Portsmouth Port - Britain's best connected ferry port

As soon as you step off your ferry crossing to Bilbao you can take in the fantastic architecture that places this city at the forefront of modernist architecture. The Guggenheim museum, Euskalduna Concert Hall and the city’s impressive underground are all examples of why it is a hive of activity for tourists.

Upon arriving at Bilbao Ferry Port you can choose to stay in the city centre or venture out to the surrounding forests, mountains or beaches that add to Bilbao’s diversity.

Bilbao is famous for Tapas cuisine, but has restaurants catering to all desires from traditional Spanish cuisines to out of the ordinary culinary triumphs!  Unmissable restaurants include the Gorrotxa and dining at the famous Guggenheim Museum.

Bilbao is a bustling and lively city, and with such easy access by car ferry from Portsmouth Port it is an unmissable town to explore. With the convenience of your own car, you can roam the region and check out the hot spots at your own leisure.

What’s easily accessible?
A ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry port puts you in the midst of a whole host of opportunities for exploration.

• Bilbao ferry crossings take 35 hours from Portsmouth Port, allowing you to start your journey right away and enjoy all that the P&O Ferries ‘Pride of Bilbao’ has to offer
• Ferry Crossings back to Portsmouth Port are available every three days
• Bilbao Ferry Port has excellent road connections with Madrid just down the A8
• A bus from Bilbao to Madrid takes 5 hours and costs only 30 Euros
• 40 minutes north of Bilbao is a tranquil beach called Bakio, regular BizkaiBus buses go from the Moyua Square
• The train from Bilbao Sants station to Barcelona takes about six and a half hours and costs about 70 Euros.

Bilbao’s worst kept secrets
• The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum has become a cultural and tourist hotspot. Built by Frank O. Gehry in 1997, it is completely covered by wavy titanium sheets making the outside flamboyant and noticeable. It houses some fantastic collections of modern art, making it a must for all art lovers
• The Fine Arts Museum is among the best in Spain, with a great gallery that houses three collections: art through the centuries, featuring El Greco, Zurbarán, Goya and Van Dyck. Contemporary art with Gauguin, Bacon, and Tàpies, and Basque art by Regoyos, Zuloaga, and Iturrino
• In the field of the performing arts, the prestigious long-standing Opera Season at the Palacio Euskalduna (a facility with capacity for more than 2000 people), stages spectacular shows including the best international singers
• There are 75 theatres and cinemas throughout Bilbao to keep you occupied.  If you like classical music head to The Bilbao and Euskadi Symphony Orchestras or Arriaga Theatre for dance shows
• Check out the shopping in Bilbao in both the Old Quarter, which is home to over 800 storefronts, and BilbaoCentro, where you'll find both department stores and smaller boutiques
• The Seaside Market is located in the Old Quarter, on Ribera Street. In this three-story complex you can find a number of food items for sale, including fresh produce and meat
• A great place to pick up traditional Basque items is to wander through the Handicrafts Market, which is open during the holiday season from December 19 to January 6. This market is located at El Arenal in the Old Quarter.

Ferry Crossings to Bilbao

Bilbao to Portsmouth Crossing

Click here to find out more about Bilbao.