An empty road winding into the distance on a sunny day. There are green trees and bushes by the side of the road and tree covered hills in the distance. It's a perfect road for a road trip along the EN2 in Portugal

Driving the EN2 route in Portugal

September 2025 - New Experience Number 15.

Duration: 5 days | Distance: 739 km | Best for: Slow travel, scenic landscapes, authentic Portugal.

Jump to 'Try it yourself'

Driving along the EN2 in Portugal is an incredible way to see the country.

Running between Chaves in the north and Faro in the south, you’ll feel as though you’ve veered off the beaten path as you journey up high, winding through mountains and around vineyards, through small laid back cities and quiet local settlements, past vast open plains and expanses of ancient olive trees and arriving at spectacular beaches.

Portugal’s EN2 is one of Europe’s most scenic road trips — a 739 km drive that crosses the entire country from north to south. I love trying new things when we travel, and whilst we didn’t have a definite plan for our Portuguese road trip, we knew we wanted to complete the EN2 as a new experience for 2025.

In this post, you can read about our experience of the journey, alongside helpful information to inspire you to try the incredible route yourself.

A big view that can be seen when driving along the EN2 in Portugal. It's a sunny day and the view across the green hills stretches for miles and miles.
From the lush green hills and mountains in the north...
Sunset at the beach. The picture is taken from the golden sands of the shore as a gentle wave rolls in and the shades of the dipping sun spread through some wispy clouds. This can be seen when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
...to beautiful big beaches in the south

Planning On Driving The EN2 Route In Portugal

We’d decided to take our campervan over to Portugal for a road trip. Our previous extent of exploring the country had been a wonderful long weekend in Porto, and we loved the idea of seeing more that Portugal had to offer.

True to our usual travel style, we didn’t have a strict itinerary — just an idea, an end destination, and the open road. It turned out to be such a wonderful way to travel.

A view of Porto, a city in Lisbon. Looking across from one side of the river, with the iron bridge leading to the other side where there is a hillside of coloured houses looking over the water. It's a beautiful sunny day with a blue sky, and looks like an ideal destination for a city break.
Having loved a previous visit to Porto, we were keen to explore more of the country

What Is The EN2?

Firstly, you may hear the EN2 referred to as N2, Estrada Nacional 2, Rota Estrada Nacional 2, National Route 2, National Road 2, and as the Portuguese Route 66. With so many different monikers, I’m sticking with EN2 for this write up. Here are some facts about the remarkable road.

    • The EN2 is one of the longest national roads in Europe.
    • It covers roughly 739 km (459 miles). I say roughly, because the official finishing marker reads 738km, and the official website says it spans 739.26km, and you’ll probably see other distances on other sites when you look into it.
    • It’s the only road in Europe that crosses the length of an entire country.
    • The route is distinguished by the zero km marker in Chaves in the north, and a 738km marker in Faro in the south.
    • Almost equal distance between the wild Atlantic west coast and the eastern border with Spain, the EN2 takes you through the centre of Portugal.
    • 2025 marked 80 years of the EN2. Despite the fact it’s been around for so long, it’s still not particularly well known.
    • The EN2 is a breathtakingly beautiful journey through an ever-changing landscape that feels like you’ve taken your foot off the gas to explore less well known parts of Portugal and an authentic slice of local life.
Close up of a white stone marker in the middle of a stone roundabout. The marker reads N2 and 0. There are a lot of stickers covering the post. This is the starting point for Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
The zero marker in Chaves...
A small stone marker on a stone roundabout. It is square at the bottom and rounded at the top. The base is painted red, and the top is painted white, with black paint indicating 738, and Faro on it. This is the end marker when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal.
...the 738km EN2 marker in Faro

Highlights From Our Experience Of Driving The EN2 in Portugal

There are an abundance of places worth spending time along the EN2 route. Whether you plan in advance where you want to explore, or you make spontaneous stop offs, you can make the journey your own and tailor it to your interests and your budget.

Below are just some of the highlights from our road trip. There’s still so much to discover that we didn’t have time to explore on this visit, that we might just have to follow the route again one day.

Chaves - A charming Roman city and a gentle start

Arriving into Chaves in the mid afternoon sun of early September, we strolled through the trees by the river to reach the city’s iconic landmark; Ponte de Trajano, the pedestrianised roman bridge straddling the still waters.

