Classic cars to take over Algarve roads

Over 100 classic cars will tour the Algarve as the Algarve Classic Cars rally returns for its 33rd edition, bringing collectors and motoring enthusiasts from Portugal and abroad to one of Europe’s best-known historic motoring events.

Taking place from July 10 to 12, the annual rally combines regularity competition with scenic drives through some of the Algarve’s best-known towns, making it one of the Iberian Peninsula’s flagship classic car events.

Organised by Portugal Classic in partnership with the Portuguese Classic Car Club (CPAA), this year’s edition will once again see participants behind the wheel of some of the world’s most iconic vintage and classic automobiles.

One of the main highlights of this year’s rally is the return of a special timed stage at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão.

Friday, July 10

The event begins at Vilamoura Marina, where the rally secretariat opens at 12pm.

The first competitive stage, the Murganheira Stage, gets underway at 7pm with the Casino de Vilamoura Circuit, before competitors return around 7.30pm.

Saturday, July 11

Cars leave Vilamoura at 9am for the Liqui Moly Stage, heading towards the Algarve International Circuit, where drivers will contest one of the weekend’s showcase special stages.

The morning stage finishes in Portimão at around 12pm.

The afternoon resumes at 3.30pm from the Lagoa Congress Centre, with competitors passing through Ferragudo shortly afterwards before tackling the Carvoeiro Special Stage at 4pm.

Following a stop at Vila Vita Parc at approximately 4.40pm, crews continue with the Viborel Stage, including the traditional Opticalia Circuit in Armação de Pêra at around 5.15pm, before returning to Casino de Vilamoura at approximately 6pm.

Sunday, July 12

The final day begins at 9.30am from Centro Porsche Faro.

Competitors will contest the Cerro de São Miguel Special Stage at 10.30am, followed by a stop in São Brás de Alportel at 10.50am.

The route then continues through Loulé at around 11.20am before another stop in Albufeira at 12pm.

The rally concludes with the Albufeira European City of Sport 2026 Circuit at 12.30pm, before the prize-giving ceremony takes place at the Epic Sana Algarve at 3.30pm.

“Algarve Classic Cars is a celebration of automobile culture, combining nostalgia and conviviality in a unique setting,” organisers say. “The event establishes itself, year after year, as an unmissable standout in the calendars of classic car lovers, attracting national and international visitors and participants and strengthening the Algarve’s role as a leading destination in this discipline.”

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.