La Vuelta a España 2026 starts in Almuñécar this Friday, September 4, in a very special day for the town and for one of its greatest sporting figures: Carlos Rodríguez, who was born in Almuñécar.
For the first time, the town will host the start of a La Vuelta stage. The moment will be especially meaningful because the Almuñécar-born cyclist will be able to start a Grand Tour stage from his own hometown, surrounded by family, friends and cycling fans.
🚴 The Costa Tropical’s Lion Races at Home
The local rider is one of Almuñécar’s most important sporting figures. His professional career has taken him to the biggest international cycling races, making him one of the best-known names in Spanish cycling.
Now, La Vuelta a España 2026 offers him a very special moment: setting off from the streets of his hometown.
📌 All the Information About La Vuelta’s Start in Almuñécar
🚴 LA VUELTA A ESPAÑA 2026 IN ALMUÑÉCAR
📅 Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
🚴 Stage: Stage 13
📍 Start: Almuñécar
🏁 Finish: Loja
📏 Distance: 192.8 km
⏰ Neutralised start: 12:20 pm
🚦 Official start: approximately 12:41 pm
🛣️ Initial direction: N-340 towards Motril
🏁 Estimated finish in Loja: approximately 5:16 pm👀 Tip: If you want to see the riders live, arrive early. A large number of spectators is expected, and there may be traffic restrictions, access changes and difficulties finding parking.
❤️ A Town Ready to Honour One of Its Own
La Vuelta’s arrival also represents a new tribute to the Almuñécar cyclist. The town has already recognised his outstanding sporting achievements, and now it will have the opportunity to celebrate his participation in a stage that starts at home.
It will be a special day for the rider and for the entire Costa Tropical, with the streets of Almuñécar providing the setting for one of the year’s biggest sporting events.
🌴 Almuñécar Takes Centre Stage in La Vuelta
For a few hours, Almuñécar will be at the centre of national and international cycling attention.
The stage start will also showcase some of the town’s main attractions: the Mediterranean, its beaches, historic centre, San Miguel Castle, local cuisine and the landscapes of the Costa Tropical.
For visitors coming to Almuñécar for La Vuelta, it will also be a great opportunity to stay for a few days and discover the destination at a more relaxed pace.
🚵 From Almuñécar to Loja
The riders will cover 192.8 kilometres between Almuñécar and Loja.
The race will leave the Costa Tropical towards Motril before continuing inland through Granada. It will be a demanding day with several climbs and changing terrain before reaching the finish in Loja.
📍 What to See and Do in Almuñécar During La Vuelta
🏘️ Explore the Historic Centre
Walk through the streets of the historic centre and discover some of Almuñécar’s most traditional and charming corners.
🏰 Visit San Miguel Castle
San Miguel Castle is one of the town’s great landmarks and offers excellent views over Almuñécar and the Mediterranean.
🏖️ Discover the Beaches of Almuñécar and La Herradura
After watching the stage start, take some time to enjoy the beaches and coves of the Costa Tropical.
🍽️ Taste the Local Cuisine
Fresh fish, tropical fruits and traditional dishes are all part of the experience of visiting Almuñécar.
🚴 A Land of Cycling
The combination of sea, mountains and roads with different profiles makes Almuñécar and the Costa Tropical an attractive destination for cycling enthusiasts.
The La Vuelta stage start further strengthens the image of Almuñécar as a destination for sport and tourism throughout the year.
🌅 A Historic Day for Almuñécar
September 4, 2026 will be a date to remember in the town’s calendar.
La Vuelta a España will start from Almuñécar for the first time, with one of its own riders in the peloton. Seeing the Almuñécar-born cyclist start a stage from his hometown will be one of the most special moments of this year’s race.
If you want to discover Almuñécar and the Costa Tropical, this is a great time to do it.
Discover Almuñécar. Discover the Costa Tropical.