Advice for Spanish roadtrip
Discussion
So I’m booked in for a night in Zaragoza in August to see the eclipse and the overnight ferry home from Santander the following day. I am now looking to fill in the other 6-10 days of a road trip.
I had originally planned to drive through France and travel the N-260 through the Pyrenees. However, we’ve just spent a few days in the mountains in Gran Canaria, and Mrs J really doesn’t like narrow roads with steep drop offs on the edges. So even by my standards, a few days on the N-260 just sounds cruel. I presuming that it is steep and narrow for much of its length?
Or, if we took the ferry out to Santander as well, would the Picos be any better? I’d love to explore the NW part of Spain.
This will be our first European adventure in the DB9, so any guidance and advice on a fun route would be gratefully received.
I had originally planned to drive through France and travel the N-260 through the Pyrenees. However, we’ve just spent a few days in the mountains in Gran Canaria, and Mrs J really doesn’t like narrow roads with steep drop offs on the edges. So even by my standards, a few days on the N-260 just sounds cruel. I presuming that it is steep and narrow for much of its length?
Or, if we took the ferry out to Santander as well, would the Picos be any better? I’d love to explore the NW part of Spain.
This will be our first European adventure in the DB9, so any guidance and advice on a fun route would be gratefully received.
I can't comment on the N260 as indivuals will have differing views as to acceptability. I've driven across the Pyrenees, including part of that road, numerous times over the years and it's been fine.
However, if not aware, you might want to check on the new rule introduced in Spain from Jan 2026, cars must now carry a flashing amber light to place on the roof in the event of breakdown etc.
I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked / fined.
However, if not aware, you might want to check on the new rule introduced in Spain from Jan 2026, cars must now carry a flashing amber light to place on the roof in the event of breakdown etc.
I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked / fined.
We've done bits of the N-260 a few times. It's about 450km start to finish so you get a bit of everything. The whole length is proper dual lane and I think all guard rails though so it's not like a scary Alpine pass. Google maps street view is your friend for this though and check a few different sections as they differ.
If you want to see the best roads in the region, I think the Pyrenees has more to offer than the Picos (which are also amazing!). Jaca is a great base to hit some of the best roads. My favourite is this route up the pass to France:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ArvgJ76Qu7HxmdaW7
I've done up trip reports with maps if you're interested:
Latest in the Aston:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Cayman was Picos down to Portugal:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
R8 a few years ago:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
We're back there again this year - can't wait!
If you want to see the best roads in the region, I think the Pyrenees has more to offer than the Picos (which are also amazing!). Jaca is a great base to hit some of the best roads. My favourite is this route up the pass to France:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ArvgJ76Qu7HxmdaW7
I've done up trip reports with maps if you're interested:
Latest in the Aston:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Cayman was Picos down to Portugal:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
R8 a few years ago:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
We're back there again this year - can't wait!
TarquinMX5 said:
However, if not aware, you might want to check on the new rule introduced in Spain from Jan 2026, cars must now carry a flashing amber light to place on the roof in the event of breakdown etc.
I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked / fined.
Everything I can see on this says it's only Spanish registered vehicles. Everyone else just needs the warning triangle.I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked / fined.
seefarr said:
Everything I can see on this says it's only Spanish registered vehicles. Everyone else just needs the warning triangle.
Latest I heard on that in the Spanish press was that typically Spain had overlooked getting EU ratification for the new law so technically it couldn't be law anyway! Not a bad thing to carry in the car anyway perhaps, albeit magnets aren't much good for my roof as 2 are canvas and the other one plastic..
68Jaybee said:
Mrs J really doesn t like narrow roads with steep drop offs on the edges.
To state the obvious, it is hard to keep everyone happy on a holiday and using your scenario will lead to either one party not doing something they really want to or the other person doing something they dont want to do which can lead to a little regret when the holiday is over if you missed out on something you really wanted.What about setting up camp in a nice hotel near some nice roads, you get up early and enjoy yourself for 6/7 hours and your wife can enjoy a day relaxing shopping / spa / pool. I always do this on holday, nice to do a bit of roaming and not worry about making sure the wife is okay with it all.
seefarr said:
TarquinMX5 said:
However, if not aware, you might want to check on the new rule introduced in Spain from Jan 2026, cars must now carry a flashing amber light to place on the roof in the event of breakdown etc.
I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked / fined.
Everything I can see on this says it's only Spanish registered vehicles. Everyone else just needs the warning triangle.I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked / fined.
. As I'm not going across into Spain this year, I'll just wait and see how it pans out.ecs0set said:
If you go through the Pyrenees on the N260, plan coffee stops and breaks. We found that there is a dearth of cafes and restaurants on the route compared to the Alps.
I'm happy to DM you our Google Maps driving route if you want some ideas for the fun bits.
Hi Eco I hope you don't mind me dropping onto this, we are planning a trip down this summer currently in the planning stage but thinking along the lines of Boltana-Haro-San Sebatian-Canfranc if you are happy to share your driving route it would be gratefully received. I'm happy to DM you our Google Maps driving route if you want some ideas for the fun bits.
