Serres Takes Center Stage in the World of Drifting!

The city of Serres is getting ready to host the biggest sporting event in the world of drifting. From November 13 to 15, the Serres Circuit will host the Intercontinental Drifting Cup, the FIA's only world-class drifting event. The world's top drift drivers will take part in this major event, organized by the Hellenic Motorsport Federation (OMAE).

This is the largest race ever held at the Serres Circuit, with drivers and teams expected from countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. After all, the Intercontinental Drifting Cup is the only drifting competition organized by the FIA.

Serres is one of the most interesting destinations in Northern Greece, combining unique natural landscapes, significant historical monuments, exceptional cuisine, and one of the top motorsports tracks in the Balkans.

Serres Circuit

The Serres Circuit is considered the premier racing track in Greece and one of the best in the Balkans. It is located about 8 km outside the city of Serres and attracts thousands of motorsports enthusiasts every year.

It is 3,186 meters long, 12 to 15 meters wide, has 16 turns, and meets the specifications for hosting car and motorcycle races. On the outside of each turn, special run-off areas provide an additional level of safety for competitors in case they go off the track. The start-finish straight is 662 meters long.

Inside the track is the paddock parking area, which covers

approximately 4,900 m² and consists of 18 pits. Access to the paddock is via an underground passage located near the starting straight.

The track is equipped with the MyLaps X2 race control system, providing accurate timing, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive race management capabilities.

To support race operations and ensure competitor safety, the track features six FIA Grade 3 LED control boards, strategically located at turns K1, K3, K6, K9, K13, and K16. These display broadcast messages from race control in real time.

For more information, please visit www.serrescircuit.gr .

Access to Serres

Serres is one of the most strategic locations in Southeast Europe for hosting an international motorsports race. Its geographical location allows for easy access by road, sea, and air.

For reference, the distances from Serres to our neighboring countries are as follows:

The Port of Thessaloniki is 100 km away (approximately one hour), the Port of Kavala is 65 km away (approximately 50 minutes). It is 200 km from Alexandroupoli (about two hours) and 600 km from Piraeus (about 7 hours via highways).

The nearest airport is “Macedonia” Airport in Thessaloniki, which is 100 km from Serres—a distance that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car. There are daily direct flights from most European countries.

Most European competitors can transport their race vehicles by truck or trailer, reach Serres on the same day from Bulgaria and North Macedonia, and be at the track within a few hours from Romania, Serbia, and Turkey.

Participants from countries outside Europe (Japan, Brazil, Oman, Saudi Arabia, etc.) can ship their vehicles by sea to the ports of Thessaloniki or Piraeus and then have them transported by road to Serres.

The Serres Motor Racing Circuit is located just a few minutes from the city center and has a direct connection to the national highway network. This means that transporting race cars from warehouses, ports, or customs can be done quickly and at a lower cost compared to other locations in Greece.

Accommodation

For your stay, you can choose either the city of Serres or one of the nearby tourist destinations. In the city of Serres, you'll find 3- to 5-star hotels, and it serves as an ideal base for exploring the entire prefecture.

Top Attractions

The Prefecture of Serres is known for its natural beauty and attractions.

Lake Kerkini

The artificial Lake Kerkini is considered one of Europe's most important wetlands and is home to more than 300 species of birds. It is ideal for boating, birdwatching, cycling, horseback riding, hiking, and nature photography. It is located approximately 45 km west of the city of Serres and 100 km from Thessaloniki.

Roupel Fortress

The historic Roupel Fortress is a symbol of Greek resistance during the German invasion of 1941. Visitors can tour the underground tunnels, the gun emplacements, the soldiers' living quarters, and the fortress's small museum. It is the largest complex on the Metaxas Line. It is located about 50 km from Serres, near the Strymon Valley and the Greek-Bulgarian border.

Lailias

Mount Lailias is located just 27 km from the city of Serres. It features beech and pine forests, excellent hiking trails, is ideal for mountain biking, and offers panoramic views of the Serres plain. During the winter months, the ski resort of the same name is open.

Ano Poroia

One of the most beautiful villages in Macedonia, located at the foot of Mount Beles and about 55 km from Serres. It stands out for its traditional architecture, local cuisine, and views of Lake Kerkini, and is ideal for hiking.

Sidirokastro and Thermal Baths

The area is known for the thermal baths of Sidirokastro, its Byzantine history, and its natural surroundings. Sidirokastro is 25 km from Serres.

Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist

One of the most important Byzantine monasteries in Macedonia, built in a lush natural setting just 12 km from the city of Serres.

Cuisine and Local Specialties

Serres is renowned for its culinary offerings. Famous among them is the Akanes of Serres, the region's traditional dessert made with butter and almonds, as well as the Serres bougatsa, one of the best-known in Northern Greece.

Be sure to try Kerkini buffalo meat, whether as steaks, sausages, or kavourmas. There are also local cheeses produced on Mount Beles and in the Kerkini region. You can also sample wines and tsipouro from vineyards in the Strymon region.

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