The 2026 edition introduces a renewed format, featuring 23 timed special stages spread across approximately 345 competitive kilometres, within a total route of around 1,862 kilometres.
Competitive action is preceded on Wednesday, 6 May, by the shakedown in Baltar, a decisive moment for teams’ final set-up adjustments.
The operational base remains at Exponor, in Matosinhos, which once again assumes the role of the rally’s headquarters.
On Thursday, 7 May, Coimbra regains prominence with the official start of the rally, marking the beginning of competition on gravel surfaces.
The opening leg runs from Águeda to Sever do Vouga, continues through Albergaria-a-Velha and concludes in Figueira da Foz, on a route combining technical demands with spectacle.
Friday focuses on the Central region, as the Vodafone Rally de Portugal returns to emblematic stages such as Mortágua, Arganil, Lousã and Góis.
On Saturday, the rally moves north, with stages in Felgueiras, Cabeceiras de Basto, Amarante and Paredes, before concluding with the Lousada super special, reinforcing the unique bond between drivers and spectators.
Final decisions are reserved for “Super Sunday”, featuring Vieira do Minho and Fafe, where its iconic jump may prove decisive for the overall classification.
For Carlos Barbosa, President of the Automóvel Club de Portugal, the 2026 edition confirms the rally’s significance well beyond sport:
“This is an event that represents far more than competition. Its economic impact is extraordinary. At a time when more and more countries are seeking to join the World Championship, it is a source of pride to see Portugal remain among the most respected events.”
He also highlighted the continuation of environmental investment, recognised at the highest level by the FIA, and expressed thanks to Turismo de Portugal, partners, municipalities, security forces, volunteers and fans who, he stressed,
“Make the Rally de Portugal a truly special event.”
Luís Pedro Martins, President of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal, emphasised the collaborative work between regions:
“The Centre and the North do not compete, they complement each other.”
He underlined regular cooperation in international promotion and defended the importance of decentralising major events, noting that they enhance the country’s appeal beyond sun-and-sea tourism:
“These initiatives generate more than €190 million in return and media value, while promoting cities, towns and low-density territories.”
Rui Ventura, President of Turismo da Região Centro, described the rally as
“One of the country’s greatest promotional assets,”
highlighting its particular impact on less densely populated areas:
“During these days, an economic dynamic is created that would hardly exist at any other time of the year. It is a true example of territorial cohesion and networked cooperation between the Centre and the North.”
Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal, also stressed the event’s strategic relevance for the country, arguing that major international events such as the Vodafone Rally de Portugal are decisive for Portugal’s global positioning and for generating added value in the tourism sector.
In addition to acknowledging the ACP’s role in creating a“major event,”he highlighted the rally’s strong economic and media return and its capacity to project Portugal as a diverse, competitive destination capable of hosting world-class events. He further reinforced that institutional support is essential to maintaining the rally’s place on the calendar of leading international competitions.
Beyond its sporting dimension, the Vodafone Rally de Portugal remains an international benchmark in sustainability.
Recognised by the International Olympic Committee as a standard of environmental best practice in sport, it has held the FIA’s highest level of environmental recognition since 2017.
The organisation continues to strengthen measures aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, ensuring responsible waste management and preserving ecosystems crossed by the special stages, in coordination with municipalities and regional authorities.
The Vodafone Rally de Portugal thus reaffirms itself as an event of excellence, combining competitive intensity, territorial promotion and environmental commitment, within a natural setting that continues to project Portugal onto the global stage.