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Driving Tips - Guerin
Great car trips start on the mythical National Road 2
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Car trips along the National Road 2 (EN2) are in fashion. Not only is it the longest road in Portugal, it's also the longest in Europe. And in the world, only two roads can surpass it: the famous Route 66 (USA) and Ruta 40 (Argentina).
Do you want to create great memories for your future car trips? Fasten your seatbelt. The adventure is about to begin. Always with Guerin.
On foot, by motorbike or by car.
Nacional Road 2 is an inland route that connects Chaves to Faro and divides the east from the west of Portugal. From one end of the country to the other, there are precisely 738.5 km that cross 11 inland districts and where you can enjoy stunning natural landscapes, gastronomic curiosities, culture and history. On foot, on motorbike or in a comfortable car, this is an obligatory itinerary for the sake of discovering and appreciating Portugal's heritage.
Guerin, as always, is at your side with multiple rental options for as long as you need. The almost 740 km require time, so everyone decides on the best places to stay. Three days, a week, a fortnight; it's your pace that sets the rules.
How to plan your N2 car trips in 2 steps
Before you set off on your adventure, it's important to plan your car journeys well. And if you're traveling along a mythical road like the N2, planning is even more essential.
We don't want to go into details because it's the choice of details that makes the magic of your trip, but we'll leave you with some advice:
1. Define your goal
Start by choosing the point of departure and arrival, as well as the duration of your journey. You can drive in both directions, but to honor this emblematic route, there's nothing like starting at km zero, in Chaves.
Guerin has 44 stations in Portugal. Just choose the most convenient one to pick up your rental car and get on your way.
2. Plan your route
The regions you pass through are rich in breathtaking landscapes and the gastronomic and historical culture deserve your full attention. Plan your stops in particular. To make your road trips more enriching, we advise you to take a few detours from the more central locations, but for now, we've created a list of some of the must-sees in the cities:
1. Chaves, the spa town where the National Road 2 starts, famous for its castle and Roman bridge and for its thermal waters that spring at 76°C;
2. Vila Real, capital of the Douro region, where you can visit the Cathedral, Mateus Palace and Diogo Cão House. If you're traveling with children, take the opportunity to visit the Museum of Sound and Image;
3. Viseu, the city of the legendary Viriato, where you can visit the Grão Vasco Museum, the Cava de Viriato, and enjoy a Viriato at Confeitaria Amaral;
4. Abrantes, the city of flowers, where you can enjoy the Castle of Abrantes, the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo and the Castle Garden;
5. Ponte de Sor, the city of aviation, with the Air Museum, the Municipal Aerodrome and the Arts and Culture Center;
6. Montemor-o-Novo, in the Alentejo, with Montemor-o-Novo Castle, the Misericórdia Church and the São Domingos Convent;
7. Faro, the city by the sea, where most of the road trips on this route end. To crown the tour, there's nothing like a table full of seafood and bivalve specialties typical of the Ria Formosa. Then there's the Cathedral, the Municipal Museum and the Chapel of Bones of Faro.
As far as accommodation is concerned, it's a good idea to book in advance. As for renting a reliable and safe car, leave it to Guerin, which offers an extensive fleet of options to suit all tastes: SUVs, family cars, premium cars and even minivans.
Don't forget your passport
There are few road trips like the N2, but to make it even more special, a lovely detail has been added: a National Road 2 Passport, issued by the Association of Municipalities of the National Road 2 Route. This document contains a small map of the EN2 route and has the advantage of being able to collect the stamps that certify the visit to each of the 35 municipalities along the route. The Passport can be purchased at the tourist offices and town halls of the municipalities.
3 essential tips for your N2 car trips
It's time to enjoy your adventure. Take note of three essential tips to improve your car trip experience:
- Make frequent stops to rest and enjoy the scenery. Take photos, chat to the locals and reserve a table for the typical dishes.
- Respect the traffic rules for safe driving. Wear your seatbelt, drive at the recommended speed and don't drive under the influence of alcohol. Also, don't use your cell phone at the wheel.
- Be flexible and open to unforeseen events. They often add another flavor to your car trips and drives through Portugal. Traffic jams, bad weather or other obstacles can be good reasons to explore new paths.
With Guerin your trips and car are always on the move
Before any rental, Guerin carries out a full vehicle check-up in order to minimize possible problems during your car trips as much as possible. However, you can always add our complementary products to your booking, guaranteeing total protection while you're on the road. Choose the Driver and car occupant protection product and ensure that you and the other occupants are protected against any unforeseen circumstances. Going on an adventure on the N2 gets tiring. With you in mind, we have the Additional Driver product available, so you don't always get behind the wheel and can enjoy the experience.
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