Spain Gears Up for Major Sports Tourism Events in 2026
Spain is set to take centre stage in global sports tourism with two landmark events that will attract thousands of international visitors and reinforce the country’s reputation as a top destination for sports enthusiasts.
Madrid Formula 1 Grand Prix
From 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid following a historic agreement with IFEMA MADRID. The all-new circuit will combine street and non-street sections, stretching 5.47km with 20 corners and a projected daily capacity of over 110,000 fans. Located just five minutes from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, the venue will be one of the most accessible on the Formula 1 calendar, with direct connections via Metro, train, and city lines. This development marks a new era for motorsport in Spain, promising world-class racing and an unforgettable fan experience.
Tour de France in Barcelona
Meanwhile, Barcelona will make history in July 2026 as the official starting point of the Tour de France, the world’s most elite cycling event. While the city has featured in the competition before, but never as the starting point, it’s an honour that underlines Catalonia’s passion for cycling and its focus on sustainable mobility. On 4 July, the opening stage will take off from Fòrum and finish at Estadi Olímpic, while on 5 July the second stage will commence at Rambla Nova, Tarragona, and conclude at Estadi Olímpic. By hosting this historic event, Barcelona solidifies its role as a premier sports destination and an attractive choice for international tourism.
Ahead of travelling to Spain and its islands, visitors should check the requirements of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) which is gradually being implemented across the destination:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees
For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk