Take the scenic route to Spain with Brittany Ferries

Why fly when you can take the scenic route by ferry? Whether you're dreaming of sun-soaked days on Spain's stunning coastline, sightseeing in vibrant cities or hiking through lush mountainous landscapes, the country has something for everyone. And by travelling by ferry, your holiday begins long before you even arrive in Spain. From the moment you step on board, you can relax - watch the sun glisten on the rippling water, indulge in fresh seasonal dishes or have a browse in duty-free.

Thanks to regular ferries from the UK and Ireland to Spain, operated by Brittany Ferries, getting there has never been easier either. Read on to discover the best ferry routes and what to do once you're there.

Ferries from UK/Ireland to Spain

Brittany Ferries offer several direct ferry routes from the UK and Ireland to northern Spain, with ferries arriving in either Bilbao or Santander.

UK ferry routes to Spain with Brittany Ferries

Ireland ferry routes to Spain with Brittany Ferries

Arriving in Spain

Located around 60 miles apart, Bilbao and Santander are well positioned for exploring northern Spain and beyond. Both make excellent starting points for your Spanish adventure, but before you continue your journey, it’s worth spending a few days exploring the cities themselves.

Bilbao

Approaching Bilbao by ferry offers a completely different view of Spain – the lush green hills and winding Nervión River feel worlds away from the sun-soaked beaches of the south. 

Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao manages to retain its authenticity and avoid the tourist crowds who often opt for cities like Barcelona instead. This all adds to its charm, allowing you to get a feel for a different side of Spain, shaped by a strong Basque identity.

The city blends old and new effortlessly, with medieval streets packed with traditional pintxos bars sit within touching distance of the striking modern architecture that glistens along the waterfront. It’s culinary scene and world-class museums tend to steal the spotlight - and with dishes like Basque steak and grilled octopus, alongside iconic sights like the Guggenheim, it’s easy to see why.

Top things to do in Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum
With a futuristic design that dominates the waterfront, it's hard to miss the Guggenheim Museum. Admire the architecture from the outside before heading inside to explore the world-class modern and contemporary art museum.

Old Town (Casco Viejo)
Bilbao’s old town is a complete contrast to the Guggenheim. Think narrow streets lined with colourful buildings, independent shops and buzzing plazas dotted with traditional pintxos bars where you can sample Basque dishes.

Mercado de la Ribera
Foodies also can’t miss a trip to Mercado de la Ribera, Europe’s largest covered food market. Fresh seafood, cured meats, fruits and vegetables are spread out across the market's countless stalls. Enjoy the delicious aromas and lively atmosphere as you wander through and sample the region’s famous cuisine.

Artxanda
For a different perspective of the city, take the Artxanda Funicular up to the top of Mount Artxanda. The journey only takes a few minutes and offers beautiful views of Bilbao and the surrounding area below.

Vizcaya Bridge
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vizcaya Bridge is the world’s oldest transporter bridge. You can cross via a moving gondola or take a scenic stroll along the pedestrian walkway to enjoy views of the city.

Distance from other destinations in Spain

After discovering Bilbao, you can easily continue your Spanish adventure, with major cities connected by convenient road and rail links.

Santander

Nestled along Spain’s Cantabrian coastline, Santander is a laid-back seaside city known for its golden beaches, historic architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Despite being one of the main ferry gateways to northern Spain, it feels far less touristy than cities like Barcelona or Madrid, so a little Spanish can go a long way. 

Often overlooked in favour of Spain’s larger destinations, Santander has more than enough to fill a long weekend, or even a longer stay - whether that’s relaxing on sandy bays, sightseeing or tucking into delicious tapas.

Top things to do in Santander

El Sardinero
No trip to Santander is complete without visiting its beaches, especially El Sardinero, the city's most famous stretch. Sunbathe on its endless stretch of golden sands or take a scenic stroll along its long seafront promenade.

Magdalena Peninsula
Home to the historic Magdalena Palace, a royal summer residence built in the early 20th century, Magdalena Peninsula is one of Santander's most popular spots. You can explore the royal palace, discover small beaches and enjoy clifftop walks.

Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
Delve into the region's marine life at this maritime museum. Spread across four floors, you can see fascinating exhibits, an aquarium with local marine life and even a 20-metre whale skeleton, making it a great stop for families.

Centro Botín
Perched along the waterfront, Centro Botín is a modern arts and cultural centre designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Don't miss the rooftop terrace which offers beautiful views across Santander Bay.

Mercado de la Esperanza
One of the best places to experience the local Cantabrian cuisine is at Mercado de la Esperanza. Wander through the bustling market to get a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture and get a real taste of Santander with its delicious regional produce.

Distance from other destinations in Spain

Just like Bilbao, Santander also makes a great starting point for your Spanish adventure:

Benefits of taking the ferry vs flying to Spain

So, why take the ferry rather than fly? Flying may be quicker but there are so many benefits to taking the ferry:

Lower carbon footprint

Travelling by ferry can be more environmentally friendly than flying, especially compared to short-haul routes. Ferries typically produce fewer CO₂ emissions per passenger as they carry large numbers of travellers at once. Check out our guide on sustainable ferry travel for more information.

Travel by car

One of the best things about travelling by ferry is being able to bring your car along too. All Brittany Ferries routes to Spain from the UK and Ireland allow you to take your vehicle with you. This not only saves you having to rent a vehicle once you're in Spain, but means you can drive straight off the ferry and continue your journey.

Bring as much luggage as you like

Airlines often have strict luggage limits that you have to abide by or face a hefty charge, whilst ferry operators are a lot more flexible with luggage allowances. If you're travelling by car, you can essentially bring as much as you like with you without having to worry about weight restrictions of extra fees.

Take your pet along too

On ferry routes from the UK to Spain, you can also bring your pet with you. Depending on the ship, pets can travel in pet-friendly cabins, onboard kennels or remain in your vehicle. Our guide to travelling with pets explains everything you need to know before you sail.

Enjoy a more relaxing journey

And finally, travelling by ferry offers a much more relaxing experience than flying. Not only do you get to skip airport queues, but you'll get to enjoy a more comfortable and entertaining journey. Onboard facilities vary by ship, but there’s plenty to keep you entertained along the way - whether that's watching the latest release in the cinema, listening to live music or enjoying a family meal in one of the onboard restaurants. You’ll also find WiFi and spacious lounges where you can unwind and soak up the sea views.

Wherever you plan on visiting in Spain, travelling by ferry makes the journey all part of the adventure. Compare crossings and prices and book your ferry to Spain today at Direct Ferries.