The starting point of the N2, the Roman town of Chaves. You will also want a nice address to spend the night in Chaves. There are various options in the immediate vicinity of the starting point and the official stamp post. There are also 2 options for campers, see the POIs on the route.

In Chaves, if you go to the local tourist office, where this route starts, you can apply for your passport and when you stop to visit the different places you can have it stamped. Don't forget to do that! This is great proof that you have driven Portugal's Route 66.

If you spend the night in Chaves, it is also nice to take a walk through the city. The town of Chaves, which means 'keys', is known for its Roman bridge over the Tâmega river, the smoked ham 'Presunto de Chaves' and its natural hot springs. In the caldas water bubbles up at 73°C. The water is said to have a healing effect. Those who want to be pampered in luxury can undergo a treatment with healthy spring water at Termas de Chaves. Next to the beautiful Ponte de Trajano bridge, the central square, Praça de Camões, is where the sights of Chaves can be found. Terraces, the town hall and two churches, so plenty to include in your city walk and grab a terrace for a break. An old square tower, left over from the 10th century castle, is also set in a beautiful garden behind the town square. Climb up to enjoy the view over the mountains of Trás-os-Montes.

Once on the route you will regularly encounter the N2 signs along the way, you do not have to pay special attention to them, because this route follows the N2. Arrived in Vila Real, a small town known for its country houses and churches. The Casa de Mateus country house became world famous because of the image on the labels of Mateus rosé, that of the flat round bottles.

Further south you will enter the beautiful vineyards of the Douro Valley. The village of Peso da Régua is located on the river of the same name and is the center of port production in the beautiful area. Grape plants grow in abundance on the many terraced hills. In addition to tasting the port, in Peso da Régua you can take a boat trip on the Douro to Pinhão or board a historic steam train.

In Lamego, the cultural capital of the region, the hillside sanctuary, Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, is the highlight. But the cathedral is also a nice stop. And many churches in Lamego are covered with the widely appreciated Portuguese tiles.

The next charming city you will visit is the well-preserved historic center of Viseu. In the city, stroll through the winding streets until you reach Sé Catedral de Viseu, in the central square of Adro da Sé. This city has the highest quality of life in Portugal. Good to stop in Viseu. You can get your N2 passport stamped at Avenida Boutique Hotel, Hotel Grao Vasco and Pousada de Viseu.

Do you want to be surprised by the spectacular nature of the Serra da Estrela? Then you will have to deviate from the route or book an extra night in Viseu. The Serra da Estrela is the largest mountain range, and also a natural park. It is the westernmost part of the Castilian Parting Mountains. The highest peak, Mount Torre, measures 1993 m, making it the highest mountain on the Portuguese mainland. The Torre is not a striking mountain peak, but the flattened highest point of a mountain ridge. Exactly at the highest point of the Torre there is a geodetic signal. The Torre is, unusually for a mountain peak, easily accessible via a paved road. This highest mountain range in Portugal is located west of Viseu. Nature lovers don't know what they see; boulders in all shapes, ravines, winding roads and impressive forests. The time and distance to drive to the highest point and back to Viseu is 145 Km and almost 3 hours, so an extra overnight stay should be considered.

Would you rather continue driving from Viseu on the N2? Then you come to the village of Penacova, also the end point of this route. The Penedo do Castro viewpoint provides a picturesque view of the Mondego Valley through which the country's largest river flows. Still up for an adventure? then get into a kayak or canoe in Penacova to explore the photogenic surroundings from the Mondego River.