Most people associate ferry travel with a quick hop on and hop off. Routes like Dover to Calais are well-used by those visiting the continent, offering a relaxed alternative to busy airports and avoiding the hassle of luggage allowances.

But what many don’t realise is that Europe’s longest ferry route departs from the UK, and those who take the journey often compare it to a mini cruise, with plenty to keep passengers occupied during the sailing. The route from Portsmouth to Bilbao in Spain is typically considered the longest in Europe, taking between 27 and 30 hours, and it’s a great option for those who want to enjoy a flight-free break. 

While some argue that the ferry from Hirtshals, Denmark to Seyðisfjörður, Iceland is longer at 44 hours, that trip includes a stopover at the Faroe Islands, so it isn’t a continuous journey. There’s also a ferry that runs from Denmark to Morocco, taking about three days, but this takes passengers outside of Europe.

Brittany Ferries runs the service from Portsmouth International Port, which is just under two hours from London. It offers two sailings a week, and passengers will sail on either the Galicia or Santoña ships, which feature Spanish-inspired decor. 

Passengers spend two nights onboard before reaching their destination, so luckily there’s comfortable accommodation on-board. Each ship has a choice of cabins, from basic four-berth inside rooms, perfect for families who just need a place to sleep, to two-berth suites with double beds, minibars, and perks such as breakfast being served in your cabin.

If you’re on a budget, and the sort of person who can sleep through anything, you can also opt for a simple reclining seat for the two-day voyage.

So, once you’ve dropped your suitcases at your cabin, what can you do for the next 30 hours? While taking this journey isn’t quite as activity-packed as a cruise, it still offers plenty to keep you occupied. For those traveling with kids, there’s a children’s play area that includes interactive games. Additionally, video on demand is available throughout the ship, allowing them to watch their favorite shows.

Many crossings offer live entertainment in the evenings, from magicians to cabaret singers, while the on-board cinema shows a range of family-favourite movies and new releases to help you pass the time. 

Both ferries have a sundeck where you can enjoy the good weather, with a space outdoors for kids to play, or you can head to the bar which has a skylight and great views during the journey. At dinner time, enjoy a choice of dining options. Spain-bound ships offer Spanish cuisine to get you in the holiday mood. You can also enjoy shopping on board, with shops selling gifts and souvenirs as well as practical items you might need for your trip.

Most sailings arrive early in the morning on the second day, so once you’ve had a shower and some breakfast, you disembark and have the rest of the day ahead to enjoy. Bilbao is not a hugely popular holiday destination with Brits, but the north coast of Spain is certainly worth exploring if you want to enjoy cultural cities, vast unspoilt beaches, and lush green mountain scenery.

Otherwise, it’s the perfect starting point for a European road trip, and there are plenty of destinations you can reach in a few hours by car. San Sebastian, on the border with France, is just an hour and 30 minutes away, the French city of Toulouse is a four-and-a-half hour drive, or you could even head to the sunny Costa Brava, with Barcelona about six hours away by car. This road trip comes highly recommended for those who want to experience authentic Spanish culture, with charming towns, vineyards, and sun-soaked scenery along the way. 

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