Estrada Nacional 2
Portugal's longest road, nicknamed the “Portuguese Route 66,” runs about 739 km from Chaves in the north to Faro in the Algarve.
National Road 2 is the longest road in Portugal and one of the few national roads in Europe to run the full length of its country. It runs about 739 km from Chaves near the Spanish border in the north to Faro, capital of the Algarve, in the south, passing through 11 regions and 35 municipalities, with commemorative markers at kilometer zero and at 738.5 km. The northern section crosses Trás-os-Montes, passes Vila Real and enters Peso da Régua in the Douro wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its terraced vineyards and river valleys are the highlight of the whole route. The middle section goes via Viseu, Santa Comba Dão and the central forests to Abrantes, where it crosses the Tagus River. The southern section enters the broad Alentejo plain, passes Ponte de Sor and Montemor-o-Novo, climbs through the Cardeal mountains, and continues via São Brás de Alportel to Faro. Municipalities along the route offer “passport” stamps. Collect all 35 stamps to receive a commemorative certificate. A relaxed trip takes 4–7 days. Most of the road is two lanes, passing through many small towns where speed limits change frequently. The northern mountain section has many bends. In summer, Alentejo often exceeds 40 °C, so keep water on hand and plan your refueling stops.
Along the route
- Chaves
- Douro Valley (Peso da Régua)
- Douro Valley (Peso da Régua)
- Viseu
- Santa Comba Dão
- Abrantes
- Ponte de Sor
- Montemor-o-Novo
- Almodôvar
- Eastern Algarve
- Eastern Algarve