Foz Côa
Location
Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Guarda District, Portugal
Current Local Time
Track Info
Eurocircuito de Foz Côa - Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Portugal
Wide and fast loose-surface autocross circuit in northern Portugal - completely renovated for the return of FIA European competition in 2025
When was the track built?
The exact opening date of the Foz Côa circuit is not widely documented, but the venue was already established when the Foz Côa Automóvel Clube was founded in 2004. National autocross competition was being held here by 2005.
The biggest transformation came ahead of the 2025 season. The circuit was reprofiled and levelled, drainage was restored, embankments were improved and safety facilities were upgraded so that Foz Côa could regain FIA approval.
When was its first race?
Foz Côa was already hosting Portuguese championship autocross during the mid-2000s. Its major international breakthrough came in 2007, when the FIA European Autocross Championship visited the circuit for the first time.
The European series continued to visit through 2011 before a long absence. After extensive renovation, it returned in 2025 for the championship's season-ending Super Final.
What's the circuit like?
- Wide and raceable: With around 14.5 to 17 metres of width, drivers have space to use different lines and attempt overtakes rather than simply following the car ahead.
- Loose-surface grip: Cars slide across the gravel and dirt, while dust and changing track conditions can make each race feel different.
- Relatively flat: Unlike steep European circuits such as Přerov or Matschenberg, Foz Côa gets much of its character from speed, corner combinations and changing grip rather than major elevation changes.
- Short, intense races: A one-kilometre lap means the field stays close together and drivers have little time to recover from a poor start or mistake.
Records and competition
- Historic track record: 43.160 - Petr Turek, set in 2009 on the former 998-metre layout.
- SuperBuggy: Zdeněk Antony won the 2025 Foz Côa final and secured the European championship title.
- Buggy1600: Jakub Novotný won at Foz Côa in 2025 and also left Portugal as European champion.
- Cross Car: David Meat won the 2025 final, while Ivan Piña Chinchilla secured the European title.
- JuniorBuggy: Gives younger drivers a route into international autocross using smaller purpose-built buggies.
Why go?
Foz Côa is a good circuit for discovering autocross because the wide track encourages drivers to fight directly for position. Starts are crowded, cars spend much of the lap sliding, and a small mistake can quickly turn into an overtaking opportunity.
The venue also has a distinctive setting among the dry, open landscapes of the Douro region. Its return to the European calendar means spectators can once again see the fastest autocross buggies in Europe competing in Portugal.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Start area: The best choice for seeing several cars launch together and fight for position before the field begins to spread out.
- Outside of the main corners: Good for watching drivers control long slides and try alternative racing lines on the wide loose surface.
- Higher spectator areas: Useful for following more than one section of the compact circuit and understanding how battles develop across a lap.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Foz Côa Autocross Circuit (Portugal)
Eurocircuito de Foz Côa is in northeastern Portugal beside the EN102, close to Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Driving is easiest, but visitors without a car can travel by train to Pocinho or by coach to Vila Nova de Foz Côa and complete the final journey by taxi.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Eurocircuito de Foz Côa. The venue is in Portugal's inland Douro region, where public transport is much less frequent than in Porto or Lisbon.
If you are travelling without a car, the easiest choices are usually an intercity coach directly to Vila Nova de Foz Côa or a train along the Douro Line to Pocinho followed by a taxi or bus.
Tip: Search for “Eurocircuito de Foz Côa” or use EN102, 5150-644 Vila Nova de Foz Côa in your navigation app.
Driving & parking
- Main road: the circuit is directly beside the EN102 near Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
- From Porto: allow several hours for the journey into the Douro interior rather than treating the circuit as a quick city day trip.
- Final approach: follow temporary event signs once you reach Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
- Parking: use the spectator area assigned to your event rather than following paddock or competitor signs.
Train & bus
There is no railway station directly at the circuit. Pocinho is the most useful rail connection for visitors coming through the Douro Valley.
- Porto → Pocinho: trains run along the scenic Douro Line to Pocinho.
- Pocinho → Vila Nova de Foz Côa: the road distance is around 7 km, with buses taking roughly 10 minutes on suitable services.
- Coach option: intercity buses also serve Vila Nova de Foz Côa directly.
- Final journey: use a taxi or pre-arranged transfer between the town or Pocinho and the circuit.
Check return times before the racing begins, as rural train and coach services are less frequent later in the day.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Vila Nova de Foz Côa: a local taxi is the simplest option if you are staying in town.
- From Pocinho: arrange a taxi if the bus timetable does not match your train.
- Return journey: book your pickup in advance after large events rather than expecting taxis to wait at the circuit.
