Fall 2025 Europe sports events bring together the very best: from the legendary sailing regattas Barcolana and the Rolex Middle Sea Race to city marathons in Dublin, Venice, and Lisbon, roaring WRC stages in Germany, and a potential autumn Formula 1 weekend in Catalonia, plus EuroBasket and the Women’s Rugby World Cup. This guide covers key dates, locations, registration links, and spectator tips. If you’re focused on sailing, check out the roundup of autumn 2025 yacht regattas.
Races & Regattas
Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025
Rolex Middle Sea Race is a prestigious offshore sailing race that starts in Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The 606-nautical-mile course circles Sicily, including the active Stromboli volcano, the Aeolian Islands, and straits between the islands. Held since 1968, it is considered one of the most scenic and technically demanding races in the world.
Participation is possible with advance registration. Spectators can watch the start from the Valletta waterfront or follow the race online. Admission for spectators is free.
Dates: 18 October 2025 (race start)
Address: Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta
Website: rolexmiddlesearace.com
Mrduja Regatta 2025
Mrduja Regatta is the oldest sailing regatta in the Adriatic and the second largest in Croatia. Established in 1927, it is a “cherished tradition” for the people of Split. Competitors race from Split to the island of Mrduja and back, accompanied by a festive waterfront atmosphere and musical events.
Registration for participants is available online. Spectators can watch the start and finish from the Riva waterfront. Admission for spectators is free.
Dates: 3–5 October 2025
Address: City Harbour, Split, Croatia
Website: jklabud.hr
Barcolana Regatta 2025, Trieste
Barcolana is one of the largest sailing regattas in the world, held in the Gulf of Trieste (Italy) on the second Sunday of October. In 2025 it will be the 57th edition: the regatta runs from 3 to 12 October, with the main race on Sunday, 12 October. Barcolana is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most crowded regatta: over 1 800 boats and more than 25 000 participants, with 300 000+ spectators along the shores of the gulf and on the Karst hills.
The regatta brings together professionals and amateurs who start on the same line, on boats of different classes—from modern yachts to classic vessels. Throughout the week there are additional races (Barcolana Young, Classic, by Night, FUN), musical and cultural events, the Barcolana Village exhibition along Trieste’s waterfronts, and concerts in Piazza Unità d’Italia.
Those wishing to participate can register from May 2025. A “Ticket To Race” option is also available, allowing newcomers to start on boats provided by the organizers. Access to shore events is open and free for visitors.
Dates: 3–12 October 2025 (main race — Sunday, 12 October)
Address: Gulf of Trieste and the central waterfronts of Trieste, Italy
Website: barcolana.it
Formula 1: Catalonia Grand Prix 2025
The Formula 1 Catalonia Grand Prix is one of the key events on Spain’s motorsport calendar. The race takes place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, not far from Barcelona. An autumn slot on the schedule is a potential new feature, adding spectacle and intrigue amid changeable weather and a tense season finale.
Tickets can be purchased on the official Formula 1 website and from accredited sellers. Prices range from €80 to €600 depending on the grandstand and day of attendance. Early booking is recommended.
Dates: 18–25 October 2025 (provisional dates)
Address: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló, Barcelona, Spain
Website: circuitcat.com
Central European Rally 2025 (WRC)
Central European Rally is a round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) that will take place in Germany (Bad Griesbach region) from 16 to 19 October 2025. Expect asphalt special stages and a technically demanding route.
Tickets for spectator zones can be purchased online. Prices depend on the location and stage section. Travelers can also book packages that include accommodation and detailed course maps.
Dates: 16–19 October 2025
Address: Bad Griesbach, Germany
Website: wrc.com
Marathons
Dublin Marathon 2025
The Dublin Marathon is the fourth-largest marathon in Europe, attracting over 20,000 runners from around the world each year. The course winds through the scenic streets of Ireland’s capital, including Phoenix Park, the city centre, and the riverside quays.
Registration is available online in advance. The entry fee is around €90–100. Places are limited and sell out quickly, so early registration is recommended.
Dates: 26 October 2025
Address: Central Dublin, Ireland
Website: irishlifedublinmarathon.ie
Wizz Air Venice Marathon 2025
Venice Marathon is one of Italy’s most iconic marathons, holding IAAF Silver Label status. The course starts in Stra and finishes in Venice, running along picturesque waterfronts and famous bridges. Participants cross floating platforms and run through the city’s unique waterside views.