Planning the trip is half the fun I know but I wouldn't want to miss something
[quote=TarquinMX5]I can't comment on the N260 as indivuals will have differing views as to acceptability. I've driven across the Pyrenees, including part of that road, numerous times over the years and it's been fine.
However, if not aware, you might want to check on the new rule introduced in Spain from Jan 2026, cars must now carry a flashing amber light to place on the roof in the event of breakdown etc.
I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked /
The v16 strobe light is easily obtained from Amazon, I think they are an excellent replacement for the old red triangle, they can be deployed without exiting the vehicle, ideal for our not so smart motorways!! I have fitted a suction base on mine so it can attach to the window or non ferrous body panels. The legislation has been updated this year Spain now requires the V16 strobe with built in GPS and sim card, which when activated sends your position to the emergency services, whilst not currently mandatory for visitors, they are not expensive and well worth the £50/60 given the low traffic volumes and high incidence of crime on some Spanish roads. The sim card is included.
However, if not aware, you might want to check on the new rule introduced in Spain from Jan 2026, cars must now carry a flashing amber light to place on the roof in the event of breakdown etc.
I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked /
The v16 strobe light is easily obtained from Amazon, I think they are an excellent replacement for the old red triangle, they can be deployed without exiting the vehicle, ideal for our not so smart motorways!! I have fitted a suction base on mine so it can attach to the window or non ferrous body panels. The legislation has been updated this year Spain now requires the V16 strobe with built in GPS and sim card, which when activated sends your position to the emergency services, whilst not currently mandatory for visitors, they are not expensive and well worth the £50/60 given the low traffic volumes and high incidence of crime on some Spanish roads. The sim card is included.
Bat21]arquinMX5 said:
I can't comment on the N260 as indivuals will have differing views as to acceptability. I've driven across the Pyrenees, including part of that road, numerous times over the years and it's been fine.
However, if not aware, you might want to check on the new rule introduced in Spain from Jan 2026, cars must now carry a flashing amber light to place on the roof in the event of breakdown etc.
I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked /
The v16 strobe light is easily obtained from Amazon, I think they are an excellent replacement for the old red triangle, they can be deployed without exiting the vehicle, ideal for our not so smart motorways!! I have fitted a suction base on mine so it can attach to the window or non ferrous body panels. The legislation has been updated this year Spain now requires the V16 strobe with built in GPS and sim card, which when activated sends your position to the emergency services, whilst not currently mandatory for visitors, they are not expensive and well worth the £50/60 given the low traffic volumes and high incidence of crime on some Spanish roads. The sim card is included.
Orange hazard lights dont count as a strobe then?However, if not aware, you might want to check on the new rule introduced in Spain from Jan 2026, cars must now carry a flashing amber light to place on the roof in the event of breakdown etc.
I think it's called V-16, or similar, and I've heard of tourists' cars being checked /
The v16 strobe light is easily obtained from Amazon, I think they are an excellent replacement for the old red triangle, they can be deployed without exiting the vehicle, ideal for our not so smart motorways!! I have fitted a suction base on mine so it can attach to the window or non ferrous body panels. The legislation has been updated this year Spain now requires the V16 strobe with built in GPS and sim card, which when activated sends your position to the emergency services, whilst not currently mandatory for visitors, they are not expensive and well worth the £50/60 given the low traffic volumes and high incidence of crime on some Spanish roads. The sim card is included.
V16 is only a legal requirement for Spanish registered cars.
The law would only apply to a tourist if in a hire car with Spanish plates.
Rather comically, not long after they became mandatory, there were concerns that cars were being targeted by criminals as they were now being identified as broken down.
The law would only apply to a tourist if in a hire car with Spanish plates.
Rather comically, not long after they became mandatory, there were concerns that cars were being targeted by criminals as they were now being identified as broken down.
Bartesque said:
ecs0set said:
If you go through the Pyrenees on the N260, plan coffee stops and breaks. We found that there is a dearth of cafes and restaurants on the route compared to the Alps.
I'm happy to DM you our Google Maps driving route if you want some ideas for the fun bits.
Hi Eco I hope you don't mind me dropping onto this, we are planning a trip down this summer currently in the planning stage but thinking along the lines of Boltana-Haro-San Sebatian-Canfranc if you are happy to share your driving route it would be gratefully received. I'm happy to DM you our Google Maps driving route if you want some ideas for the fun bits.
Planning the trip is half the fun I know but I wouldn't want to miss something
Santander to Canfranc Estacion: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9BwTe9t5rfkiPU677
Canfranc Estacion to Vielha (most of the passes): https://maps.app.goo.gl/bjrT5AqaMFJW4ARr6
Note that you would normally continue straight on from Col du Tourmalet to Col d'Aspin, although I hear that Lourdes is also nice.
Vielha to Roses (via Andorra): https://maps.app.goo.gl/MFMSezcoKpNxJ5u76
Make sure you have good tyres, these were brand new at the start:
Bat21 said:
Spain now requires the V16 strobe with built in GPS and sim card, which when activated sends your position to the emergency services, whilst not currently mandatory for visitors, they are not expensive and well worth the £50/60 given the low traffic volumes and high incidence of crime on some Spanish roads. The sim card is included.
That's a good idea, but if it uses 2G it's being switched off - at least it is in the UK.Forums | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff