738km N2 Portugal Cycling Tour
Portugal from North to South on Europe’s longest road
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N2 OVERVIEW
Bike Type: Road
Number of riding days: 6
Tour Type: Guided or Self-Guided, Point to Point
Airport Lisbon / Faro
Km / day: 90-130km
Elevation gain / day: 1000-2000m
Overall Difficulty: Medium to Advanced
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
Are you looking for your next cycling trip to add to your bucket list for 2023? The N2 Portugal Cycling Tour could be the one for you.
738km 6-day* N2 cycling tour from North to South of Portugal
Guided, Self-Guided and Club options are available. Pricing starts at just €875pp.
Portugal is one of the least explored countries in Europe, and a true hidden gem for cyclists. During this trip you will traverse the country from North to South, starting from Chaves in the North and finishing in Faro on the south Algarve coast.
North
The north of Portugal is lush and green, world famous for the Douro Wine Region, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The ancient terraces cling to the side of every hillside, changing colour in Autumn turning the valleys to gold. leaving unforgettable images in the memory of any passing cyclists. K0 of the N2 road starts in Chaves, close to the border with Spain and this is where you will start your N2 cycling adventure!
Central
Central Portugal is characterised by the drier expansive plains of the Alentejo, small villages that feel utterly untouched by modern life, and some of the best producers of cheese, wine and olive oil in the country. For many miles cyclists will be grateful for the plane trees that line the route, providing shelter from the strong sun – but don’t forget to look out for storks who roost in the telegraph poles beside the road.
South
As you reach Southern Portugal, the greenery returns along with a range of hills that produce a few punchy climbs but stunning views towards Spain and the surrounding ‘Serra’. Cork oak plantations make a large majority of the roadside vegetation, along with beautiful orange groves on the approach to Faro.
The route is littered with magnificent castles, a reminder of its less peaceful past. The Algarve itself was one of the last strongholds of the 400 year long Islamic Conquest of Iberia, re-taken by the Christians in 1189, and in fact many place names, churches and the gastronomy of central and southern Portugal still hint at this rich heritage.
*For the dates indicated, this is a 6 day tour. However for bespoke groups and self-guided trips we can also offer this trip over fewer or more days. A well trained cyclist might be able to complete the N2 Cycling Tour over 4 or 5 days. A more casual cyclist might wish to take 10 days to 2 weeks. Let us know how many km you would prefer to ride each day, and we can organise it for you!
Self-Guided – What’s Included?
Airport transfers
6 spectacular days of cycling from Chaves to Faro
7 nights high quality accommodation
Buffet breakfast
GPX files of all stages in advance
Mechanical assistance
Professional drone and GoPro photos of your trip
Civil liability Insurance
5* service – our promise!
Guided Option – all of the above, plus..
Airport transfers
Ride Snacks
Knowledgable and friendly guides with you every pedalstroke of the way
All staff first aid qualified
Support vehicles + Luggage Transfer
Not Included
Flights
Lunch and Dinner (although we will recommend cafes and restaurants for you)
Extras – e.g. jersey, bike hire, single supplement for accommodation
2023 N2 Fixed Dates – Ideal for solo travellers!
In 2023 we have two options: 2nd – 9th June 2023 and 12th – 19th September 2023
2nd – 9th June 2023: The transfer from Porto to Chaves will be on the 2nd June, we will start riding on the 3rd June, and arrive in Faro the afternoon of the 8th June.
12th – 19th September 2023: The transfer from Porto to Chaves will be on the 12th September, we will start riding on the 13th September, and arrive in Faro the afternoon of the 18th September.
If you are ready to book – you can do so direct below!
Those dates don’t work for you? Send us a quote request for a bespoke tour!
738km North to South N2 Cycling Tour
Please note this is only an indication as external factors such as available hotels might impact which exact routes are followed. You will receive a detailed itinerary once you have booked.
Arrival into Porto Airport, transfer to Chaves
Bem-Vindo!
We will arrange for you to be taken (with any bikes and luggage you have of course!) from Porto Airport to Chaves.
Should you be arriving into a different airport, we can also arrange transport for you for an extra charge – just get in touch!
In Chaves you will be staying in a lovely hotel in the historic centre, a stones throw from the start of your journey.