The city was a warren of cobbled streets, shops that looked as though they had been frozen in time, and grand reminders of a past spanning thousands of years. Following the thick, fortress walls that once defended the castle, we made our way up to the town hall, castle keep and gardens and were treated to a fantastic view across the valley.

Ponte de Trajano, a roman bridge. It is a straight bridge made of stone, with multiple arches underneath as it crosses the still river to some white buildings on the other side. One of the main tourist destination in Chaves, a stop off seen when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal.
The Roman bridge in Chaves - Ponte de Trajano
Looking upwards at some colourful buildings which meet in a corner. There are green tiles, white washed walls, and a yellow building too. There are some blue and white dice-like boxes suspended from wires between the buildings. A sight that can be seen in Chaves when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
The bright and colourful city of Chaves

Douro Valley - Portugal’s scenic wine country

The drive through the valley was a definite highlight from the whole route. Reminding me of the rice paddies we saw on a trek in Vietnam, the terraced vineyards layered the hillsides creating intricate patterns in lush shades of green.

They seemed endless as every corner we turned or hill we crested brought yet another picturesque view across the undulating landscape, dotted with white buildings, and pockets of local life.

A view of some terraced fields on a hillside. It's a beautiful sunny day, which makes the small settlement of white buildings stand out brightly. Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal takes you through this view of the Douro Valley
Terraces in the UNESCO site of the Douro Valley
A view of a terrace vineyard on a hillside. There are rows of greenery with several trees lined along them. It's a beautiful day with a white building high on the hill in the distance. A scene that can be seen when driving Portugal's Route 66 through the Douro Valley
The EN2 winds past impressive hillside vineyards

Lamego - Baroque steps and sweeping views

Lamego is worth a stop off, especially if you’re looking to stretch your legs after driving. We climbed the 686 steps up the beautiful baroque staircase, to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.

The views from the top were beautiful, and the tree-lined avenue is worth wandering along and indulging in a tempting treat from one of the bakeries.

A beautiful baroque stone stair case. It is outside and leading up a hill. There are blue and white tiled pictures on one of the landings, and lush green trees on either side of the stair case. It's a sunny day.
686 steps for a good leg stretch to the top
The
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Abrantes - Hilltop castle town and stunning sunsets

The centre of Abrantes is on a hill. Decorative cobbles lead you along the enclosed streets, opening out into unexpected busy little squares.

The castle at the top not only had some pretty gardens, but also a running track and a skate park which was an unusual combination. The view from the castle across the countryside was beautiful, as was the spectacular sunset from the bridge over the river Tagus that seems to encircle the city on the hill.

Looking along a beautiful street which has a black and white pattern made up from the cobbles. There is a small stone sidewalk, and the buildings along the side which house shops are nice and bright with white washed exteriors and yellow painted window frames. It's a nice day, and this is a view in Abrantes, a place worth stopping when driving along the EN2 in Portugal
Pretty cobbles in Abrantes
A winding narrow cobbled street leading up a hill and around a corner with white and yellow buildings on either side. The image is taken early in the morning and there are no people.
A warren of streets to explore
A beautiful sunset over a river with some small islands. It is twilight and almost dark, but there is a deep orange glow on the horizon as the sun has just dipped out of view.
Amazing sunset over the River Tagus

Évora - a relaxed city steeped in history

This notable city, and capital of the Alentejo region was a short de-tour from the EN2 and well worth it.

A UNESCO world heritage site, Évora unassumingly boasts a wealth of history, with the pillars of the Roman ruins of the Temple of Diana, the gothic presence of the 13th century cathedral, a more macabre chapel of bones, and an unspoilt old town rich in meandering stone streets and a wonderful choice of local eateries.

A view from next to a stone fountain which is not spraying water. The fountain is in a square surrounded by white buildings on a sunny day.
Pretty squares to discover
The remains of stone Roman pillars of the temple of Diana. The ruin sits in a square with some white, red roofed buildings in the background. It is a cloudy daytime view in Évora, a place worth visiting when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
Évora is home to the Temple of Diana

Alentejo - A region rich in agriculture

Aletnejo was a more barren part of the route, with some of the straightest roads we’ve ever encountered on a road trip.

This region is so different to the lush green hills in the north. The sun soaked plains stretch for miles, cork forests sprawl into the distance as the route passes through tree lined corridors and the pretty white washed towns of the area.

