilbao, a Basque city and thriving cruise port in northern Spain, has soared in popularity thanks to the iconic Guggenheim modern art gallery; it was lauded as the most important building of its time when it opened in 1997.

What to do in Bilbao

Amidst its industrial roots, Bilbao boasts a charming 14th-century old town, the Casco Viejo, inviting visitors to tuck into tapas in its lively bars and alleys.

Noteworthy landmarks include the arcaded Plaza Nueva, the Gothic Cathedral de Santiago, the impressive Museo de Bellas Artes (housing a diverse art collection spanning centuries, featuring works by Cezanne, Gauguin and Francis Bacon), and of course, the Guggenheim [below].

If you have time in Bilbao on your P&O Cruises Spain holiday, explore the elegant nearby town of San Sebastian. Nestled on the picturesque Bay of La Concha, it’s renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants and stunning surroundings, offering a blend of Art Nouveau architecture, seaside promenades and cultural gems such as the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro and the Museo de San Telmo, providing a rich insight into Basque heritage and culture.

How to get from Bilbao port to the town centre

From Bilbao port, taxis or a short metro ride from the port of Getxo (around 10km from the centre of Bilbao) offer quick access to the town centre, or hop aboard a P&O Cruises shuttle bus. Walking along the riverfront or using public buses are scenic alternatives to reach Bilbao’s centre.

What’s the weather in Bilbao?

In Bilbao, temperatures generally range from around 8°C to 20°C throughout the year. Winters tend to be cooler, averaging about 8-14°C, while summers are pleasantly warm, hovering between 14-20°C.

View P&O Cruises holidays to Bilbao

Cherbourg

Cherbourg, now technically known as Cherbourg-Octeville since its union with a smaller city in 2000, holds a significant place as a historic port connecting Britain and France.

What to do in Cherbourg

Renowned for its maritime history and its role in the film “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” Cherbourg houses the Cité de la Mer museum, featuring a colossal nuclear submarine and fascinating aquariums.

Relaxing at a traditional French café or watching boats in the harbour offers a serene alternative on a P&O Cruises France cruise port of call, while in the Old Town seafood markets and restaurants beckon, showcasing the ocean’s bounty alongside local cheeses, cider and calvados. And of course, don’t leave without the iconic souvenir — an umbrella.

Take a P&O Cruises excursion to venture out to the Gothic-style Benedictine Abbey Mont St Michel [below], perched near the port. The small island with its remarkable tides reaching up to 15 meters difference between high and low tide, has enchanted pilgrims and artists for centuries.

How to get from Cherbourg port to the town centre

Taxis are readily available at the port and offer a quick ride directly to the heart of Cherbourg or utilise a P&O Cruises shuttle bus. Alternatively, a walk of around 15-20 minutes will lead you from the port to the town centre, allowing you to enjoy the sights along the way. Public buses might also be accessible near the port.

What’s the weather in Cherbourg?

In Cherbourg, temperatures typically range from around 6°C to 18°C throughout the year. Winters are moderately cool, averaging about 6-10°C, while summers are mild, with temperatures between 14-18°C.

View P&O Cruises holidays to Cherbourg

Gijón

Located in northwest Spain, Gijón offers a feast for the senses with its vibrant blend of colourful old-town houses, sun-kissed beaches and tantalising seafood delights.

What to do in Gijón

On your P&O Cruises Spain cruise to Gijón [below] discover the Atlantic Botanical Garden, a botanical marvel, and the region’s first-of-its-kind hilltop sculpture, Eulogy of the Horizon by Eduardo Chillida. Wander through Cimadevilla, a historic fishing village on a peninsula dividing the port and admire the marine life residing at the local aquarium.

Alternatively, delve into history at the Campo Valdés Roman Baths dating back to the 1st century AD, while downtown is packed with ancient Roman influences.

Beyond the city, explore the rustic beauty of northern Spain – the prehistoric cave paintings in Cantabria are worth the excursion.

How to get from Gijón port to the town centre

You can walk from Gijón port to town in about 20-30 minutes, enjoying a scenic stroll along the coastline or through nearby streets. Taxis are available if you prefer a quicker ride, and the journey is relatively short. Additionally, public buses and shuttle services might also be accessible near the port.

What’s the weather in Gijón?

The weather in Gijón generally stays mild all year. Winters are not too cold, around 10-15°C, and summers are warm, about 20-25°C.

View P&O Cruises holidays to Gijón

La Coruña

Fun fact: La Coruña’s Transatlantic Quay, positioned at the northwest tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is Europe’s closest port to New York. This bustling cruise dock blends old-town charm with a modern touch, boasting beaches along its two-mile coastal stretch.

What to do in La Coruña

At the heart of the old town lies Maria Pita Square, encircled by shops, bars and restaurants, while museums like the interactive House of Mankind, an aquarium and planetarium add to the city’s allure.

Serving as the main Atlantic gateway to Spain’s ruggedly scenic Galicia region, La Coruña is steeped in history, featuring the Roman Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest operational lighthouse since the 2nd century.

