Exploring Portugal's Hidden Gems on a scenic road N2- Portugal National Road- Portugal's Hidden Gems - Exploring Portugal's Hidden Gems
- mcoelho813
- Nov 6
- 15 min read
Quick Facts: Exploring Portugal's Hidden Gems on scenic road N2
Not all villages are on N2
You can enjoy N2 from north to south or back.
You can complete N2 in sections
Most fire stations in the towns on N2 will stamp the yellow N2 passport
N2 is compared to Route 66 in the US, but it's not as "Lights, Camera, Action"
The area near Chaves is mountainous with Eucalyptus, Pine trees, and grape vines
The further south you travel, the more the terrain becomes flatter and drier, with Cork trees
Scan the code inside the yellow passport for each town to identify where to obtain stamps in that area
Exploring Portugal's Hidden Gems on scenic road N2
What is N2 in Portugal? Exploring Portugal's Hidden Gems on scenic road N2
The National Road is the longest in Portugal, connecting Chaves in the north to Faro in the south. Avoid toll roads and drive N2. Exploring Scenic Portugal on N2. Exploring Hidden Gems in Portugal on N2
Where does N2 start and end?
The National Road N2 runs from north to south, cutting the country in half and creating a historic, scenic trip for travelers. This road is the longest in Portugal. The road was developed in 1945 and is officially 739 kilometers long. Imagine traveling through 35 municipalities, 27 town halls, 11 cities, and hundreds of rural villages. It is nicknamed Route 66 to parallel Route 66 in the United States of America. The new N2 road is planned to encourage tourists and travelers to enjoy the Portuguese countryside and all that it has to offer. AMREN2 stands for the Association of Municipalities on National Road 2. This association was formed in 2016 to help create a legendary and charismatic road for travelers to enjoy. Consider taking several days or weeks to enjoy the trip down this scenic road thoroughly.. Exploring Portugal's Hidden Gems
Which towns will you see when on N2
Some of the legendary towns and sites in central Portugal that you will see include:
Santa Comba Dao, Chamadouro, Viseu, Mondego Bookshelf, Praia Fluvial, Castelo Da Lousa, Penacova, Vila Nova De Poiares, Aguiera Dam, Mortaqua, Lampreaia Restaurant
Road to the Dam on the way to Penacova
dam Aguieira
N2 road
Chamadouro
N2
Dam Aguieria
The Aguieira Dam, also known as the Foz do Dão Dam, is located on the Mondego River. about 2 kilometers downstream from the mouth of the Dão River, within the area of Penacova ( District of Coimbra). and Mortágua ( Viseu district )
Construction began in 1973 and became operational in 1981. Its main objectives are the production and supply of hydroelectric energy, agricultural irrigation, and flood control.
The 400 moorings make this river marina a desirable destination for lovers of boating, sailing, rowing, and swimming.
This is a prime location for practicing water sports. Aguieira Marina offers a sailing and diving school as well as windsurfing, water skiing, and wakeboarding lessons for those at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. There is a hotel located nearby, the Montebelo Hotel and resort. montebeloaguieira@montebelohotels.com
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The Aguieira Dam
Where do you get the N2 passport?
This is a photo of the front of the Estrada Nacional 2 or National Road 2 Passport. The paper book shows the stops along the N2 to take to witness the scenic views of the countryside of Portugal. There are 35 municipalities on the route, including
In the North Area. Drive N 2 and feel the adrenaline-fueled Roman Bridges and simple Chapels, you will fall in love with them immediately.
Where should you start to drive the N2?
You can start in Chaves or in Faro?
Porto airport is not too far from Chaves so that might be a good place to start?
1= Chaves
KM 0
Most notable in this area is the Trajano Bridge, a 2nd-century Roman bridge that has kept its original features. Chaves Castle is a 14th-century National Monument built by King Dinis that houses a Military Museum. The Church of Saint Mary the Great was built in the 12th Century and renovated in the 16th and 18th Centuries out of granite. Pedras Salgadas is a thermal park and a source of mineral water.
Turismo
Terreiro da Cavalaria Rua Address
Thermal
2=Vila Pouca de Aguiar
What is the most scenic part of N2?
3= Vila Real
Loja Interactiva de Turismo Av. Carvalho Araújo, 94 5000-657 Vila Real address (Loja = store)
Going to Vila Real, there are many narrow turns and small bridges. Going into town looking for KM 30, you can get a stamp there. As you drive this breathtaking road, pull over for a few pictures of the mountains and hills covered in grape vines and olive trees. There are a few areas to pull over, but mostly, there is no shoulder. There is a large yellow N2 Vial Real sign on the right. Look up to see a large bridge at KM 68. There is an area to pull over at KM 69 to take photos of the bridge. Vila Real Bridge, in Vila Real, is part of A 4 Highway. The bridge is a viaduct with a concrete deck with a 300-meter span supported by two pylons. It was completed in 2013.
Expect lots of turns for the next few KM. At KM 71, pull over to get a stamp at Diamond Restaurant. The staff was friendly, the menu was full, the food was tasty, and the bathroom was clean. The parking was plentiful and free.
Outside the city, you can view the Torre de Quintela in Vila Marim. It is a tower built in the 13th century and belonged to the Order of the Hospitallers until the 19th century. The most visited place in the area is the Palace or Casa de Mateus, a beautiful baroque palace ordered to be built in the 18th century by the 3rd Majorat of Mateus (Luís António de Sousa Botelho Mourão).
This area is referred to as 'The Upper Douro Wine Region,' consisting of 24,600 hectares, with a World Heritage.
Places to visit:
Church of S. Dinis (13th century)
Church of S. Domingos (Se of Vila Real)
Church of S. Pedro (renovated in the 18th century)
Nova Chapel/ Church of S. Paulo (17th century)
The Sanctuary of Panoias is a Gallic Roman sanctuary dating from the 2nd century.
Alvao Natural Park covers 7220 hectares and hosts houses with thatched roofs, the reservoir area of the river, the granite landscape of Arnal, and the panoramic view from the road between Arnal and Galegos da Serra waterfall mill.
The Vila Real International Circuit is a 4600-meter circuit that hosts motor racing competitions
4= Santa Marta de Penaguiao
This area is referred to as 'Douro Wine Region', which covers 250,000 hectares containing 40,000 hectares of vineyards. These grapes have provided wine to people around the world since the 12th century.
Going into Regua, there are numerous mountains on both sides. The views are incredible. You are at peace with nature. Your mind wanders. How do they farm on such a slanted hillside? The drive here is winding around. Be aware that there are no bathrooms for a while. There is a Miradouro (lookout on the top of a mountain) at KM 81. Continuing to drive on N2 after KM 81, Restaurant Santa Maria will stamp your N2 passport. This is a small snack bar with a small-town charm. The Turismo is ahead on the left with no parking.
5= Regua The center of town is bigger than I expected it to be. There is large areas to pull over and take photos. There is a traditional Farturos stand on the left. You can stop and get a taste of a warm, sweet pastry. A large Museum is on the right, Museu do Douro. Shopping is everywhere, and the prices are average. The tourist office is next to the river. The building is brown with glass windows. Look for the sign, Turismo Loja Interactive, to get the next stamp. Pick up brochures for the River tours and walking paths. This is the perfect town to spend the night in. Under the bridge is a large Camping area.
There are plenty of train tours and River tours in Regua. Leaving Regua and heading toward Lamego was confusing. Go over the bridge, and look for N 2 signs.
On the way into Lamego, you will see a drive over
Regua Old Bridge was built between 1869 and 1872 during the reign of King Luis 1.
Where can to get my passport stamped in Lamego?
6= Lamego
KM 104 N2
To locate the first stamp in this town, go around on the left, is a restaurant, Saint Espirito (pastry shop). Go straight toward the Turismo building. It's a brown building with a glass front. The staff was friendly. You can purchase a commemorative coin in a case for $3.00 euros. For a great photo opportunity, go toward the Nossa Senhora Remedios Church. The church closes at 7:00 pm. Parking is free and plentiful. There are several old trees in the lot, including an amazing old chestnut tree that looks scary.
