The famous route from Kymi Port to the town returns on May 16 and 17 with the 24th Kymi Uphill Rally Race “Giannis Iliopoulos”
The town of Kymi, one of the most beautiful destinations in eastern Evia, is getting ready to host once again one of the country’s leading motorsport events. The 24th Kymi Uphill Rally Race “Giannis Iliopoulos” will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026, transforming the famous road from the port to the town of Kymi into a meeting point for drivers, teams and motorsport fans.
The Kymi Uphill Rally Race has become one of the most important events of the Greek Uphill Rally Championship and every year attracts competitors and spectators from all over Greece. The famous route with its 52 consecutive curves is considered one of the most spectacular and demanding in the championship, combining fast sections, technical corners and breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea.
The race with 52 curves loved by drivers and spectators
The Kymi Uphill Rally route starts near the port and climbs up towards the town, following the famous road with its 52 curves. It is a route especially loved by drivers thanks to its rhythm and variety, while at the same time offering impressive viewing spots for spectators.
In recent years, the event has been significantly upgraded in terms of safety and infrastructure, with this year’s course featuring an additional 400 metres of protective barriers, aiming to further improve the race and offer a better experience for both competitors and visitors.
Springtime in Kymi, the natural scenery of the area, the sea views and the combination of racing action with relaxation and entertainment make this May weekend the perfect excuse for a getaway to Evia.
Part of the Greek Uphill Rally and CrossCar Championships
The 24th Kymi Uphill Rally Race “Giannis Iliopoulos” is the 4th round of the Greek Uphill Rally Championship for Historic Cars, as well as the 3rd round of the Greek CrossCar Championship. This means that Kymi will welcome strong entries from across the Greek motorsport scene, offering exciting action in every category.
High-performance racing cars, historic models and impressive CrossCars will race through the famous curves of Kymi in an event that combines technical skill, speed and a truly unique setting.
Schedule of the 24th Kymi Uphill Rally Race “Giannis Iliopoulos”
Entries for the race close on Friday, May 8 at 23:59 through the Online Race Management System.
The race schedule is as follows:
- Entry deadline: Friday, May 8, 23:59
- Administrative checks and initial technical inspection: Saturday, May 16, 09:00 – 11:00 at Kymi Port
- Timed practice runs: Saturday, May 16, 12:00
- Race start: Sunday, May 17, 11:00
- The prize ceremony and official closing of the event will take place in the picturesque square of Kymi, where the winners will step onto the podium in front of a large crowd, bringing the racing weekend to a memorable finish.
The road will close one hour before practice runs and the race itself, so visitors who want to enjoy the action up close should make sure to arrive early at the viewing points.
For more information about the race, visitors can visit the official page of the organizer, the Greek Motorsport Federation (OMAE).
Mario Iliopoulos’ support for the Kymi Uphill Rally Race
The Kymi Uphill Rally Race has long been associated with the name of Mario Iliopoulos, who, apart from being a distinguished racing driver, has supported the event for many years as a sponsor through SeaJets. His presence and support have contributed greatly to the development and promotion of the race, which is now considered one of the leading events in Greek motorsport.
Many racing fans still remember a rare Amazing Evia photo from 2009, showing him behind the wheel of his impressive Subaru Impreza, capturing both his passion for motorsport and his close connection with the Kymi Uphill Rally Race.
Since 2018, the event has officially been renamed Kymi Uphill Rally Race “Giannis Iliopoulos” in honour of Giannis Iliopoulos and the important contribution of the Iliopoulos family to Greek motorsport, especially to the history of the Kymi race.
A reason to visit Kymi in May
The Kymi Uphill Rally Race is not only an important car race, but also a great opportunity to discover the wider area. Kymi perfectly combines mountain and sea, with beautiful beaches, impressive landscapes and unique attractions. It offers stunning views over the Aegean, traditional cafés and tavernas, lovely walks around the town and port, as well as the opportunity to explore picturesque villages and natural locations.
At the same time, the area offers many accommodation options in Kymi, from hotels and rental rooms to traditional guesthouses with sea views, allowing visitors to combine the race with a relaxing two or three-day getaway in the wider Kymi area.
This makes the Kymi Uphill Rally Race weekend the perfect opportunity for a spring escape to Evia, whether for just a few hours or for the entire weekend.
