History of the Autódromo
The Autódromo de Sitges, also known as the Autódromo de Terramar due to its location, is a historical gem of motor racing. Although its site is in the municipality of Sant Pere de Ribes, it is very close to Sitges, making it a local attraction. It was inaugurated in 1923 and operated until the mid-1950s, when it had to close due to financial difficulties.
The circuit’s inauguration was a grand event, attended by prominent figures such as Alfonso de Borbón y Battenberg, then Prince of Asturias. Its oval design, inspired by American circuits, and its concrete surface, with an exact length of 2 kilometers, made it a pioneering infrastructure in Spain.
The project was spearheaded by Francesc Armengol, a businessman from Sabadell. However, it later passed to other owners who were unable to make it profitable. A lack of spectators and sponsors proved to be insurmountable obstacles, and the autódromo hosted only one Spanish Grand Prix, held in 1923. On that occasion, driver Darío Resta claimed victory behind the wheel of a Talbot.
Curiosities of the Circuit
Despite its challenges and abandonment, the Autódromo de Sitges is considered a historic milestone in motor racing. It was the first circuit built in Spain, the third in Europe (after Brooklands in England and Monza in Italy), and the fourth worldwide, alongside Indianapolis in the United States.
The construction of the circuit was an extraordinary feat, completed in just 300 days. Today, the lap record is held by Carlos Sainz, who, in 2012, completed the circuit in just over 42 seconds with an Audi R8 LMS, reaching an average speed of 170 km/h. Sainz broke the record set in 1923 by Zborowski Miller, which had stood since the circuit's inauguration.
One of the circuit's most remarkable features is its steeply banked curves, with inclinations exceeding 60 degrees in some sections. These slopes require a perfect balance between speed and control, as driving too slowly can cause the car to slide dangerously downward, while excessive speed can lead to veering off the track.
Another fascinating fact is that the Autódromo de Sitges-Terramar is one of the few circuits in the world that retains its original layout and concrete surface, a unique feature compared to modern asphalt tracks.
The circuit also hosted unique events, such as challenges between cars and planes in the 1930s. In 1956, it featured a 60-kilometer segment of a stage in the Volta a Catalunya, marking the last official event held at its facilities.
The Present and Future of the Autódromo
Today, the Autódromo de Sitges-Terramar remains in a state of semi-abandonment, with visible signs of deterioration in both the track and its surroundings. However, occasional motorsport events are organized, allowing enthusiasts to experience the historic layout.
In recent years, an ambitious project was proposed to rehabilitate the circuit. Plans included restoring the track, constructing a five-star hotel, luxury apartments, a karting zone, a museum, a shopping center, and other infrastructure. However, as of now, none of these initiatives have come to fruition.
How to Get to the Autódromo from Hotel Calipolis
If you’re staying at Hotel Calipolis, reaching the Autódromo de Sitges-Terramar is simple:
By car or taxi: This is the most convenient option, as the circuit is just 2.8 km from the hotel, a journey of about 6 minutes.
By public transport: At 200 meters from the hotel, on Passeig de Vilanova, you’ll find the MON-BUS and e16 stops, which take you to the C-246a road. From there, a short 200-meter walk along Passeig Espanya leads to the main entrance of the circuit.
On foot: For those who enjoy walking, it’s possible to reach the autódromo from the hotel in just over 30 minutes, taking in the scenery along the way.
The Autódromo de Sitges-Terramar is more than just a racetrack: it’s a historical treasure that combines engineering, speed, and the spirit of a golden era in motor racing. If you’re passionate about cars or history, this is a must-visit destination during your stay in Sitges.
