Portsmouth Guide
Portsmouth is one of the best connected ports in the United Kingdom, serving nine different destinations across Europe with operators including Condor Ferries and Brittany Ferries. To the south of the naval base, you will find the Isle of Wight (Ryde) Passenger Ferry Terminal, while the Continental Ferry Terminal serves Le Havre in France and Bilbao in Spain. There are also daily crossings to Cherbourg, Caen and St Malo in France, St Helier in Jersey and St Peter Port in Guernsey.
Located on the south coast of England, in the county of Hampshire, Portsmouth is the UK's only island city, situated around 100 km to the south west of London and 30 km to the east of Southampton. The city's long history is inextricably linked to the sea, hosting to the oldest dry dock in the world still used today and also to famous ships such as HMS Victory, Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship; the Mary Rose, and HMS Warrior.
Santander Guide
The modern Spanish city of Santander is located net to the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Sea, and is a popular destination with tourists who are mainly drawn to the city's lovely beaches and in particular those that are located around the resort of El Sardinero. The one stand out beach in this area is the Playa Primera de El Sardinero. Unsurprisingly the most popular time to visit the city tends to be during the warm summer months with many of the visitors making a direct beeline towards one of the many beaches. However, alternative ways of spending time in or around the city include taking a leisurely stroll along the Avenida de la Reina Victoria or along the promenade of Paseo Maritimo or by taking a cruise along the coastline. Santander's busy fishing district, known as Barrio Pesquero, is perhaps the best place to find a good seafood restaurant.
The port of Santander is host to ferry services to Plymouth and Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. The crossing time for Portsmouth is around 24 hours and to Plymouth, 20 hours.
Which is better Portsmouth or Santander?
The question of whether Portsmouth or Santander is better depends on individual preferences and needs. Portsmouth has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Santander enjoys a milder oceanic climate, with mild winters and pleasant summers. Portsmouth has a rich cultural heritage with attractions like the historic dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and numerous museums. Santander has a vibrant art scene, with museums, galleries, and festivals that celebrate music, dance, and theater.Ultimately, the better choice between Portsmouth and Santander depends on personal preferences, career goals, and lifestyle preferences
How many days in Santander is enough?
The number of days needed in Santander depends on personal preferences and interests. For a brief visit, two to three days may be sufficient to explore the main attractions such as the Magdalena Palace, the Cathedral, and the Plaza Porticada. However, to fully experience the city and its surroundings, a longer stay of four to five days would be ideal. This allows for visits to the beautiful beaches of El Sardinero, a trip to the Cabárceno Nature Park, and exploring the picturesque coastal towns nearby such as Santillana del Mar and Comillas. Additionally, Santander is known for its lively cultural scene, including festivals, exhibitions, and gastronomy, so a longer stay would provide more opportunities to immerse oneself in the local culture. Ultimately, the duration of the visit should be based on individual preferences and the desire to explore both the city and its surroundings.