It is a method not often considered by many holiday makers or those looking to make their permanent home in Spain, but getting there by sea is possible and is perhaps one of the most convenient ways to travel. For anyone not in a hurry to get to their destination, choosing a ferry as a mode of transport can often be very relaxing too, helping to relieve the stress of making such a life changing move.

There are several ferry companies which make the trip from many starting destination countries including the UK, Italy and Morocco. You can choose between a daytime crossing and an overnight crossing and there are sleeper ferries with private cabins for those who wish to rest during their trip.

Brittany Ferries set sail from Plymouth, Portsmouth and Poole and arrive in the Spanish ports of Bilbao and Santander. The trip can take up to 24 hours and they sail several times each week which is ideal for those with flexible travel plans. P&O Ferries offers a summer season service from Portsmouth to Bilbao. This often ceases to run in September so if you are looking to travel by ferry at that time it is wise to check the latest timetable information.

If your starting destination is elsewhere other than the UK it is still possible to get to Spain by sea. Those in Italy can travel by ferry to Spain using either GrandiNaviVeloci or the Grimaldi Lines. They both depart from the ports of Civitavecchia, Genoa and Livorno and dock at Barcelona. Morocco has ferry connections with Spain via several operators including Acciona Trasmediterranea, Nautas Al-Maghreb and GrandiNaviVeloci. Acciona Trasmediterranea also sails into Spain from the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

If you are travelling to mainland Spain from the Balearic Islands there are two other ferry companies that operate routes between the destinations. Iscomar and Balearia both operate regular services to and from the islands.

If you are looking to start your new life in Spain with a touch of luxury it may also be possible to take a cruise to Spain. There are many cruise operators that run services between the UK and the Spanish mainland (and the outlying islands) and it could be possible to join the journey just one way. Alternatively, if you do not mind forgoing the entertainment and other such luxuries it may also be possible to make the journey via a cargo ship. There are many freight companies who operate between the UK and Spain and cargo ship accommodation, if available can be very reasonably priced. If you are shipping a large quantity of items from your home in the UK to your new residence in Spain it may even be possible to book accommodation on the cargo ship that is carrying your items.

Useful Resources

Brittany Ferries
www.brittanyferries.com
Tel: 0871 244 0744
Email:customer.feedback@brittanyferries.com

P&O Ferries
www.poferries.com
Tel: 08716 64 21 21
Email: customer.services@poferries.com