Spain 'offers more than beaches'

People catching ferries to Spain for their summer holiday this year will be able to experience much more than lazy days on the beach, according to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).

According to Derek Moore, chairman of the AITO, the perception of Spain as a beach holiday hotspot means that many people are unaware of its broader appeal.

The national tourist board launched an advertising campaign promoting Spain's old towns and historic attractions which, according to Mr Moore, was an effort to draw attention to the country's diversity.

"They were trying to move tourism away from beach[es]," he said. "Spain has got a lot of products to offer other than the beaches.

"For example, people will go to Peru to go trekking but they could go trekking in the south of Andalucia province."

Travellers catching ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao have an ideal opportunity to experience Spain's lesser-known destinations on the country's north coast, away from the tourist hotspots of the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca.

P&O Ferries operates on this route, while Brittany Ferries provides ferries to Santander from Portsmouth and Plymouth.

Written by Andrew Smith

Portsmouth - Santander

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

Travelling on:

17/07/2012 - 30/07/2012

£385

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Plymouth - Santander

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on:

15/07/2012 - 25/07/2012

£407

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Plymouth - Santander

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on:

03/06/2012 - 13/06/2012

£706

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* Prices are "from prices" and are indicative only

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