Ferry trip to Bilbao is 'ideal green' holiday

Taking the ferry from Portsmouth to the Spanish destination of Bilbao is the "ideal green" holiday, one expert has said this week.

Chris Moss wrote in the Observer this weekend that northern Spain is a great place for those wanting to boycott planes for their carbon emissions and experience "golden beaches, ancient towns and soaring peaks".

He advised readers to visit the northern Spanish coast for its "wonderful regional cooking" and outdoor pursuits, such as climbing, quad-biking and horse riding.

"If heading in this direction, consider P&O's Bilbao-Portsmouth ferry. At more than 33 hours, it's slow, but you won't have to retrace your steps," added Mr Moss.

The Lonely Planet travel guide describes Spain, away from the holiday costas, as a country of "narrow twisting old streets" which open out to views "of daring modern architecture".

It adds that the country's climate is accommodating, its people are relaxed and cuisine is varied, which could be why 50 million foreigners visit Spain on a yearly basis.