The countdown to the Eko Acropolis Rally 2026 has begun, and Loutraki is taking center stage as it officially becomes the new base of the historic race, which will take place from June 25 to 28, 2026. All stakeholders share the belief that this development creates a significant growth opportunity for the destination, strengthening its tourism appeal at a time when global interest in major sporting events is on the rise.
The Mayor of LoutrakiPerachoraAgioi Theodoroi, Giorgos Gionis, welcomed Simon Larkin, Senior Director of Events at WRC Promoter, emphasizing that relocating the event to the area generates substantial added value both for the local economy and for the overall positioning of the destination within the international tourism landscape.
During his visit, Mr. Larkin met with the Deputy Minister of Sports Giannis Vroutsis, the Regional Governor of Peloponnese Dimitris Ptochos, executives from Motorsport Greece, and representatives of Club Hotel Casino Loutraki, which will serve as a central operational hub for hosting the race. The day concluded with a site inspection at the School of Engineering, where the new service park will be developed.
All procedures are progressing according to schedule, with the aim of delivering a flawless and fully functional event that is expected to boost demand and increase the regions visibility both in Greece and abroad.
After five successful years based in Lamia, the EKO Acropolis Rally is turning a new page. Beginning in 2026, the iconic Greek round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) will be headquartered in Loutraki.
The EKO Acropolis Rally returns to an area with a long tradition in Greek and international rallying, with its 2026 edition (June 2528) marking a new era for this historic institution.
Comprehensive proposals for hosting the race headquarters were submitted by the municipalities of AlmyrosVolos, Lamia, and LoutrakiPerachoraAgioi Theodoroi. All were assessed based on completeness, functionality, and overall contribution to the success of the event. Each proposal was deemed sound and feasible, but following the evaluation process, Loutraki was selected as the new base of the EKO Acropolis Rally.
This decision opens a new chapter in the modern history of the race, creating new opportunities for route planning by the organizers and new challenges for the crews. As in previous years, the Acropolis Rally route will continue to run through Central Greece, on well-known and beloved special stages, maintaining the character and identity that make it unique within the WRC calendar.
At the same time, hosting the Service Park in Loutraki highlights a new dimension of the race, bringing it closer to the sea and offering a setting that matches its historic legacy and international appeal.
In a statement, Simon Larkin, Senior Director Events at WRC Promoter, emphasized that when the WRC returned to Greece in 2021 for the EKO Acropolis Rally, it did so with the intention of allowing the rally to change its base from time to time, in order to maximize its great competitive heritage and the significant economic impact that a WRC event brings to each host country and region. Lamia was an excellent host for five years. With a shared vision with Minister Vroutsis and his team, we are now bringing the heart of the rally to Loutraki, closer to Athens. Loutraki offers rich stage options and easier access for new audiences, along with additional tourism opportunities.
