Vuelta 2026 in Granada: when it visits and times

When does the Vuelta visit Granada? The 2026 Vuelta a España ends in Granada: stage 20 arrives on Saturday 12 September (La Calahorra → Collado del Alguacil) and stage 21, the race finish, is on Sunday 13 in Granada city (Carrefour Granada → Granada, 112 km, neutralised start 16:20, expected finish 19:06 at Paseo del Salón by the Alhambra). On Sunday 13 the city centre is closed from 16:30 to 23:30 (Paseo del Salón/Bomba and Acera del Darro from 06:00), per the CGIM plan. The best finish viewing point is Paseo del Salón. Stage 13 was already raced on Friday 4 September (Almuñécar → Loja). Day listings: Stage 20 · Granada finish · Stage 13.

Last updated: 12 September 2026 — stage 21 neutralised start at 16:20, expected finish 19:06–19:25, municipal closures and transport disruptions reviewed

Quick answer: The 2026 Vuelta is decided in Granada: stage 20 on Saturday 12 September (La Calahorra → Collado del Alguacil, 186.8 km) and the finish, stage 21, on Sunday 13 (Carrefour Granada → Granada, 112 km, neutralised start 16:20 on N-323a, expected finish 19:06 — window 19:06–19:25 — at Paseo del Salón by the Alhambra after 5 laps). Sunday closures: centre 16:30–23:30 (Paseo del Salón from 06:00). Stage 13 (Almuñécar → Loja) was already raced on 4 September. The 12–13 weekend also coincides with Granada Sound: Granada Sound 2026 guide. Stage listings linked below.

Granada will play a leading role in the closing stretch of the 2026 Vuelta a España. The province hosts a full stage from Almuñécar to Loja and, one week later, the race’s final two days: the queen mountain stage to Collado del Alguacil and the definitive finish in Granada with the Alhambra as the backdrop.

The three key dates:

• Friday 4 September (already raced): stage 13, Almuñécar → Loja (192.8 km, hilly).
• Saturday 12 September: stage 20, La Calahorra → Collado del Alguacil (186.8 km, mountain).
• Sunday 13 September: stage 21, Carrefour Granada → Granada (112 km, La Vuelta finish).

This guide gathers what is confirmed by La Vuelta and the Granada provincial council, flags gaps still depending on the roadbook or mobility plans, and links to quick-reference event listings for each day. If you are travelling from outside Granada, pair it with Before you arrive in Granada and the planner.

When does the Vuelta visit Granada in 2026?

The 2026 Vuelta a España in Granada focuses on three September dates:

Quick links: Stage 13 · Stage 20 · Granada finish · Full events calendar

Vuelta route through Granada province in 2026

The Vuelta route through Granada covers the Costa Tropical, Valle de Lecrín, western Granada, La Calahorra, Güéjar Sierra, the metropolitan area and the final urban circuit with a finish in the Alhambra area. All three stages now have an official timed itinerary.

• 4 Sep: Almuñécar → Salobreña → Los Guájares → Valle de Lecrín → western Granada → Loja (192.8 km).
• 12 Sep: La Calahorra → Sierra Nevada / Güéjar Sierra → Collado del Alguacil (186.8 km; revised profile without Hazallanas).
• 13 Sep: Carrefour Granada (N-323a, Armilla) → Cúllar Vega, Las Gabias, Atarfe, Santa Fe, Cájar, La Zubia, Ogíjares, Gójar, Alhendín, Otura, Huétor Vega → Granada city → 5 laps via Paseo del Salón → Alhambra (112 km, neutralised start 16:20, expected finish 19:06).

Where to watch the Vuelta in Granada

It depends which stage you choose. An honest summary with what we know today:

• Stage 13 (4 Sep, already raced): Almuñécar → Loja with the official roadbook passage times; its data are kept as a historical record.
• Stage 20 (12 Sep): start by Castillo de La Calahorra, passage through Guadix, Granada city (Carrera de la Sierra, around 14:11–14:22) and finish at Collado del Alguacil. DGT closures: pending.
• Finish (13 Sep): four-lap urban circuit with finish linked to the Alhambra. For monument access, see Alhambra tickets and viewpoints facing the Alhambra.

We will update this section with concrete zones once the urban itinerary and municipal mobility plan are published.

Why Granada’s 2026 finish is historic

Granada will become the eighth city in history to host the final finish of La Vuelta, according to the race organisation. The previous ones are Madrid, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Miranda de Ebro, Salamanca, Jerez de la Frontera and Santiago de Compostela.

