Spain - port preferences and then where?
after 5 years caravan holidays (3 weeks at a time) in various parts of France, we’re looking to try Spain in May/June 2019, probably for 5-6 weeks as we will both be retired by then.
We’re thinking we will start the holiday by enjoying the long direct crossing from Portsmouth, so the first question is, apart from a few £ difference in cost, what are the pros and cons of using Santander v Bilbao. Assuming we stay close to the port for a night or two either on inward or outward journey, any views on which is the most attractive/interesting city?
and then where do we go? We are a couple in 60s, no kids/pets, we like sunshine, beaches, sightseeing, dining out. We are thinking we will go to the Med at some point in the trip, but which routes across Spain, taking into account the balancing act of sites, interest, distance etc?
Have you got any ‘do not miss’ or ‘avoid’ tips regarding sites or interest?
when in France, we learnt not to book ahead, using ACSI card. Is Spain similar in avoiding booking ahead in May/June?
i realise these are very general questions, but the experience of others served us well in planning France trips. So all thoughts welcome.
Comments
-
I am glad that you found some suggestions useful for France but it is always difficult making recommendations or suggesting a certain holiday to other people, especially strangers.
I would have thought that a good starting point would be looking at a guide book, a good map of Spain and your ACSI book so that you have some ideas of where you might like to go.
If you have some ideas and wish to get comments from other folks you will probably get more meaningful responses than to the question "where do we go?" in Spain.
0 -
As well as closing an arrival port research the 3 ships which run to Spain - they aren't all alike.
Consider the arrival times in Spain and whether an evening arrival fits with where you want to go for your first night.
Remember that one of the sailings from Portsmouth involves two nights on board.
And if you can drive to Plymouth instead of Portsmouth then the Sunday afternoon sailing from there is on the best ship and at very convenient times.
1 -
Thanks all so far. I realise the first info-seek was vague, but we gotta start somewhere.
At 280 mile from home, Plymouth is almost twice as far as Portsmouth, so that is a consideration.
i noted the difference in economy v cruise sailings with BF.
Any comment on my ACSI question?
0 -
We did a 3 month tour this year using the Plymouth/Santander crossing mainly because Plymouth is only Ihr 20mins from home.
Acsi is very useful but even better is the Archies app more choice regarding sites and many are about the same price. We got a shock at a couple Acsi sites in Spain when they would only take cash so worth asking if staying for long periods hope this helps.
0 -
We went to Spain for six weeks last November but purely for sight seeing and not the beaches. However for what to see you may find something of interest in my blog about the trip. My don't misses would be Granada and Cordoba.
https://jennyandjohngocaravanning.wordpress.com/2017/11/11/spain/
We would have gone back this November but have a couple of health issues which need sorting.
0 -
I am surprised with that amount of time available and the fact you have travelled in France before you don't drive to Spain through central France to the Med coast and then down the Med coast of Spain, especially as you are looking for sunshine and enjoy beaches. I am a good sailor but don't really enjoy the long sea crossing to Spain. I find it boring compared to driving and the sites you can see and enjoy on route. Gather as much infrmation as you can, read the many blogs of trips that might appeal and make up your mind what is best for you. I pretty much circum navigated Iberia in 6 weeks from Calais and back. A similar trip should give you a great insight as to where you might want to retutn to explore further. I certainly would not book anything other than your crossing. You can read what we did at http://www.wheelgotravelling.info/Iberia2009.html
peedee
0 -
When considering which Spanish Port to chose, Santander Port is in a fairly busy area of the City and there is little or no space for parking - certainly not overnight. Bilbao port is out of the city and there is adequate safe space to park up for the night if needed. A delayed arrival (it does happen) can leave you needing to park up for the night, or simply stay overnight before departure on the return voyage..
0 -
Rather than considering whether it be Bilbao or Santander, instead consider the ferry arrival time. Some of the ferries timetables are better than others. I've been going to Spain each year since 1995. Some years I've arrived in Santander at 18hrs on a Saturday night. It's been dark and pouring down. Not the best of times to arrive in a strange port. Fortunately now I know the way to the nearest site just ten miles away. Another ferry leaves very late at night but it arrives in Bilbao at 07.00 which gives a whole day for the first day's travel.
Another small point is the motorway from Bilbao to Burgos will cost you 13 or so Euros, whereas the motorway from Santander to Burgos is toll-free.
For some interesting places to see enroute and destinations see my website here
0 -
Thanks to all (so far) who have responded. The blog sites in particular are so helpful.
we are still relative newcomers to caravanning (about 6 years) so clearly have got a long way to catch some of you up!
we probably will opt for the Spain crossing, simply because we fancy a change from the drive through France. Being retired, we can take a more leisurely approach to cross-country routes than we did when in France, so not too worried about ferry arrival time, as we will tailor first night stop accordingly.
that said, still planning and perusing as we’ve got Xmas in Canaries - flying- and then a mega holiday in Australia in Jan/Feb before we get to the action stage of the Spanish caravan holiday. But it pays to weigh up options well in advance.
1
