- Published
- 9 August 2026
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| 4 September | Almuñécar → Loja Stage 13 · 192.8 km · Hilly |
|---|---|
| 12 September | La Calahorra → Collado del Alguacil Stage 20 · 186.8 km · Mountain · decisive stage |
| 13 September | Carrefour Granada → Granada Stage 21 · 99.4 km · La Vuelta finish |
| Overall finish | Alhambra area |
| Stages 20 & 21 times | Stage 20: start 12:36, estimated finish 17:16. Stage 21: awaiting timed itinerary |
| Road closures | Will be updated when DGT and local authorities publish traffic plans |
Last updated: 16 August 2026
Quick answer: The 2026 Vuelta a España visits Granada on three days: stage 13 on 4 September (Almuñécar → Loja, 192.8 km), stage 20 on 12 September (La Calahorra → Collado del Alguacil, 186.8 km) and the finish on 13 September (Carrefour Granada → Granada, 99.4 km, finish by the Alhambra). Stage 20 timetable is now published; stage 21 and road closures still await the urban itinerary and official traffic plans.
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: 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 (99.4 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:
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 4 Sep 2026 | Almuñécar → Loja | 192.8 km | Hilly |
| 20 | 12 Sep 2026 | La Calahorra → Collado del Alguacil | 186.8 km | Mountain |
| 21 | 13 Sep 2026 | Carrefour Granada → Granada | 99.4 km | Flat |
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. Stages 13 and 20 already have an official timed itinerary; stage 21 still awaits a street-by-street plan.
- 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 (Armilla) → metropolitan municipalities → Granada city → four urban laps → Alhambra (99.4 km).
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): start in Almuñécar and finish in Loja; passage times by town in the official roadbook. Street-level viewing advice: awaiting local traffic plans.
- 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
Date, distance and type
- Date: Friday 4 September 2026.
- 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 will host a La Vuelta stage start for the first time. Loja had previously hosted a start, but 2026 will be its first stage finish.
The Granada provincial council explains that the stage crosses 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
| Climb | Stage km | Elevation | Length | Avg. gradient | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venta de la Cebada | 31.2 | 722 m | 14.1 km | 5.1% | Cat. 1 |
| Alto del Legionario | 83.4 | 490 m | 15.4 km | 3.1% | Cat. 3 |
| Puerto de Granada | 155.4 | 415 m | 7.4 km | 5.6% | Cat. 2 |
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.
Where to watch the start
Awaiting confirmation of exact neutralised start, sign-on, team parking and local restrictions. We will update when Almuñécar town hall and the race publish their plans.
Where to watch the finish
Awaiting confirmation of finish perimeter, access and restrictions in Loja. The official finish is on Avda. Rafael Pérez del Álamo / Avda. de Andalucía according to the roadbook.
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):
| Climb | Stage km | Elevation | Length | Avg gradient | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blancares | 50.7 | 283 m | 7.7 km | 3.7% | 3 |
| El Purche (1) | 94.3 | 663 m | 8.2 km | 8.1% | 1 |
| El Purche (2) | 125.5 | 663 m | 8.2 km | 8.1% | 1 |
| El Duque | 155.4 | 615 m | 7.4 km | 8.3% | 1 |
| Collado del Alguacil | 186.8 | 816 m | 8.3 km | 9.8% | Finish |
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
Confirmed details
- Date: Sunday 13 September 2026.
- Official name: Carrefour Granada → Granada.
- Distance: 99.4 km.
- Type: flat (official).
Start
Early documentation referred to Armilla → Granada. The current official name is Carrefour Granada → Granada. The organisation explains that the Carrefour start is associated with Armilla. The stage starts from Carrefour Granada in the Armilla area; these are not two different starts.
Metropolitan route
The provincial council has announced passage through metropolitan municipalities including La Zubia, Gójar, Cúllar Vega, Vegas del Genil and Santa Fe before entering Granada city. Streets, roads and passage times: awaiting official timed itinerary.
Final circuit in Granada
Official information from La Vuelta:
- Four laps of a Granada circuit.
- Finish linked to the Alhambra area.
- Arrival after a climb of roughly one kilometre.
- Profile the organisation considers favourable to a punchy rider.
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.
Awaiting exact finish street, Alhambra access and street-by-street route.
Where to watch the Granada finish
Prepared structure; we will update with the official circuit:
- Where is the start?
- Which streets does the race use?
- Where are the four laps?
- Where is the finish line?
- Where to watch without going to the Alhambra?
- Where to watch with children?
- How early should you arrive?
- Which areas will be closed?
- How to move by bus?
- Where to park outside the circuit?
- Will Alhambra access work normally?
- Will C30/C32 or other bus lines change?
None of these can be answered definitively until the municipal mobility plan is published.
Vuelta schedules in Granada
| Stage | Start | Granada / province passage | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 · Almuñécar → Loja | Neutralised start 12:41 | See timed itinerary | 17:16–17:45 (estimated) |
| 20 · La Calahorra → Collado | Racing start 12:36 | Granada city ~14:11–14:22 · itinerary | 17:16–17:47 (estimated) |
| 21 · Carrefour Granada → Granada | Roadbook pending | Roadbook pending | Roadbook pending |
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
Awaiting definitive mobility plan. We will update with Granada city council, DGT, Guardia Civil, metropolitan transport consortium, Transportes Rober, Granada metro and affected municipalities.
| Area | Day | Closure | Time | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information pending confirmation | ||||
Parking
We do not recommend specific car parks until the final circuit and closure perimeters are known. Once the route is published we will add logic such as “want to watch area X → park outside perimeter Y”. Until then, if you are driving, see our LEZ and parking guide for Granada.
Public transport
Awaiting updates on city buses, metro, metropolitan lines, diversions, stop suspensions and Alhambra access. Do not assume normal service on Sunday 13 September.
Transport information updated: pending
Maps
- Map 1 — All three Granada stages: awaiting official tracks.
- Map 2 — Stage 20: awaiting revised profile.
- Map 3 — Granada final circuit: awaiting urban itinerary.
We do not sketch routes by guesswork. We link to official La Vuelta maps in the meantime.
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
- La Vuelta — Official 2026 route
- La Vuelta — Stage 13
- La Vuelta — Stage 20
- La Vuelta — Stage 21
- La Vuelta — Stage 20 route change (7 August 2026)
- Granada provincial council
- Granada city council
- DGT
- 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.
