So, you’re interested in jumping aboard a ferry to Spain rather than flying? Great. You feel like the journey across the English channel and the Bay of Biscay is an important part of your holiday that you refuse to miss. Well, grab some jamón and get comfortable, because, as part of my ferry travel series, we’re about to cover all there is to know about the ferries to Spain from UK, by focusing on the ferry routes, ports, timetables, as well as things to do in and around the Spanish ferry ports of Bilbao and Santander…
Ferry Routes to Spain from UK
There are three different ferry routes to Spain from UK, and one ferry to Spain from Ireland. All of them are operated by Brittany Ferries (despite their rather limiting name!). The UK to Spain ferries leave from either Portsmouth or Plymouth, on the south coast of England. Plymouth, is located in Devon in the far south west of England, and Portsmouth is in Hampshire, around one hour south west of London (by road). Despite what many people mistakenly believe, there is no UK to San Sebastian ferry, nor is there a Dover to Spain ferry service available. The one and only ferry to Spain from Ireland departs from Rosslare. We cover this, and all other international ferries to and from Ireland here.
Ferry to Spain #1: Portsmouth to Santander
From Portsmouth on the south central coast of England, you can take a ferry to Northern Spain with Brittany Ferries, arriving in Santander – the capital of the Cantabria region. Between April until the beginning of November, the Portsmouth to Santander ferry route departs from Portsmouth every Thursday and Friday on the good ships ‘Salamanca’ and ‘Santoña’. Each journey involves two nights on-board and takes a mere 33 hrs, although this is always dependent on the sea conditions, and could take a little more or a little less. Return ferry crossings from Santander to Portsmouth leave on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes – full details of 2024 sailing times below:
Portsmouth to Santander Ferry Timetable 2024
| Day | Depart Portsmouth | Arrive Santander |
|---|---|---|
|
Thursday |
19:00 |
08:00 (+2) |
|
Friday |
22:30 |
08:00 (+2) |
| Day | Depart Santander | Arrive Portsmouth |
|---|---|---|
|
Saturday |
13:00 |
17:30 (+1) |
|
Sunday |
14:00 |
19:00 (+1) |
Ferry to Spain #2: Plymouth to Santander
From mid-March until early November Brittany Ferries sail the ‘Pont Aven‘ ferry from Plymouth to Santander every Wednesday and Sunday. Being a little further west compared with Portsmouth, the Plymouth to Santander ferry crossing takes considerably less time, typically around 22 hours, often less. Return ferry crossings from Santander to Plymouth depart on Mondays and Thursdays and get you back to Plymouth for civilised pre and post lunchtime arrivals the following day (full details of the sailing times below).
Plymouth to Santander Ferry Timetable 2024
| Day | Depart Plymouth | Arrive Santander |
|---|---|---|
|
Wednesday |
15:45 |
13:15 (+1) |
|
Sunday |
17:45 |
15:30 (+1) |
| Day | Depart Santander | Arrive Plymouth |
|---|---|---|
|
Monday |
18:30 |
15:30 (+1) |
|
Thursday |
16:00 |
11:00 (+1) |
Cantabria & Asturias
Santander is the gateway city to both Cantabria and Asturias, with its magnificent Picos de Europa national park spanning both regions. As well as the hiking and adrenaline fueled activities of the Picos de Europa, Cantabria and Asturias also have some of the best surfing spots in Spain, making it a great base for outdoor activities buffs, as well as those interested in visiting Spain’s less well known northern cities like Oviedo, Gijon and Santander itself. The local cuisine focuses heavily on cheese and cider (so what’s not to love?!) and there are ancient caves and fishing villages scattered all along the criminally underrated and ruggedly beautiful Costa Verde (the green coast). And certainly don’t sleep on Santander as a destination itself (apart from on the journey there in your ferry cabin!). I’ve written a full guide on what to do during a Santander city break here for those of you considering stopping at the ferry port to check out what it has to offer.
Things to do in Cantabria and Asturias
As you decide which of the available ferry routes to Spain from the UK suit you best, it’s worth considering what the region has to offer in terms of places to visit and things to do. Here are some of the highlights from Asturias and Cantabria:
- Picos de Europa National Park: from Oviedo or Gijon take a customizable Private Tour to the Covadonga Lakes through the stunning Picos de Europa National Park to visit the Covadonga lakes and nearby sailor villages. Known for its rugged landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich local history, the Picos are a highlight of any trip to Northern Spain.
- Llanes: Visit the picturesque coastal town of Llanes, known for its stunning beaches, cliffs, and historic architecture, it is also home to the Asturian School of Surf, where you can paddle board or learn to surf in various locations close by.
- Paddle down the Sella River from Arriondas: the area around Cangas de Onís and Arriondas is ground zero for outdoor activities enthusiasts who want to explore the Picos de Europa region, and descending the Sella River is a local right of passage round these here parts!