Rua Infantry Regiment n.º 9 (address) TOURIST OFFICE
5100-147 Lamego
Tel: 254 099 000
E-mail: lojaturismo@cm-lamego.pt
Interesting Places to See in Lamego
-Museum of Lamego- tiles, artwork
-Cathedral of Lamego - 1129 Gothic Cathedral that shows the changes during the 16th and 18th centuries
-Ribeiro Conceicao Theatre- was first built to be a hospital, but in 1924, Commander Jose Ribeiro transformed it into a concert hall
- Church of Sta Cruz- Today, it's a Military headquarters founded in the 16th Century
MUST SEE
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios- the staircase is remarkable
This Church is located on the Mountain of Santo Estevao.
Stamps at Restaurant Cafe Maria - a small bar with outside seating
clean bathrooms
KM 120 Bigorne is the highest point of the N2 Road (987m)
7= Castro Daire
Off N2 a few miles, you can visit 'Paiva Hermitage' a 12th-century monument with a Romanesque hermitage (small)
Bolo Podre (rotten cake)
similar to an Easter cake, not a rotten cake at all
The cake contains cinnamon and anise
8=Pedro de Sul
In the Central section of Portugal
9= Viseu = bigger than Santa Comba Dao
Palacio da Gelo is a huge shopping center with an indoor pool and an ice skating rink
Inaugurated in 2008, it stands out for its unique architectural characteristics, with more than 150 stores, including 30 restaurants, cafes, pastry shops, and ice cream parlors, 6 cinemas, one of the largest Health Clubs in the country, and an Ice Rink, open all year round. year.
I swim here often. You can pay to use the facilities for one day. I enjoy this large mall for so many reasons; it's big but calming, and it's great for shopping because the supermarket has everything you could need.
There is a huge Chinese buffet in Viseu.
You don't have to be a member. The vaulted ceilings are unique and extremely detailed.
There are lots of shops in Viseu. Visit Saint Mary of Viseu Cathedral, built in the 12th century and updated and enlarged in the 14th, 16th, and 17th centuries.
One of the best towns to visit in central Portugal, Viseu is known for its hilltop old town, an ancient cathedral towering over it, the scenic cobbled walkways, and its amazing plazas. It is home to many architectural treasures, but is also frequented for the highly delectable Dao wine from the neighboring Dao region (Dao wine) and its seasoned cuisine. Whether you are a history buff, wine lover, or looking to eat local cuisine, Viseu has plenty to offer you.
Where to stay?
Pousada de Viseu is a 4-star hotel located in a 19th-century building, a 5-minute walk from the eco-park Florestal de Fontelo. Overlooking the old part of the city of Viseu, the hotel features a relaxing spa and wellness center, outdoor swimming pools, and an outdoor terrace. The historic guest rooms feature modern furniture, air-conditioning, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV, while some come with a balcony with panoramic views of the city. You can walk to most local downtown sites.
Pousada de Viseu is a 4-star hotel located in a 19th-century building, a 5-minute walk from the eco-park Florestal de Fontelo. Overlooking the old part of the city of Viseu, the hotel features a relaxing spa and wellness center, outdoor swimming pools, and an outdoor terrace. The historic guest rooms feature modern furniture, air-conditioning, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV, while some come with a balcony with panoramic views of the city. You can walk to most local downtown sites.
You can visit the home of Salazar in the small town of Vimeiro.
