Drivers face disruptions as Almuñecar hosts La Vuelta stage start

Local drivers need to plan carefully next week as Almuñecar gears up for a landmark moment in Spanish cycling.

Special traffic and parking measures kick in from 3pm on Thursday, September 3, and run through until 3pm on Friday, September 4. Friday sees the start of stage 13 of La Vuelta a España 2026, making this the first time the Costa Tropical town has hosted a stage departure of Spain’s biggest and most famous cycle race.

Key streets and areas hit by bans

Expect the weekly market at the Blas Infante enclosure to be cancelled. Parking bans and a halt to any roadworks apply in Puerto de la Cruz, Baracoa (from the Puerto de la Cruz junction to the local music school); Paseo Blas Infante; Larache (in the bays next to Paseo Blas Infante); Cristóbal Colón; and Khan Jounes. These steps keep the departure zone clear and safe for the peloton.

Practical advice for Almuñecar drivers

Anyone living, shopping or working near the affected streets should rearrange journeys well ahead of time. Stick strictly to signs and follow directions from police and civil protection teams on the ground. Extra patience will pay off as the town prepares for the big send-off.

Leaving a bit earlier or using alternative routes around the centre will help avoid unnecessary hold-ups. Traders and residents in those spots get particular thanks for their understanding during the restrictions.

Historic stage details worth knowing

Riders roll out with a flying start on the N-340 heading towards Motril. The 192.8-kilometre medium-mountain route then climbs to Loja, taking in three categorised climbs: the first-category Venta de la Cebada, the third-category Alto del Legionario and the second-category Puerto de Granada.

The full route information sits on the official La Vuelta site at lavuelta.es. Almuñecar folk already know how lively the town gets for big local events like this.

Keep an eye on local updates, leave plenty of time, and the historic departure should run smoothly for everyone on the roads.