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Spain's wacky and wonderful roundabouts: Your guide to the prettiest and ugliest
From a giant paella to a roller coaster, discover the most original roundabouts in all of Spain
Spain is a country that takes its roundabouts seriously, or at least, it sure knows how to have fun with them. With more than 15,000 roundabouts, according to a study by DiscoverCars.com, it's no surprise that many of these circular intersections have evolved from mere traffic regulators to genuine tourist attractions.
From the sublime to the ridiculous, here's a guide to the most original, beautiful and downright bizarre roundabouts in Spain!
The largest and most beautiful roundabout in Europe: Badajoz
Image: Portionedisole/Wikipedia
In Esparragosa de Lares, Badajoz, you'll find the largest roundabout in Europe, stretching an impressive 1.3 kilometres. This behemoth is a single-lane wonder with two bridges that pass over a reservoir. It's a sight to behold, especially if you're a fan of grand engineering feats.
The tech-savvy roundabout: Vigo
Image: Facebook
Move over, billboards – Vigo has something even more eye-catching. The roundabout at the intersection of Rosalía de Castro and Serafín Avendaño features a giant LED screen almost two metres high.
Opened in 2017, this tech marvel has drawn both praise and criticism. Some locals worry it might distract drivers, but it's undeniably a conversation starter.
The potato roundabout: Amorebieta
In Amorebieta, Vizcaya, a roundabout pays homage to the humble spud. The 'Potato Roundabout' is a quirky tribute to the region's agricultural heritage, and it's a fun photo op for visitors.
The cemetery roundabout: Villanueva de la Cañada
For a truly unique and slightly eerie experience, head to Villanueva de la Cañada in Madrid. Here, a roundabout is surrounded by a small cemetery. It's the perfect spot for a Halloween drive or a darkly humorous photo op.
The roller coaster roundabout: Leganés
Image: Facebook
Leganés, Madrid, is home to one of the most thrilling roundabouts in Spain. At the northern entrance to Avenida de Carabanchel, a roundabout shaped like a roller coaster greets drivers. It's a playful and imaginative design that's sure to put a smile on your face.
The 'girls' roundabout: Leganés
Image: Ayuntamiento de Leganés
Leganés has more than one trick up its sleeve. At the entrance to the La Fortuna neighbourhood, from the M-40, you'll find a roundabout featuring a sculpture by Máximo Riol.
The 6-metre-high steel creation depicts a boy and a girl revealing what they normally hide under their skirts. It's a whimsical and thought-provoking piece of art that's sure to make you do a double-take.
The swimming pool roundabout: Villar de Omaña
Image: Facebook
In the tiny town of Villar de Omaña, León, a roundabout has been transformed into a functional swimming pool. This small town of just 30 inhabitants repurposed its old water tank during road repairs, using mining funds to create a unique feature.
The pool is used to irrigate orchards and as a water reserve in case of fire.
The split car roundabout: Murcia
Image: Social media
Art meets functionality in Murcia, where a Volkswagen Passat split in half and filled with plants and flowers stands at the entrance to the University.
This creative installation, the winner of the 2009 'Act in Green?' competition, is a clever and eco-friendly addition to the city. It's a reminder that even old cars can have a second life as works of art.
The giant paella roundabout: Benicàssim
Image: Arthaere Scarapazzi. Facebook
This one is for the food lovers. In Benicàssim, Castellón, a giant paella measuring 5.5 metres in diameter celebrates the most international dish of Valencian and Spanish cuisine.
The peacock roundabout: Jaén
Image: Cedida
Nature and art come together in Jaén, where two majestic peacocks made from recycled materials guard the roundabout on Avenida Antonio Pascual Acosta. It's a perfect spot for a photo and a reminder of the beauty of recycling.
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