Portugal named among the world’s most beautiful cruise ports

Portugal’s charm is undeniable – from its golden beaches and historic cities to its world-famous cuisine. Now, new research has confirmed what many travellers already know: arriving in Portugal by sea is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the world.

A study by AllClear Travel Insurance, using eye-tracking technology, ranked the world’s most beautiful cruise ports. The results placed Lisbon Cruise Port in 7th place and Funchal Cruise Terminal in 12th, earning Portugal two spots in the global top 20.

Lisbon Cruise Port – a breathtaking arrival

Gliding into Lisbon by cruise ship is like stepping into a postcard. Ships sail beneath the red suspension cables of the 25 de Abril Bridge, with sweeping views of the Tagus River and the city’s sunlit hills.

From the deck, travellers catch sight of Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops, pastel-coloured façades, and historic landmarks such as the Belém Tower and Monastery of Jerónimos. It’s no surprise that Lisbon scored 76/100 in the study, placing it alongside world-famous ports such as Sydney and Stockholm.

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Funchal Cruise Terminal – Madeira’s natural beauty

Madeira has long been known as the “island of eternal spring”, and arriving at its capital by sea is nothing short of spectacular.

Cruise ships dock in Funchal’s deep-water harbour, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and green mountains that tumble down to the ocean. The bay itself is framed by tropical gardens, colourful markets, and a lively seafront promenade.

With an eye-tracking score of 70/100, Funchal earned a place in the world’s top 12 – a testament to its natural beauty and relaxed island lifestyle.

Europe’s cruise ports shine

The research revealed that Europe dominates the global rankings, with 11 of the top 20 cruise ports located across the continent. Valletta in Malta took the number one spot, followed by Ushuaia in Argentina and Palermo in Italy.

But with Lisbon and Funchal both featured, Portugal stands out as a destination where visitors’ first impressions are nothing short of magical.

Portugal’s lasting appeal

These findings reflect more than just picture-perfect views – they capture what makes Portugal so appealing to travellers from around the world. Whether it’s the historic charm of Lisbon or the tropical landscapes of Madeira, the country offers unforgettable moments from the very first glimpse.

For those who arrive by sea, Portugal is love at first sight. And for those who stay, it’s a lifestyle of sunshine, culture, and natural beauty that continues to captivate long after the ship has sailed.

Top 20 most beautiful cruise ports in the world 

Rank	Cruise Port	Location	Country	Score/100
1	Valletta Cruise Port	Valletta	Malta	100
2	Port of Ushuaia	Ushuaia	Argentina	86
3	Port of Palermo	Palermo	Italy	83
4	Stadsgården Cruise Terminal	Stockholm	Sweden	82
5	Nassau Cruise Port	Nassau	Bahamas	81
6	Aruba Cruise Terminal	Oranjestad	Aruba	79
7	Lisbon Cruise Port	Lisbon	Portugal	76
7	Overseas Passenger Terminal	Sydney	Australia	76
9	Port Sultan Qaboos	Muscat	Oman	74
9	Ege Port	Kușadası	Turkey	74
11	Port of Gruž	Dubrovnik	Croatia	71
12	Cape Town Cruise Terminal	Cape Town	South Africa	70
12	Port of Kotor	Kotor	Montenegro	70
12	Geiranger Cruise Port	Geiranger	Norway	70
12	Funchal Cruise Terminal	Funchal	Portugal	70
16	Port of Québec	Québec City	Canada	67
16	Skolten Cruise Pier	Flåm	Norway	67
16	Cozumel Cruise Port	Cozumel	Mexico	67
19	Port Hercules	Monaco	Monaco	66
20	Port St. Maarten	Philipsburg	Sint Maarten	65

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