Spectators Guide To The Vuelta a España

The Vuelta a España is one of the three Grand Tours of professional road cycling, the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. Here are the critical details about the 2024 edition: Overview

• Dates: August 17 – September 8, 2024
• Total Distance: 3,265 km (2,029 miles)
• Number of Stages: 21
• Start Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Finish Location: Madrid, Spain
• Defending Champion: Sepp Kuss (USA) of Jumbo-Visma

Route Highlights

• There is only 1 flat stage for sprinters, making it a very mountainous route
• 8 mountain stages, including the iconic Lagos de Covadonga and Cuitu Negru, climbs
• 2 individual time trials bookending the race
• 5 hilly stages with uphill finishes
• A difficult final week with multiple summit finishes

The Vuelta a España, with its reputation for grueling mountain stages and lack of flat terrain, is a race that demands the utmost from its participants. The 2024 route, in keeping with this tradition, is designed to favor the strong climbers over pure sprinters. As Sepp Kuss prepares to defend his title, the battle for the red leader’s jersey, a symbol of dominance and excellence in the race, promises to be a fiercely competitive one among the top Grand Tour contenders.

Who Is It For

If you enjoy watching the pro cyclists, enjoy the sunshine and the Spanish food & culture, this could be the event for you. As the Vuelta a España is over 21 days, not many people will get to see all the stages.

This is a cycling event, so you need to choose what will complement your race viewing. Let’s break it down by region so you can choose the most interesting stage of the cycle race that suits your personality best.

From experience we try to offer some interesting places to stay and explore, at the same time give you access to as much of the cycling event as possible.

Warmer Weather

If you are a sun worshiper then we suggest that you watch the stages down in the south of Spain. The temperatures will be significantly higher than the Northern regions. There are 5 stages held down in the Southern tip of Spain and these destinations are also close to the beaches.

We think as there are only 6 stages down in Southern Spain, these may be less busy. However, the trade off being near the coast there well maybe be additional tourist crowds chasing the sun.

Event Details

Official Website

• Here

Month

August/September

Number Of Days

21 days

Country

Portugal/Spain

Entry Costs

Pro Riders/Teams Only

Currency

Euro: 1 = £0.86 (Check)

Visa Requirements

No

Schengen Area Advice

Carnets

What is a Carnet, The ATA Carnet, often referred to as the “Passport for goods”, is an international customs document that permits the tax-free and duty-free temporary export and import of nonperishable goods for up to one year

Hotel Cost

Range: ££ – £££££

Food Cost

££ – £££££

Weather

• Average Temp (Jun): 25C (77F) to 35C (95F)
• Hours of Sunlight: 8 hours +
• Average Rain: limited

Flights

• Daily
• Cost: £ – £££

Travel Advice

UK Gov

Useful Info

• Cycling Advice
• Visit Spain

More Cycling Events

• Tour Of Oman
• Copenhagen Bike Show
• Mallorca 312
• Strade Bianche 
• Critérium du Dauphiné 
• Tour de Pologne
• Il Lombardia
• Bespoked
• Granfondo Stelvio Santini

Portugal Stages

The start of the Vuelta a España starts in Lisbon, very close to the coastal beaches of Portugal

Lisbon

Food

Lisboa, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. This is reflected in its cuisine, which blends Portuguese and international influences. Some of the most popular dishes in Lisboa include:

Pastel de nata: These custard tarts are a must-try for any visitor to Lisboa. They are made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg yolk filling.

Bacalhau: Cod is a staple of Portuguese cuisine, and there are countless ways to prepare it. Some popular bacalhau dishes include bacalhau à brás (scrambled cod with potatoes and onions), bacalhau com natas (cod with cream and potatoes), and bacalhau gratinado (cod gratin).

Francesinha: This sandwich is a hearty and flavorful dish that is typically made with pork, sausage, ham, and cheese. It is then covered in a tomato and beer sauce and served with fries.

Places

Oeiras

Oeiras is a coastal town near Lisboa that is known for its fresh seafood. Some of the most popular dishes in Oeiras include:

Arroz de pato: This duck rice dish is a traditional Portuguese dish that is made with duck, rice, onions, garlic, and other spices.

