As summer arrives, \u00a0Spanish roads\u00a0 become overcrowded with traffic, primarily due to \u00a0vacations\u00a0 and booming \u00a0tourism\u00a0. With forecasts pointing to more than \u00a0100 million displacements\u00a0 this season, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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According to \u00a0The Debate\u00a0, the \u00a0A-66\u00a0, which connects \u00a0Asturias\u00a0 with \u00a0Le\u00f3n\u00a0, tops the list of most problematic roads in Spain. This highway, particularly the section crossing the \u00a0Port of Huerna\u00a0, 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 \u00a0\u20ac15 toll\u00a0 that drivers must pay just to get stuck in traffic.<\/p>\n
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<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\"\/>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe major radial routes emanating from \u00a0Madrid\u00a0 are far from immune to chaos. The \u00a0A-3\u00a0 heading to the \u00a0Levante\u00a0 region experiences significant congestion each Friday afternoon as travelers flock to Mediterranean beaches. Other roads like the \u00a0A-4\u00a0 towards \u00a0Andalusia\u00a0, the \u00a0A-2\u00a0 heading toward \u00a0Barcelona\u00a0, and the \u00a0A-5\u00a0 leading to \u00a0Extremadura\u00a0 also witness similar traffic debacles throughout the season. Urban congestion is no different; the \u00a0M-30\u00a0 in Madrid is infamous for its summer traffic jams, and the \u00a0GR-30\u00a0 in \u00a0Granada\u00a0 can be equally problematic during peak hours.<\/p>\n
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Beautiful Routes That Begin With Many Beeps and Tension<\/h2>\n
Even some of the most picturesque locations in Spain are not immune to traffic issues. The \u00a0AS-262\u00a0, which leads to the \u00a0Lagos de Covadonga\u00a0 in the \u00a0Picos de Europa\u00a0, can become congested due to an influx of tourists. The introduction of shuttle buses\u2014designed to alleviate traffic\u2014has ironically concentrated even more vehicles around the \u00a0basilica area\u00a0, leaving many travelers stuck in long lines.<\/p>\n
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\n\n\n\n <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\"\/>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIslands are not exempt either. \u00a0The MA-2141\u00a0, leading to \u00a0Sa Calobra\u00a0 in \u00a0Mallorca\u00a0, 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 \u00a0Tenerife\u00a0, the \u00a0TF-436\u00a0, which grants access to \u00a0Masca\u00a0, is often congested during the summer months, with its narrow lane and sharp turns compounding the issue.<\/p>\n
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Traffic Planning and Consultation<\/h2>\n
Experts recommend avoiding peak travel times: Fridays between \u00a04:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.\u00a0, Saturdays from \u00a09:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.\u00a0, and Sundays from \u00a07:00 p.m. to Midnight\u00a0. Utilizing alternative routes and \u00a0real-time traffic apps\u00a0 can help travelers dodge the worst of the congestion and enjoy a smoother journey.<\/p>\n
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As the \u00a0Santiago Bridge\u00a0 approaches, it\u2019s estimated that \u00a06.5 million displacements\u00a0 will occur between \u00a0Thursday, July 24\u00a0, and \u00a0Sunday, July 27\u00a0. In \u00a0Andalusia\u00a0, cities like \u00a0Malaga\u00a0 and \u00a0Seville\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.<\/p>\n
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Cover image | Yanhao Fang<\/a><\/p>\nIn Xataka | How to know if I have fines of the DGT pending to pay<\/p>\n