Estrada Nacional 2, better known as N2, is much more than a road. It is a journey through the history, culture and soul of Portugal. Over its 739 kilometers, it crosses the country from the northern mountains of Chaves, almost on the border with Spain, to the southern beaches of Faro, on the Atlantic Ocean. A unique road that crosses 11 rivers, passes through rugged mountains, golden plains, historic towns, terraced vineyards and a total of 35 municipalities. So it’s no surprise that it’s known as Portugal’s ‘Route 66’.
The N2 was inaugurated in 1945, modeled on the national roads which linked the different regions of the country. Since then, it has undergone historic changes, transforming from a key commercial artery to an attractive tourist attraction. Despite modern highways that have removed some of its traffic, the N2 has gained interest for its ability to show the most authentic side of Portugal, which goes beyond the most visited destinations. Thanks to the work of the Association of Municipalities of the N2 Route, this route has been revitalized as a cultural icon halfway between the coast and Spain, attracting both locals and international visitors.
To generate interest, the N2 offers travelers a fun challenge: the EN2 Passport. A document that you can stamp at different points along your route. This passport not only serves as a souvenir of the trip, but also as extra motivation to visit every corner of the road, exploring certain points of interest that you would not notice without it.
Portugal’s N2 in five stages
739 km is a lot of kilometers, and to be able to enjoy the trip peacefully it is interesting to divide the journey into at least five stages. If you dedicate a day to each of them, taking into account that you would arrive at the initial starting point a day before and leave the end point a day later, with a week you would have more than enough to cover this itinerary. enjoy every stop.
- Day 1: From Chaves to Vila Real, from the mountainous north to the heart of Trás-os-Montes
The journey begins in the historic town of Chaves, an ancient Roman town famous for its thermal baths and Trajan’s Bridge, dating from the 2nd century. Chaves is a great place to immerse yourself in history before starting your tour, offering a glimpse of Portugal’s Roman past and a sense of tranquility characteristic of Trás-os-Montes. In addition, its hot springs invite you to take a relaxing break before starting the route, but be careful, with their 73ºC they boast of being the hottest in Europe.
As you head south, the road winds between mountains and valleys, giving you spectacular views of the mountainous region. Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Vila Real are two recommended stops at this point. In the first, you can visit the archaeological sites of Pedras Salgadas, known for their thermal waters, and in the second, one of the most impressive architectural jewels of Portugal: the Mateus Palace, a surprising baroque building surrounded by gardens that deserves a visit. . In addition, the proximity to the Alvão Natural Park offers the possibility of enjoying hiking routes through different natural landscapes.
- Day 2: from Vila Real to Viseu, vineyards and valleys of the Upper Douro
From Vila Real, the N2 enters the heart of the Upper Douro, one of the most important wine regions in the world. In this section, the Douro River and its terraced vineyards are the protagonists, painting the landscape with a mosaic of green and golden colors. Régua is one of the key points since many excursions depart from here to visit the Port wine cellars and enjoy tastings while admiring the panoramic views.
Following the road we arrive in Lamego, a historic town with an impressive religious and cultural heritage. The sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a baroque jewel with its spectacular staircase of 600 steps between tiles, is an obligatory stop for any traveler taking the N2.
Before finishing the stage, it is worth taking a detour to visit São Pedro do Sul, a town also famous for its hot springs. Already in Viseu we will arrive at our last destination of the day, a city with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Known for its connection with the wine of the Dão region, Viseu is also home to the imposing Viseu Cathedral, a building that blends Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Strolling through the old town, with its cobbled streets and historic squares, is a good way to end the day.
- Day 3: from Viseu to Sertã, nature and heritage in central Portugal
The third section of the N2 passes through the mountainous center of Portugal, with hills, rivers and forests that contrast with the southern plains. Leaving Viseu, the road takes us to the picturesque villages of Tondela, Santa Comba Dão and Mortágua, where the pace of life is slow and the surroundings invite you to enjoy nature. The area’s many river beaches are perfect for a refreshing swim if you coincide with hot summer days.
Finally, the stage reaches Sertã, a quiet town surrounded by mountains and rivers. The Sertã region is known for its medieval castle, of Arab origin and built in the 10th century, and for its hiking trails offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The local gastronomy, focused on traditional dishes such as goat’s cheese and cod, is another of the attractions of this stop.
- Day 4: from Sertã to Montemor-o-Novo, history and traditions
This stretch of the N2 runs through the heart of the country, taking travelers from the central region to the vast Alentejo plains. A few kilometers from Sertã we arrive at Vila de Rei, known for being the geodesic center of Portugal, a curious fact that fascinates many travelers. The point is marked by a kilometer marker, the Picoto da Melriça, which is undoubtedly an essential stamp in our passport. We continue and arrive in Abrantes, with its castle and its panoramic view of the Tagus.
The landscape changes as we enter the Alentejo, where golden grain fields and olive groves dominate the view. Montemor-o-Novo, with its imposing ruined castle, is the final destination of this stage. This town is ideal for discovering local flavors, such as the region’s famous cheese and Alentejo wine.
- Day 5: Montemor-o-Novo to Faro (Alentejo to Algarve)
The final leg of the journey takes you from the rolling hills of Alentejo to the sunny shores of the Algarve. At this point, from Montemor-o-Novo we can make a detour to Alcácer do Sal or Viana do Alentejo, but this involves a significant investment in time and kilometers. Alternatively, we can continue directly to Ferreira do Alentejo via the N2, soon reaching Castro Verde and Almodôvar, two towns that embody the essence of the most rural Alentejo.
Finally, as you pass through the Algarve, the landscape changes again: the terrain becomes more mountainous and the temperatures warmer. Faro, the capital of the Algarve, marks the end of this comprehensive itinerary. With its walled old town, lively squares and golden beaches, it’s the perfect place to end this journey along the N2.
But if you want a little more, the Ria Formosa Natural Park is an ideal stop for nature lovers, with its tranquil lagoons and numerous birds. And it is here, on the edge of the Atlantic, that we can say that we have completely crossed Portugal from north to south, traveling along the legendary national road 2.