Caldeirada de peixe: This fish stew is made with a variety of white fish, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

Carne de porco à Alentejana: This pork dish is from the Alentejo region of Portugal, but it is also popular in Oeiras. It is made with pork, clams, white wine, and other spices.

Cascais

Cascais is a resort town near Lisboa that is known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious hotels. The cuisine in Cascais is similar to that of Lisboa, but there is also a strong influence from international cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes in Cascais include:

• Sushi: Cascais has a number of sushi restaurants that serve fresh and delicious sushi.
• Pizza: Pizza is another popular dish in Cascais, and there are many different pizzerias to choose from.
• Steak: Cascais is also home to a number of steakhouses that serve high-quality steaks.

Lousã

Lousã is a mountain town in central Portugal that is known for its beautiful scenery and its traditional way of life. The cuisine in Lousã is based on local, seasonal ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes in Lousã include:

• Serra da Estrela cheese: This cheese is made from sheep’s milk and is aged for at least 30 days. It has a strong,salty flavor that is perfect for pairing with wine or bread.
• Posta de bacalhau: This dish is made with a thick slice of cod that is grilled or baked. It is often served with potatoes and vegetables.
• Chouriço:This sausage is made from pork and is smoked over oak wood. It has a strong, smoky flavor that is perfect for adding to stews or soups.

Staying in Portugal

Beware that the prices of these hotels will increase with price due to the increased demand due to Vuelta a España.

Lisbon offers a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options like Selina Secret Garden & Cowork (£54 per night) to luxurious properties like Lisboa Pessoa Hotel (£173 per night).

Oeiras hotels also cater to a range of budgets. You can find options like B&B HOTEL Lisboa Oeiras for less (£ price not available) or a hotel with an outdoor pool Hotel Real Oeiras at £145 per night.

Cascais boasts some truly luxurious hotels, like the beachfront Hotel Albatroz Cascais (price not available) or Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa (£230 per night) with an ocean view. You can also find more affordable options The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat Portugal – Cascais priced at £50 per night.

Ourém has hotels like Casa do Castelo priced at £60 per night, while Quinta da Alcaidaria-Mor offers a historic setting with an outdoor pool for £100 per night.

Lousã presents a variety of hotels too. You can find a posh hotel like Palácio da Lousã for £101 per night or a more modern hotel with a spa Hotel Parque Serra da Lousã at £77 per night.

Castelo Branco has hotels ranging from budget-friendly options like HI Castelo Branco – Pousada de Juventude priced at £29 per night to more upscale properties like Meliá Castelo Branco for £91 per night.

The First Stage (4) In Spain

There are a couple of good places to stay for this stage depending on whether you prefer a charming town experience or a nature getaway closer to the mountains.

Plasencia

Plasencia is a beautiful historic town in Extremadura, known for its well-preserved medieval walls, grand cathedral, and charming plazas. It offers a variety of historical and cultural attractions, excellent restaurants serving traditional cuisine,and lively bars. Staying in Plasencia would be a good choice if you’d like to explore the town itself and enjoy a more urban atmosphere.

Villanueva de la Vera

Villanueva de la Vera is a charming village located at the foot of the Villuercas Mountains, within the natural park of the same name. It’s a great base for exploring the mountains, hiking, and enjoying outdoor activities. The village offers a more rustic and laid-back atmosphere compared to Plasencia, with some local restaurants and shops. Staying here would be perfect if you want to be close to Pico Villuercas and prioritize immersing yourself in nature.

Pros & Cons

Southern Stages Spain

The closest point to the beaches (East & West) is stage 9 and is Motril, there are plenty of hotels around the area for accommodation.

Motril

Motril is a coastal town in southern Spain known for its beaches, subtropical climate, and Moorish history. Motril’s cuisine is influenced by its location on the Mediterranean Sea. Fresh seafood is a staple; many dishes feature fish, shellfish, and rice. 

One popular dish is paella, a rice dish that is typically cooked with seafood, chicken, or vegetables. Another local speciality is espeto de sardinas, which are sardines that are grilled over an open fire. In addition to seafood, Motril is also known for its tropical fruits, such as mangoes, avocados, and papayas.

