Ferries to Spain from the UK are understandably costlier than Cross Channel Ferries due to the extra distance to travel and time involved. We usually travel through France to Spain, but if you don't have the time for this or want to travel much further south, then the ferries to Spain from Portsmouth and Plymouth are the only viable proposition.

There are strict regulations on car hire for older drivers travelling to Spain, so taking your own vehicle could be your only option.

We've certainly enjoyed heading off the beaten track in Spain and Portugal, visiting such gems as El Alberca, Ciudid Rodrigo, Salamanca, Braganza and Serta.

Those interested in ferries to Spain might like to know a new luxury ferry from Portsmouth to Santander comes into service on the 18th March - the 2,400 capacity Pont Aven. It will operate from Portsmouth on alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with return journeys on Mondays.

It will make the journey in 24 hours, cutting up to 8 hours off existing passenger service times on the same route.

The Pont Aven was built in 2004 and has two cinemas, a swimming pool, a leisure area, a promenade, a five-deck-high atrium and four different types of cabin.

Do remember to check the other options before making any booking.

As well as the expensive routes across the Western parts of the Channel, operated by Brittany Ferries, the busy routes from Dover operated by P & O, Norfolk Line and Seafrance and the routes to Spain, we've often found the routes operated by Transmanche and LD Lines can give better value and are more convenient, so a site which can offer a "Ferry Search Tool" covering all the available routes, sailing times, prices and availability can be invaluable.

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