Hi all,
I am fortunate enough to be going with the MX5 on a short 3 week tour of Northern Spain and Portugal later on this year.
We land in Santander.
Has anyone any suggestions where is worth driving to visit that has stood out for them?
I have also seen that in Spain it is compulsory to have a spare wheel, obviously our “5” does not have one. I take it that this is ok?
Are there any other things i may like to be aware of other than making sure i have sunscreen 
Cheers James
For Spanish residents, a spare tyre or puncture repair kit must be carried in the vehicle, but if your car is registered outside Spain this is not obligatory
Many thanks… i have “Gunk” for what it is worth !
The N-621 down into the Picos area is good, peel off the coast road around Colombres. Then further down off that road, the CA-185 from Potes upto Fuente Dé is excellent. There’s also a Parador at the end of the 185 (it’s a dead-end road effectively), if you’re looking for a nice comfortable place to stop, with a decent carpark and an excellent view 
Enjoy! It’s a great part of the world.
I carry one of these Emergency Tyre Puncture Repair Kit – Fast DIY Fix for Car, Van, Bike, Motorcycle | eBay it is easy to use and does not make a mess inside the tyre making it easier for a professional repair when you can get it done.
I have used it and it worked.
The way its been there lately I’d be taking candles and a torch!
Santiago de Compostella, Spain- fabulous.
Also a visit to the city of Braga in Portugal is recommended- not too far from Porto which is also worth a visit but can be very busy in summer.
Kind resto-mod of old hospital/church- right in the centre of town- and a car park next door for the “5”.
Have a great trip!
Hi
One thing on my bucket list is to visit Sad Hill cemetery, quite close to Santander actually.
This was a film set created especially for the film The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and was the location for the climatic scene at the end of the film where they fight for the gold in the ‘unknown’ grave
It was partially restored in 2016 with recorded speeches from Clint Eastwood and James Hetfield (lead singer Metallica) who, when playing live, always walk on stage to the 1966 soundtrack of the music where Tuco runs through the graveyard looking for the grave containing the gold
Well worth a visit
Sad hill cemetery
I w old echo Wardy5’s recommendation for Fuente De, you can take a ski lift up the mountain. Not far out of Santander are the famous caves with pre-historic drawings. Amazing but so famous that the names escapes me, you’ll have to Google it.
You’ve probably got accommodation sorted but I recommend the following chains: Paradores in Spain and Pousadas in Portugal. All were comfortable some were very interesting places to stay in.
Re. Driving/car stuff, apart from the obvious stuff eg hi-vis vest(s) I now add a battery starter pack, admittedly I’ve never needed it (oops kiss of death - I’m talking battery here).
Enjoy your tour.
thanks will look at that
Thanks for the replies, we are having a conflab about the trip later, and i will mention these tips, much appreciated. 
There’s no detail but have a quick look at the itinerary for this tour that we intend to do, there might be something you can steal/adapt.
I’ve ordered this, perhaps more use to you than me as our route will be more or less circumscribed by the pre-booked hotels.
