Llanes to Torquay Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

This route stretches roughly 1,350 kilometres from the Cantabrian coast of northern Spain to the English Riviera, combining motorway driving, a ferry crossing, and winding coastal roads. The journey from Llanes to Torquay typically takes 16–18 hours of pure driving time, but with the necessary ferry (Bilbao–Portsmouth or Santander–Plymouth) the total travel time extends to around 24–28 hours. A driving quirk: the A8 motorway near Llanes passes through the 2.3‑km Purón tunnel, one of the longest on the Cantabrian highway.

Whether you take the Santander–Plymouth crossing (shorter sea leg) or Bilbao–Portsmouth (longer crossing but more frequent departures), the ferry is the pivotal part of the trip. Many drivers ask is it worth driving Llanes to Torquay? The answer is a definite yes if you enjoy mixing coastal scenery, historic cities, and the novelty of crossing the Bay of Biscay by ship.

The first hour from Llanes hugs the Costa Verde, with the Picos de Europa on your left. As you approach Santander, the landscape flattens into wide estuaries like the Bahía de Santander. After the ferry, driving through Devon reveals rolling green hills, the Dartmoor National Park, and the red sandstone cliffs of Torquay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site within a short detour: the Paleolithic Cave of Altamira (near Santillana del Mar, 30 km from the A8). While the original cave is closed, the replica museum is fully worth an hour. On the English side, no UNESCO sites directly on the route, but the Jurassic Coast (Dorset and East Devon) is a World Heritage Site 40 minutes east of Torquay.

Local Commerce & Cultural Stops

• Spanish leg (Llanes–Santander): Stop at the weekly market in San Vicente de la Barquera (Wednesday mornings) for fresh anchovies and local cheese.
• Ferry: onboard duty‑free sells asturian cider and english clotted cream – a taste of both ends.
• English leg: At the Buckfastleigh Tearooms (on the A38 near Ashburton) buy Dartmoor honey and handmade fudge.

The climatic shift is dramatic. Llanes has an oceanic climate (13°C annual average), while Torquay is one of the sunniest spots in the UK, averaging 1,800 sunshine hours per year. The best sunset viewpoint is the beach of Barrika (near Bilbao if you depart from there) or, on the English side, the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount (Marazion, though a detour). For wind behaviour: the Bay of Biscay crossing can be choppy; check wind forecasts before sailing.

The route uses the A8/E70 from Llanes to Santander, then the A67/A68/A1 after the ferry to reach Torquay. On the British side, the A38 and A380 provide direct access. Toll roads: only the A8 has no tolls; the French A10/A28 (if taking the Bilbao ferry) have tolls around €40. Fuel stations are abundant in Spain (every 20–30 km) but sparse in rural France.

• Estimated total fuel cost (Spain to UK, one way): €150–€200 for a mid‑size car (petrol, 7 L/100 km). Diesel cuts cost by ~15%.
• Fuel efficiency tip: use cruise control on the A8 (max 120 km/h) and avoid heavy acceleration through the Cantabrian foothills.
• Ferry booking: reserve 2–3 weeks ahead; summer prices from Santander to Plymouth start at €250 for a car + 2 passengers.

For real‑time traffic and rest stop planning, refer to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities on Wayro. This guide will help you break the drive into manageable chunks.

The entire route is well‑paved: Spanish A8 is four‑lane with excellent lighting; UK A38 is dual carriageway with average lighting. No toll gates on the A8. Safety tip: fog can appear suddenly in the Cantabrian mountains (especially near Unquera). Use fog lights, not high beams. On the ferry, secure your car with the handbrake.

• Family stops: Cabárceno Nature Reserve (near Santander) – a 20‑hectare wildlife park with animals in semi‑freedom. On the English side, Paignton Zoo (5 minutes off the A380) is a 75‑acre zoo with over 2,000 animals.
• Pet‑friendly framework: Rest areas on the A8 like “Área de Servicio de Ribadesella” have grassy patches and dog bins. Most Brittany Ferries accept pets in kennels; book in advance. In Devon, the Bovey Tracey Tesco (on A38) has a pet‑friendly café.

Fatigue management is crucial for such a long trip. Recommended rest zones for a safe nap: “Área de Descanso de Colombres” (km 308 on A8) – a quiet spot with picnic tables and security cameras. In France, if taking the A10/A28, use the “Aire de Poitiers” rest area (well‑lit and safe). After the ferry, stop at “Devon Services” (M5/A38 junction) – open 24h with a 24‑hour Costa coffee.

Hidden off‑route spots (within 5 minutes): The deserted village of Bustio (Asturias, 3 km east of Llanes) – abandoned after 1960s emigration, now a silent hamlet with old stone houses. In Devon, the Iron Age hillfort of Hembury (1 km off A38 near Honiton) offers a quick walk among earthworks and wild ponies.