Racing Ahead in Lloret de Mar

There really is more to Lloret to Mar in Cataluña than meets the eye. This is a prime location for lovers of Formula 1, who often use this as a base from which to travel to the different motorsports events in the area, including the F1 Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluña. This race in particular is so popular that, in 2012, Lloret de Mar capitalised on the event and the Lloret Formula Weekend was born.

Lloret Formula Weekend

This themed event takes place over a full weekend in May and is one not to be missed for any car-racing lover. It really is the most remarkable of all festivals on the motor-racing circuit. Over the course of the weekend, there are exhibitions of competition cars; opportunities to drive a Ferrari; compete in an F1 simulator; go kart racing; and enjoy live music and concerts. During the spectacle there is a parade of authentic single-seated cars and, of course, lots of top class official products on sale. Discos and parties take the celebrations late into the night and round off the festivities with a bang.

This year, the event takes place on the 13th, 14th and 15th May. The basic ticket, which includes the Karting experience, Slot Competition, Pit Stop, entry and drink, costs €49. The VIP ticket, which also includes the Ferrari Driving and the Tribuna VIP Motor Show with VIP seating, costs €99. Plenty of hotels mark this flagship event with packages that include tickets for all the action.

Rally Coast Brava

Formula 1 is not the only car craze on the Costa Brava. The Rally Costa Brava has been going since 1953 and is still a huge competition. After some political issues with regards to its identity and a time when it was merged with the Rally Cataluña, the Rally Costa Brava is now back with its own distinctive edge. The town of Lloret de Mar fought to ensure that this historic race continued and the association with motor sports grew. The rally, held in early March, is always very popular with locals and tourists, and if you get the chance to go you can look forward to seeing the drivers and co-drivers up very close.

The Rally Costa Brava Historic

This Motorsport spectacle is arguably one of the most fearsome tests of driving on the open road. Starting in Lloret de Mar and held soon after the Rally Costa Brava, the race is the focus of a huge event that is flanked by a festive atmosphere, shows, live music and the chance to dine out on some fabulous cuisine. Showcasing the best of Europe’s routes over 1500km and 4 stages, the journey is accessible to all who want to join in with cars or bikes that are older than 30 years. You’ll be able to see Lancia Startos, Ferrari 308GTBs and Quattros, to name but a few of the starring vehicles taking part.

How To Get There

Lloret de Mar is a great place to be based if you want to join in the motorsport action, and as it takes only just over an hour to travel from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona Airport (and vice versa), it couldn’t be more convenient.

If you arrive into Barcelona by plane, you will probably have taken advantage of one of the many budget airline flights. As Barcelona is such an international hub, it receives flights from several major European cities and is well served by the low cost airlines. You can travel from London to Barcelona for less than £100, depending on when you decide to travel and with whom.

Reaching Lloret de Mar is relatively straightforward. By far the most convenient way is to take a private transfer. Shuttle Direct offer a transfer service that is professional, reliable and competitively priced. You can also pre-book your journey back from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona Airport.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable transfer fromLloret de Mar to Barcelona, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.