National Road 2 - The Portuguese Route 66

National Road 2 – The Portuguese Route 66

The National Road 2 (EN2) crosses Portugal from north to south and offers one of the most iconic road trips in Europe. For those who love freedom, nature and adventure, traveling it by Campervan is a truly unforgettable experience.

From north to south: a 739-kilometer road trip

A 739 km journey through the heart of Portugal

Known as the “Portuguese Route 66”, the EN2 connects Chaves to Faro along 739.26 km, making it the longest national road in the country and one of the longest in the world – just behind Route 66 (USA) and Ruta 40 (Argentina).

Along the way you’ll cross:

11 districts
35 municipalities
11 saws
13 rivers

This diversity turns each stage into a discovery.

In 2020, Frommer’s travel guide highlighted the EN2 as one of the best routes of the year, praising its safety, the variety of accommodation and restaurants and the fact that it is an accessible destination.

Accept the challenge and hit the road

Traveling along the EN2 is like diving into the interior of the country and getting to know a more authentic Portugal. Along the way, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes:

The mountains of Trás-os-Montes
The terraces of the Douro Wine Region
The golden plains of the Alentejo
The Algarve‘s stunning beaches

Each region has its own identity – and they all deserve to be explored without haste.

Heritage, traditions and local cuisine

The EN2 is not just a road – it’s a cultural route.

During your trip, take the opportunity to visit historic villages and towns where the centuries-old heritage reveals the richness of Portuguese culture. Throughout the year, there are many popular festivals, especially religious ones, which show the true identity of the local communities.

Don’t miss out either:

✅ Observing traditional crafts, such as clay molding
✅ Discovering regional markets and fairs
✅ Tasting the typical cuisine of each region

The EN2 is also a journey of flavors

National Road 2 Passport: a challenge for travelers

Want to make your trip even more memorable? Buy the National Road 2 Passport, created by the Association of Municipalities of the EN2 Route.

You can buy it at tourist offices and town halls in the municipalities crossed by the road.

The passport includes a map of the route and allows you to collect stamps proving that you have passed through the 35 municipalities.

A real travel diary!

7 unmissable points of interest on the EN2

Among hundreds of fascinating places, these are some that are worth a stop:

📍 Loiça Preta de Bisalhães (Vila Real): Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, this craft tradition is unique in Portugal.
📍 Douro Wine Region – Peso da Régua and Pinhão: The famous terraces create one of the most beautiful wine landscapes in the world.
📍 Livraria do Mondego (Penacova): A natural monument shaped by erosion over thousands of years.
📍 Schist Villages – Serra da Lousã: Visit villages like Aldeia da Pena and enter a setting almost untouched by time.
📍 River beaches – Pedrógão Grande: Perfect for relaxing on hot days.
📍 Geodesic Center of Portugal – Vila de Real: The point considered to be the center of the national territory.
📍 Manufacture of rattles – Viana do Alentejo: Another UNESCO-recognized tradition that is worth getting to know.

Why take the EN2 by Campervan?

Traveling by Campervan allows you to explore the EN2 at your own pace, stop wherever you want and sleep surrounded by nature.

Main advantages:

Total freedom of itinerary
Closer contact with the landscape
Ideal for traveling as a couple, with family or friends
Possibility of discovering places off the beaten track

More than a trip, it’s a transformative experience.