The Portugal N2 Tour

8 Nights / 7 Days of Cycling

Distance 740km / Elevation 9000m

Our Portugal N2 north to south tour is truly an unforgettable cycling trip and one famed for being one of the only roads in the world to span the entirety of the country from north to south spanning approximately 740km and taking in around 9000m of elevation across 7 days of cycling. This tour promises to immerse you in the heart and soul of Portugal as you ride along the iconic N2 road often referred to the “Route 66” of Portugal.

Day Two

Chaves – Peso da Régua 

Distance 89km 

Elevation gained 1480m

Today we start the epic journey across Portugal, first things first is to get that all important picture at the N2 0km marker before heading out into the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region which is one of the oldest and most famous wine making region of Portugal. A fairly steady day in the saddle with rolling roads and smooth climbs a perfect way to get acclimatised to the area. The back end of the ride is predominantly down hill to the picturesque town of Peso da Régua nestled alongside the Douro River surrounded by terraced vineyards famous for making Port. It is also known as the unofficial capital of the Douro wine region. Don’t miss out and check out the Douro Museum which highlights the regions wine industry.

Peso da Régua – Tondela 

Distance 106km

Elevation gained 1950m

The days riding is a anticlockwise circular loop starting and finishing in the beautifully historic city of Evora. This gives you more time to soak in the atmosphere and explore the historic centre after the ride. The route rolls through the cork oak forests and white washed villages where we take in some rolling climbs and beautiful smooth descents before we have a beautiful lunch in one of the traditional villages before rolling back in to Evora. 

Day Four

Tondela – Pedrógão Grande

Distance 119km 

Elevation gained 2145m

Day 4 is the Queens stage of the tour, and it doesn’t disappoint. The route has a few little humps and bumps in and probable the toughest climb of the tour is in today’s route. For riders wanting to change it up there is an option here to take in a beautiful Cycle path for the first 18km of the route the Ecopista do Dão. The route follows the rio (river) Dão and ultimately the Rio Mondego for a good time before turning inland to climb and ultimately reaching the lush region and picturesque town of Pedrógão Grande.

Day Five

Pedrógão Grande – Ponte de Sor 

Distance 102km 

Elevation gained 1389m

The first 60km of the route is rolling and where most of the elevation is gained for today’s route as we leave the norther mountainous region pf Portugal behind us and transition into the central flatter Alejento region of Portugal, famed for its wine making and home to our Portugal Wine Tour. On todays route you will note the transition in the landscape into the rolling roads through some beautiful Cork forests which are ever present for the remainder of the trip.

Day Six

Ponte de Sor – Alcáçovas

Distance 116km

Elevation gained 1135m

A relatively flat day great to spin the legs out and enjoy the fast flat roads ahead, the route runs through the wonderfully historic town of Montemor o Nova with historic castles and monuments.

Day Seven

Alcáçovas – Castro Verde

Distance 90km 

Elevation gained 784m

Today’s route is relatively short but allows you to enjoy the smooth quite rolling roads with some beautiful scenery, a day to just loose yourself on the bike. The days ride ends as we enter some beautiful natural Grasslands and flatland areas, but don’t forget to look up; this area is famed for its diverse bird life and in particular some beautiful Eagles.

Day Eight

Castro Verde – Faro 

Distance 101km 

Elevation gained 1295m

The final days riding lies ahead and one of celebration the first 40km of the ride is somewhat flat before we take in one last final mountain climb of around 15km. The Caldeirão range offers up some beautiful views of the surrounding region and don’t forget to stop at the viewing point at the top before rolling along the tops through wonderful, forested areas before descending down to the final destination of this wonderful tour Faro. 

Cycle Retreats will take care of everything for you from perfectly located lunch stops to a support car waiting at the top of a climb to ensure you have everything you need for your day in the saddle. A qualified guide will be back marker so you don’t even have to navigate if you don’t wish and can ride with them. Two vehicles will be on the road with you, one moving forward with luggage and one that will carry your rider’s day bag and be available to you at points throughout the day. This vehicle will also have a plentiful stock of cyclists treats as well as on bike nutrition from our partner Tailwind. As always hot and cold drinks will be available from this vehicle (known to his friends as Bernard).

For tours of this nature, we recommend you use your own bike, but we will also have a qualified mechanic on hand should the need arise and carry spares. You can also choose to hire from us, see extras costs below.



Once you have arrived at Faro on the 23^{rd of} September, we celebrate this epic achievement with a gala dinner before saying our goodbyes. The morning of the 24^{th of} September we will transfer you to Faro airport for 10am for your onward journey.