A trip onto Portugals Route 66 (N2)

Our European road trip today crossed a country boarder, I suppose I still kinda of wish that it was a detailed affair with a machine gun touting guard demanding ‘Papers Please’ but no like most Western European boarders, all we got was a sign telling us the new speed limits and a blue sign with a ring of stars.

Welcome to Portugal

Thanks to the Sat nav we departed the smooth tarmac and headed the last few km along a pit holed bumpy road very reminiscent of driving at home.

After a fail at finding the first park up we find ourselves a space in the somewhat much larger, riverside car park in Chaves, a charming Portuguese town nestled near the Spanish border. (N 41.7422, W 7.46492).

The primary purpose of our visit, well the only purpose was a rather mundane one.

To obtain our N 2 passports.

Portugal’s longest road, the N2, (or Nacional 2), runs from Chaves, just below the border of the country, all the way to Faro on the south coast.

Given that it’s said to be Portugal’s most epic road trip, the N2 is often referred to as the Portuguese Route 66.

Built in 1945, the Estrada Nacional 2 (EN2) was once the main thoroughfare through the centre of Portugal, connecting typical villages, ancient towns and cities.

Its 739 kilometres snake through an ever-changing landscape of mountains, plains, forests, cork oak plantations, vineyards, rocky highlands, verdant valleys and vast reservoirs.

However, right at its start, Km Zero if you like is Chaves, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and warm hospitality, immediately captured our hearts.

The town’s rich history, dating back to Roman times, is evident in its well-preserved architecture. As we wandered through the narrow alleys, we stumbled upon hidden squares, ancient churches, and quaint shops.

The highlight of our visit, of course, was the N 2 passport shop.

While the process of obtaining the passport was straightforward, that will be €2.50 please , the experience itself was memorable.

The friendly chap couldn’t be more helpful with places to stop along the way.

After securing our passports, we decided to reward ourselves with a well-deserved drink at the iconic Km Zero bar.

This historic establishment, located at the starting point of the N2 national road, is a popular spot for travelers and locals alike.

As we sipped our beers, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of adventure and excitement.

Chaves, a town that we had initially overlooked, thinking it was just going to be a stop to buy the passport turned out to be a delightful surprise.

A Glimpse into History

One of the most impressive sights in Chaves is the Roman Bridge, which spans the River Tâmega.

This ancient structure, built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. As we walked across the bridge, we couldn’t help but marvel at its grandeur and imagine the countless people who have crossed it over the centuries.

Plus we were treated to a near perfect reflection on the water x.

Our time in Chaves was a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected detours can lead to the most rewarding experiences.

But onwards tomorrow, as we hit the road which should hopefully take us all the way to faro

Paul.