The commitment was made last weekend in Alvor, during the Extraordinary General Assembly of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG). In his opening address, COP president Fernando Gomes called the 2027 edition a strategic moment for Portugal and a golden opportunity to showcase the nation’s beaches, sporting talent, and organisational know-how.
Gomes didn’t hide the scale of the challenge. Hosting the Games, he said, means embracing not just a logistical and sporting mission, but also a cultural one — and above all, a chance for global projection. “These Games are an opportunity to present our country, our sea, our beautiful coastline, our athletes and our federations to the world,” he explained, stressing Portugal’s desire to play a stronger role within the ICMG.
He also highlighted the Mediterranean Games as a “platform for friendship, respect, and excellence”. And with the cooperation of countries from Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East at the heart of the project, Gomes underlined the event’s growing importance as a bridge for unity, cultural exchange, and economic development.
The mayors of Portimão and Lagoa echoed that ambition. Portimão’s Álvaro Bila reminded the assembly that the bid began two years ago and quickly evolved into a shared regional mission. “This wasn’t just a win for two towns— it was a win for the Algarve and for Portugal. In 2027, the entire Mediterranean will feel at home on the Atlantic,” he promised.
Lagoa’s mayor, Luís Encarnação, called the Games a “historic” milestone for the municipality. He announced plans for a new sports zone at Praia Grande in Ferragudo and stressed the importance of the partnership with Portimão: “What unites us is far greater than what separates us. Together, we will place the region — and the country — at the center of Europe’s sporting scene.”
Running between September 11-18, 2027, the Portimão–Lagoa edition will feature beach volleyball, tennis, football, handball, wrestling, sailing (Kite and IQFoil), open-water swimming, coastal rowing, ocean canoeing, triatle, padel, and two exhibition events: obstacle racing and motosurf. With most venues located within walking distance of accommodations, organisers say sustainability will be a defining feature.
