You can drive Portimão four ways: a few laps in a supercar, a public track day in your own car, a Porsche course, or a private event with everything included.
In short: A GT3 lap package costs €515 for two laps, one with an instructor and one driving, and lasts minutes. Porsche's Master GT3 RS course is €6,299 plus the car, on a shared circuit. Stratos privately hires the whole circuit for 15 drivers, with a supercar, private coaching, 3 nights by the sea and every meal, from €32,500.
Key facts
- Portimão is the Algarve International Circuit, in southern Portugal. It is 4.684 km long, with blind crests and steep drops.
- The nearest airport is Faro.
- A GT3 lap package at Portimão costs €515 for two laps: one with an instructor, one driving.
- Porsche's Master GT3 RS course at Portimão costs €6,299 plus €10,400 to rent the car, for up to 32 participants.
- Stratos stays at Bela Vista Hotel & Spa on Praia da Rocha, subject to availability.
The four ways, side by side
| Lap package | Public track day | Porsche Master GT3 RS | Stratos | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who is on track | Other package cars | Many cars | Up to 32 participants | 15 drivers max, circuit privately hired |
| Car | The operator's | Your own | Porsche 911 GT3 RS | Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and many others |
| Coaching | An instructor for the laps | Optional extra | Group, with video and data | Private coaching with professional race drivers |
| Time | One or two laps | 1 day | 2.5 days | 2 full track days |
| Experience needed | None | Varies | Earlier Porsche courses | None |
| Hotel and meals | No | No | No | 3 nights, meals and dinners included |
| Price | €515 for two laps: one with an instructor, one driving | About €1,300 to €1,800 a day | €6,299 plus €10,400 for the car | From €32,500, VAT included |
1. A lap package
A few laps in a GT car with an instructor beside you. It is a taste of the circuit, and it is over in minutes.
2. A public track day
A day on the circuit in your own car, shared with other drivers. You bring the car and arrange the rest.
3. Porsche Master GT3 RS
Porsche's top road-car course, in the 911 GT3 RS, over two and a half days. It needs earlier Porsche courses, and the hotel and travel are yours to arrange.
4. Stratos: the circuit to yourself
- Who: 15 drivers max, by invitation.
- Cars: a supercar fleet on hand, which may include Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and many others.
- Coaching: private, with professional race drivers, plus data and video review, simulators and hot laps.
- Stay: three nights at Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, on Praia da Rocha, subject to availability.
- Included: helmet and gear, meals, airport and circuit transfers, photo and film.
- Price: €18,000 experience base plus your car, VAT included.
What makes Portimão special
It is a rollercoaster. The circuit rises and falls over blind crests, so you turn in to corners you cannot yet see. The first day is about references. By the second, it is one of the most rewarding laps in Europe. And the Atlantic is ten minutes away.
Is Portimão right for a first event
Yes, with a coach. The crests take longer to learn than the Red Bull Ring's ten corners, which is exactly why a professional beside you, and an empty circuit, matter here.
Which should you choose
- You want a taste while on vacation in the Algarve: a lap package.
- You are driving your own car through Portugal: a public track day.
- You are working up Porsche's ladder: Master GT3 RS.
- You want two full days, a supercar, a coach, and the Algarve coast handled for you: Stratos.
Portimão circuit guide · Getting there from the US · See upcoming events
FAQ
Can you drive on the Portimão circuit?
Yes, through lap packages, public track days, Porsche's courses or a private event such as Stratos.
How much does it cost to drive Portimão?
From €515 for two laps, one with an instructor and one driving, to €32,500 and up for a private, all-included event.
Is Portimão good for beginners?
Yes with a coach. Its blind crests take time to learn, so in-car coaching makes the difference.
Can I drive a GT3 RS at Portimão without doing Porsche's earlier courses?
Yes, at Stratos. There are no prerequisites.
What is the nearest airport to Portimão circuit?
Faro. Stratos includes the transfers.
Where do you stay?
At Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, on Praia da Rocha, subject to availability.
How long is the Portimão circuit?
4.684 km.
About Stratos
Stratos runs exclusive driving experiences at Europe's greatest Grand Prix circuits, for founders and leaders. Each event privately hires the entire circuit for 15 drivers max, with a supercar fleet, private coaching with professional race drivers, 3 nights of luxury accommodation and 2 full track days. Stratos is invitation-only.