Almuñécar Roads to Close Thursday as Vuelta a Andalucía 2026 Passes Through Costa Tropical
Road closures in Almuñécar and La Herradura on 19 February as Vuelta a Andalucía 2026 passes through the Costa Tropical.
Drivers in Almuñécar and La Herradura are being advised to plan ahead this Thursday, 19 February, as several key roads will temporarily close while the Vuelta a Andalucía 2026 passes through the Costa Tropical.
Almuñécar Local Police confirmed that traffic will be halted in both directions along parts of the N-340 from La Herradura, as well as Avenida Fenicia, Carrera de la Concepción and the A-4050 towards Suspiro del Moro. The closures are expected around 12:40pm to 1pm, coinciding with the peloton’s scheduled passage through the municipality.
The Vuelta a Andalucía 2026, also known as the Ruta del Sol, runs from 18 to 22 February and covers 817.4 kilometres across five stages in southern Spain. Thursday’s stage brings professional riders through sections of Granada Province, placing Almuñécar briefly at the centre of one of the region’s most high-profile sporting events.
Short but Significant Disruption
Although the stoppages are expected to last around 20 minutes, police warn that traffic delays may extend beyond that window as vehicles clear and normal circulation resumes. The N-340 remains the principal coastal artery linking Almuñécar and La Herradura, meaning even brief interruptions can have a noticeable effect during midday hours.
For residents commuting between the two towns, particularly those travelling inland towards Otura or Granada city, alternative routes may become congested. The A-4050 mountain road, which connects the coast with the interior of Granada Province, will also be affected during the race’s passage.
Local authorities have stressed that the closures are necessary to guarantee rider and spectator safety. During professional cycling events, roads must be completely cleared before the race caravan and peloton arrive.
Costa Tropical in the Sporting Spotlight
While road closures can be inconvenient, the presence of the Vuelta a Andalucía 2026 also brings visibility to the Costa Tropical. The race attracts international teams and media coverage, showcasing Andalusia’s coastline and mountainous interior to a broad television audience.
For Almuñécar, which frequently hosts sporting and cultural events throughout the year, inclusion in the route reinforces its position within Granada Province’s sporting calendar. The contrast between the Mediterranean shoreline and the inland climbs towards Suspiro del Moro offers dramatic backdrops rarely found within such short distances.
Businesses along the route may see a temporary pause in normal activity during the closure period, but events of this scale often generate longer-term promotional value for the area.
Advice for Residents and Visitors
Motorists are encouraged to allow additional travel time on Thursday, particularly between 12:30pm and 1:30pm. Those with medical appointments, school pick-ups or work commitments should factor in possible delays.
Police will reopen roads as soon as race organisers confirm the route is clear. Emergency services will retain priority access if required.
For many residents, the sight of the professional peloton racing through familiar streets offers a rare moment when global sport intersects directly with daily life on the Costa Tropical. On Thursday, that intersection will briefly slow traffic — but it will also put Almuñécar firmly on the sporting map.
Ahmedabad