In La Coruña travellers on P&O Cruises Spain cruises can soak up galleria-style buildings, seaside promenades, fine dining and rich cultural offerings, while beyond the city exploring the Galician coast reveals picturesque landscapes, charming eateries and a treasure trove of historical museums.

How to get from La Coruña port to the town centre

A walk of around 15-20 minutes along the scenic waterfront will lead you directly to Maria Pita Square. Taxis are available and offer a quick ride to the centre, taking just a few minutes, as well as P&O Cruises shuttle buses or public buses.

What’s the weather in La Coruña?

In La Coruña, temperatures range from around 8°C to 20°C all year. Winters are cool, about 8-14°C, while summers are mild, around 14-20°C.

View P&O Cruises holidays to La Coruña

Santander

Santander, situated on Spain’s northern coast, graces a picturesque spot situated between the Bay of Santander and the Bay of Biscay. Embracing this small peninsula, the city is blessed with 11 sandy beaches, a haven for both sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.

What to do in Santander

El Sardinero, historically a favoured retreat for Spain’s affluent set, showcases a stunning beachfront area divided by the Piquio gardens, extending from the Magdalena Peninsula to Mataleas.

Alongside these shores lie hotels, cafes, and even a casino. For those venturing beyond the beaches on P&O Cruises Atlantic coast cruises, Santander unfolds as a city rich in history and charm.

The Cathedral of Santander, a magnificent structure blending Gothic and Romanesque styles, stands as a testament to the city’s historical legacy, constructed atop earlier sacred sites dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.

How to get from Santander port to the town centre

Taxis are readily available at the port, providing a quick and direct ride to the heart of Santander, usually taking only a few minutes. Additionally, if you prefer walking, it’s a stroll of around 15-20 minutes from the port to the town centre while shuttle buses and public buses are also accessible.

What’s the weather in Santander?

In Santander, temperatures typically range from around 8°C to 20°C throughout the year. Winters tend to be cool, averaging about 8-14°C, while summers are comfortably warm, hovering between 14-20°C.

View P&O Cruises holidays to Santander

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is famously dubbed ‘La Ville Blanche’ for its radiant white buildings along the old harbour and its dramatic history is evident from the off as you cruise through the 14th-century twin towers of St Nicolas Fort and the Tour de la Chaine into the port [below].

What to do in La Rochelle

The medieval city of La Rochelle is a fusion of well-preserved historic sites set against a modern backdrop of bars, restaurants and an exceptional aquarium – all under the watchful gaze of guardian gargoyles.

A dramatic 3km bridge links La Rochelle to the romantic Île de Ré, an island that, despite its connection to the mainland, retains an enchanting off-the-beaten-path essence, with tranquil rural lanes leading to expansive sandy beaches.

Beyond, there’s Cognac, home to renowned cellars such as Courvoisier, Hennessy and Martell, passing through ancient towns like Saintes, brimming with Romanesque architecture.

How to get from La Rochelle port to the town centre

Taxis, shuttle buses and public buses are usually available at the port and offer a quick ride directly to the heart of La Rochelle, taking only a few minutes. Alternatively, it’s a stroll of about 15-20 minutes from the port to the town centre.

What’s the weather in La Rochelle?

In La Rochelle, temperatures typically range from around 6°C to 18°C throughout the year. Winters are moderately cool, averaging about 6-10°C, while summers are mild and pleasant at around 14-18°C.

View P&O Cruises holidays to La Rochelle

Vigo

Vigo, Spain’s fishing hub on the rugged Galician coast, boasts a resilient history, enduring naval attacks including encounters with Sir Francis Drake.

What to do in Vigo

The Castillo del Castro fort offers the best vista of Vigo, guarding the town from its hilltop perch. A P&O Cruises Vigo cruise tour leads guests through the steep, narrow streets of the old town (Barrio del Berbes) to witness the vibrant daily fish market and to sample fresh oysters from Vigo’s renowned Ruá de Pescaderia with its famed female oyster sellers. Be sure to try pulpo (octopus) too – it’s a local delicacy best enjoyed with Galician Albariño.

Vigo is also home to a historic old quarter – the Casco Vello, perched above the port, which unfolds as a charming labyrinth of streets and plazas encircling the central Concatedral de Santa María.

Meanwhile, Vigo’s cruise port flaunts around 45 beaches, including the sprawling Playa de Samíl, a mile-long stretch of white sand lined with a bustling boardwalk and ample amenities.

Beyond the city, P&O Cruises Spain cruise excursions offer the chance to visit Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages.

How to get from Vigo port to the town centre

Taxis, P&O Cruises shuttles or public buses at the port offer a swift ride straight to Vigo’s heart in a few minutes. Alternatively, it’s a 15-20 minute walk from the port to the lively town centre.

What’s the weather in Vigo?

In Vigo, temperatures typically range from around 8°C to 20°C throughout the year. Winters tend to be mild, averaging about 8-14°C, while summers are comfortably warm, ranging between 14-20°C.

View P&O Cruises holidays to Vigo