La Vuelta also states that Granada has hosted 20 previous stage finishes. In 2026 the city will crown the winner of the 81st edition with the Alhambra as backdrop.

Since 1986, before 2026, the race had always ended in Madrid or Santiago de Compostela. Granada breaks that recent pattern, but it is not the first time La Vuelta has finished outside the capital: Jerez (1986), Salamanca (1985) and Santiago (1993, 2014, 2021) did so earlier.

Stage 13 — Almuñécar → Loja (raced)

Stage 13 was raced on Friday 4 September 2026. Its listing and roadbook data are kept here as a historical record. Event listing: La Vuelta 2026 stage 13 Almuñécar–Loja (date, 12:41 neutralised start, route and passage points).

Date, distance and type

• Date: Friday 4 September 2026 (raced).
• Distance: 192.8 km (official).
• Type: hilly.

Racing context

The organisation describes it as a sinuous day whose difficulty is concentrated especially in the first part. The initial sporting forecast is that it may be hard to control and could suit strong riders or sprinters who can survive the climbs. Who wins will depend on how the race unfolds.

Local significance

Almuñécar hosted a Vuelta stage start for the first time. Loja had previously hosted a start, but 2026 was its first stage finish.

The Granada provincial council explained that the stage crossed Almuñécar, Los Guájares, Valle de Lecrín, El Temple, western Granada and Loja. The official timed itinerary also confirms passage through Salobreña, Padul, Valle de Lecrín, Jayena, Bermejales reservoir, Montefrío and Huetor-Tajar, among other points.

Official climbs on stage 13

Start time in Almuñécar

According to La Vuelta’s published roadbook:

• Neutralised start: 12:41 (local time).
• Rolling start: N-340 towards Motril, km 0 of the stage.

Estimated arrival in Loja

Official estimated finish (Avda. Rafael Pérez del Álamo / Avda. de Andalucía):

• 17:16 at 43 km/h
• 17:30 at 41 km/h
• 17:45 at 38 km/h

Times depend on race pace; check the full timed itinerary for passage through specific towns.

Route

Confirmed in the official roadbook. Early section along the Costa Tropical (Almuñécar, Salobreña), climb through Los Guájares and Valle de Lecrín, passage near Padul and Bermejales reservoir, western Granada (Montefrío, Huetor-Tajar) and finish in Loja. See La Vuelta’s map and timetable for kilometre-by-kilometre detail.

Start and finish, in hindsight

The stage has been raced; the roadbook data (12:41 neutralised start and finish on Avda. Rafael Pérez del Álamo / Avda. de Andalucía) are kept as a historical reference. Street-level viewing advice for this stage was never published.

Stage 20 — La Calahorra → Collado del Alguacil

The longest section alongside the Granada finish. Last major mountain stage of the 2026 Vuelta. The same Saturday 12 September coincides with Granada Sound at Cortijo del Conde: if you are here for cycling and music, plan travel with our Granada Sound 2026 guide.

Confirmed details

• Date: Saturday 12 September 2026.
• Start: La Calahorra, linked to the Castillo de La Calahorra area; confirm access and road closures before travelling.
• Finish: Collado del Alguacil, Güéjar Sierra.
• Distance: 186.8 km (official timed itinerary).
• Type: mountain.
• Racing start: 12:36 on GR-5104 towards Alquife.
• Estimated finish: 17:16 (40 km/h), 17:31 (38 km/h) or 17:47 (36 km/h).

Route change in August 2026

The route presented in December 2025 included a double ascent of Hazallanas, El Purche and Collado del Alguacil. That route is no longer valid.

On 7 August 2026 La Vuelta announced a change due to damage and landslides on the Hazallanas road after February’s storm. The current configuration, confirmed by the organisation:

• No Hazallanas ascent.
• Two ascents of Puerto de El Purche.
• One ascent of Puerto de El Duque (replacing Hazallanas).
• Finish at Collado del Alguacil.

Source: official La Vuelta statement, 7 August 2026. That statement cited 187 km; the later official timed itinerary sets 186.8 km.

Collado del Alguacil

The organisation describes the official final climb as 8.3 kilometres at 9.8% average gradient. It will be a debut finish in professional cycling and the last major challenge for overall contenders.

Important: we refer to the final segment used by La Vuelta, not the total climb length from lower altitudes if different approaches exist.

