Autódromo and Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve

The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, often called the Portimão circuit or Algarve International Circuit, is a motorsport complex in the hills at Mexilhoeira Grande, just outside Portimão. It opened in 2008 with a round of the World Superbike Championship. The complex has three parts: the Grand Prix circuit, the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve (the international kart track) and an off-road track opened in 2011.

The main circuit was built into the slope of the land, and the circuit describes a layout of bends and straights in quick succession with sharp climbs and drops. Children who watch MotoGP may know it from television. On race weekends you can watch that in person. Every other day of the year, children can drive a kart on the track next door.

The kart track is open every day, and you don’t need to book. The circuit’s own words are that you just turn up and put your foot down. Sessions run continuously, without breaks, from 09:30 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00.

There are three kinds of kart, and height matters more than age:

• Two-seater karts (karts duplos) are for children from four years old, who ride with an adult. It lets a small child feel a real kart on a real track long before they could drive one.
• Mini karts are for children between 1.35 m and 1.55 m tall. They cost €29 for 15 minutes and €45 for 30 minutes when checked in September 2026.
• 270cc karts are for young people and adults over 1.55 m. They cost €35 for 15 minutes, €63 for 30, €76 for 45 and €93 for 60.

The kart rental page’s FAQ says all drivers must be at least 18, with a valid driving licence and no medical condition that affects driving. The same page offers mini karts for children, so the FAQ probably refers to adult karts and to the adult in a two-seater. Ask at the desk which rule applies to your child before you queue.

Extras include a gift pack (€10) and insurance (€23). Phones and cameras are not allowed on the track during a session. You can buy vouchers, which are valid for a year.

The circuit’s calendar is the other reason to come. When checked in September 2026, the events still to come in 2026 were:

• Fun Cup, 2 to 4 October
• European Le Mans Series, 9 and 10 October
• GT World Challenge, 16 to 18 October
• Algarve Classic Festival, 30 October to 1 November
• MotoGP Grande Prémio de Portugal, 20 to 22 November
• Ultimate Cup Series, 27 and 28 November

The circuit also lists the Formula 1 Grande Prémio de Portugal for 2027 and 2028. Tickets are sold separately for each event, some through the circuit’s site and some through outside ticket sellers. The home page gives no child or family prices, so check each event’s ticket page. For a first race with children, a smaller event such as the Algarve Classic Festival, with older cars, may be easier to manage than MotoGP weekend.

The complex has a hotel, restaurants, a VIP tower and grandstands. Its racing school runs driving and motorbike courses, and there are passenger laps (hot laps) with a professional driver, but the circuit’s pages don’t give minimum ages for these, so they are mainly for adults. Phone the racing school on +351 927 244 694 if a teenager is keen.

The kart track and circuit are outdoors. In July and August the morning session is the cooler choice; bring water, sun hats and closed shoes. Race weekends are loud; bring ear defenders for younger children, especially for MotoGP.

Karting is paid per session, and 15 minutes goes fast. The two-seater karts let you ride with a four-year-old, but the price for the two-seater is not listed on the page, so ask.

Portimão is a good base for a motorsport weekend with non-racing stops. You could combine the circuit with a dolphin-watching boat trip from Portimão, the Zoo de Lagos to the west, or the giant sand sculptures at Sand City in Lagoa. Teenagers who have outgrown the mini karts can also try the indoor electric karts at Albufeira Marina (12+ and 1.5 m).

What age can children drive a kart at the Algarve circuit?

Children from four can ride in a two-seater kart with an adult. To drive a mini kart alone, they need to be between 1.35 m and 1.55 m tall.

Do you need to book karting at Portimão?

No. The circuit says there’s no need to book: just turn up during opening hours.

How much is karting at the Autódromo do Algarve?

Mini karts started at €29 for 15 minutes and 270cc karts at €35 when checked in September 2026.

When is MotoGP at Portimão?

The 2026 MotoGP Grande Prémio de Portugal is listed for 20 to 22 November 2026.

Is Formula 1 coming back to Portimão?

The circuit’s home page lists the Formula 1 Grande Prémio de Portugal for 2027 and 2028.