Topped-and-tailed by a relaxing cruise the ferry-drive tour is the perfect antidote for airline-weary travellers. And northern Spain provides an exciting, and ecological, alternative to France for those who would rather not fly.
Ferry tours northern Spain
Ferry direct to Northern Spain for surfy beaches, world-class gastronomy and lofty mountains. Here you’ll find an extraordinarily rich heritage, architecture, both modern and ancient – and plenty more. There are sleepy fishing villages and vibrant cities yet the region is still predominantly rural and quite unspoilt.
With superb motorway connections Santander and Bilbao open up the whole of Spain and Portugal for wonderful motoring adventures. For a truly epic journey head for Porto, Toledo or the Mediterranean coast or stay closer and discover the charms of north-west Spain or the Spanish Pyrenees .
Roads are remarkably good, driving conditions civilised and you’ll find no end of good things, from wines of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to fine Spanish ham, at wonderful prices to bring home with you.
Nine ferry crossings a week.
Brittany Ferries now offer seven crossings a week from the UK and two crossings a week from Ireland to northern Spain. Ferries depart from Portsmouth and Plymouth in the UK and Rosslare in Ireland, and enter Spain via Bilbao or Santander. The Spanish ports are just an hour apart meaning that they can be easily combined to fit your holiday plans.
Bring your own car and cruise down to Spain in style – and stock up with delicious goodies for the return trip!
We’ve designed several circular tours to combine with the ferry routes, staying in delightful small hotels and travelling at your own pace. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here do please give us a call and we’ll happily put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Timetable - all Spain Ferries from UK and EireChoose from our Ferry-drive Touring Holidays
Showing 12 results
The Costa Brava Run PC6
From Atlantic via Pyrenees to glittering Med
Based on 14 nights self-drive independent tour in Portugal and Spain
Mid-season from
£1750/pp
£1750/pp
Camino del Norte – Out and Back NC7
Santander – Santiago – Circular tour
Based on 14 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£1400/pp
£1400/pp
Taste of the North NC3
Bilbao – La Rioja – Coastal Cantabria Tour
Based on 7 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£775/pp
£775/pp
Mar y Montaña NC4
Natural highlights of Cantabria & Asturias
Based on 7 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£675/pp
£675/pp
Grand Tour of Northern Spain NC6
North coast, Picos de Europa & the interior
Based on 14 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£1375/pp
£1375/pp
The Toledo Run IC5
Northern Spain to Toledo via the Heritage Cities of Castilla y León
Based on 14 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£2025/pp
£2025/pp
Discover Asturias NC8
Northern Spain’s ‘Natural Paradise’
Based on 7 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£700/pp
£700/pp
Discover Cantabria NC9
Cantabria, the heart of Northern Spain
Based on 7 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£750/pp
£750/pp
Western Pyrenees Circular Tour PC5
Navarra and Aragon – circular
Based on 10 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£1175/pp
£1175/pp
Wine & Mountains Tour PC4
Navarra – Huesca – La Rioja – Bilbao
Based on 10 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Mid-season from
£1150/pp
£1150/pp
Ferry tour northern Spain
Let our experts help you plan your trip – we’ll adapt the route to fit with ferry crossings which suit you, and take into account any driving or parking concerns you may have. We can advise on circular rides, road conditions, the best time to come and driving regulations in Spain and Portugal..
Brittany Ferries services arrive in the Spanish ports of Santander and Bilbao. Our recommended routes head from there into Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia and the Picos de Europa in the Spanish northern region, south into Castilla y León and La Rioja and further afield into Portugal. Please call to ask about options.
If you have particular requirements please do let us know. For example we can advise on classic car touring and motorcycle touring in Spain – if you have a small group please give us a call – we’d love to hear from you!