Ferry travel: The perfect way to explore France, Spain or Italy

With ferry companies recently receiving a significant boost in profile and passenger numbers as a result of various disruptions to air travel, there has never been a better time for travellers to discover the ease and flexibility of getting to their destination by sea. Europe's most popular holiday countries are accessible by ferry, meaning visitors will not have to compromise on their choice of destination if they take the maritime route.

Advantages of ferry holidays

One of the most significant advantages of sea travel over flying is its flexibility with regards to luggage. While many airlines impose strict weight limits on bags and only allow a certain number of carry-on items per passenger, the only restriction faced by ferry travellers is the amount they can fit in their car. This freedom is particularly reassuring for families who would like the option to take large items such as pushchairs or bicycles on holiday with them. Ferry companies also tend to be far more accommodating than airlines when it comes to check-in and boarding, with flexible policies in place for people who arrive late, or those who get to the port in time to catch an earlier sailing.

Once practical matters such as packing, getting to the port and boarding the ship are over with, ferry travellers can start to enjoy their holiday immediately. In contrast to the stuffy, cramped aircraft cabin full of stressed-out fliers, the typical modern-day ferry offers outside decks where passengers can relax and take in the sea air on the way to their destination. Travellers can also browse through shops for any last-minute holiday essentials, sit down for a meal or unwind with a drink in an onboard bar.

Another strong reason for choosing a ferry holiday is the possible financial benefit. As well as being cheaper than some alternative methods of transport, ferry crossings can often be incorporated into a deal that includes a discount on accommodation. Furthermore, travelling with a car means that there is no need for ferry passengers to worry about arranging transport from the port to their final destination, something that can often prove costly and stressful for fliers.

Those looking for ultimate independence and flexibility with regards to accommodation might want to consider a camping or caravan holiday. Intrepid travellers can pack up a tent or hook up their caravan and set off on an adventure to some of the continent's most beautiful and exciting destinations. The extensive range of sailings available from UK ports means ferry travellers have practically all of western Europe to choose from when planning their break.

Camping holidays in France, Spain and ItalyFrance

Located just a short channel crossing away, France is arguably the country most closely associated with ferry holidays for people from the UK. Travel options for holidaymakers planning to visit this diverse and exciting nation include the Dover to Calais ferry route, which is served by both P&O Ferries and SeaFrance and offers the advantage of a short crossing. Brittany Ferries offers the widest choice of services to France, with ferries from Portsmouth to St Malo, Caen and Cherbourg, as well as routes from Plymouth to Roscoff and Poole to Cherbourg. LD Lines also provides links to the European country with its ferries from Portsmouth to Le Havre and Dover to Boulogne, while Norfolkline sails from Dover to Dunkerque.

Two of the most popular destinations for French camping holidays are Brittany and Normandy in the north-west. Boasting everything from verdant countryside and secluded beaches to quaint villages and bustling cities, these regions offer a range of activities and attractions to suit people of all ages and tastes.

Culture vultures can head to Rouen in Normandy to see the cathedral that famously inspired Claude Monet, while those looking for adventure can try windsurfing, cycling and other pursuits along Brittany's Pink Granite coast. The advantage of travelling with a car means that ferry passengers can combine these and other destinations in a single camping holiday. There are several regions located further south that are well worth visiting, such as the Dordogne and Provence, both of which are famous for their spectacular scenery.

Spain

There is just as wide a range of experiences on offer in Spain, which has been the most popular overseas holiday destination for people from the UK for many years. P&O Ferries will continue to provide access to the country throughout the summer months, with the company's ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao set to operate until September. Brittany Ferries offers Santander ferry services from Portsmouth and Plymouth.

Both of these Spanish cities offer plenty of cultural stimulation, with Bilbao presenting regular modern art exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum and Santander boasting attractions such as the palace of La Magdalena and the Maritime Museum of Cantabria. Holidaymakers who enjoy outdoor activities will find plenty to interest them in northern Spain, from surfing at the beaches of Somo and Meron in Cantabria to walking in the Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias.

Those looking to venture further into Spain can explore other regions, such as La Rioja and Aragon, or pay a visit to the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Madrid.

Italy

Travellers planning to visit Italy during their European adventure have the option of taking a ferry to France or Belgium and driving all the way south, or completing the final leg of their journey by sea. Several ferry companies provide services to ports such as Livorno, Civitavecchia and Naples along Italy's Mediterranean coast from France and Spain, as well as the islands of Sardinia, Corsica and Sicily. Leading operators in the region include Grimaldi Lines, Moby Lines and SNAV.

Among Italy's many claims to fame, which highlight its appeal as a camping holiday destination, is the fact that it boasts more Unesco World Heritage sites than any other country in the world. Some of the spectacular historic locations that travellers can visit during their trip include the centres of Florence and Naples, the landscape of Val d'Orcia in Tuscany and the Amalfi coast in Campania.

The ferry port of Civitavecchia serves as a gateway to Rome, Italy's famous capital. Visitors can spend days seeing the city's ancient attractions and monuments - such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum - or possibly just enjoy the food, weather and laid-back atmosphere that make Italy such a memorable holiday destination.

Posted by Andrew Smith