According to a survey by DiscoverCars.com, Spain is home to an astonishing 15,000 roundabouts. While their primary role is to manage traffic flow, some of these circular intersections have evolved into landmarks that draw tourists. Yet, not all are admired—some are deemed strange or even absurd.
Here’s a look at some of the most striking examples across Spain, ranging from the remarkable to the eccentric.
Roundabouts as tourist attractions and navigational aids
Aleksandrs Buraks, a spokesperson for DiscoverCars.com, highlights that roundabouts, though rarely associated with holidays, can become destinations themselves. In Spain, several roundabouts have transcended their traffic-regulating function, earning a reputation as works of art—or eyesores, depending on one’s perspective.
In everyday life, roundabouts play another significant role in Spain: they’re a key reference point for directions. Locals frequently use them as navigational aids because of their distinctiveness and recognisability. Whether it’s the “roundabout with the peacocks” or the “one with the giant paella,” their uniqueness makes them easy to describe and remember. Visitors driving through Spain will often find directions revolving around roundabouts, making them essential landmarks as well as traffic hubs.
Europe’s largest roundabout in Badajoz
Located in Esparragosa de Lares, this roundabout is the largest in Europe, with a diameter of 1.3 kilometres. It features a single lane and two exit bridges spanning a reservoir, making it both a functional traffic solution and a unique spectacle.
Giant LED screen roundabout in Vigo
Vigo boasts a roundabout adorned with a massive circular LED screen nearly two metres high. Situated at the junction of Rosalía de Castro and Serafín Avendaño streets, it was inaugurated in 2017. While visually impressive, residents expressed safety concerns, warning it could distract drivers.
Roller coaster roundabout in Leganés
In Leganés, Madrid, a roller coaster-shaped roundabout greets motorists at the northern entrance of Avenida de Carabanchel. This quirky design stands out even in a city known for its unusual traffic features.
Las Meninas roundabout in Leganés
Another standout in Leganés is located at the entrance to the La Fortuna neighbourhood, near the M-40. Here, a 6-metre steel sculpture by Máximo Riol depicts a lady-in-waiting and a valet. The figures intriguingly reveal the often-hidden underside of their skirts.
Swimming pool roundabout in Villar de Omaña
The tiny village of Villar de Omaña, León, is home to a roundabout doubling as a swimming pool. Originally a village water trough, it was restored using mining funds and now serves as a water source for gardens and fire emergencies.
Split car Roundabout in Murcia
Murcia features a roundabout where a Volkswagen Passat, split in half, serves as a plant-filled sculpture. This creative design combines functionality with visual intrigue.
Giant paella roundabout in Benicàssim
Benicàssim, Castellón, honours Valencian gastronomy with a 5.5-metre diameter paella sculpture at one of its roundabouts. It’s a tribute to Spain’s most famous dish and a nod to local culinary traditions.
Peacock Roundabout in Jaén
In Jaén, bird lovers can appreciate a roundabout guarded by two large limestone sculptures of peacocks. Made from recycled materials, these majestic figures stand proudly on Avenida Antonio Pascual Acosta.
From functional to fascinating
Spain’s roundabouts showcase a mix of practicality, artistic expression, and sometimes outright eccentricity. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they hold a special place in Spanish culture as navigational aids, helping locals and visitors alike find their way.