Looking along a very straight road as it heads into the distance up a hill. It is a late summer day and the big trees on either side of the road are just starting to change colour for autumn. There are just 2 cars on the road in the distance. This is an example of what it is like Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
Easy driving on straight roads
Looking across an undulating hillside. It looks almost orange as it has been drenched in sunshine over summer. There are green shrubs and small trees dotted across the plain. It is a cloudy day.
A different landscape in the south

Faro - An unexpected delight

Often overlooked as just being the gateway for people to travel onwards to the Algarve or Alicante, Faro was a pleasant surprise.

It’s like a city of two halves, firstly with the old town. Like so many other Portuguese cities it has the prettily patterned cobbles, sails hang across the walkways providing shade, intricate architecture adorns every street, along with beautifully tiled buildings ubiquitous with Portugal, and of course, plenty of history.

Then there’s the vast beach which provides a perfect backdrop for colourful sunsets, big waves for surfers, golden sands for relaxing afternoons, and even a bird sanctuary where lucky visitors might spot flamingos.

The final EN2 marker is in the centre of a roundabout on a busy road, not an ideal place for stopping to celebrate completing the route. Whilst we managed to get a picture, we raised a glass at a bar on the sea front later on, where mother nature rewarded us with a beautiful sunset to round off our journey on the EN2.

An impressive archway in a white building with decorative stone work exposed around the windows, arch and rooftop. There is a small bell tower on the top. A sight in Faro which can be seen when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
Archway leading to the old town
Looking along a gently inclining narrow cobbled street with terraced white buildings on either side that have bright yellow door and window frames. There are some people at the far end of the street. It is a sunny day in Faro, one of the stop offs when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
A pretty old town street in Faro
Looking from the golden sands of the shoreline in Faro, at a gently rolling sea, with the sun setting on the horizon turning the sky a beautiful shade of orange.
A stunning Faro sunset

Which direction should you complete the EN2 route in Portugal?

You can complete the route either north to south, or south to north.

Although I’ve only completed the route in one direction, there are reasons I would recommend journeying from north to south.

    • The iconic road markers at every kilometre are on the right hand side as you travel from Chaves to Faro. These aren’t essential to the journey, but were a helpful indicator that we were still on the right road and travelling in the right direction. If you drive from Faro to Chaves, the markers will be on the other side of the road and might not be as easy to spot.
A view from a roadside. The tarmac is heading in to the distance, and at the side of the road is a stone which is square with a curved top. The base is painted red, the rest is painted white, and black paint reads E.N 2 on one side, with the number 4 on the other visible side. This is one of the markers seen when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
A familiar marker along the Estrada Nacional 2
    • Brown signs seem to favour the north to south route. I know I’m biased as we were looking for the signs in our direction, but it did feel as though there were more signposts indicating the Chaves to Faro trail.
    • Ending at the Faro coastline feels like a fitting finishing point, as you look out across the sea at the edge of Portugal.
View from the golden sands of the shore line, looking out to the Atlantic ocean. There are no people in the image, and it is a big blue sky early in the morning. This is Faro, a point along the Estrada Nacional 2.
Our finishing point at the Faro coastline

What Are The Roads Like On The EN2 Route In Portugal?

In the north, the roads are quite winding and can be narrow in parts. Our camper van is only small with a width of 1.7m and we didn’t encounter any issues. If you’re travelling in a bigger motorhome you’ll be fine, you’ll just need to take it slow and steady through any of the narrow areas.

Hairpins will be a familiar sight in the north, but the tarmac is nice and wide so there is usually plenty of room for the tight manoeuvres. However, on the winding roads be prepared to sit behind the occasional tractor or rickety local truck until you have a safe space to overtake.

Driving through the south, you’ll follow some very long and very straight roads, as you travel through drier and flatter regions. Olive trees will become a familiar sight and you’ll wonder who actually uses the remote bus stops that seem to be in the middle of nowhere.

Considering the EN2 is not an exceptionally busy route, you’d be forgiven for thinking the roads might be neglected. However, the surfaces were in excellent condition and made for some very smooth driving.

Whilst there are charges for some of the busier roads across Portugal, the EN2 doesn’t have any tolls.

Looking along a straight tarmac single carriage way road as it heads into the distance. There are lush big trees on either side of the road creating a leafy corridor for travellers to drive through. This is a sight often seen when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
The roads across the whole EN2 route were in great condition

How Many Days Do You Need To Drive The EN2?

739km isn’t all that far, but this is a route that’s best enjoyed slowly. Unless you’re on a motorbike, in which case the lure of the open road might be too irresistible for multiple stops.