Chaves – Peso De Régua
On your first day, you will head straight into the beautoful hills in the Douro region of northern Portgual. You will traverse vineyards and ancient traditional villages as you pedal down this section of the N2.
Finishing at Peso de Régua, your hotel is right on the river within a short walk of local restaurants and bars.
Peso da Régua – Tondela
This day will take you through more of the northern region of Portugal, traditional villages built with large dark stone, large swathes of forest and agriculture.
You will end the day in Tondela, a charming town with many great restaurants and cafes.
Tondela to Pedrógão Grande
This day will take you through the striking hilly region of central northern Portugal. You will end the day at a hotel next to the the Barragem de Cabril, a stunning reservoir on the Zézere river.
Pedrógão Grande to Ponte de Sor
Today we will wind our way through the beautiful hills out of Pedrógão Grande to Serta and Vila de Rei.
You will be amazed at the beauty of the central Portuguese landscape – forests, small villages and wonderful views.
We will finish the day at Ponte de Sor.
Ponte de Sor – Albernoa
Prepare yourself – this is the hardest stage, at 170km! Don’t worry however, the route is relatively little climbing and in fact it’s not usually people’s hardest day.
We will be cycling through the heart of the Alentejo, with cork trees lining the roads, storks flying above you and beautiful Alentejo cows in the fields.
Albernoa – Faro
Today will take riders through the southern Alentejo, vast plains and small traditional villages and into the ‘Serra de Caldeirão’ in the northern Algarve. We believe this to be one of the most stunning stretches of the N2, as it winds through cork oak forests.
The last 30km are mostly downhill as riders make the descent from Barranco do Velho to Faro.
A must-do is a stop by the final N2 Roundabout, to cement your completion of this challenge!
You will stay in one of the many hotels in central Faro, within walking distance to the restaurants, old town and marina. And only a 10 minute journey the following morning to Faro airport.
Departure from Faro Airport
We will organise your transfer to Faro Airport, as well as helping you get to the train or bus station for your onward journey.
We can also arrange a transfer to Lisbon Airport (3hrs) for an extra fee.
CLUB N2 CYCLING TOURS
Have you been tasked with finding a club trip for 2023? Maybe the N2 North to South cycling tour could be the perfect option. We have run successful trips for large groups (up to 40 people) in the past, and the N2 has always been a huge hit!
Club pricing can start as low as €925 per person with dinner, support vehicles, guiding and accommodation included. We can suggest the dates below, but also will try and work around your requirements in terms of flight availability. Contact us using the form below to get the ball rolling and we will take care of everything!
2023 Suggested Large Group Dates
13-20 May 2023 and 16-23 September 2023
Bespoke Small to Medium Group Tour Pricing
Below is an idea of pricing for our bespoke N2 North to South Tours, over 6 days, based on 2 people sharing rooms.
GUIDED - 2 - 5 people
Including Guide, Supporting Vehicle + Luggage transferN2 Portugal Cycling Tour – Fully Guided Groups of 2 to 5 people
- A guide will accompany you every pedalstroke of the way, leaving you to enjoy the landscapes as you traverse Portugal. They will take care of everything – from choosing the best cafe for lunch, to helping you repair a puncture and ensuring every part of the day runs perfectly.
- Accommodation, breakfast, guides, support vehicle and luggage transfer are all included. We can also organise lunch, dinner, bike hire, single room and more for an extra fee – just get in touch.
- This is a great choice for large groups, when the organisation and logistics is more complicated.
GUIDED - 6-11 people
Including Guide, Supporting Vehicle + Luggage transferN2 Portugal Cycling Tour – Fully Guided Groups of 6 to 11 people
- A guide will accompany you every pedalstroke of the way, leaving you to enjoy the landscapes as you traverse Portugal. They will take care of everything – from choosing the best cafe for lunch, to helping you repair a puncture and ensuring every part of the day runs perfectly.
- Accommodation, breakfast, guides, support vehicle and luggage transfer are all included. We can also organise lunch, dinner, bike hire, single room and more for an extra fee – just get in touch.
- This is a great choice for large groups, when the organisation and logistics is more complicated.
SELF-GUIDED - 2-5 people
Accommodation, Airport transfers, GPX routes and more...N2 Portugal Cycling Tour – Self Guided Groups of 2 to 5 people
- Prefer a little more autonomy? This is the right choice for you.