10= Tondela small city
has a good soccer team
Where to get your N2 passport stamped
11= = Santa Comba Dao small city in the District of Viseu
Places of Interest:
Square bridge, 18th century
Town hall 19th century
Biblioteca- Library
Ponte da Praca Fountain 20th century
Shopping Grocery Stores- Pingo Dos, Intermache, Continente, Lidl (there is an outside laundromat in front of the Intermache)
Couto Creek walkway
GNR
Turismo N2 passports are available, get the passport stamped at 4 different locations in town- open Mondays - Fridays 9:00 am- 6:00 pm (+351) 232 880 500
Ferreira de Almeida's Manor House, 19th century
Santa Comba Dao Main Church
Railway Bridge over the Criz River
Dao Eco trail for walking or biking
Ovoa Main Church 18th century
Home of Salazar
Train Station in Vimieiro takes you north to Lisbon
IGREJA MATRIZ DE SANTA COMBA DÃO located Largo Alves Mateus 3440, 3440-367 Santa Comba Dão
Misericordia Church Address: R. Mouzinho de Albuquerque 24, 3440-387 Santa Comba Dão
There are 4 walking/ biking routes in this area
Where to get your N2 passport stamped
Hometown of Salazar, Ex President of Portugal
Santa Comba Dao
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12= Mortagua an average size city for a small country
N2 goes near, but not into Mortagua. However, there are places in the town that can stamp your N2 Passport, including the fire station and the town hall. Here’s a list:
13= Penacova
built on a mountain
Penacova is a wonderful and diverse town with a mountaintop area and a lower river section. As you drive, you can view the Mondego Biblioteca or Library Mondego River. The rocks are huge and look like books in a library on a bookshelf. You can climb the mountain, see the sights, swim in the river, and enjoy a day at the beach. We spent days at the beach along the river with a lifeguard and a small swimming area. There is a snack bar for snacks and drinks. Parking is free. There is a lifeguard on duty during the busy season.
NEW stop/ new Turismo after the bridge on the right on N2.
You can get a stamp here. They sell a few small items and have a few pamphlets.
You will see old homes, winding roads, no shoulder, farming on the river bed (right), and a green lane for biking.
Where to get your N2 passport stamped
14= Vila
Nova de Poiares
244 KM
This section of N2 has a narrow lane with no shoulder and no guardrails. At KM 246, there is an old white church and an old house with stone and brick. At the circle, there is a large N2 sign KM 250. We stopped at the next area to get a stamp. Café Mercado Luisa KM 247. This is a specialty bakery with lots of treats, outside seating, clean bathrooms, parking, and a variety of drinks. At the circle, continue to go straight. The bombeiros/ firehouse is on the left, and the Galp gas station is on the right.
KM 256 has a metal N2 sign on the left with a small dirt road to travel. On N2, KM 260 on the left is a Cafe Snack Bar Roger. You can get a stamp here, but for VNde Poiares. Continue approximately 1 KM, and there is an area to park and take photos. There is a yellow Lousa N2 sign, but no stamp area. Take note of the numerous cork trees along the edge of the road for several miles.
15= Lousa
This town was frustrating and difficult to locate the area for getting stamps. We had to leave N2 and go onto N17. We backtracked and finally located a small cafe to get a stamp. In Lousa, there is a huge Continente with lots of parking. The firehouse is on the right. park on the side of it. They stamped it with a castle design.
16= Gois
Get a stamp at Cafe Martins KM 265. Parking on the shoulder. Some outdoor seating.
17= Grande Pedrogao
KM 319
There is a large bombeiros/ firehouse with three floors on the right side of the road. There are large firetrucks in the parking lot.
Km 345 Snack Bar, get your stamp. The bar is called Fonte de Boneca.
18= Serta
Rua Alcino Vianto Pinheiro has a yellow N2 sign near the bus station.
At the top of the mountain is a castle. KM 345
19= Vila Rei
20= Sardoal
Sardoal is a municipality in the district of Santarém in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 3,939. The houses are built on top of a mountain and on the hillside with white walls and blue trim. The town dates back to 1313. The cobblestone streets are narrow and difficult to maneuver.
21= Abrantes
It is frustrating because some of these towns are not on N2.
The town was founded in the 12th century by the 1st King of Portugal. It translates to "Made of Gold'. The Castle of Abrantes is a 200-meter plateau over the town with a 360 view over the region below.
The 1st woman prime minister of Portugal was from Abrantes, Maria de Lurdes Pintasilgo.
May is the best time to visit this town to see the flower displays. It is located in the municipality of Evora.
22= Ponte de Sor
Mountainous area
23= Avis
Avis is off N2.
24= Mora
You will see olive trees and cork trees for miles. It is located in Alentejo.
This area is well known for camping and a tree-climbing park. There is a sandy river beach for swimming and kayaking. Visit Parque Ecologico do Gameiro to view the freshwater Oceanarium. The village of Paiva in Mora houses over 200 megalithic monuments.
