Exiting Santander Port Help (2 80 years olds)

[SamMikeJean]

Good morning fello travellers,

My Dad & his girl friend travel to Spain in September via Brittney Ferries from Portsmouth to Santander.

Both are 80 years old (perfectly with it but want to prepare as much as possible for their drive to Valle Del Este, via the Madrid ring road).

My Dad would like me to gather as much information & advice as possible for the drive. They’re planning to drive for about 3-4 hours & stay overnight on the day they arrive.

So can anyone provide best advice to questions below please?

1. It is looking like a cabin for the night on the crossing is too expensive, so they’re just have their recliners, so is there any advice re plug sockets, and if it’s acceptable to take a blanket on board?

2. What are best signs to look out for as driving out the port as well as using sat nav? I.e S10, A67, or town names.

3. Any advice on decent stop for the night? I.e is it realist to drive 4 hours, at the moment I am looking at finding somewhere at Venturada. It would be nice if they can stop somewhere not isolated and where they can take a short wander to a couple of bars/ restaurants.

Thank you in advance - Sam

 

[Brize]

Scotzsue is right, change the booking to get a cabin.

You don't give arrival time - this might be early morning or later in afternoon. That can dictate how far you go.

Out of the port, follow signs for A67. I would go no further than Burgos which is 2 hours (A67 then A73), there are sites around there, and then continue down A1 to Madrid ring road.

Camping Burgos might be a convenient option. It's safe, relaxing and tucked away.

Camping en Burgos Camping Fuentes Blancas

Camping en Burgos con Camping Fuentes Blancas. Ofrecemos servicios variados para que disfrutes de tu familia y tus amigos. ¡Ponte en contacto con nosotros!

www.campingburgos.com

 

[Sneds]

Hotel in Santander for the 1st night?

 

[ericonabike]

When I was 10 years old, my dad took the family to Jersey on what was then Sealink (part of BR, he worked for them). We had reclining seats. It was vile. The memory is etched in my mind. Only later did I find they had cabins, but he was too mean to book one.
The idea of spending two or even one nights on them, at the now tender age of 68, is too horrible to contemplate. Seriously, if they can't afford a cabin, they can't afford to go.

 

[Peter Goadby]

I know it will cost but I really wouldn't recommend the recliner seats for an overnight crossing - unless you are the sort of person who can sleep anywhere then you will struggle as they are not comfortable enough for proper sleep and there is always people moving about. If you don't sleep then they will not be in a fit state to drive on arrival. Take a cabin

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[flyboyprowler]

We live close to the Valle del Este estate and have done the trip many times. If arriving at 0800 then it would be a reasonable drive to go to the free Aire at Aranda del Duero, around 4 hours. Next day to the free Aire at Estillo de Garcemunos (don't forget to feed the cats!) and finally, if need be, the Aire at Ikea Murcia. From there it is 1 1/2 hours to V de E. All easy driving, but either use the park for night App and guidance or Waze which has the campsites and Aires in.

 

[Orion]

Forget the recliners! I couldn't use em at 56 year old let alone 80.
Cabarceno the Elephant Aire is supposed to be good with a few bars and a restaurant in the town. Not too far from Port to get them used to the roads etc.

This ^^^^^^ double plus.

The free parking at Cabarceno has much to recommend it - reasonably close to Santander, restaurants and cafes on site, and wildlife to view without actually entering the park.

I’m renowned for being able to fall asleep anywhere - in a tree, draped across the branches at the IOW Festival (first night so no substances involved!) - but those recliners have had the better of me in the past and more recently. Even on the relatively short four hour overnight crossing from Dieppe to Newhaven I will take a Thermarest pad and get a few hours kip in an unoccupied corner of the bar or lounge rather than submit to that particular form of torture!

 

[Basa]

We have used the Santander/Bilbao route numerous times and have never seen the price for a standard cabin go over £200
Agree with all the comments previously stated, rather not go than use a recliner

 

[AnEnglishmanAbroad]

Hi Sam, I loved the idea of your pop and his girlfriend taking the ferry and high road to Madrid. Quite an adventure. We are on the ferry this week to Santander, a two night trip arriving Sunday at 8.00 am. Having done this crossing several times we always find that our sea legs overcome our ability to drive and sort of distance, so we opt for a very short stop just outside of Santander. Usually we go 20 miles to the beautiful little town of Santillana del Mar where there is a nice camper park and great bars and restaurants.
Calle Fontanilla, 39330, Santillana del Mar, Spain
43° 23' 32" N 4° 6' 6" W
43.3922 -4.10157 camperparksantillana@gmail.com / +34617339241 "Take exit 187 off A67.

Alternatively another well known, and hospitable site is in the village of Cobreces nearby. Its called Las Hazas
GPS:
N 43.38809, W 4.21186
N 43°23'17", W 4°12'43" Tel.: +34653801886 | Email: info@areaautocaravanaslashazas.com

They may be eager to set off but I caution against that, particularly given their sleeping arrangements. Its an easy drive from either camper spot to head towards Burgos and then onto Madrid on better roads than we have here.
Good luck to them!

 

[Kups]

We did the 2 night crossing to Santander this June on the Santona.
Took a look around the new ship including one of the reclining seats sections.
First impression was of a teenage sleepover with associated body odours and accompanying flickering screens. Stuff all over the floor, teenage carousing in full view. Ugh!
We're nearing 80 and there's absolutely no way 80 year olds should endure this environment for 30+ hours. Get a cabin, no arguement.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[IRHP]

Hi Neil,

It’s an under 24 hour crossing (I did check as thought maybe they had it wrong).

Also as it’s only been booked recently and there are no cabins left that Brittney ferries have quoted for under €500.

Thanks for the heads up though regards the recliners & sleep, I am aware that they may find this hard.

Sam

Plymouth to Santander is around 20 hours, 1 night.
Portsmouth to Santander is around 30 hours, 2 nights.
I really wouldn't do a recliner, people talking, snoring, farting, in and out all night.
They can take anything they like from the motorhome into the ferry. Pillows are advisable.

 

[flyboyprowler]

If it helps, and you haven't booked already, I would offer my 10% club voyage discount which would help with the cost of a cabin. Just send me a PM.

 

[olley]

If it helps, and you haven't booked already, I would offer my 10% club voyage discount which would help with the cost of a cabin. Just send me a PM.

Don't know if it's changed, but I got the discount on an existing booking a few years ago.

 

[carolyn]

If they don’t get a cabin at their age they will be a danger to themselves and other road users. If they can’t afford a cabin they shouldn’t go. Driving sleep deprived has been shown to be as dangerous as driving drunk.

 

[Trustytriumph]

My parents are doing exactly the same this month ( 76 &78 ) they might be on the same crossing!! Similarly to others I have done the crossing several times and would recommend a cabin - I very much appreciate the cost but it’s worth the rest - also second vote for Burgos a lovely drive over from Santander - beautiful cathedral and plentiful tapas restaurants - my usual drive would be Puentenansa/ la hermida/ potes ( for first night ) then over to burgos via cervera de pisguerga BUT NOT in a camper/ Mhome @80 years oldthey could stop in Rheinosa and Aguilar de campoo on the way to Burgos both beautiful and worth a look at. I can’t help south of Madrid but would recommend fitting in Avila ( walled city ) and Segovia ( working Roman Aqueduct & castle ) northern Spain should not be overlooked - it is cooler and there is lots to see!!