
Portugal's answer to the Nurburgring
The last time Portugal hosted the Grand Prix was in 1996. Since then $250 million has been spent putting the infrastructure in place to bring Formula 1 back to Portugal. The Autodromo, just outside Portimão is a 2.9 mile (5km) circuit which has been compared to the old Nurburgring for its big downhill slopes and hair-raising sharp turns.
It has been used since 2010 as a F1 testing site and hosts regular motoring events, including the World Superbike Championship and the F1A GT. A five star hotel and a number of apartment blocks can also be found on the site, as well as a sports centre.
Driving Experiences
The track offers Audi and Porsche driving experiences and operates a racing school. For thrill seekers who don’t actually want to sit in the driving seat, the hot laps experience gives a chance to be driven around a couple of laps by a A1A racing school instructor.
Go-Karting
Across from the track is a state-of-the-art high-speed karting track, offering karts of different capabilities to suit the ability of the driver. There are mini-karts available for kids to play around in as well as some serious 270cc karts for those who fancy something a little faster.