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National Road 2 - The Portuguese "Route 66"

If your desire is to get to know and explore the greatness and variety of the culture, gastronomy, landscapes and communities that exist within this territory located by the sea, I think you'll love reading this article!

Can you imagine driving along Europe's longest road, from north to south, in the company of your friends, your family or your better half at the wheel of a campervan?

There is no better way to get to know Portugal than to travel the 730 kilometers of the National Road 2 that connects the cities of Chaves and Faro, crossing the interior of the country, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, witness and experience unique traditions and customs, and see centuries-old monuments that carry within them parts of Portugal's immense history.

Known as the "PortugueseRoute 66 ", this road was used as a way for the Portuguese court to travel to their retreats in different parts of the country, and was known as the "Royal Road". From the 20th century onwards, the old route underwent some rehabilitation work and today it is recognized as one of the most important and valued roads in Portugal. It is considered a tourist icon and its brand is marketed (through guidebooks and maps), disseminated and consumed annually by many travellers.

As a rule, the road runs from north to south, starting at kilometer 0 in Chaves.

Along the way you'll pass through 35 locations where you'll discover Portugal in its purest form, without filters, and experience the magic of Portuguese culture and tradition. As you travel down the country, you'll fall in love with the landscapes of the Alto Douro Wine Region (a World Heritage Site), learn about history at Chaves Castle or Lamego Cathedral and smell all the flora at Vidago Centenary Park. In central Portugal, get ready to find lush green landscapes, the best river beaches in Serra da Lousã and Pedrogão Grande and geological monuments made by Mother Nature herself. When you get to the south, be thrilled by the Cante Alentejano, learn about Aljustrel's mining past and marvel at the beauty of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

This is what National Road 2 is all about. It's traveling from the curvy, steep roads of the north to the calm, flat prairie roads of the south. It's relaxing in the Roman baths of São Pedro do Sul. It's savoring a meal made from Bisalhães' Black Crockery (Intangible Heritage of Humanity). It's walking the steps of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego. It's visiting the Schist Villages of Serra da Lousã. It's walking the trails of Penedo Furado, in Vila de Rei. It's listening to the rattles of Viana do Alentejo (Intangible Heritage of Humanity) while enjoying some Alentejo migas. National Road 2 is Portugal. Are you ready to follow the sun in a comfortable campervan?

International references such as the "Frommer's" Travel Guide distinguished Estrada Nacional 2 as one of the best choices in 2020, highlighting its safety, its variety of accommodation and restaurants, as well as being an accessible destination.

What are you waiting for to set off on this mythical adventure? Don't forget to buy your "EN2 Passport" for 1 euro so you can collect stamps at every point you pass!

Some points to highlight on this road:

  • Chaves Castle
  • Vidago Centenary Park
  • Pedras Salgadas in Vila Pouca de Aguiar
  • Mateus Mansion/Palace in Vila Real
  • Loiça Preta de Bisalhães (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) - Vila Real
  • The verdant landscape and extensive terraces of the Douro Wine Region - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies - Lamego
  • Lamego Cathedral
  • Roman Thermalism in São Pedro do Sul
  • City of Santa Comba Dão - typical landscape
  • Mortágua - detour to Mata do Bussaco
  • Penacova - Livraria do Mondego - Natural monument caused by the erosion of thousands of years
  • Vila Nova de Poiares - Chanfana
  • Schist Villages in Serra da Lousã - Ex: Aldeia da Pena
  • Gois and its landscaping
  • Pedrogão Grande and its magnificent river beaches
  • Vila de Rei - Geodesic Center of Portugal
  • Penedo Furado Waterfall
  • Mora - Town and Fluviarium
  • Viana do Alentejo - manufacture of rattles (UNESCO Intangible World Heritage) and Castle
  • Aljustrel and its mining heritage
  • Castro Verde and the Castro Verde Special Protection Area
  • Estoi Palace
  • Faro - End of the route - Sé and Ria Formosa Natural Park

Simulate safely without compromise