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Portsmouth to Bilbao is one of only two direct ferry routes from the UK to Spain, and it turns a tedious 1,000-mile drive through France into a 28 to 32-hour mini-cruise across the Bay of Biscay. Brittany Ferries sails the route twice a week on cruise-ferries with en-suite cabins, restaurants, bars, a pool and even a wildlife deck — the Bay of Biscay is famous for whales and dolphins. You arrive at Bilbao, where the port is at Zierbena near Santurtzi, refreshed and ready for the Basque Country, Rioja, the Picos de Europa or the long road to the Mediterranean and Portugal. It is the route of choice for motorhomes and anyone who would rather spend a relaxed day at sea than two days behind the wheel.
Around 28 to 32 hours across the Bay of Biscay, with a cabin included.
Brittany Ferries runs it roughly twice a week; book ahead as cabins sell out in summer.
Yes. Because the crossing spans at least one night, an en-suite cabin is included in the fare.