El Puerto de Santa Maria (Spain Andalusia)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
Mediterranean - Black Sea
Local Time
2026-10-25 11:40
70°F 21.1°C
Light breeze3.2 m/s
80 °F / 27 °C 58 °F / 15 °C
Port El Puerto de Santa Maria cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain Andalusia. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
| Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 November, 2026 Monday |  ms La Belle de Cadix | 01:00 | 18:00 |
| 3 November, 2026 Tuesday | ms La Belle de Cadix | ||
| 4 November, 2026 Wednesday | ms La Belle de Cadix | ||
| 5 November, 2026 Thursday | ms La Belle de Cadix | ||
| 8 November, 2026 Sunday | ms La Belle de Cadix | 01:00 | 18:00 |
| 13 November, 2026 Friday | ms La Belle de Cadix | 01:00 | 18:00 |
| 28 November, 2026 Saturday | ms La Belle de Cadix | 01:00 | 18:00 |
El Puerto de Santa Maria ("The Port of Saint Mary", or just "El Puerto") is a port city located on the banks of Guadalete River in the Cadiz province (Andalusia, Spain). It has population of around 88,000, of which around 50,000 live in the town.
El Puerto is approx 6 ml (10 km) north east of Cadiz across the Cadiz bay and is famous for having been the port from which Christopher Columbus (Italian navigator and colonizer, 1451-1506) sailed on his 2nd voyage to the Americas. The pilot of Columbus, Juan de la Cosa, drew a world map (the first including the New World's coast) in El Puerto in 1500 AD.
The town was also the residence of wealthy cargadores, merchants who operated the trade of Spain with the Americas. During the 16th-17th centuries, it was the winter port of royal galleys. In the 19th century the city became the French Army's General Headquarters during the Peninsular War under Joseph Bonaparte's reign (1801–1812). El Puerto de Santa Maria is steeped in history, monuments and museums. It is within easy reach of the historical Spanish cities of Cadiz and Seville.
El Puerto de Santa Maria's most important economic activity is tourism, mainly due to the beautiful beaches, as well as the bullfights at the arena in the summer months. The city also hosts groups of motorcyclists during Jerez Motorcycle Grand Prix.
There is a highly developed wine industry in El Puerto de Santa Maria. Bullfighting is enjoyed during Feria season in August, and during Feria de la Primavera (Spring Fair) in May. This Feria is specially dedicated to sherry wine - 180,000 half bottles are being drunk in 4 days. There are several wineries (bodegas) in the town centre, all of which available to the public. The most famous El Puerto bodegas are Terry and Osborne, both of which export brandy and sherry worldwide.
Exploring El Puerto de Santa María
Easy independently once you reach the historic center. El Puerto suits a relaxed call combining a castle, old-town squares, a sherry bodega and tapas. Beaches require extra walking or transport. Cádiz is a separate destination across the bay, best treated as an alternative outing rather than an addition to a full local itinerary.
Getting from the Ship
Confirm your vessel’s actual berth and passenger exit before planning your walk. Do not assume the public catamaran terminal is your cruise landing place. Some small-ship itineraries may substitute Cádiz for El Puerto; this changes the starting point and transport needed.
If you disembark beside the historic center, local sightseeing is practical on foot. From a berth farther away, follow the crew’s directions for reaching town and arrange a taxi if necessary. Do not count on a cruise shuttle being available.
The public catamaran terminal stands beside the old fish market on the Guadalete River, close to the historic center. It is useful for trips to Cádiz, but is separate from your ship’s boarding arrangements.
Best Ways to Spend Your Call
Historic Center and San Marcos Castle
Allow 2–3 hours for the streets around Plaza del Castillo, the merchant-house façades and the Iglesia Mayor Prioral in Plaza de España. San Marcos Castle is the principal paid sightseeing stop; check admission arrangements before setting out. A castle-only visit can fit into a short call, while a combined castle and wine-tasting visit takes longer. Church access depends on worship and opening times.
A Sherry Bodega and Tapas
El Puerto has its own sherry cellars, so there is no need to travel to Jerez simply for a tasting. Osborne’s Bodega de Mora is one option within town. Reserve your preferred language and visit time, and allow roughly 2–3 hours overall for a booked cellar visit, walking and a food stop. Confirm the duration of your particular tour before booking.
La Puntilla Beach
La Puntilla is the beach closest to the center and adjoins the Dunas de San Antón pine woodland. It works as a beach-and-lunch outing or a shorter seaside break. A taxi saves walking time; confirm the return pickup rather than relying on finding one beside the sand. Allow 2–3 hours for an unhurried visit, with extra time if walking both ways. Follow beach flags and allow for strong sun and wind.
Cádiz Across the Bay
Independent with some planning. The public catamaran crossing takes approximately 25–30 minutes each way, excluding waiting and boarding. In Cádiz, focus on the cathedral area, historic streets and waterfront rather than attempting the whole city. Allow around 4–5 hours overall from El Puerto’s ferry terminal, plus the connection to your ship.
Check both the timetable and operating status before leaving. Sea conditions can disrupt sailings; avoid an outing that depends on the last possible return. An organized excursion is preferable if the call is short or you are uncomfortable arranging alternative transport.
Self-Guided Old-Town Walk
Easy: approximately 2 km (1.2 mi), with 30–40 minutes of pure walking. Allow 1.5–2.5 hours with sightseeing and a refreshment stop. The route is mostly level, with some uneven paving and narrow pavements. Distances exclude the connection from your cruise berth.
- Public catamaran terminal and old fish-market area: start beside the river once you have reached the town center.
- Plaza del Castillo: see San Marcos Castle and the exterior of Palacio de Araníbar, which houses the tourist office.
- Plaza de España: continue to the Iglesia Mayor Prioral; enter if open outside services.
- Plaza de Abastos and Casa de los Leones: explore the market surroundings and decorative façades. Market activity depends on the day and time.
- Calle Luna: walk back through the central shopping streets.
- Plaza de las Galeras: finish near the river, then return to your confirmed ship access point or transport pickup.
Return-to-Ship Tips
- Use the ship’s all-aboard time when planning your return.
- For local sightseeing, aim to reach the boarding area at least 30–45 minutes before all aboard, adding any transfer time.
- For Cádiz, choose an earlier return sailing with substantial time for disruption and onward travel.
- Check attraction availability before committing to a route; afternoon closures can affect a short call.