ICARSC2026

IEEE International Conference on Autonomous Robot Systems and Competitions Barcelos, Portugal April 22-23, 2026

ICARSC
2026

Scientific Meeting
April 22-23, 2026

VENUE

The conference will take place at the Polytechnic of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), in Barcelos, on April 22nd and 23rd, 2026, in conjunction with the Portuguese Robotics Open. The conference is planned for physical participation only.

The event will be hosted at IPCA’s modern campus, located in Barcelos, a historic city in the north of Portugal known for its cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and the famous Rooster of Barcelos — one of Portugal’s most iconic symbols. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and an inspiring academic environment, just a short distance from the city center.

Surrounded by the Cávado River and green landscapes, Barcelos provides a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to explore local attractions such as the medieval bridge, the historic Paço dos Condes, and the vibrant weekly market in Campo da República, while enjoying the city’s welcoming atmosphere and rich gastronomy.

Local Information

The city of Barcelos, located in the north of Portugal, is one of the oldest municipalities in the country, with a history that dates back to medieval times. Its origins are closely linked to the formation of Portugal itself, having been an important strategic and administrative center during the early stages of the nation.

Barcelos gained prominence in the 12th century when it became the first seat of the Counts of Barcelos, one of the most influential noble titles in Portuguese history. The city is best known for its strong cultural identity, reflected in its traditional crafts, folklore, and festivals.

One of its most enduring symbols is the Rooster of Barcelos, a national emblem of Portugal, representing faith, justice, and good fortune. According to legend, the rooster miraculously crowed to prove the innocence of a wrongly accused pilgrim on his way to Santiago de Compostela.

Barcelos is also renowned for its vibrant weekly market, considered one of the largest and oldest in Portugal, held every Thursday in Campo da República. The city’s ceramic artistry, colorful tiles, and hand-painted pottery continue to preserve a centuries-old tradition that defines its local identity.

Today, Barcelos stands as a charming blend of history, craftsmanship, and community spirit, attracting visitors who seek to experience authentic Portuguese culture and heritage.

From the Official Barcelos Tourism website

Barcelos information:

• Official Barcelos Tourism website

• Visit and Live Barcelos

• Map Barcelos

TRANSPORT FROM PORTO AIRPORT

By Train: You can take the metro from the interior of the airport. It is a good means of transport, easy to take and affordable. The access to the metro station is extremely simple and practical, being fully signalled.

The metro runs from 06.00 am until 01.00 am, every 20 minutes. Further information at: https://en.metrodoporto.pt/

From Porto Airport metro station, take Line E (purple) to Campanhã metro stop. You should exit at Campanhã metro stop, and then have a 3-minute walk to Campanhã train station. The trip takes approximately 37 minutes.

At Campanhã train station, you can buy your ticket to Barcelos at the vending machines or at the ticket office, where you can get further information on timetables.

From Monday to Saturday, the operating hours of the railway service are from 6.10 am to 10.10 pm. On Sundays it is available from 8.15 am to 10.10 pm. Further information at: https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en. The trip to Barcelos takes about 1 hour. You can find a taxi right outside Barcelos train station.

By Taxi: There are plenty of taxi companies that serve Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, right outside the Arrivals area.

You can also come to Barcelos by taxi. If you take/call a taxi during the regular operating hours. During night time hours, it can be more expensive. Ask the driver the estimated cost. The trip takes 30 up to 40 minutes.

In case you arrive late at the airport, you might also consider staying overnight in Porto, and then come to Barcelos in the morning.

The trip from the airport to Porto city center takes an average of 20 to 30 minutes. You should note that the rates go up by 20% in the evening hours (from 9.00 pm to 6.00 am), and these changes are automatically reflected by the taxi meter. The surcharges also apply to weekends and public holidays.

By UBER or BOLT: Uber services are also available for this route. Uber requests must be submitted directly through Uber’s App. The trip takes 30 up to 40 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION IN BARCELOS

Art'Otel Barcelos

Located in the center of Barcelos, Art’Otel is a Boutique Guest House housed in a building constructed in the early 20th century. Recently renovated, it offers unique rooms with distinctive décor, all with private bathrooms, a seating area and an outdoor patio. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s main monuments and points of interest, as well as its commercial area.

Website: https://www.artotelbarcelos.com/

Telephone: +351 934 024 180

Email: reservas@artotelbarcelos.com

RESERVATIONS by email indicating participation in the conference.

1 Deluxe Suite (one round bed and whirlpool bath): €105.00 (2 people)
1 Superior Suite with Kitchenette (one double bed and two single beds): €95.00 (2 people) | €110.00 (3 people) | €125.00 (4 people)
2 Superior Double Rooms: €80.00 (1 person) | €90.00 (2 persons)
3 Standard Double Rooms with balcony: €70.00 (1 person) | €80.00 (2 persons)
1 Large Double Room with balcony: €75.00 (1 person) | €85.00 (2 persons)
1 Triple Room with balcony: €80.00 (2 persons) | €90.00 (3 persons)

The rates shown are quoted in euros (net), per room, per night, including the following services and benefits:

» Buffet breakfast.

Flag Hotel Barcelos

Barcelos Flag Hotel Barcelos is located in the historic center of the charming city of Barcelos. The hotel has 37 comfortable rooms, many of which have balconies where you can relax and admire the view over the city. Just a 2-minute walk from the shopping area, with shops, cafés and restaurants, the Flag Hotel Barcelos offers the convenience of being close to everything, but in a quiet and welcoming environment.

Website: https://www.flagworldhotels.com/flag-hotel-barcelos.html

Telephone: +351 253 114 705

Email: bookings.barcelos@flaghotels.com

SINGLE | €55.00 (Per Room, Per Night)

DOUBLE/TWIN | €65.00 (Per Room, Per Night)

TRIPLE | €80.00 (Per Room, Per Night)

The rates shown are quoted in Euro (NET), per room, per night, including the following services and benefits:

Buffet breakfast;
Free Wi-Fi internet;
Free private parking;
Service and legal fees currently in effect

Reservations must be made by email or telephone using the keyword: IpcaFlag

Casa da Ana Boutique Guest House

Located in what would have been the first square of the “burgo”, Casa da Ana Boutique Guest House is housed in a century-old building that combines modern architectural features with the history it carries.

With the aim of providing a unique and distinctive experience, this Guest House has two fully equipped apartments, four rooms with a fridge, a hot drinks machine and an environmentally friendly bottle of water.

Website: https://www.casadaana.pt/

Telephone: +351 936 018 008

Email: info@casadaana.pt

Reservations must be made through the website https://www.casadaana.pt/ using the code CDAPARTICULAR to enjoy a 9% direct discount.

In Barcelos Hostel & Guest House

Located in the heart of the city and on the banks of the Cávado River in Barcelos, InBarcelos Hostel & Guest House is an accommodation that has been created from the renovation of the property where Jayme Séguier lived between 1860 and 1932. The hotel has 11 comfortable rooms where you can relax.

Website: https://www.inbarcelos.com/

Telephone: +351 938 308 290

Email: info@inbarcelos.com

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