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Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



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Old 22 Jan 2014
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Getting to Morocco
Just looking at ferry prices for next month.

I was assuming we'd get the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander/Bilbao but have just made a few calls and it is more expensive than I'd hoped (even given very flexible dates). We're looking at c. £750 - £850 for 2 pax and a 4WD.

I seem to be able to get ferries from Sete to Nador for a bit less (c.£700) but of course this gets you all the way to Morocco so you save the cost of the Algeciras to Ceuta ferry. You have to cross the english channel but that is fairly cheap. The driving distance through France is about the same as that through Spain (1000 km).

So my question is is there a reason why you don't hear of many people going this way? Any problems docking in Nador eg getting 3rd party insurance? I'm wondering if everyone else knows something I don't!
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Old 22 Jan 2014
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I did it once. It ended up disembarking at Tangier.
Takes a day and a half and the food was unusually terrible.
At least the Biscay ships are floating shopping centres.

Also, aren't many Spanish autoroutes - or roads that are as fast as autoroutes - free. France yon have to pick a smart route to do that. Spain in a day is doable if time is tight. Not sure I could do the same to Sete. And isn't Spanish fuel cheaper?

And yes, buying insurance has been a problem in Nador port (Beni Enzar) last 2 times I've been there. Possible to solve in the actual town maybe, but as I arrived late I sorted it out later.

Ch
Last edited by Chris Scott; 22 Jan 2014 at 18:00.
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Old 22 Jan 2014
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Check the Poole to Santander ferry price with LD Lines.

I returned after my Christmas trip via Le Havre to Portsmouth because the ferries from Northern Spain kept getting cancelled due to the weather and I could not wait any longer.

Driving across France was hassle free except the confusing toll booths but expensive maybe around 100 Euros.

Driving across Spain is really easy, quiet dual carriageways nearly the whole way and only one toll road at ~ 8 Euro if you go from Santander via Salamanca, Seville to Algeciras and can be done in one long day if you're inclined.

I think when you work it all out, UK to Spain is the best option and even more so in a 25 ish mpg 4x4.
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Old 22 Jan 2014
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Be aware if planning to sail from Sete the port is often closed due to industrial action. January 2012 it was closed, after waiting 10 days I drove to Algeciras.
I also recall it was blocked spring 2007.
I wouldn't reccommend buying a ticket unless you're actually there, ready to go
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Old 22 Jan 2014
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I think I also recall problems; it left Sete a day after what my ticket showed.

Ch
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Old 23 Jan 2014
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The sailings to Bilbao are stopping for a month from 10 February to 13 March whilst the Pont Aven and then the Cap Finistere undergo annual maintenance. If you have a choice of boats the Pont Aven is definitely the best.

You can see full timetables here
Portsmouth to Santander Timetable - Brittany Ferries
Portsmouth to Bilbao Timetable - Brittany Ferries

Some of the ferries leave late at night with two nights on board (no more expensive) and you then arrive early in the morning on the second day. Examples include the Portsmouth to Santander sailings on 16 and 23 February. If you take these you can get through Spain in one day and you save the cost of an overnight hotel.

Some information on routes through France, Spain and ferries to Morocco.

I've sent a PM with details of a 10% discount for Brittany.
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