Bask in the delights of Biscay Bay for a big family break
![Bask in the delights of Biscay Bay for a big family break Bask in the delights of Biscay Bay for a big family break](/cms_media/module_img/7629/3814903_3_articlesmall_emc_20san_20sebastian_1_.jpg)
San Sebastian, in the Basque region of Spain
I’m trying to get the attention of the bartender in a little tavern in Lekeitio, a pretty port town in northern Spain.
Husband, three sons, and I pile in after an exhilarating boat trip around the coast.
We have our fill of
— hunks of hake, paprika-dusted chorizo chunks, charred stuffed peppers, crispy croquettes, salty anchovies, all spiked with toothpicks onto baguette circles — and now we’re ready for drinks.![Esther McCarthy with her sons Culann, Finn and Scott in San Sebastian, Basque region, Spain. Esther McCarthy with her sons Culann, Finn and Scott in San Sebastian, Basque region, Spain.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7629/3814885_3_articleinline_emc_20Esther_20McCarthy_20with_20her_20sons_20Culann_2c_20Finn_20and_20Scott_20in_20San_20Sebastian_2c_20Basque_20region_2c_20Spain._1_.jpg)
![Esther McCarthy on the Mater eco tuna fishing boat. Esther McCarthy on the Mater eco tuna fishing boat.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7629/3814888_3_articleinline_emc_20Esther_20McCarthy_20on_20the_20Mater_20eco_20tuna_20fishing_20boat.jpeg)
The next day, we get a tip to visit the Mater Ecoactive Museum, a traditional tuna fishing boat.
Fittingly, it starts raining as we board, but our guide is ready with macs for us all.
The boys love it, the suckers don’t even realise they’re learning.
We get an insight into marine life and ecology, it’s an immersive experience, using fishing rods, checking out the sleeping quarters, and finishing off with the best tuna sandwich we ever had.
![The Read boys exploring the village of Pasaia, where the writer Victor Hugo spent a summer. The Read boys exploring the village of Pasaia, where the writer Victor Hugo spent a summer.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7629/3814891_3_articleinline_emc_20The_20Read_20boys_20exploring_20the_20village_20of_20Pasaia_2c_20where_20the_20writer_20Victor_20Hugo_20spent_20a_20summer.jpg)
![Skim boarding in San Sebastian. Skim boarding in San Sebastian.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7629/3814894_3_articleinline_emc_20skim_20boarding_20in_20san_20sebastian_1_.jpg)
You'll never be bored in this part of the world.
There’s no arguments about screen time, just about who has to sit in the middle seat, but it’s a break from home, not from each other, so I ignore the bickering and find more inventive ways to tire them out.
- Esther’s family were guests of Brittany Ferries and Basquetour.
![Brittany Ferries; new Salamanca cruise ferry. Pic: Andrew Williamson Brittany Ferries; new Salamanca cruise ferry. Pic: Andrew Williamson](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7629/3814897_3_articleinline_emc_20Brittany_20Ferries_20Salamanca_20hero_20shot_20-_20image_20Andrew_20Williamson_20_1_1_.jpg)
The ferry is a fantastic way to travel as a family. Brittany Ferries' new cruise ferry, the Salamanca is a themed travel experience with local Spanish cuisine served up.
Being able to go in our van was a bonus. No luggage restrictions, no airport hassles, and it's a very chill way to travel with kids.
If you consider your pooch part of the family, it’s got 22 pet-friendly cabins. It's the fanciest ferry I've ever been on.
You’re greeted with complimentary drinks, the cabins are fabulously comfy and stocked with premium toiletries, teas and coffees, and the TV is loaded with movies.
There’s bingo, whale watching, deck-cercise, exercise machines, and excellent restaurants and entertainment for the smallies.
The Salamanca is the first LNG-powered ferry to serve Ireland and promises lower emissions and a smoother, quieter voyage for travellers. We all had great nights’ sleeps aboard.
![A look at the cabins aboard the Salamanca. A look at the cabins aboard the Salamanca.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7629/3814900_3_articleinline_emc_20brittany_20ferries_20the_20Salamanca_20Interior-cabin.jpg)
We visited in August, and got great weather, plenty of beach days and the buzz that comes with peak season.
If guaranteed sunshine isn't a priority (you can expect the October climate to be perfectly decent with highs of around 20 degrees, and lows of 13), the tourist crowds (and prices) have thinned come September. Autumn in the Basque Country is stunning, with the lush landscape putting on a show with autumnal hues.
The Salamanca is the only ferry service connecting Ireland to Spain. She sails from Rosslare to Bilbao twice weekly departing Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Typical crossing is 31.5 hours. Fares from €249* car + 2 people one-way. 4-berth cabins from €133, brittany-ferries.ie.
- For more information on things to do in the Basque Country, visit tourism.euskadi.eus/family-tourism/