As summer arrives, Spanish roads become overcrowded with traffic, primarily due to vacations and booming tourism . With forecasts pointing to more than 100 million displacements this season, it’s crucial for travelers to choose their routes wisely. Certain roads are notorious for their long wait times, making them potential headaches for those planning their summer getaways. Below, we explore some of the most congested highways and scenic routes that are sure to test your patience as you travel through Spain.
Highways and Highways that Rest Rather Little
According to The Debate , the A-66 , which connects Asturias with León , tops the list of most problematic roads in Spain. This highway, particularly the section crossing the Port of Huerna , has been under construction, turning it into a bottleneck. Travelers can face wait times of several hours, especially during weekends. Adding to the frustration is the €15 toll that drivers must pay just to get stuck in traffic.
<img alt="DGT map: How to use it to see all the traffic incidents of Spanish roads in real time" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/b5173a/mapa-dgt/375_142.jpeg"/>
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</div>The major radial routes emanating from Madrid are far from immune to chaos. The A-3 heading to the Levante region experiences significant congestion each Friday afternoon as travelers flock to Mediterranean beaches. Other roads like the A-4 towards Andalusia , the A-2 heading toward Barcelona , and the A-5 leading to Extremadura also witness similar traffic debacles throughout the season. Urban congestion is no different; the M-30 in Madrid is infamous for its summer traffic jams, and the GR-30 in Granada can be equally problematic during peak hours.
Beautiful Routes That Begin With Many Beeps and Tension
Even some of the most picturesque locations in Spain are not immune to traffic issues. The AS-262 , which leads to the Lagos de Covadonga in the Picos de Europa , can become congested due to an influx of tourists. The introduction of shuttle buses—designed to alleviate traffic—has ironically concentrated even more vehicles around the basilica area , leaving many travelers stuck in long lines.
<img alt="The cities with the worst traffic in the world, ordered in a graphic developer" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/242069/grafico-trafico/375_142.jpeg"/>
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</div>Islands are not exempt either. The MA-2141 , leading to Sa Calobra in Mallorca , is a winding, narrow road stretching 14 kilometers where traffic can easily become a nightmare. The tight curves and lack of adequate signage can lead to frustrating delays, turning what should be a scenic drive into a tedious experience. Similarly, in Tenerife , the TF-436 , which grants access to Masca , is often congested during the summer months, with its narrow lane and sharp turns compounding the issue.
Traffic Planning and Consultation
Experts recommend avoiding peak travel times: Fridays between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. , Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. , and Sundays from 7:00 p.m. to Midnight . Utilizing alternative routes and real-time traffic apps can help travelers dodge the worst of the congestion and enjoy a smoother journey.
As the Santiago Bridge approaches, it’s estimated that 6.5 million displacements will occur between Thursday, July 24 , and Sunday, July 27 . In Andalusia , cities like Malaga and Seville often face heavy traffic, especially during holiday weekends. The first weekend of July was particularly chaotic in these regions, with predictions of over a million displacements. While everyone looks forward to relaxing and enjoying their vacations, spending hours stuck in traffic can leave one wishing they had stayed home instead.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about traffic patterns and consider flexible travel plans this summer. Making adjustments to your travel times can save you from the stress of being caught in traffic, allowing you to more fully enjoy the beauty of Spain’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.
Cover image | Yanhao Fang
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