Opening on December 2, the brand-new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre will soon set the stage for an ambitious new chapter in European show jumping. Starting in 2026, the prestigious Portuguese seaside resort—nestled in the heart of the Algarve region on the country’s southern coast—will host eleven weeks of international competition across four distinct series.

A landmark partnership between GRANDPRIX Events and Arrow Global has given rise to this state-of-the-art venue, combining world-class sport with the timeless charm of a coastal destination long beloved by international travelers. The first five weeks of competition will begin on February 24, 2026, featuring CSI3* events, followed by a CSI4* and culminating in the first CSI5* ever held in Vilamoura.

The official inauguration on December 2 will mark a major milestone after months of extensive development. Spearheaded by Arrow Global, owner of the site and numerous tourism facilities in Vilamoura, the project represents a long-term vision to establish the resort as a leading destination for high-level equestrian sport. GRANDPRIX Events has committed to organizing major international show jumping competitions here, aligning with the growing global trend of extending the outdoor season into the fall and winter months.

Thanks to its mild year-round climate, modern infrastructure, and exceptional hospitality, the new venue in southern Portugal is poised to become a favorite among riders, owners, and equestrian professionals seeking the ideal blend of top sport and lifestyle.

From 2026 onward, GRANDPRIX Events will stage eleven weeks of international competition in Vilamoura:

The Classic Tour I (Feb. 24–Mar. 15) – Three weeks of CSI3*, CSI1* and Young Horse classes.

The Master Tour (Mar. 17–22) – A CSI4* accompanied by CSI1* and Young Horse competitions, then CSI5* Week (Mar. 24–29) – the pinnacle event of the spring circuit, and the first CSI5* ever organized in Vilamoura or by GRANDPRIX Events. The show will include CSI3*, CSI1* and Young Horse classes, reviving Portugal’s top-level show jumping scene six years after the last CSI5* in Cascais, near Lisbon.

Throughout the year, the complex will welcome riders of all levels to train and compete in facilities designed for elite performance. The site features four competition arenas with underground irrigation systems—including one grass ring—and extensive stabling and hospitality infrastructure.

The autumn circuit will begin on October 20 with Classic Tour II, offering two weeks of CSI3* events followed by a CSI4*, once again complemented by CSI1* and Young Horse competitions. The Classic Tour III, from November 17 to December 6, will close out the inaugural year with three final weeks of international competition under the Algarve sun.