Why is Estrada Nacional 2 famous?
Portugal, europe
738 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Calling all road trip enthusiasts! Ditch the autostrada and embrace the open road on Portugal's very own "Route 66" – National Road 2! This epic adventure stretches a whopping 738km (458 miles) from Chaves in the north, practically kissing the Spanish border amidst the rugged Trás os Montes landscape, all the way down to Faro in the Algarve, where the turquoise waters of the Atlantic await.
Get ready for a fully paved, soul-stirring journey through the heart of Portugal, as you conquer 4 mountain ranges, meander across 11 rivers, and cruise through 29 unique municipalities. Forget boring highways; this is about slow travel at its finest!
Picture this: stunning vineyards, charming medieval villages, rejuvenating river beaches, and a landscape so diverse it'll leave you breathless. You'll discover Portugal's hidden gems, from UNESCO World Heritage sites and majestic mountains to elegant spa towns, pristine lakes, and those picture-perfect villages that seem straight out of a postcard.
While the N2 isn't known for being particularly dangerous, be prepared for some winding sections and keep your eyes peeled for local traffic. Built between the late 19th century and 1945, this iconic road is calling your name! Are you ready to answer?
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 738 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Mamisoni Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Mamisonskiy Pass: Straddling the border between Georgia and Russia's North Ossetia-Alania, this high-altitude gem clocks in at a staggering 2,836m (9,304ft)! You'll find it nestled within the Racha-Lechkhum-Kvemo Svaneti Planned National Park. The North Ossetian Military Road, dating back to the late 1800s, winds its way through here, connecting Kutaisi in Georgia with Alagir in Russia. But be warned, this 33.6 km (20.87 miles) stretch from Shovi, Georgia, to Kamskho, Russia, is not for the faint of heart. Expect a completely unpaved track, barely wide enough for one vehicle in places, with hairpin turns and blind corners galore. The climb is seriously steep in sections, reaching gradients of up to 17%! The pass is usually only open for a few months each year due to heavy snowfall. But for those brave enough to tackle it in a 4x4, the views from the top are incredible. Plus, you can even visit a weather station located near the summit at 2,847m (9,340ft). Just remember, you're right on the edge of Europe here, where the continent meets Asia!
hardCheneil
🇮🇹 Italy
# Cheneil: A High-Alpine Italian Adventure Nestled high in the Italian Alps, Cheneil is a charming little village sitting pretty at 2,043 meters (6,702 feet) above sea level in Aosta Valley, northwestern Italy. If you're looking for a genuine mountain escape, this place is calling your name. The drive up to Cheneil is no joke—but in the best way possible. Starting from Valtournenche, you're looking at a 6.6km climb that's going to get your adrenaline pumping. The road is nicely paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual cruise. You'll be tackling an average gradient of 7%, with some gnarly sections hitting up to 9.5%. Your car (and your legs, if you're on two wheels) will definitely feel this one. The route winds up through the stunning Valle d'Aosta landscape, offering those postcard-worthy Alpine views that make the effort worthwhile. Once you reach the top, there's a convenient parking lot where you can finally catch your breath, stretch those driving muscles, and soak in the incredible high-altitude scenery surrounding you. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why mountain roads in Italy are so special—challenging, scenic, and absolutely unforgettable.
moderateBrenner Pass is the lowest Alpine pass
🇦🇹 Austria
# Brenner Pass Want to tackle one of Europe's most historic mountain crossings? The Brenner Pass sits pretty at 1,370m (4,495ft) on the Italian-Austrian border, connecting South Tyrol's Bolzano province with Austria's Innsbruck district. This isn't just any mountain road—it's been a major gateway between northern Europe and Italy since ancient times. The journey spans 49.1km (30.5 miles) from Sterzing in Italy to Innsbruck, Austria, along the fully paved E45 route (marked as A22 in Italy and A13 in Austria). Built back in the 1830s-40s as a four-lane motorway, this is one of Europe's crucial north-south arteries, so expect plenty of company on the road. Some sections get pretty steep, with gradients reaching up to 10.7%, so keep your wits about you through those hairpin sections. The good news? Being the lowest Alpine pass in the region means you can typically drive it year-round. It's situated in the spectacular Eastern Alpine range, offering paved roads all the way to the top. Just remember: this is a major thoroughfare, so traffic can be heavy—but that's the price you pay for accessing one of history's most important mountain passages. Ready to cross into Austria?
moderateDriving the nerve wracking coastal road from Kotor to Mrčevac
🌍 Montenegro
Cruising the Adriatic coast of Montenegro? Then you HAVE to experience the drive from Kotor to Mrčevac! This gem, also known as the Jadranska Magistrala, hugs the Bay of Kotor in the southwestern part of the country. It’s all paved, stretching about 22 kilometers (that’s around 14 miles) from the historic walled city of Kotor (think amazing views and medieval vibes) to the chill coastal town of Mrčevac. Word of warning: it gets BUSY in the summer. Budget about 40-50 minutes if you're driving straight through. But the real kicker? Driving along the Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor) is NOT for the faint of heart! This coastal road gets super narrow – sometimes down to a single lane. Passing can be tricky, so be prepared to pull over or even back up. And hold on tight, because in many spots, the road drops RIGHT off into the water with no guardrails! Get ready for a nerve-wracking but utterly unforgettable experience.