Context in Güéjar Sierra

It will be the second summit finish in Güéjar Sierra. In 2013 Alto de Hazallanas hosted a finish: Chris Horner won that stage, took the leader’s jersey and went on to win the Vuelta.

Puerto de El Duque and El Purche

El Duque replaces Hazallanas. Official timed-itinerary profile (16 August 2026):

Territorial route

The official timed itinerary confirms passage through Alquife, Jérez del Marquesado, Guadix, Purullena, La Peza, Quéntar, Dúdar, Cenes de la Vega, Granada city (Carrera de la Sierra, Puente Verde, Avenida Cervantes), Huétor Vega, Cájar, Monachil, Pinos Genil and Güéjar Sierra. The bunch crosses the city around 14:11–14:22 depending on race pace.

Where to watch stage 20 at Collado del Alguacil

Passage times from the official timed itinerary. Road closures: still awaiting DGT and local authorities.

Start in La Calahorra

Racing start at 12:36 on the GR-5104 towards Alquife. Confirm perimeter, sign-on and team parking with La Calahorra town hall before travelling.

Intermediate sections

Passage through Jérez del Marquesado (~12:48), Guadix (~13:03), Purullena, La Peza, Quéntar and Dúdar before Cenes de la Vega. Times at 40 km/h; actual pace may delay them.

Through Granada city

Carrera de la Sierra / Puente Verde / Avenida Cervantes, around 14:11–14:22. This is not the finish: the race crosses and continues to Huétor Vega and Monachil. Useful if you are in the city on Saturday and not going up to Güéjar.

El Purche

Two category-1 passages: 8.2 km at 8.1%. First around 14:47; second around 15:35 (40 km/h). Access restrictions: pending.

El Duque

7.4 km at 8.3%, category 1, summit around 16:23 (40 km/h). Replaces Hazallanas.

Güéjar Sierra

Intermediate sprint around 15:58 and a second passage around 16:51, just before the final climb. Municipal traffic plan: pending.

Collado del Alguacil

Estimated finish 17:16–17:47. Do not drive up until official closures and road-closure times are known. Mountain stages usually involve severe restrictions; we do not extrapolate timings from other years.

Mountain safety

When restrictions are published we will prioritise DGT, Guardia Civil, La Vuelta, Güejar Sierra town hall and the provincial council. Basic principles:

• Do not step onto the road or run alongside riders.
• Control pets and avoid dangerous bends.
• Do not block roads when parking.
• Follow race and Guardia Civil instructions.
• Take your litter with you.
• Do not drive up once the road is closed.

If you are scouting the area beforehand, our Sierra Nevada from Granada guide helps with access and mountain safety, but does not replace La Vuelta’s traffic plan. For an urban walk before finish Sunday, the Alhambra woods route and monumental Granada help you understand the finish area.

Stage 21 — La Vuelta finish in Granada (112 km)

Confirmed details (12 Sep 2026)

• Date: Sunday 13 September 2026.
• Official name: Carrefour Granada → Granada.
• Distance: 112 km (official timed itinerary — corrects earlier 99.4 km).
• Type: flat.
• Caravan: 14:08.
• Neutralised start: 16:20 on N-323a towards Armilla/Motril.
• Expected finish: Paseo del Salón, fifth lap · 19:06 (40 km/h) / 19:15 (38 km/h) / 19:24 (36 km/h).

Start

The official name is Carrefour Granada → Granada. The neutralised start is on N-323a (Carrefour Granada, Armilla area). Caravan from 14:08; neutralised start at 16:20.

Metropolitan route (official itinerary)

Official itinerary 28 Aug: Armilla → Churriana de la Vega → Ronda Sur/Granada → Huétor Vega → Cájar → La Zubia → Ogíjares → Gójar → Otura → Alhendín → Las Gabias → Cúllar Vega → Santa Fe → Atarfe → Granada city (entry via Avda. de Andalucía/Camino de Ronda ~17:54–18:03).

Final circuit in Granada (5 laps)

Official La Vuelta itinerary:

• First passage Paseo del Salón: 18:02–18:12.
• Second passage Paseo del Salón: 18:20–18:33.
• Third passage (intermediate sprint) Paseo del Salón: 18:36–18:50.
• Fourth passage Paseo del Salón: 18:51–19:07.
• Finish — fifth passage Paseo del Salón: 19:06–19:25.
• Repeated urban loop: Avda. de Andalucía → Camino de Ronda → Fuente Nueva → Severo Ochoa → Constitución → Triunfo → Gran Vía → Reyes Católicos → Puerta Real → Acera del Darro → Paseo del Salón/Bomba → Cuesta Escoriaza/Caidero → Antequeruela Baja → Paseo Generalife/Sabica → Santa María de la Alhambra → Carretera de la Sierra → Puente Verde → Basilios/Violón → Camino de Ronda (2 large laps + 1 small before finish).