Porto airport
- Porto Airport (OPO): the most useful major international airport for many overseas visitors.
- Airport → Foz Côa: approximately 177 km by road and around 2½ hours in normal conditions.
- Easiest option: hire a car if you are attending several days of racing.
- Without a car: travel into Porto and continue by coach, or take the Douro railway towards Pocinho.
About Foz Côa
The redeveloped Eurocircuito is designed for international Autocross and Cross Car competition.
- Length: approximately 1,000 m.
- Width: around 14.5–17 m.
- Direction: counterclockwise.
- Major event: the FIA European Autocross and Cross Car Championships returned in 2025.
Event-day tips
- Wear suitable shoes: expect dirt, gravel and uneven spectator surfaces.
- Prepare for dust or mud: conditions around an autocross circuit change quickly with the weather.
- Arrive early: European Championship meetings bring much heavier traffic to the normally quiet area.
- Check parking and entrances: use current event information rather than an older circuit map.
- Stay locally if possible: Vila Nova de Foz Côa is much more convenient than making the long journey from Porto each day.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking or assistance at Eurocircuito de Foz Côa, contact the organiser before travelling. Natural terrain and temporary spectator areas mean the easiest access route can change between events.
Train and coach times, parking, spectator entrances and event traffic arrangements can change. Check the Foz Côa Automóvel Clube and official event information shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Eurocircuito de Foz Côa (Portugal)
Foz Côa pairs European autocross with one of Portugal’s most remarkable historic landscapes. Away from the circuit, you can see prehistoric rock art, explore hilltop villages, walk beside the Douro and discover a region famous for vineyards, olive oil and dramatic river valleys.
Family-friendly highlights around Foz Côa
- Côa Museum: The easiest introduction to the region’s prehistoric rock art. Displays explain how people carved horses, cattle and other animals into the valley’s rocks thousands of years ago.
- Pocinho: Head down to the Douro for river views and a quieter change of pace. The small riverside settlement also has a railway station and river quay.
- Vila Nova de Foz Côa: The town centre is compact enough for an easy wander, with cafés, shops, churches and viewpoints over the surrounding countryside.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Côa Museum: A strong wet-weather choice as well as an essential first stop. The modern museum explains the discovery, age and meaning of the Côa Valley engravings before you see them outdoors.
- Côa Valley Archaeological Park: More than 1,200 engraved rock surfaces have been identified across the wider park, with images dating from prehistoric times through later periods.
- Historic town centre: Explore Foz Côa’s older streets and religious buildings for an easy hour away from the circuit.
Eat & drink like a local
- Foz Côa centre: Head into town for Portuguese restaurants, cafés and bakeries when you want a proper meal after the racing.
- Douro wine country: The surrounding hills are part of the wider Douro wine landscape, so local wine is an obvious addition for adults who are not driving.
- Regional flavours: Look for grilled meats, cured sausages, local cheeses, almonds and olive oil - simple foods that suit this rural part of northern Portugal.
Explore the Côa Valley outdoors
- Penascosa rock art: Join a guided visit near Castelo Melhor to see prehistoric engravings in the landscape where they were created. Visits should be booked ahead.
- Canada do Inferno: Another guided rock-art route, reached partly by vehicle before a walk to the engraved rocks beside the Côa.
- Côa and Douro viewpoints: The dry hills surrounding the two rivers provide excellent scenery, particularly around sunrise and late afternoon.
Some archaeological visits involve uneven paths, heat and walking on rough ground. Check the difficulty of your chosen tour before booking.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Numão Castle: Climb to the remains of this hilltop castle for wide views across the surrounding valleys and vineyards. It is a rewarding stop for anyone interested in medieval history.
- Castelo Rodrigo: A beautifully preserved historic village overlooking the countryside towards Spain, with old walls, stone houses and narrow streets to explore.
- Pocinho & the Upper Douro: Follow the river for vineyard scenery and viewpoints, or look for seasonal boat experiences departing from the Pocinho area.
- Wider Côa Valley: If you have a full day, combine a guided rock-art visit with the museum and one of the region’s historic villages.
Good to know during race weekends
- Prepare for dust: Autocross takes place on a loose surface, so clothes and shoes that can handle dust or mud are a sensible choice.
- Bring hearing protection: SuperBuggy and the other autocross classes are very loud. Ear defenders are particularly important for children.
- Watch the weather: Foz Côa has a hot, dry inland climate. Even in autumn, bring water and sun protection if you will be outside for most of the day.
- Book rock-art visits ahead: Access to the main outdoor engraving sites is controlled through organised visits, so do not rely on simply turning up.
Race schedules, archaeological visits, opening hours and visitor arrangements can change - check official information before travelling.