The Greece Rally, part of the World Rally Championship (WRC), features some of the most thrilling and challenging stages in rally racing. The best stages are found in the Phthiotis and Phokis regions, particularly around the majestic Parnassus and Giona mountains. These stages, known for their fast and flowing nature, allow drivers to push their cars to the limit, making them favorites among drivers and fans.
Iconic Rally Stages
In recent years, stages like Bauxites/Karoutes, Pavliani, Kaloskopi, Rengini, Eleftherohori, and Moschokarya have stood out. These stages are cherished for their exhilarating speed and technical demands. The hard surfaces can be treacherous, causing significant wear and tear on the cars, which adds an extra layer of challenge.
Classic Greece Rally Stages:
- Bauxites/Karoutes:
Fast and flowing, ideal for showcasing driving skills. - Pavliani:
Known for its beautiful scenery and technical difficulty. - Kaloskopi:
A fan favorite with its thrilling turns and high-speed stretches. - Rengini:
Demanding yet rewarding, testing both car and driver. - Eleftherohori and Moschokarya:
Notable for their fast sections and challenging terrain.
Beyond Phthiotis and Phokis, the rally also ventures into other iconic areas. The Kineta and Aghi Theodori stages around the Geraneia mountains in Corinthia are particularly noteworthy. These stages are recognized for their scenic routes and technical challenges. In Boeotia, stages like Prodromos, Livadeia, and Thiva offer a mix of speed and complexity.
In the Peloponnese, the Parnonas stage stands out with its fast, winding roads. Attica features stages like Parnitha, Ymitos, Assopia, and Aghia Sotira, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking views.
The Meteora stage, last used in the late 1980s, remains a memorable part of rally history due to its stunning backdrop and demanding course.
Several stages in the Greece Rally are steeped in historical and cultural significance. The “Klenia-Mycenae” stage, for instance, passes by the archaeological site of Mycenae, adding a touch of ancient history to the modern sport. Unfortunately, many beloved classic stages like Grammeni Oxia, Gardiki, Hani Zagana, Evangelistria, Prodromos, Aliki, and Loukissia have been asphalt-paved. This transition to asphalt has made them unsuitable for the mainly gravel-based Greece Rally.
Explore the Greece Rally!
The Greece Rally’s classic stages offer a perfect blend of speed, skill, and scenic beauty. From the mountainous routes of Phthiotis and Phokis to the historic paths in Attica and beyond, each stage provides a unique challenge. These stages test the limits of the drivers and their cars and celebrate Greece’s rich cultural heritage. For rally enthusiasts, the Greece Rally is a must-see event, offering an unforgettable experience of motorsport at its finest.