If you have an Alhambra booking for the weekend of 13 September, check the Patronato and our Alhambra ticket guide before assuming normal access. To see the monument from outside the circuit, Granada’s viewpoints help you understand the setting.

The official timed itinerary and municipal mobility plan are now published. Exact Alhambra access may still be adjusted by the day-of-event operation: check with the Patronato if you have a ticket.

Where to watch the Granada finish

Paseo del Salón is the most complete viewing point: it hosts the finish and all five circuit passages. Acera del Darro/Puerta Real works for the approach into the circuit, while Carrera de la Sierra, Puente Verde and the Alhambra area have more restricted access because of the closures and route layout.

• Finish: Paseo del Salón, fifth passage, 19:06–19:25.
• Into the circuit: Avenida de Andalucía, Camino de Ronda and the centre.
• Best strategy: choose one spot and arrive on foot several hours early.
• With children: Paseo del Salón offers a fixed reference point, but bring water and avoid moving between passages.

Passage times are estimates and can shift with race pace. The municipal plan may adjust closures and access on the ground.

Vuelta schedules in Granada (official 28 Aug)

Times are estimates and depend on race pace. DGT often publishes restrictions very close to race day; review this section 24–72 hours beforehand.

Road closures for La Vuelta in Granada

Parking

Park outside the closed ring. Paseo del Salón/Alhambra → park south (Neptuno/Emperador/Zaidín) and walk; Gran Vía/Triunfo → Bola de Oro/northern ring; Acera/Puerta Real → Realejo south/Zaidín. Avoid driving into centre after 16:00 Sunday. See LEZ & parking guide and CGIM closure map.

Public transport

Wide diversions and stop suspensions are expected from 16:30 on 13 Sep on lines crossing Gran Vía, Reyes Católicos, Camino de Ronda and Acera del Darro. Alhambra access may be affected — if you have a 13 Sep ticket check the Patronato first. The Transport authority has also published disruptions: confirm the service on movilidadgranada.com and the City Council before leaving.

Transport information reviewed: 12 September 2026.

Maps

• Map 1 — Three Granada stages: La Vuelta 2026 general route.
• Map 2 — Stage 20 (Collado): Stage 20 itinerary.
• Map 3 — Granada final circuit (stage 21): Stage 21 street-by-street itinerary and CGIM closure map.

We link to official maps; we do not sketch our own approximations.

Weather

We do not publish September forecasts this far ahead. We will update with AEMET 24–48 hours before each stage.

• Stage 20: pay special attention to Güejar Sierra, Sierra Nevada, temperature, wind, storms and rain. Do not extrapolate Granada city weather to Collado del Alguacil.
• Stage 21: Granada and the metropolitan area.

Last weather update: pending

Overall standings before Granada

We will update on Friday 11 or Saturday 12 September with the top five on GC and what is still at stake at Collado del Alguacil. After stage 20 we will explain what remains to be decided on Sunday.

Spectator tips

• Pick a stage: stage 13 is long and spread across the province; stage 20 needs mountain logistics; stage 21 draws crowds in Granada city.
• Arrive early: mountain and urban circuit access gets complicated hours beforehand.
• Check official sources on the day: DGT and town halls publish last-minute changes.
• Plan several days: if travelling from outside, use Plan, Before you arrive in Granada and Granada in 48 hours.
• Alhambra: if you have a booked visit on 13 September, watch Patronato announcements; the circuit may affect access. See also the Alhambra woods route.
• Routes and events: browse walking routes and the events calendar to combine the Vuelta with other September plans.

Official sources

1. La Vuelta — Official 2026 route
2. La Vuelta — Stage 13
3. La Vuelta — Stage 20
4. La Vuelta — Stage 21
5. La Vuelta — Stage 20 route change (7 August 2026)
6. Granada provincial council
7. Granada city council
8. CGIM — 13 September closures
9. Transport authority — disruptions
10. DGT
11. AEMET

GRN URBAN will update this 2026 guide as roadbooks, mobility plans, weather and standings are published. After 13 September, it will retain the edition as a reference; a future Vuelta visit will have its own URL.