Spain’s traditional summer holiday season is coming to an end, and a significant increase in traffic is expected on the country’s roads this coming weekend. According to the Directorate-General for Traffic, around five million trips will be made nationwide from Friday to Sunday. This is due to the mass return of citizens from their vacations, as well as the start of the new school and work season.
The main flow of vehicles will head from coastal areas and holiday resorts to major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. In addition, regular weekend travel and trips by those choosing to spend the last days of summer by the coast or in country houses will add to the traffic.
Special attention is being paid to the return of citizens who have vacationed outside the country, particularly in Morocco and Portugal. Residents of other European nations returning home after a holiday in North Africa will also be passing through Spain.
Traffic is expected to peak on Friday evening, when many begin their journeys to the coast or countryside, and again on Saturday morning, as a new wave of vacationers sets off, having chosen September for their break. On Saturday evening and through Sunday, a return flow back to the cities is forecast, which could lead to increased congestion on major highways.
On Sunday morning, traffic jams are possible on the access roads to beaches, while from midday until late evening, congestion is expected on highways leading to major cities. Authorities recommend planning trips according to these time intervals to avoid long delays.
To ensure safety and order on the roads, traffic police officers, traffic management center specialists, emergency services, and technical personnel will be deployed. These services are equipped with modern monitoring tools: stationary and mobile speed cameras, helicopters, drones, surveillance cameras, as well as unmarked patrol cars and motorcycles. Special attention will be paid to seat belt use, mobile phone use while driving, and adherence to rules by motorcyclists.
During these three days, certain road sections may have reversible and additional traffic lanes set up. Construction work on highways will be temporarily suspended, and at certain hours, both sports events and the movement of freight transport will be restricted.
Drivers are reminded to observe speed limits and avoid dangerous maneuvers after being stuck in traffic. Stress, fatigue, and irritation caused by congestion can lead to mistakes on the road. Authorities emphasize that attempts to make up for lost time increase the risk of accidents.
It is recommended to rest well before your trip, avoid alcohol and drugs, strictly follow traffic rules, and stay focused while driving. Up-to-date information about road conditions will be available through official road service channels, including social media, radio, television, and phone services.
Authorities urge all road users to remain patient and cautious to end the summer season without incidents and return home safely.
