Vuelta 2026 Route stage 21: Granada - Granada

Sunday 13 September - At 112 kilometres, the final stage of the Vuelta a España unfolds in and around Granada. A finishing circuit is completed four times, each lap featuring a partially cobbled climb of 2.1 kilometre at 6.6%. On the final passage, the finish line is positioned at the bottom of that climb.

Last updated: 13 September 2026 – link to the results added

Race type: urban circuit featuring a short climb
Likely winners: Classics specialists
Weather conditions: sunny and warm

Granada is the city of the Alhambra, the Moorish palace complex perched atop the Sabika Hill. Not a bad place, the organisers must have thought, to stage the finish of the Vuelta a España — so close to one of the world’s most visited tourist landmarks. There was also a practical reason to steer clear of Madrid, with the Formula One circus arriving there the same weekend. As a result, the Alhambra will feature prominently on screen as the peloton sweeps past.

The stage begins with a loop to the west of Granada, allowing for the traditional end-of-Grand-Tour celebrations. The calm lasts for around 70 kilometres, before the finale is sparked by four short, sharp ramps spread across as many laps, designed to tear the peloton apart. The ramp lies at the foot of the Alhambra, comparable to the repeated ascent of Montmartre in the Tour de France finale.

When the route was unveiled, the finish was still just below the summit of the Alhambra climb, but the organisers ultimately decided to move it to the foot of the climb. This means the riders will tackle the 2.1-kilometre climb at 6.6% for the final time with 7.8 kilometres remaining.

The first three riders across the finish line receive 10, 6 and 4 bonus seconds; the intermediate sprint comes with 6, 4 and 2 seconds.

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 21st stage.

Another interesting read: results 21st stage and final GC of the 2026 Vuelta a España.