It was still slow, even at 08:00 in the morning. Slowed further when I was electronically summoned for a random check at the manned gate.
Algarve Classic Festival 2026 — Portimão
- Thread starter Wapping
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It was still slow, even at 08:00 in the morning. Slowed further when I was electronically summoned for a random check at the manned gate.
Lunch in Faro was excellent, served in a simple cafe. Tuna steak, covered in a tomato sauce, on toast, potatoes and salad. Highly recommended.
The kitchen was no size at all:
After lunch, it was a simple and quick run back to the airport, a return of the hire car and home to a much chillier London.
The kitchen was no size at all:
After lunch, it was a simple and quick run back to the airport, a return of the hire car and home to a much chillier London.
What did I make of my first (non-business) trip to Portugal?
I liked the place, helped no doubt that the weather, even for Portugal, was still very warm in late October into very early November.
Everyone we met with, from the security guard on the gate to the circuit, the apartment host, waiters and waitresses, shop keepers, the car hire people and even the immigration staff were all polite, often funny with none of the grunting surliness you too often find in England.
The racing was fun and the circuit itself excellent.
Wouid I go back? Definitely.
I liked the place, helped no doubt that the weather, even for Portugal, was still very warm in late October into very early November.
Everyone we met with, from the security guard on the gate to the circuit, the apartment host, waiters and waitresses, shop keepers, the car hire people and even the immigration staff were all polite, often funny with none of the grunting surliness you too often find in England.
The racing was fun and the circuit itself excellent.
Wouid I go back? Definitely.
A good read. I hope everything worked out back at home with the respite carers so you can do similar things again with your friend. Short breaks such as this are a crucial thing to support the resilience of carers.
Thank you.
Every report back I’ve heard, is that it all went well. This gives my friend some encouragement that he’ll be able to go for a few days skiing in March and to Le Mans in June. But who knows, for any of us.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Hope it works out.
The UK system under-rates the role of family carers for adults with illnesses and disabilities and their need for a break periodically. Far too many people end up in residential care because we do not support family carers. A bit of a hobby horse of mine, having see how support for children with a disability evaporates once they turn 18.
Yes, I really enjoyed that report, great bit about the travel, culture (food and drink!). I have pencilled in going to the event next year. We went to an endurance race at Portimao earlier this year whilst on holiday in Tavira. I was amazed at how low key everything was. Two day tickets very reasonable, free parking and very friendly (but unlike the classic, no pit entry). I have a classic car and it would be good to drive down there but I'm not sure about it in October (but I'll give it a thought!) but probably wrap a package holiday around it. Love the pictures of the cars!
It was a great trip and I agree with everything Wapping has written about the people, food, weather etc.
To be repeated.
To be repeated.
Excellent report, thanks especially for the pit/paddock photos which I particularly enjoy.
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Thank you.
I / we only found out about the event from Rawles, who recommended it to me and also help me with my Healey. They were not wrong. A friend (‘Shouts’) had been to a round of the ELMS at Portimão last year and knows the area well, which was very helpful.
As you say, it’s a very relaxed affair, just as it is for so many ‘Classic’ and ‘Vintage’ meetings, whether for two wheels or four. The ones that have lost their way (or gone all but whole hog corporate) are Goodwood and Classic Le Mans. A pity, but there you go; they are chasing the big bucks. I’m going to look to go to some more events next year, God willing.
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Welcome.
It’s a great event. Geographically, it’s probably easiest to fly - certainly quickest - and then hire a car. That said, we now hear (and have seen for ourselves) that Ubers are so cheap and plentiful outside of the peak holiday season, that it’s maybe not worth hiring a car at all.
enjoyed your report and pics Richard, nice to see some older vehicles taking to the track.
Indeed. Most of the cars are, at least in essence, 60 to 70 years old. The exceptions are perhaps the little Lotus cars, a version of which you can just about build from parts. No doubt some will still be racing in another 60 to 70 years.
Looks like you had a grand time to yourselves Mr Wapping 
I totally agree about Goodwood and Le Mans; just not a real option any more. I have been to the Spa Classic and that was good but accommodation a little difficult if you don't camp. We went to the Portimao 6 hour earlier in the year and I can recommend that.
Also, from your Healey report I found Rawles - thankyou. I am new to the Healey and it's great to have a review of a good option for my car's needs.
I've emailed the Portimao circuit for the dates for the 2027 Classic and they will be released next month.
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We stay at a place recommended to us years ago, by some journalists from Autosport. It’s also used by some of the marshals / a few of the teams. It’s about 20 minutes’ drive to Spa Francorchamps race circuit entrance at La Source.
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The Domaine Long Pré is situated in the heart of Belgian Ardenne, next to Touristic Attractions
www.domainelongpre.be
It’s worthwhile booking in advance. We self cater and / or take a (very flakey) taxi to Stavelot to eat.
PS Good people at Rawles. Recommended. They are currently sorting out / rectifying some very shoddy work done on my friend’s MG C rear suspension and doing some bodywork work on the car, too.
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Thanks for the info and recommendations. Cheers, SteveWe stay at a place recommended to us years ago, by some journalists from Autosport. It’s also used by some of the marshals / a few of the teams. It’s about 20 minutes’ drive to Spa Francorchamps race circuit entrance at La Source.
Home
The Domaine Long Pré is situated in the heart of Belgian Ardenne, next to Touristic Attractions
It’s worthwhile booking in advance. We self cater and / or take a (very flakey) taxi to Stavelot to eat.
PS Good people at Rawles. Recommended. They are currently sorting out / rectifying some very shoddy work done on my friend’s MG C rear suspension and doing some bodywork work on the car, too.
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