Úbeda

Úbeda is a city in southern Spain, known for its Renaissance architecture and connection to the Spanish Golden Age.Úbeda’s cuisine is representative of Andalusian cuisine, known for its use of olive oil, fresh vegetables, and spices. 

A popular dish in Úbeda is pipirrana, a cold salad made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and olives. Another local speciality is gachamiga, a flour, water, and olive oil porridge. Úbeda is also known for its embutidos (cured meats), such as chorizo and jamón ibérico.

Cazorla

Cazorla is a town in southern Spain in the Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park. Its cuisine is based on local, seasonal ingredients. Popular dishes include:

• Migas de pastor (shepherd’s crumbs), a dish made with stale bread, sausage, vegetables, and olive oil.
• Andrajos, a stew made with vegetables, legumes, and pork.
• Zarangollo, a potato omelette.

Cazorla is also known for its cured meats, such as chorizo and jamón

Northern Spain Stages

In the Northern stages of the Vuelta a España it would be quite easy to hit the beaches. However, if you have come to watch the cycling event then there is better places you can stay.

Ourense

This city sits roughly in the middle of the route for Stage 12. While some stages (Ponteareas, Baiona, Padrón) will require further travel south, the others (Lugo, Ancares, Villafranca del Bierzo, Villablino) are all within reasonable distances north. Ourense offers historical sites, hot springs, and good access to transportation links.

Multiple Stops:

• Stage 10-12: Consider basing yourself in Pontevedra or Vigo. These larger towns south of Ponteareas offer more accommodation options and are within reach of the first three stages.
• Stage 13-15: Lugo could be your base for the central mountain stages. This historic city provides a charming atmosphere and is close to Lugo (Stage 13) and Manzaneda (Stage 12) with a manageable drive to Ancares (Stage 14) and Villafranca del Bierzo (Stage 14).
• Stage 14-15: Villafranca del Bierzo itself could be a good base for the mid-northern stages. You’d be right next to Stage 14 and have a reasonable distance to both Stage 13 (Lugo) and Stage 15 (Infiesto).

Asturias and Cantabria Stages

Where to stay if you want to see these stages and also take in the local culture of Spain.

Cangas de Onís: 

A small town located at the entrance to the Picos de Europa National Park. This is a great base for exploring the park, including Lagos de Covadonga. It offers a variety of accommodations, from traditional guesthouses to modern hotels.

Arenas de Cabrales: 

A charming village located deeper within the Picos de Europa National Park, known for its production of Cabrales cheese. This location is ideal if you want a more immersive experience in the mountains. However, there are fewer accommodation options here compared to Cangas de Onís.

Pros & Cons Of Accommodation For The Asturias and Cantabria Stages

Additional Option:

• Haro (La Rioja): A charming town located about halfway between Vitoria-Gasteiz and Logroño. Haro is another prominent wine region in La Rioja, offering a more traditional and laid-back atmosphere compared to Logroño. It could be a good compromise if you’d like to experience both Basque Country and La Rioja and be somewhat central to both stages.

Basque Country and La Rioja Stages

Basque Country Accommodation Options

• Stage 18: Vitoria-Gasteiz > Maeztu (Medium Mountain)

Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country, is a charming and walkable city with a beautiful medieval old town,excellent pintxos (small Basque tapas), and a lively atmosphere.
It’s a great place to stay and explore before or after the stage.

La Rioja:

• Stage 19: Logroño > Moncalvillo (Hilly)

Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, is a famous wine region in northern Spain. The city boasts a historic center, charming tapas bars, and excellent access to wineries for tours and tastings.

The pros and cons for Basque & Rioja Stages:

Central Spain Stages

Acomodación around the Villarcayo to Picon Blanco is limited and is usually booked up well in advance. From experience we prefer to go the end of the race and spend sometime in Madrid

Madrid has plenty of accommodation options, from the budget friendly hostel to the expensive hotels. It is estimated that there are currently (2024) over 22 thousand registered Air BNB places in Madrid. Even though it does sound a lot of places to stay we still advise booking as early as possible because Madrid has over 10 million visitors a year.

Getting There

Flights to Spain are daily as they are from most European cities. Remember if you are taking your own cycle make sure the bike box is a Shokbox.