Did you know there is a road that crosses an entire country from north to south, with over 739 kilometers of landscapes that change as if you were passing from one country to another? That road exists, it’s just a few kilometers from Spain, and it’s called National 2 (N2). Discover the mythical N2, Portugal’s Route 66, by motorhome and get ready for a journey that will take you from the mountains of the north to the beaches of the south, passing through vineyards, endless plains, and charming villages. This route, compared to the famous American Route 66, is the dream of any traveler seeking freedom and authenticity.
What is National 2 and why is it called Portugal’s Route 66
Estrada Nacional 2, also known as EN2 or simply N2, is the longest state road in Portugal. It was created in 1945 to connect the interior of the country and today runs through 11 districts and 35 municipalities. Its starting point is in Chaves, very close to the border with Spain, and it ends in Faro, in the Algarve region.
The comparison with Route 66 is no coincidence. Discover the mythical N2, Portugal’s Route 66, by motorhome and you will understand why: it is a road that invites you to travel without rushing, to stop in every village, to discover the most authentic essence of a country away from the crowded tourist routes. It is the backbone that crosses Portugal from end to end, offering a variety of landscapes that few routes can match.
Why the N2 is the perfect route to do by motorhome
Traveling the N2 by motorhome is the best way to experience this route. Why? Because it gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want, to sleep under the stars at a viewpoint, and to wake up to the most incredible views. You don’t need to book hotels or stick to schedules; your home goes with you.
Moreover, the road is in good condition and, although in the north it has tight curves and winding sections, it is perfectly drivable with any motorhome. Most towns have parking areas or services for motorhomes, both free and paid, making the route comfortable and accessible.
Plan your route: from Chaves to Faro, stage by stage
The N2 is 739 kilometers long and it is recommended to dedicate at least a week to enjoy it calmly. Here we propose an itinerary with the essential stops.
Chaves: Kilometer zero (and the beginning of the adventure)
Chaves is the official starting point. This city, known for its hot springs and history, welcomes you with an impressive Roman bridge and a medieval castle. Don’t forget to stop by the tourist office to buy the N2 passport, a notebook where you can stamp your passage through each of the 35 municipalities. It is the perfect souvenir and a fun way to track your progress.
From Chaves, the road begins to wind through mountains, offering spectacular views. In this area, the secondary roads are a paradise for driving enthusiasts, with curves and green landscapes that take your breath away.
Vila Real and the heart of the Douro: vineyards and palaces
The next important stop is Vila Real. This city, surrounded by vineyards, is famous for the impressive Mateus Palace, whose image appears on Mateus Rosé wine bottles. Don’t miss its botanical garden and the Vila Velha viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
Very close to Vila Real, it is worth taking a detour to enter the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region. Its vineyard terraces that descend to the Douro River are one of Portugal’s most iconic landscapes.
Peso da Régua and Lamego: the wine soul of Portugal
Peso da Régua is the capital of Port wine. Here you can visit the Douro Museum or simply stroll along the river while watching the boats that transport the wine.
Lamego, a few kilometers away, is one of the most beautiful stops on the entire route. Its main attraction is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, accessed by an impressive baroque staircase of 686 steps. From the top, the views of the valley are unforgettable.
Viseu: medieval history and urban art
Viseu is a city with a rich medieval past reflected in its cathedral and the streets of its historic center. It is also known for its gastronomy, especially roast suckling pig. The city has a free service area for motorhomes, making it a perfect place to spend the night.
Alentejo: endless plains and white villages
When you cross the Tagus River, the landscape changes radically. The mountains and forests give way to the vast plains of Alentejo, a region of olive groves and whitewashed villages that seem straight out of a fairy tale. The road becomes straighter and the pace slows down, inviting tranquility.
Here, some interesting stops are Montemor-o-Novo, with its castle from where Vasco da Gama planned his voyage to India, and the Cromlech of the Almendres, a set of prehistoric menhirs that will transport you to another time.
Faro: the end of the road in the Algarve
The last stretch of the N2 descends south, where the landscape becomes drier before reaching the coast. The final destination is Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Its walled old town, its cathedral, and the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Reserve are the crowning jewel of this epic route.
The N2 Passport: a unique souvenir of your trip
One of the most special traditions of the N2 is the official passport. The Association of Municipalities of the National Route 2 created this passport so that travelers could stamp it at the tourist offices of each municipality. For a symbolic price (around 1 euro), you take home an unforgettable souvenir of your trip.
You can buy it at the Chaves tourist office before starting the route. It is a great way to interact with the locals and to have a physical testimony of all the people and places you have met.
Where to sleep on the N2: motorhome areas and tips
One of the great advantages of doing the N2 by motorhome is the number of options for spending the night. Portugal has a good network of motorhome service areas and campsites along the route.
Here are some recommended options for each stage:
- Chaves: Camping Park Quinta do Rebentão (paid).
- Vila Real: Parking near the Mateus Palace (may be free or paid).
- Peso da Régua: Service area next to the bus station.
- Lamego: Service area costing 5 euros per night.
- Viseu: Free service area on Avenida de Europa.
- Abrantes: Free service area at Parque Tejo.
- Faro: Service area in São Brás de Alportel (Ecoparque de Autocaravanas).
Applications like Park4Night or Campercontact are essential tools for finding these places and reading opinions from other travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many kilometers does Portugal’s National 2 have?
Estrada Nacional 2 is approximately 739 kilometers long, making it the longest state road in Portugal. It connects the city of Chaves, in the north, with Faro, in the south.
How long does it take to travel the N2 by motorhome?
It is recommended to dedicate at least a week to travel the N2 calmly and be able to enjoy the stops. By car, it can be done in 3 or 4 days, but by motorhome, the journey is more leisurely and more enjoyable if extended to 5 or 7 days.
Is it easy to do the N2 by motorhome?
Yes, the N2 is a very suitable route for motorhomes. The road is in good condition, although some sections in the north are winding. There are numerous service areas and campsites along the entire route, and traffic is usually not heavy.
Ready to travel Portugal’s Route 66? At Autocaravanas Camperdadi we offer you the perfect fleet for this adventure. Contact us by phone at +34 91 082 06 32, send us a WhatsApp at +34 639 266 865, or email us at info@autocaravanascamperdadi.com and start planning your dream trip on wheels.