The Dakar Rally’s reported return to the Algarve in 2027 is now “well on track”, with the region’s tourism chief saying only official confirmation appears to be missing.
André Gomes, president of regional tourism board Turismo do Algarve, revealed on Monday that discussions are under way for the region to host the prologue and start of the first stage of the legendary off-road rally next January.
“There have been numerous contacts between the Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP), the region and the municipalities,” Gomes told Lusa in Vilamoura.
“I’m not going to say it is certain, but it is well on track.” He said he expects official confirmation “in the coming days”.
The increasingly concrete plans follow Sunday’s announcement that the 2027 Dakar will not take place in Saudi Arabia, where it has been held since 2020.
Organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) described the change as an exceptional, one-off decision prompted by “recent developments in the region”, confirming that the rally will go ahead elsewhere and that its new location will be announced shortly. Saudi Arabia is due to host the event again in 2028 for its 50th running.
Algarve Stadium could become Dakar HQ
According to Gomes, the plan would see the Dakar caravan set up at the Algarve Stadium, which would become the “nerve centre” of the rally’s stay in southern Portugal.
A prologue would also be staged somewhere in the Algarve, although its exact location has yet to be decided.
The rally would then start its first full stage in the region, most likely heading towards Morocco, Gomes said.
That fits with reports that Morocco is the leading candidate to host the bulk of the 2027 Dakar, with Portugal or Spain being considered for the European opening of the event.
For Gomes, bringing the Dakar back would also give the Algarve a major international event at a traditionally quieter time of year.
“The region has hosted the Dakar before and could now do so again in a fantastic month, in January, right at the beginning of the year,” he said.
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.