3 villages for 3 more stamps in the Passport

We haven’t really been able to resist the allure of collecting passport stamps.

Each stamp, a unique memento of a place visited, becoming an almost tangible symbol of our winter adventure this year.

The thrill of acquiring a new stamp fueled our wanderlust, driving us to explore every nook and cranny of Portugals N2

We might have found ourselves eagerly anticipating our next stop, not just for the destination itself, but for the chance to add another stamp to our passport.

So Alma our Adria vision motorhome has been enjoying life in the slow lane the last few days , with 3 quick overnight stops but a total drive at not much more than 120km.

But more importantly our N2 passport is fast becoming full of the much prized stamps !

Vila Nova de Poiares

Our first stop is Vila Nova de Poiares, a charming town nestled in the heart of Portugal, which kindly offers up a free motorhome aire, to encourage us good tourist folks to stop off and visit. (N 40.2133, W 8.25721)

The site itself is an odd stop over, at first I was a little disappointed , located directly behind the towns bus station and bordered by a large carpark, but I need not of worried as during the entire time we stayed not one car used the car park, nor did we actually see a bus come or go …..

Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, this picturesque town is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

So I personally thank these fine townsfolk for creating a perfect place to stay in our N2 road trip though Portugal.

Góis

Next stop was to be the picturesque village of Góis, another perfect free stop over, with a riverside location and picturesque views. (N 40.1643, W 8.1087)

Its crystal-clear waters have shaped the region’s history and culture for centuries.

The River offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Its calm waters and stunning scenery make it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the summer months.

But at this time of year it’s perfect to enjoy a leisurely walks along the riverbanks, admiring the lush vegetation and tranquil atmosphere.

We had tried in Vila Nova de Poiares to secure some Chanfana, but it wasn’t to be with only one restaurant open at the time of our visit, which sadly was serving more burger and fries than traditionally food.

So we tried again here in Góis….

Traditionally cooked in black earthenware pots made from local clay inside a wood oven, chanfana is well-loved in central Portugal.

It originates from times when many people kept goats for their milk and kid meat.

Once a goat stopped being useful and became another mouth to feed, it was destined for the pot. By that point, it really would be a tough old goat. 

The best way of tenderising the meat and making it palatable was by slow-cooking it in red wine with a few herbs and spices.

The resulting dish turned out to be so tasty that it’s now a regional delicacy and thankfully not made with old goat anymore…… ( well not the tourist version)

The meat was incredibly tender and flavorful, slow-cooked to perfection.

The dish was accompanied by a variety of side dishes, including boiled potatoes, cabbage and a delicious local wine. 

Cabril Dam

So not strictly an N2 stop over point, but at At kilometer 326, you’ll encounter the impressive Cabril Dam.

This towering structure, with its dramatic arch, is a testament to human engineering prowess.

The dam’s reservoir creates a vast expanse of water, surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation.

As you have to drive over Cabril dam it’s totally worth parking at the other side and walking back to the centre for the views downstream, and of the massive structure.

Vila de Reí

The village nearest the Centre of the epic N2. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests.

A great stop off, one of the more recent reviews of the site, described it as a funny village, where they had only seen 2 other people…..

OMG our experience was the polar opposite, a European village with a supermarket open on a Sunday, countless locals and a buzzing atmosphere.

The motorhome stopover is near perfection, set within a welcome park, with good parking, all the required services and picnic benches to boot. (N 39.6734, W 8.14592)

So as always you can speak as you find …

Sadly the weather had turned a little and the high winds and with them continuing to be forecast for the next few a nights it’s ruled out the PR1 hike to find the waterfalls nearby, but this just means it goes in the ‘must go back pile’

So onward we travel still sticking to the N2

Paul.