The final stage of the epic N2 – Portugal
I’m almost sad to type out this one, as our N2 adventure was drawing to a close, and we found ourselves one last overnight destination Almodóvar, a quite small town nestled in the heart of the Alentejo.
But with the towns folk providing a most excellent full services motorhome aire, what could be better, Sadly this is one of free Aires that could actually do with some policing, as a small few seemed very happy to ignore the 48 hour rule and were clearly here for a long stay.
We on the other hand, stuck to the rules, but hey we did have one final place in our sights. So started our exploration of the town, it might only be a small town but it’s has a certain charm, a diamond ready to be honed.
With the town streets wondered and its church admired, the N2 passport stamped we retired to Alma the Adria for a bit of supper.
Thanks to the helpful information board at the site we embarked on the 18km circular cycle route (number 61) that loops out from the aire, described as a mountain bike route but only ‘easy’ in its difficult scale.
The route was a delightful mix of rolling hills,dirt tracks and tranquil countryside.
We enjoyed the peaceful pace of cycling, stopping occasionally to admire the scenery and soak in the Alentejo sun.
Sadly, we had to bid farewell to Almodóvar and continued our journey along the N2.
The final stretch of the road (about 70km) leading towards Faro, offered a mix of emotions – a sense of accomplishment for completing this epic journey, and a tinge of sadness as we neared the end.
As we approached Faro, the excitement grew. We were nearing the end of the N2, the culmination of weeks of travel, exploration, and discovery. Finally, we reached the iconic N2 signpost marking kilometer 738.
It was a bittersweet moment, a celebration of a journey well-traveled.
Looking back, our N2 adventure was more than just a road trip; it was an unforgettable experience.
We encountered breathtaking landscapes, met friendly locals, and discovered hidden gems along the way.
The N2, with its rich history and cultural significance, will forever hold a special place in our memories.
Paul.