A Road Trip to La Manga Club: The Joy of the Ferry and Spain's Open Roads

Some may disagree, but for me, there is an unmistakable joy in passing the Isle of Wight and losing all connections to network providers. It signals the start of a true escape, courtesy of the ferry service from the UK to Spain. The beauty of this journey is the digital detox it affords you – 24 to 30 hours away from emails, notifications, and the constant buzz of daily life. Of course, a limited internet connection is available at a cost for those who find this unbearable, but for many, this break is part of the charm.

Several ferry options are available, with routes departing from Portsmouth and Plymouth and heading to Bilbao and Santander. Each route offers a unique way to explore Spain, depending on your arrival time. You can find more information on routes and schedules on the Brittany Ferries website. Whichever crossing you choose, the journey truly begins when you disembark, ready to take on the open Spanish roads to La Manga Club.

Finding Your Route

One of the more exciting new offerings is the two-night ferry service to Bilbao. It docks at 8 a.m., so you can comfortably make it down to La Manga Club in a single day. This route takes you through northern Madrid, then down past Albacete and Murcia before finally reaching La Manga Club. A day’s drive, yes, but a wonderfully scenic one.

Depending on when your ferry docks, there are a couple of route options to explore. The first is the Bilbao-Zaragoza-Valencia-La Manga route. Zaragoza is worth a stop, even if only for a few hours. It’s an intriguing city with plenty of hotels, and its historic centre boasts notable sights like the stunning Basilica del Pilar, which deserves a place on your must-see list.

Another option is the route from Bilbao via Madrid. Madrid makes an excellent overnight stop, offering a chance to stretch your legs and soak in the atmosphere of Spain’s vibrant capital. With just a few hours, you could wander through Retiro Park, admire the splendour of the Royal Palace, or enjoy a quick tapas feast in one of the city’s bustling squares.

Santander to Madrid via Toledo: An Alternative Adventure

If you choose to dock in Santander, your journey could take you to Madrid via the historic city of Toledo, situated around 40 kilometres south of the capital. Toledo’s history stretches back over centuries, a true testament to Spain’s diverse past, with its blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences. Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo is a beautiful mix of ancient cobbled streets, gothic architecture, and commanding views over the Tagus River. It makes for a charming overnight stop before continuing on to La Manga Club.

Most routes will, at some point, pass through or around Madrid before heading towards Albacete, Murcia, and ultimately La Manga Club. If your sat nav decides to take you right through Madrid, fear not – the city is navigable, thanks to its extensive system of underground tunnels that make driving relatively straightforward.

The Bliss of Spanish Motorways

Whichever route you take towards La Manga Club, one of the undeniable highlights of the journey is the Spanish motorways. Compared to the congestion of the M1 or M25, Spain’s vast network of motorways feels like a revelation – wide, open, and gloriously empty. It's one of the few opportunities you’ll have to use cruise control properly, gliding effortlessly through the picturesque countryside, far from the frantic pace of UK roads.

Preparing for the Journey Home

The return journey is a different story. When it comes to catching your ferry back to the UK, timing is everything, and ensuring you arrive at least 90 minutes before departure is key. If you’ve booked a morning or early afternoon crossing, it’s always wise to stay somewhere the night before to avoid any last-minute panic.

For those heading back to Bilbao, Pamplona makes for an interesting overnight stop. Known for the famous Running of the Bulls, it’s a vibrant city with a lot of character. But for the last two years, we’ve made our pit stop at Natura Resort near Burgos. It’s an ideal location, particularly if you’re travelling with dogs, offering easy-to-use, self-catered bungalows surrounded by plenty of open space for pets to roam.

If you’re taking the Santander route, Valladolid is a fantastic choice. We’ve often stayed at the AC Hotel Palacio de Santa Ana, located on the outskirts of Valladolid. It’s a converted monastery, full of character, yet conveniently close to the motorway, allowing you to hit the road easily the next morning. The hotel’s restaurant is a delight, and since Valladolid isn’t overly touristy, the prices are very reasonable. If you’re making the journey in late August or early September, it’s also a great spot to enjoy some of Spain’s last guaranteed summer warmth before you head into the Pyrenees and on to the ferry port.

Family Journeys and Fond Memories

Of course, each journey is unique, and every traveller will find their own favourite routes and places to stay. We’ve completed this trip numerous times, adapting it depending on who’s on board. When the kids were younger, they were bundled into the car, though as they grew older, they opted to fly out and meet us there, with one strict request: “make sure you bring our suitcases!”

We’ve made this drive with dogs in tow, seeking out dog-friendly spots like Natura Resort, and we’ve also taken a few extra days to savour Madrid, a city that remains, without a doubt, my favourite in Europe. Each journey has its own set of stories and fond memories, from hastily packed snacks to the thrill of driving on empty roads, with nothing but the Spanish countryside for company.

Conclusion

Driving down to La Manga Club via the ferry offers not just a holiday but an adventure. It’s a journey filled with contrasts: from the tranquillity of the ferry to the bustling streets of Madrid, from the historic charm of Toledo to the sprawling open roads of Spain. There’s something truly satisfying about the freedom of a road trip, the spontaneity of choosing where to stop, and the chance to see Spain beyond the confines of a resort. It’s about the journey as much as the destination, creating memories, and discovering new places along the way. So next time you’re planning a trip to La Manga Club, why not take the scenic route?