Serres Racing Circuit
Location
Serres, Central Macedonia, Greece
Current Local Time
Track Info
Serres Racing Circuit - Serres, Greece
Greece's longest permanent racing circuit - a clockwise course combining tight technical corners with fast, sweeping sections
When was the track built?
Construction began during the mid-1990s as the Municipality of Serres worked to create a permanent circuit in the Omonia Sports Park, southwest of the city.
The venue began operating in May 1998. It was built to technical safety standards suitable for car and motorcycle racing, including competition up to Formula 3 level.
The circuit was resurfaced in 2012 and again in 2021. The later work also refreshed kerbs, barriers, hospitality areas and other parts of the facility.
When was its first race?
Public histories do not clearly identify one inaugural race or winner. Competition began after the circuit opened in May 1998, with Greek car and motorcycle championships soon joined by events involving competitors from other Balkan countries.
The venue also became an important practice and testing location because northern Greece is relatively easy to reach from Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania and Turkey.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical opening section: The first corners arrive after the main straight and require firm braking followed by accurate positioning.
- Changing rhythm: Tight bends are mixed with faster sweepers, so drivers and riders must constantly adjust their speed and line.
- Linked middle sector: Several direction changes follow one another, meaning a mistake can affect more than one corner.
- Fast finish: The final part of the lap contains quicker curves that reward confidence and a stable vehicle.
Serres is wide enough to offer different racing lines, but its connected corners punish poor preparation. Strong braking and smooth acceleration are usually more useful than relying only on engine power.
Lap records and benchmarks
- GT3 track benchmark: 1:10.9 - Georgi Donchev, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2, 2025.
- Competition-car benchmark: 1:21.450 - Vaggelis Kordogiannis, Honda S2000.
- Prepared-car benchmark: 1:19.070 - Pavel Yovev, BMW M2.
- Street-car benchmark: 1:28.910 - Onur Badur, BMW M2.
Serres hosts races, time-attack events, testing and track days. Their lap times are recorded under different rules, so they should not always be treated as official race records.
What events are held here?
The circuit has hosted Greek championships for cars, motorcycles, Formula 3, drag racing and endurance competition. International and regional activity has included riders and drivers from across southeastern Europe.
Modern use includes open track days, motorcycle practice, drifting, time attack, driving schools, manufacturer tests and vehicle presentations. A separate kart circuit is located beside the main venue.
Why is it important?
Serres is one of the most important motorsport facilities in southeastern Europe. It provides Greek competitors with a permanent circuit for training and racing rather than relying on temporary road courses or travelling abroad.
Its position close to Greece's northern borders also makes it a popular destination for teams and enthusiasts from neighbouring Balkan countries.
Why go?
The circuit offers a varied lap that is easy for new spectators to understand. Visitors can watch heavy braking, technical direction changes and fast sweeping corners within a relatively compact area.
Facilities include 18 garages, a media centre, VIP rooms, dining areas, competitor camping and parking. The nearby city of Serres provides accommodation, restaurants and other services.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for starts, finishes, high speeds and pit-lane activity.
- Opening corners: Watch competitors brake heavily and challenge for position after the longest straight.
- Technical middle section: A useful area for comparing different lines through the connected bends.
- Final sweepers: See drivers and riders carry speed while preparing to return to the main straight.
Many days at Serres are practice sessions or privately organised events rather than public race meetings. Check the circuit calendar and spectator-access information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Serres Racing Circuit (Serres)
Serres Racing Circuit is on the south-western edge of Serres in northern Greece. Driving is the easiest way to arrive, but regular coaches from Thessaloniki make visiting without a car possible too.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Thessaloniki: head north-east towards Serres using the main road network, then follow navigation towards Omonia Sports Park / Serres Racing Circuit.
- From central Serres: the circuit is on the south-western side of the city, so the final journey is relatively short by car or taxi.
- Parking: the circuit states that its visitor parking can accommodate approximately 2,000 vehicles.
- Large vehicles: the circuit publishes separate access guidance for trucks and other large vehicles. Contact the circuit before arriving if you are bringing a transporter or similarly large vehicle.
Tip: One of the circuit's normal vehicle approaches has a maximum vehicle height of 2.20 m, so drivers of tall vans, trucks or transporters should check their route in advance.
Bus from Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki → Serres: KTEL Serres operates regular intercity coaches from the Macedonia Intercity Bus Station in Thessaloniki.
- Journey time: standard services are scheduled to take around 1 hour 30 minutes for the 86 km route.
- Serres bus station → circuit: take a taxi for the final journey. There is no need to walk all the way from the city centre.
- Return journey: check the last coach before attending an evening event so you know whether you can return to Thessaloniki the same day.
For visitors without a car, coach plus taxi is generally the simplest public-transport combination.
Train
- Serres Station: the city has a railway station and Hellenic Train includes Serres in its live station information.