Registration is conducted online. The entry fee ranges from €60 to €90 depending on the registration date. 10K and half-marathon distances are available.
Dates: 26 October 2025
Address: Start in Stra, finish in Venice, Italy
Website: venicemarathon.it
EDP Lisbon Marathon 2025
The Lisbon Marathon is considered one of the most scenic in Europe. The route follows the Atlantic coast from Cascais to central Lisbon. The organizers also offer a half marathon and an 8K race.
Participation is via online registration. The entry fee is from €60 to €90. Participants receive a T-shirt, medal, and on-course refreshments. Transfers from the city centre to the start are available.
Dates: 25–26 October 2025
Address: Cascais – Lisbon, Portugal
Website: maratonalisboa.com
SPAR Budapest Marathon 2025
SPAR Budapest Marathon is Hungary’s largest running event, held as a two-day festival. Runners pass through Budapest’s historic centre, including bridges over the Danube and views of the Castle and Parliament. The festival features the marathon, half marathon, and family and kids’ runs.
Registration is open online. The entry fee ranges from €40 to €80. The program includes entertainment, an expo, and cultural events.
Dates: 11–12 October 2025
Address: Central Budapest, Hungary
Website: marathon.runinbudapest.com
Bucharest Marathon 2025
Bucharest Marathon is a major running event in Romania’s capital, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and races for children and teams. The course passes through the city’s historic centre, including the Palace of the Parliament, offering participants an “exciting running route.”
Registration is online. The entry fee starts from €35. The fee includes a starter kit, T-shirt, and medal. The program features exhibitions and entertainment events.
Dates: 11–12 October 2025
Address: Central Bucharest, Romania
Website: bucharest-marathon.com
Skopje Marathon 2025
Skopje Marathon is the largest running event in North Macedonia, held annually since 2007. Participants run through the central streets of Skopje, with beautiful views of bridges, monuments, and mountains. Distances available: marathon, half marathon, 10K, and charity runs.
Registration is available online. The fee ranges from €25 to €50 depending on the distance. Participants receive a starter pack and branded merchandise.
Dates: 5 October 2025
Address: Central Skopje, North Macedonia
Website: skopskimaraton.com.mk
Tournaments
EuroBasket 2025
EuroBasket 2025 is the premier European men’s basketball tournament, featuring 24 national teams. The competition will be staged in four parts: the group phase hosted by Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia, with the Final Stage concluding in Riga.
Tickets are available on FIBA’s official website. Prices vary by game and section. Matches include the group phase, playoffs, and the final at Riga Arena. NBA stars and top European teams, including Spain and Serbia, are expected to participate.
Dates: 27 August – 14 September 2025
Address: Cyprus, Finland, Poland, Latvia (final — Riga)
Website: fiba.basketball
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
The Women’s Rugby World Cup (15-a-side) 2025 will be held in England, with matches in eight cities including Sunderland, Bristol, Exeter, London (Twickenham), Manchester, Northampton, and others. The tournament opens with England vs USA.
Tickets sell out quickly — resale options are available. Price categories range from £119 per match to hospitality packages. The final will take place on 27 September at Twickenham Stadium. It’s advisable to book accommodation and transport in advance.
Dates: 22 August – 27 September 2025
Address: England (Sunderland, Bristol, Twickenham, etc.)
Website: rugbyworldcup.com/2025
UCI Gravel World Series 2025
UCI Gravel World Series 2025 is a global series of gravel cycling races that serves as qualification for the World Championships. In 2025, the series includes 30+ events worldwide for both professionals and amateurs.
The World Championships were initially planned for 17–18 October in Nice (France), but UCI has officially confirmed the event has been moved — it will now take place in the Zuid-Limburg region (Netherlands) on 11–12 October 2025. World Series events remain qualifiers, including races across Europe through September 2025.
Tickets can be purchased via the official UCI website and the Gravel World Series outlets. Participants can qualify by finishing within the top 25% of their age group at a World Series stage. The events also award points that determine start positions for the World Championships.
Dates: UCI Gravel World Series 2025: year-round through autumn (30+ stages)
World Championships: 11–12 October 2025 (Zuid-Limburg, Netherlands)
Address: Myriad locations worldwide; final races in the Maastricht – Beek – Beekdaelen area, Netherlands
Website: ucigravelworldseries.com
