Bilbao or Santander

[alasdairandannie]

Are there any substantial differences between Bilbao and Santander as destinations from Portsmouth please notably I guess on traffic, routes and the ship (Santona/Galicia or Salamanca)?

Having dithered with making a reservation such that we can't go from Plymouth until late March now, we only have the longer crossings from Porstmouth available to us.
We returned from Santander in October and it was fairly easy to get to and, although close to the city centre, wasn't too busy. The crossing, on Port Aven, was a bit cheeky in the early stages.
We plan to head towards Valladolid then South. The A67 Valencia to Santander was OK in October although very exposed and windy in some places but I'm guessing that the Bilbao to Burgos then Valencia is probably pretty similar.

 

[Chrisvh]

Valladolid has some interesting processions in Easter week. Our favourite for Easter week is Caceres. Spectacular setting. Good restaurants. Really interesting place.

 

[royandsharont]

I’ve just been looking at Bilbao port as our ferry has been changed to arrive there and we’re off to Madrid.

Looking at google earth the roads out from the port appear simple enough. For us we just needed to head for Bilbao and not Santander on the motorway road split signs, although sat nav will do all that well enough I’m sure but I like to have it in my mind too Also we will be using a toll AP to Burgos where we would be toll free had it of been Santander.

 

[GrahamnSue]

As far as I know all 3 ships you mention are virtually identical.
If you are heading for Valladolid it is an easy toll free route from Santander.
The return journey is much nicer via Santander as you can walk into the town whilst waiting for the ferry, rather than sitting in an industrial port at Bilbao. Perhaps that's why Bilbao is usually a little cheaper (not that you can call Brittany Ferries cheap).

 

[Merlyn17]

When you say 'not that you can call BF cheap' what's a rough idea of the Portsmouth/St Malo cost these days for a 6 metre van overnight with cabin ?

Any info welcome to save me going through the BF site for a quote. I haven't got Club membership these days. How much is that and how much will it save ?

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[EuroTrotters]

Bilbao shaves an hour off our Journey to Javea.

But we have not used the route since Cap Finistere was sold.

Plymouth-Santander by car

 

[alasdairandannie]

Valladolid has some interesting processions in Easter week. Our favourite for Easter week is Caceres. Spectacular setting. Good restaurants. Really interesting place.

Thank you. Good reminder As Easter is early this year. We were in Cartagena for Semana Santa last year and the procession was spectacular.

Valladolid has some interesting processions in Easter week. Our favourite for Easter week is Caceres. Spectacular setting. Good restaurants. Really interesting place.