However much time you have to take the journey, you’ll probably wish you had longer.

We took 4 nights and 5 days to travel the length of the EN2. We travelled at a fairly leisurely pace and saw so much, but both agreed we would have loved longer as there was so much more to explore along the way.

The more time you have, the more impromptu stops you can make, whether that’s to enjoy a roadside coffee with some locals, to soak up the spectacular views, to visit one (or two) of the many vineyards, to stretch your legs on one of the numerous walking routes, to spend time on the rivers, to enjoying the friendly hospitality in the laid back cities, or whiling away an afternoon in a quiet little village.

A narrow stone street in Chaves, Portugal, with colourful buildings on either side. Window frames and doors are painted yellow, another building is white washed, and it is a sunny day.
From exploring quiet city streets...
Looking along a tree-lined straight road. It is daytime, but the crowded trees make a shaded corridor. There is a motorbike just visible in the distance. This is what it is like Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
...to driving along the open road

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Drive The EN2?

Our road trip was in September when we were treated to sun drenched days, the golden colours of autumn making an appearance, and cooler evenings.

Autumn was a lovely time to take the journey. It was still plenty warm enough. Our van doesn’t have air conditioning, and there was one day where the temperature inside reached 40 degrees, so if you’re looking for warmth, then you won’t be disappointed.

You can take the trip any time throughout the year, but bear in mind that the north does sometimes experience snow in winter, and temperatures can really soar in the south in the summer.

A road with some neglected small white houses with colourful doors and red roofs. This looks like a local scene on a sunny day that can be seen when driving along Portugal's route 66
Winding through pockets of local life...
A view across the green rolling hills in northern Portugal. It's a nice day. There is a large white bridge spanning across the valley.
...and across the countryside

Is It Easy Navigating The EN2 Route?

The EN2 is pretty well sign posted – most of the time.

For a majority of the route, you’ll pass by reassuring red and white stone markers every kilometre, and often there will be smaller stone markers every 100 metres. Bigger places will have their own larger yellow markers.

A tall yellow stone marker on a small patch of green by the side of a road. The sign says N2, and has lots of stickers on it from people who have taken a road trip along the EN2 route in Portugal
A yellow marker at one of the bigger places on the route

Brown signs regularly point the way too, but don’t rely on them solely as they aren’t on every single roundabout or turning point.

Likewise, don’t only rely on Google maps.

There are times when google maps will have a different road marked as the EN2,  insistent that the signposted way is incorrect.

Trust the brown signs over Google — they’ll keep you on the official route.

Whilst most towns or cities have ring roads so that traffic can avoid the centre of busy areas, the EN2 actively directs travellers in to the main streets. It makes sense, as it brings tourism and interest to these seldom heard of but well-worth visiting destinations.

We paid close attention to the half way mark.

My Other Half had seen on line that apparently many people missed the turning for the official half way point of the route. The brown sign indicated one exit at the round about, whilst google maps indicated a different one. We put our faith into the brown signs, and sure enough, we shortly arrived at a lay-by with a large marker, and a pretty epic view.

A camper van in a lay-by in the distance, and a large sign in the foreground. The sign has a red base and a large white square on the top which says in black text "E.N.2 Chaves-Faro". This is the mid way point when Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal
Following the brown signs to reach the mid point marker of the EN2

The EN2 Passport

We didn’t stop to pick up an EN2 passport and it’s not essential for the journey, but it’s a nice way to remember the trip.

You can pick up the passport in the tourist offices in either Chaves or Faro, and collect stamps from the 35 municipalities the route passes along the way.

A great place for more information about where to get the stamps is from the Rotan2 website

Accommodation - Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal

There are several camping options along the route, from small private sites with space for just a few vans, to reasonably priced municipal sites with all of the typical camping facilities you might need, to free aires. Wild camping is not allowed in Portugal.

We didn’t book any of our accommodation in advance, and used Park4Night to find places to stay. There was only one incident of arriving at a site to find it full. However, the incredibly helpful owner told us of another nearby site, and rang them up to confirm they had space for us before we drove any further. 

If you’re planning on travelling during the busier holiday seasons, it might be worth booking your campsite ahead of your journey.

If you’re not camping you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, but don’t expect to be staying in many chain hotels. Instead, you could stay in a whole host of different places. 

