2026 Vuelta a España
August 22 – September 13 CEST
The 2026 Vuelta a España is one of cycling’s three prestigious “Grand Tours.” Known for its brutal steep climbs, intense summer heat, and the iconic La Roja (Red Jersey) worn by the overall leader, this edition marks a historic milestone as the race traverses four different countries: Monaco, France, Andorra, and Spain.
📅 When and Where is the 2026 Vuelta a España?
- Dates: Saturday, August 22nd – Sunday, September 13th, 2026.
- The Grand Départ: For the first time in history, the race begins in Monaco. This makes the Principality the first country to have hosted the opening stages of all three Grand Tours (Giro 1966, Tour 2009, Vuelta 2026).
- The Finish: Breaking with the tradition of a Madrid finale, the 2026 Vuelta will conclude at the legendary Alhambra Palace in Granada.
📊 2026 Vuelta a España Race Program and Statistics
Described by organizers as one of the toughest editions in the last decade, the 2026 route is a vertical odyssey designed for pure climbers.
- Total Distance: 3,283.7 km
- Total Vertical Climbing: 58,156 m (A record-breaking amount of elevation)
- Stages: 21 stages over 23 days.
- Stage Types:
- 7 Mountain Stages (Featuring 9 potential summit finishes)
- 4 Medium-Mountain Stages
- 8 Hilly or Flat Stages
- 2 Individual Time Trials (Totaling 42.1 km)
🗺️ Official 2026 Vuelta a España Route Schedule
| Stage | Date | Course | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22/08 | Monaco > Monaco | 9.6 km | Individual Time Trial |
| 2 | 23/08 | Monaco > Manosque (France) | 215.2 km | Hilly stage |
| 3 | 24/08 | Gruissan (France) > Font Romeu (France) | 166.7 km | Mountain stage |
| 4 | 25/08 | Andorra la Vella > Andorra la Vella | 104.9 km | Mountain stage |
| 5 | 26/08 | Falset > Roquetes | 171.1 km | Flat/Hilly |
| 6 | 27/08 | Alcossebre > Castellón | 176.8 km | Hilly stage |
| 7 | 28/08 | Vall d’Alba > Aramón Valdelinares | 149.9 km | Mountain (Summit) |
| 8 | 29/08 | Puçol > Xeraco | 176.4 km | Flat stage |
| 9 | 30/08 | La Vila Joiosa > Alto de Aitana | 187.5 km | Mountain (Summit) |
| — | 31/08 | Rest Day 1: Alicante | — | — |
| 10 | 01/09 | Alcaraz > Elche de la Sierra | 184.5 km | Hilly stage |
| 11 | 02/09 | Cartagena > Lorca | 156.1 km | Flat stage |
| 12 | 03/09 | Vera > Calar Alto | 166.5 km | Mountain (Summit) |
| 13 | 04/09 | Almuñécar > Loja | 193.2 km | Medium Mountain |
| 14 | 05/09 | Jaén > Sierra de la Pandera | 152.7 km | Mountain (Summit) |
| 15 | 06/09 | Palma del Río > Córdoba | 181.2 km | Hilly stage |
| — | 07/09 | Rest Day 2: Huelva | — | — |
| 16 | 08/09 | Cortegana > La Rábida | 186.0 km | Flat stage |
| 17 | 09/09 | Dos Hermanas > Sevilla | 189.2 km | Flat stage |
| 18 | 10/09 | El Puerto de Santa María > Jerez de la Frontera | 32.5 km | Individual Time Trial |
| 19 | 11/09 | Vélez-Málaga > Peñas Blancas (Estepona) | 205.1 km | Mountain (Summit) |
| 20 | 12/09 | La Calahorra > Collado del Alguacil | 187.0 km | Mountain (Summit) |
| 21 | 13/09 | Granada (Carrefour) > Granada (Alhambra) | 99.4 km | Flat / Finale |
🎟️ Tickets for the 2026 Vuelta a España
Watching the Vuelta from the roadside is free of charge. For fans wanting extra comfort:
- Roadside Viewing: No tickets required. High-altitude finishes like Alto de Aitana and Calar Alto are fan favorites.
- Vuelta VIP: Packages like “The Terrace” or “The Finish Line” offer catering, shaded seating, and TV screens to watch the final kilometers.
- Accreditations: Essential for those wanting access to the team bus area (Punto de Encuentro).
✈️ Travelling to the 2026 Vuelta a España
- By Air: Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE) for the Monaco start; Malaga (AGP) or Granada (GRX) for the final week.
- By Train: Spain’s AVE high-speed rail is excellent for traveling between major cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Granada.
- Driving: Be aware that mountain roads often close to all vehicular traffic 12–18 hours before the race arrives.
🏨 Where to Stay for the 2026 Vuelta a España
- Monaco & Côte d’Azur: For the Grand Départ, stay in Beausoleil or Menton to avoid Monaco’s premium hotel prices while remaining walking distance to the route.
- The “Andalucía” Base: The final 10 stages stay heavily in the south. Booking a central hub in Seville or Granada for the final week allows you to see multiple stage finishes with minimal travel.
- Paradores: For a premium Spanish experience, look for “Paradores”—luxury hotels located in historic buildings (monasteries, castles) near stage towns like Lorca or Jaén.
- Booking Tip: Look for accommodations with air conditioning; the 2026 route hugs the Mediterranean and inland Andalusia where temperatures regularly exceed 35°C in late August.
🚲 2026 Vuelta Fan Experience
- The “Caravana”: A festive parade that precedes the race, throwing out hats, shirts, and Spanish snacks to the crowds.
- The Mediterranean Feel: This edition stays close to the coast, meaning fans can often combine race-watching with beach visits in the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.
- Top Viewing Spot: Stage 21 (The Alhambra). Seeing the winner crowned at one of the world’s most beautiful historic landmarks will be a once-in-a-lifetime cycling moment.
🔗 Helpful Links for the 2026 Vuelta a España
- Official La Vuelta Website
- UCI WorldTour Calendar
- Monaco Grand Départ Official Portal
- Spain Tourism Board
Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Sports Tourist