- Check before travelling: railway operating patterns in northern Greece can change, so confirm your exact service with Hellenic Train rather than relying on an older timetable.
- Station → circuit: use a taxi for the final section, particularly if you have luggage or motorsport equipment.
Thessaloniki Airport transfers
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): this is the main international airport for visitors travelling to Serres. The circuit lists it at approximately 80 km away.
- Hire car: normally the easiest choice because you can travel directly from the airport to the circuit and use the same car throughout your stay.
- Without a car: airport bus 1X/1N connects the terminal with Thessaloniki's Macedonia Intercity Bus Station. From there, take a KTEL coach to Serres.
- Airport taxi/private transfer: useful for groups who want to travel directly to Serres without changing buses in Thessaloniki.
Taxis
- From Serres: a taxi is the easiest choice for visitors staying in the city without a car.
- Race mornings: consider booking in advance, particularly if you need to arrive before normal spectator activity begins.
- After the event: arrange a pickup or keep a local taxi number available rather than assuming taxis will be waiting at the circuit.
Walking
The circuit is outside the central part of Serres, so walking from the railway or intercity bus station is not the best choice for most visitors. A taxi makes the final journey much easier.
This is particularly important during summer, when temperatures in Serres can be high and there may be limited shade on the approach to the venue.
Accessibility
- Before travelling: contact the circuit or your event organiser for the current accessible parking, entrance and spectator arrangements.
- Limited mobility: travelling by car or taxi is the easiest way to reduce walking between the city and circuit.
- Event access: confirm which entrance to use before arriving, as larger events may have their own traffic and parking arrangements.
Quick guide
- Driving? Navigate to Serres Racing Circuit at Omonia Sports Park and follow event parking signs.
- Coming from Thessaloniki without a car? Take a KTEL coach to Serres, then a taxi to the circuit.
- Flying? Use Thessaloniki Airport; hire a car or take airport bus 1X/1N to the Macedonia bus station and continue by coach.
Check the circuit, KTEL and your event organiser shortly before travelling, as timetables, entrances and event-specific access arrangements can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Serres Racing Circuit (Serres, Greece)
Whether you’re here for car racing, motorcycle action, testing or an open track day, Serres Racing Circuit sits beside a lively northern Greek city with parks, local food, mountain scenery and some outstanding nature and history nearby.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Agioi Anargyroi Valley: A green escape close to central Serres with paths, places to relax and cafés - ideal after several noisy hours at the circuit.
- Ai-Giannis: Walk beneath old plane trees beside ponds, streams and small waterfalls in this peaceful park on the edge of the city.
- Alistrati Cave: Around 50 km from Serres, this huge cave has impressive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites and makes an excellent family outing.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Archaeological Museum of Serres: Housed inside the historic Bezesteni covered market, the museum follows the region from prehistoric times through the Byzantine era.
- Sarakatsani Folklore Museum: Discover the traditions and nomadic lifestyle of the Sarakatsani people through clothing, tools and reconstructed displays.
- Ecclesiastical Museum: A compact collection of Byzantine and later icons, wood carvings, church vessels and historic vestments.
Eat & drink like a local
- Central Serres: Head around the pedestrian streets and central squares for tavernas, cafés, grills and an easy evening after the track.
- Bougatsa: Serres is particularly famous for this flaky pastry, commonly filled with sweet cream or savoury cheese and best tried fresh.
- Akanés: Look for this soft local sweet made with butter and almonds, one of the city's most distinctive traditional treats.
The region is also known for water-buffalo meat, sausages and dairy products, particularly around Lake Kerkini.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Lailias Forest: Around 25 km from Serres, this mountain forest has pine and beech woodland, hiking opportunities and cooler temperatures during summer.
- Agioi Anargyroi Valley: An easy option for a morning walk or gentle exercise without needing to leave the city.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Lake Kerkini: One of northern Greece's great wildlife destinations, known for wetlands, birdlife and water buffalo. Boat trips are a popular way to explore.
- Alistrati Cave & Aggitis Gorge: Combine the spectacular underground cave with the nearby gorge for a nature-focused day away from motorsport.
- Amphipolis: Explore an important ancient Macedonian site, its archaeological museum and the famous Lion of Amphipolis.
- Fort Roupel: Head north towards the Bulgarian border to discover the fortifications associated with Greece's defence during the Second World War.
Good to know when visiting Serres Racing Circuit
- Check the event calendar: Race meetings, open track days and private activities have different access arrangements, so confirm your date before travelling.
- Stay in Serres: The circuit is close enough to the city that you can easily combine track days with restaurants and sightseeing.
- Prepare for summer heat: Shade can be limited at motorsport venues, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat during warmer months.
- A car helps with exploring: City attractions are easy to reach, but Lake Kerkini, Lailias, Alistrati and Amphipolis are much simpler as driving trips.
Circuit access, track schedules, museums, cave tours and seasonal outdoor activities can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.