Paiva Dolmen from the 3rd millennium BC transformed into the Capela de São Dinis, which means little chapel of Dennis. The altar is decorated with Lisbon tiles.
The Igreja da Misericordia, a 15th-century church, has the oldest bell in Portugal.
Food from this area is unique. Dishes include Asparagus crumbs, Dogfish soup, black pork, lamb stew, rabbit soup, tomato soup, and purslane soup.
The Mora Sport Fishing trail is 1 km long and can accommodate up to 60 fishermen. Pista International de Pesca Desportiva de Cabecao is 3 km long and can host 190 fishing spots. The fish in this area include carp, barbel, perch, eel, and catfish.
Alqueva, the Great Lake, is the largest artificial lake in Europe. It is huge. It is 250 square km created by the Alqueva Dam.
Due to the darkness at night, low pollution, and lack of public lighting, this area is known for stargazing. There are several areas to park for free and access the lake. There are a few areas with sandy beaches.
25=Coruche
This area feels like you are in Morocco. The homes are white with blue or yellow trim. You see cork trees for as far as the eye can see.
26= Montemor o Novo
The town is small but unique. It is in the township of Evora. Saint John of God is from this region. He was a canonized Portuguese soldier who worked in healthcare in Spain. His followers formed the Brothers Hospitallers of St John of God.
White Houses trimmed in blue or gold. The firehouse is easy to find on N2
Ruins on the top of the mountain
There is a small village with a large train station. Small hills coated in straw and hay fill your view. Cork trees line the horizon. The Turismo closed at 5:30 pm. This is a quiet town lined in white walls. This section does no have a shoulder on the street
Feel the nature, touch the nature, smell the nature
27= Viana do Alentejo
28= Alcacer do sal
29= Ferreira do Alentejo
30=Aljustrel
A long straight road. Lots of farms.
Stamped at Bombeiros, Pires Restaurant KM 619, and Bar Jardim.
The center of town is lined with cobblestone blocks, and homes are stuck in time. We did not see many people.
31= Castro Verde
Get your stamp at Rua D. Afonso I (junto à Igreja dos Remédios)
7780-183 Castro or the Fire House.
There are more straightaway areas in this section.
Look at the top of the poles, you will see stork nests.
In the summer, the fields are dry and brown.
32= Almodovar
Entered Alentejo and left Algarve.
KM 676 has a small park to rest.
Bridge from 1776
This area is mountainous, dry, comprised of hay and twisted roads
33= Loule
The trip from Alportel to Loule is mountainous, winding roads, hills, and no shoulder to drop. The views are stunning. You can see the growth and process of cutting Cork Trees.
Stop at KM 705 to get a stamp.
This area feels stuck in time.
There are not many places to stop along this section of N2. Louie center is not located on N2.
34= Alportel
The areas to get stamped for Al portal are difficult to locate.
There is a yellow N2 sign at the circle near KM 721. Leave N2 to obtain stamps. Firefighters address is rua vasco 8150-166.
Follow the snack bar Bombeirro. We received 2 stamps at the firehouse. The town is quite large. Lunch at Sabores do Antigamente was slow but excellent. Park in the street ( free). Walk the cobblestone streets.
Acquire stamps at EN2 Memory House 8150-139, Alportel Museum Center, or Tourist office 8150-107.
The motorhome park was closed for a stamp.
35= Faro
We stopped in Faro at N 2 km marker 738. It’s difficult to park, but we pulled off to the side of the road and pulled up on the sidewalk. We walked over and took pictures and if you look down the street, you’ll see the store. It’s very small and it does have a little café.
There are 7 trains to see on this route. There are 13 different rivers to cross on the trip. You will travel over and around 11 large mountains on the journey.
Do you have to start at Chaves?
no
Start anywhere on the road and complete several stops on the path
we conquered N2 central Portugal
Stickers for the trip
FYI
Brown street signs are special sights to see in the area (if you have time)
For Example:
Castle castelo
Windmill moinho de vento
Bridge ponte
Dam barragem
High Point ponte alto or miradouro
Church iglesia
Beach praia
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