This paper aims to study the performance of ports by characterization factors and understand its importance. The methods used are data envelopment analysis (DEA), factor analysis and linear regression. The sample consists of 43 European ports. The results indicate the existence of a relationship between performance and several variables that characterize the port and confirm the impact of location, governance, size, infrastructure, port specialisation, logistics integration and maritime services in the operational and financial performance and efficiency of ports
