Do any ferries go to Portugal?

Portugal by Ferry: A Journey with a Twist

Dreaming of a ferry trip to Portugal? While a direct ferry from, say, the UK, to a Portuguese port doesn’t currently exist, reaching the sun-drenched shores of Portugal by sea is entirely possible – just not in a completely straightforward way. The reality involves a slightly more adventurous approach, incorporating a land journey as part of your seafaring adventure.

Currently, the closest option for a ferry journey towards Portugal is utilizing Brittany Ferries’ Pont-Aven route. This ferry departs from Plymouth, UK, and travels overnight to Santander, Spain. The 20-hour voyage across the Bay of Biscay offers a scenic and relaxing start to your journey, allowing you to wake up to the captivating coastline of northern Spain.

However, this is only the first leg of your journey. Santander serves as a gateway to Portugal, rather than a final destination. From Santander, you’ll need to continue your travel via land. Options include a comfortable train journey, a scenic drive, or even a bus ride, depending on your preferred method of travel and final destination within Portugal.

This “ferry-and-then-some” approach might seem less than ideal compared to a direct ferry connection, but it offers a unique travel experience. Think of it as a two-part journey: a relaxing overnight ferry crossing followed by a new adventure exploring the landscapes of Spain before reaching your final Portuguese destination. This dual approach allows you to experience both the charm of a sea voyage and the diverse beauty of the Iberian Peninsula.

Therefore, while the answer to “Do any ferries go to Portugal?” is technically no, in the sense of a direct route, the answer is a resounding “yes” if you’re willing to embrace a journey that combines sea and land travel, offering a richer and more varied experience. By cleverly utilizing the Brittany Ferries route to Santander, you can still enjoy a significant portion of your travel by sea before continuing your adventure to the beautiful country of Portugal.