- Leave us to organise everything including the accommodation, airport transfers, route planning. You will receive kit list, GPX files and day-day logistical organisation (hotel bookings, restaurant recommendations etc) in advance, meaning you can simply get your cycling shoes on and enjoy the ride!
- We can also organise luggage transfer for an extra charge, for cyclists who do not wish to travel with panniers. Prices vary throughout the season and are subject to our providers availability – contact us and we will give you a good estimate immediately, followed up by a quote within 2 working days.
SELF-GUIDED - 6-11 people
Accommodation, Airport transfers, GPX routes and more...N2 Portugal Cycling Tour – Self Guided Groups of 6 to 11 people
- Prefer a little more autonomy? This is the right choice for you.
- Leave us to organise everything including the accommodation, airport transfers, route planning. You will receive kit list, GPX files and day-day logistical organisation (hotel bookings, restaurant recommendations etc) in advance, meaning you can simply get your cycling shoes on and enjoy the ride!
- We can also organise luggage transfer for an extra charge, for cyclists who do not wish to travel with panniers. Prices vary throughout the season and are subject to our providers availability – contact us and we will give you a good estimate immediately, followed up by a quote within 2 working days.
More than 12 people?
We are highly experienced at organising large group challenges and events. We can offer unbeatable pricing for the group trip you have in mind.
SEND A RESERVATION or QUOTE REQUEST
Send us a reservation request below for the N2 Portugal Cycling Tour and one of our friendly team will get back to you within 1 working day to help finalise and plan your trip.
Don’t forget! We create bespoke trips too – anything you would like to add, please don’t hesitate to ask us and we will do our best to make your ideas a reality.
Liked the sound of our N2 Portugal Cycling Tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal…
Ultimate Algarve Self-Guided Gravel Bike Tour
For the solo adventurers. Dying for a breakaway but don’t have the time to organise your own trip? Let us do the boring stuff – you can concentrate on enjoying the ride on the very best gravel tracks of the Algarve.
€925,00 – €1.275,00
Alentejo Gravel Bikepacking Holiday
For the bikepackers. An adventure is on the horizon! Escape your normal routine and join us for a truly new and exciting gravel bikepacking experience into the Alentejo.
Volta ao Algarve Road Cycling Holiday
For the fans. Enjoy a road cycling holiday in the Algarve alongside your favourite world tour heros! Tackle the famous climbs of Foia and Malhão and soak up the buzz and atmosphere as the Volta ao Algarve race flies past each day.
€775,00 – €1.275,00
Authentic Algarve Road Cycling Holiday
For the roadies. An unforgettable week of road riding in the Algarve. Not just bikes – this cycling holiday is also about enjoying the Portuguese culture, gastronomy and incredible landscapes too!
€875,00 – €1.275,00
738km North to South N2 Cycling Tour
For the challenge-seekers. A stunning road cycling holiday with a goal to achieve! Put your cycling legs to the test during this 6-day Challenge. A total of 738km, along Europes longest road.
€216,00
FAQ’s
Is it possible to do the N2 in fewer or more days?
Can I hire a bike?
Yes. Just get in touch to let us know exactly what you would like (road, e-bike or hybrid) and we will give you a quotation.
Am I too slow?
Definitely not! We pride ourselves on providing holidays for all abilities, and we have guides for different fitness levels. Often groups will be divided into three different groups so suit everyone!
Having said that, there are two trips that do require a reasonable level of fitness – the Bikepacking Adventure and the N2 Challenge. Both of these trips have a minimum number of kilometres to complete each day.
I would like to create my own bespoke holiday - can you help?
Of course! We would love to help you put together the perfect cycling holiday for you and your group.
We can assist with:
- Booking hotels, villas or BnB’s
- Hiring bikes
- Plotting cycling routes (road or off-road)
- Hiring guides
- Car Hire
- Booking restaurants
- Recommending cafes
- Airport transfers
We charge really reasonable prices for all of the above, making your life as the organiser really easy. Let us know what you have planned and we will help you plan an unforgettable week of cycling in Portugal for you!
What is your cancellation policy?
We strongly recommend that you travel with adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellation and holiday cancellation.