For example, many vineyards offer rooms; you can enjoy some agrotourism with a farmstay; converted convents offer a place to bed down for the night, and then there are hotels ranging from small and boutique, to grand and decadent, to quaint little bed and breakfasts.

Looking from a neatly stoned surround across a blue swimming pool and some green sun loungers around it. There are trees in the background of this idylic summer view.
You'll find many campsites have a pool
A small navy campervan with a popped up roof, on a hard standing pitch. It is a small site with just a couple of pitches amidst the trees growing in the grounds.
One of the small campsites we stayed at

Refuelling Along The EN2

As the EN2 takes you through plenty of cities and towns, you’ll regularly find places to both refuel your vehicle and refuel you.

In terms of topping up your vehicle, we found the Intermarché to be the cheapest option. The petrol station is accompanied by a supermarket where there was usually a small cafe, well stocked groceries at reasonable prices, and a free toilet.

In terms of your own refuelling, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are so many independent eateries to tempt you with their local and regional offerings. Whether it’s a full meal, a quick snack, something fresh from the bakery, and of course lets not forget the delicious pastéis de nata,  you can get some seriously good food along the EN2.

Birds eye view of a plate of fresh food. It is a delicious looking dish consisting of rocket leaves, pine nuts, slices of rare roast beef and a drizzled honey dressing.
The EN2 is foodie heaven...
Looking down on a plate with a beautifully presented golden flaky filo pie with a spoonful of sour cream and some green herbs sprinkled on top.
...with delicious fresh and local food...
Looking at a plate containing two pastéis de nata, the Portugese custard tart which is well worth sampling when Driving Along The EN2 in Portugal
...and of course pastéis de nata

Getting Off The Beaten Path Driving Along The EN2 In Portugal

There are parts of Portugal that regularly draw in the crowds, and rightly so. Think the picturesque riverside city of Porto with the magnificent iron bridge; the iconic yellow trams that traverse the steep streets of the capital in Lisbon; and the endlessly magnificent beaches and sunshine laden days synonymous with the Algarve.

I’m not at all averse to the popular places, but there was something romantically alluring about detouring away from the regularly beaten path and exploring a lesser-known part of the country.

I’m loath to call any of it a hidden gem. Everything is on a map, everything is findable, it’s up to you whether you choose to discover the fabulous route that been provided.

I would love to have had the time to stop off in every little village we drove through, to pause for a coffee in a small local cafe and watch the world go by, but we didn’t have that luxury. 

We passed through remote pockets of civilisation where the slower pace of life seeped into the van. Locals sat together for a break from work, giving us a wave as we drove by. Older folk contentedly took their places on a bench to consider the contemplations of life.

Nothing felt rushed, and it was a wonderful way to experience some slow tourism across a beautiful country.

The EN2 reminded us that sometimes the most memorable parts of a country aren’t the famous landmarks, but the quiet roads, friendly strangers, and unhurried moments between destinations.

Looking along a fairly quiet cobbled tourist street in Évora. The buildings are white with warm coloured window frames. There are some shops selling tourist souvenirs with stalls outside. It's a sunny day, and typical of a scene you might see when driving Portugal's route 66
A pretty street in Évora
Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with long dark hair, wearing denim shorts and an orange t-shirt. She is standing next to a brown sign outside by a road. The sign reads "rota de Nacional 2'
The EN2, An incredible road trip that's well worth discovering

Want To Try It Yourself?

  • I can highly recommend a road trip along this rather unknown route. 
  • If you’re the sort of traveller who likes to know exactly where you’ll be and when, then you can create full itineraries for you journey. Alternatively, you can take a more spontaneous approach and stop at places that take your interest.
  • I found these sites to be really helpful when I was researching our trip-

Cost Of Experience

  • It’s really hard to put a price on this trip as there are so many variables, such as your method of transport, the accommodation you choose, the time of year you travel, and what activities you do along the way. 
  • Whatever your budget, you’ll be able to complete the EN2 quite frugally or by splashing out. 
  • There are plenty of supermarkets and grocery stores along the way if you want to make your own meals and keep costs down. 

Recommendations For Driving The Route 66 Of Portugal

  • Don’t rush. You can complete the route in 2 days, but you won’t really get to experience the journey.
  • Don’t solely rely on online maps. The brown signs are usually the most reliable for getting you from A-B.
  • Don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to capture the places you travel through.
  • Have a great time! If you take on the journey let me know how it was for you, and any recommendations you have that we can add to our future trips!

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