- Cuisine: Get stuck into in the local cuisine, including seafood, Asturian cider, and traditional dishes like “fabada” (Asturian bean stew) or “cocido montañés” (Cantabrian mountain stew).
- From Oviedo – Get a taster of the Camino de Santiago: one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes passes right through both Cantabria and Asturias. Anyone visiting this region will see the yellow shells marking the path for tens of thousands of hikers on their way to Galicia’s Santiago de Compostella each year. On this half-day tour you can hike a 7 mile (12km) portion of the Camino with a private guide to experience both Oviedo and the beautiful Asturian countryside.
Ferry to Spain #3: Portsmouth to Bilbao
From April until early November Brittany Ferries sail its ‘Salamanca’ & ‘Galicia‘ ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao on Tuesday and Sunday nights. Scheduled arrival time is the following morning in Bilbao, but as always this depends on sea conditions. Brittany Ferries themselves say that their journeys can take anything between 20-36 hours.
Portsmouth to Bilbao Ferry Timetable 2024
| Day | Depart Portsmouth | Arrive Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuesday |
22:30 |
08:00 (+2) |
|
Sunday |
21:45 |
08:00 (+2) |
| Day | Depart Bilbao | Arrive Portsmouth |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuesdays |
13:00 |
17:30 (+1) |
|
Thursday |
16:30 |
19:00 (+1) |
Bilbao and the Basque Country
Bilbao is the ferry gateway city to Spain’s Basque Country, located on Spain’s northeast coast. ‘El Pais Vasco‘ or ‘Euskadi‘ in its own Basque language, has its own fiercely protected identity, rather separate from the rest of Spain. While somewhat industrial itself, Bilbao has a lovely old town, and its surrounding areas offer several highlights, not least the amazing cuisine that has led to 40 Michelin stars being awarded, thus making the Basque Country one of the world’s undisputed fine dining regions. Speaking of amazing cuisine, San Sebastian is only one hour by road from Bilbao, and it is definitely worth a visit so do also check out my guide on things to do in San Sebastian if you’re headed to northern Spain.
The best things to do in Bilbao and the Basque Country
- Explore the highlights of Bilbao on this small-group walking tour, with either morning or afternoon start times. The walking tour covers Bilbao’s big hitters and usual highlights, including the Casco Viejo (old town), the iconic Guggenheim museum, Ribera Market and Santiago Cathedral.
- Just eat! Discover Bilbao’s lively foodie scene, and gorge on amazing little tapas bites (or Pintxos as they’re known locally) in the city’s old town bars and restaurants. A great way to find some great local spots to return to is by first joining a Bilbao Food, Wine and Pintxo Tour. Basque cuisine is world renowned, so go ahead and dive in! This high end Food Tour of Bilbao with a local is another great introduction to Bilbao’s food scene, especially if you’re easily swayed by fancy names in product titles! And if you like a little history with your grub then you may want to check out this Bilbao Food and History Tour instead!
- Go hiking in the Basque country’s interior: As you may already know, we’re big fans of outdoor activities at The Travel Tortoise, so if you’re looking for a hiking tour to explore some the Basque Country’s interior and mountains, then check out this highly rated experience, with includes direct hotel pick up and drop off from anywhere in the Basque Country.
- From Bilbao you can easily visit Spain’s most famous wine region, La Rioja, on a private or small-group tour. Encompassing two wineries, hotel pick up and drop off, and a day spent learning about one of the world’s most famous wine producing areas, it’s a great way to see more of northern Spain. Check out more ideas for things to do in Bilbao with Get Your Guide below…
A note on driving in Spain
Before I forget, if you plan to take your car with you on the ferry to Spain, it’s mandatory to carry several items with you in your vehicle. A European driving kit covers all of the required items, including a reflective vest, headlight deflectors & bulb kit, a magnetic UK car sticker, warning triangle, and even some breathalyzers in case you couldn’t resist a cheeky Rioja or Sangria with dinner. These are required by law, by the way, and it’s the same in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Austria and Poland! Here are some more important details relating to ferry travel requirements.
Ferries to Spain from UK - Outro
A ferry from England to Spain offers you the chance to begin your holidays there or in Portugal, much earlier by just relaxing and enjoying the journey out on deck and in your cabin. It’s how we used to travel long distances and explore the world, and it’s bloody great! Brittany Ferries’ Santander and Bilbao routes have something for everyone, be it sun-soaked Spanish beaches, cute fishing villages, world-class cuisine, rugged coastline, or the historic charm of Bilbao or San Sebastian’s old towns. So, set your course, jump on a ferry to Spain from England and get ready for a proper voyage filled with a bit of good old fashioned unhurried contemplation. Buen Viaje! And if you’re worried about the weather in Spain being a little too caliente for you, then check out my post on England to Holland ferries instead!
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