Gijón to Torquay Road Trip: Coastal Gems & Cultural Detours

The route from Gijón (43.5322° N, -5.6611° W) to Torquay (50.4619° N, -3.5258° W) traverses the Cantabrian coast, crosses the Bay of Biscay via ferry, then cuts through western France and southern England. This 1,300-mile journey is defined by the dramatic contrast between the limestone Picos de Europa and the red sandstone cliffs of the English Riviera. A peculiar local driving quirk: in Asturias, drivers often flash their headlights not as a warning but as a courtesy to indicate you can merge, a custom that confuses visitors.

Road quality in Spain is excellent; the A-8 is well-maintained with frequent emergency phones. In the UK, the A38 is a dual carriageway with roundabouts and speed cameras. Be cautious of sheep on the road in Devon. For families, the ferry includes children's play areas, swimming pool, and cinema. On land, the Cabárceno Natural Park (near Santander) is a fantastic stop for wildlife. For pet-friendly travel, the Brittany Ferries accepts dogs in kennels or in vehicle decks (free). In car parks across Spain, ensure your car is not left in direct sun with pets inside. For fatigue management, plan stops every 2 hours. The A-8 has rest areas every 20 miles with cafes and bathrooms. In the UK, motorway services (like Exeter Services) are well-equipped. Avoid driving too late; sunset in Asturias in summer is around 9 PM local time.

• On the Spanish leg, take exit 70 for the town of Llanes to find the Playa de Sablón beach and a waterfront café.
• At the ferry terminal in Santander, arrive 2 hours early for check-in. The terminal has a cafeteria and parking.
• In Plymouth, the first service station is at Plymouth Parkway (A38) with Starbucks and BP petrol.
• For rest zones, consider the Autovía del Cantábrico area near Ribadesella with picnic tables and sea views.

The Asturian segment runs between the Picos de Europa and the sea. The mountains are composed of limestone and offer karst landscapes. Look for the famous Naranjo de Bulnes peak. The coastline features golden beaches like Playa de Rodiles and dramatic cliffs such as Los Bufones de Arenillas. As you cross into England, the landscape shifts to rolling green hills and red sandstone cliffs along the Devon coast. Torquay itself sits on a bay with subtropical gardens and palm trees, thanks to the Gulf Stream.

For hidden off-route spots, detour to the village of Santillana del Mar (just off A-8) where the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture feel frozen in time. In Devon, stop at Dartmoor National Park (a 30-minute detour from the A38) for tors and wild ponies. Between Gijón and Torquay, local commerce includes sidrerías (cider houses) in Asturias, where you can try authentic natural cider poured from a height. In Devon, cream teas with scones, clotted cream, and jam are a must. At both ends, local markets (Mercado del Sur in Gijón, Torquay Market) sell fresh produce and crafts. For more tips on discovering hidden gems, check out this article: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey splits into distinct legs: Gijón to Santander via A-8 (toll-free autovía), then the Santander-Plymouth ferry (Brittany Ferries), and finally the A38/M5 to Torquay. The ferry crossing takes around 24 hours and is essential for transporting a vehicle. Petrol stations are frequent along the A-8, but in rural Asturias, stations close between 2-4 pm for siesta. In the UK, fuel is significantly more expensive, so fill up in Spain. Toll costs: none on A-8, but the M5 has tolls between Exeter and Plymouth if you take the A38 instead (free). The most economical driving speed on the A-8 is 90 km/h (56 mph) for optimal fuel efficiency.

• From Gijón, take A-8 east towards Santander. This coastal highway offers sweeping views of the Cantabrian Sea.
• In Santander, board the Pont-Aven ferry to Plymouth. Book in advance; the vehicle fee is around €100 each way.
• From Plymouth, follow A38 to Exeter, then M5 south to Torquay. The last leg is about 45 miles of dual carriageway.
• Total driving time without ferry: about 3.5 hours. Including ferry, the trip spans two days.