10-day road trip through Portugal: from North to South via the Estrada Nacional 2

Day 1: Porto – Guimarães – Chaves

From Porto, the route takes you to Chaves, where the famous N2 officially begins. A stop in Guimarães is a must. As the former capital where Portugal was born, its narrow streets, medieval houses and lively squares immediately explain why the historic centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Chaves – Vidago – Vila Real

Chaves welcomes you with its iconic Roman bridge spanning the Tâmega River. The town charms with its pleasant squares and traditional architecture. A visit to the castle is on the agenda, as well as tasting pasteis de Chaves, the local speciality you simply shouldn’t miss.

On the way to Vila Real, stop in Vidago, a spa town renowned for its mineral waters. Vila Real itself, surrounded by mountains and green valleys, is the perfect base for exploring the famous Douro region. The Palácio de Mateus, a stunning baroque palace with symmetrical gardens, is the main highlight. You may recognise it from the label of the well-known Mateus Rosé wine.

Day 3: Vila Real – Peso da Régua – Lamego

Breathtaking landscapes, terraced vineyards and a winding river, that is the Douro Valley. From Vila Real, you drive to Lamego, centrally located and ideal for discovering this iconic wine region.

Today revolves around a visit to a traditional winery, where port and Douro wines are produced. The winemaker gladly shares the story behind the craft. A boat trip on the river offers a completely different perspective on the valley. Along the way, you also visit the charming villages of Pinhão and Peso da Régua, each with its own character.

Day 4: Lamego – Viseu

Today’s route takes you from Lamego to the charming town of Viseu. For centuries, Viseu held a strategic position halfway between the Serra da Estrela mountains and the Douro Valley. Henry the Navigator lived here in the 16th century, after which the town grew into an important artistic centre. The Museu de Grão Vasco is therefore a real highlight.

Viseu also lies in a renowned wine region known for its refined Dão wines. A tasting introduces you to the elegant character of this distinctive area.

Day 5: Viseu – Coimbra – Lousã

Today you deliberately leave the N2 behind, because Coimbra is simply unmissable. As Portugal’s most important university city, it boasts an impressive collection of historic monuments.

Visit one of the oldest universities in Europe and wander through the country’s largest botanical garden, where the bamboo forest deserves special mention. The royal palace, cathedrals and monastery each tell their own story. The absolute highlight, however, is the historic library, so impressive it feels like stepping into a Harry Potter film.

End the day with a well-earned aperitif at Praça do Comércio, surrounded by the lively atmosphere of this unique city.

Day 6: Coimbra – Sertã – Abrantes

The N2 leads you through central Portugal via picturesque towns such as Tondela, Lousã and Sertã. These places are known for their atmospheric historic centres, charming churches and impressive castles that bear witness to a rich past.

The surrounding area offers plenty of walking and cycling routes for those who want to leave the car behind for a while. On warm days, the river beaches provide welcome refreshment, natural swimming spots where you can truly escape the crowds.

Day 7: Abrantes – Montemor-o-Novo – Évora

From central Portugal, you drive into the Alentejo, a region defined by ancient cork oak forests, vast vineyards and small historic towns. Authentic beauty and tranquillity go hand in hand here. Once again, a small detour is well worth it for Évora. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and invites you to wander endlessly through narrow streets and sunlit squares.

Day 8: Évora – Alcácer do Sal

The unspoilt Alentejo coast deserves a short detour. Long, quiet sandy beaches, dense pine forests and shimmering rice fields characterise this stretch of coastline.

Alcácer do Sal is a highlight today. For centuries, this town has produced salt, cork and rice. It is also the ideal starting point for exploring the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado. This nature reserve is fascinating for its birdlife, as well as its traditional fishing villages and cultural heritage.

Day 9: The Alentejo hinterland

Today, the N2 runs deep through the Alentejo hinterland, a vast, sparsely populated region defined by rolling hills, olive groves, cork oaks and picturesque villages. Visit historic towns such as Beja, Moura or Serpa, each with its own story and character. Alternatively, take a walk in the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana, where nature remains truly unspoilt. Above all, enjoy the slow pace and peaceful atmosphere, far from the crowds.

Day 10: Faro

This road trip ends in Faro, the capital of the Algarve. After 739 kilometres and ten days full of discoveries, you arrive in this lively city where the N2 officially ends. With its charming seaside towns, golden beaches and hidden coves, the Algarve is perfect for extending your stay. It is the ideal place to enjoy sun, sea and sand, and to let all the impressions of this remarkable journey settle in.