738km N2 Portugal Cycling Tour
Portugal from North to South on Europe’s longest road
Available for instant download? ✅
Available as a guided tour? ✅
Gallery – click or swipe for more…
N2 CYCLING TOUR – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Road
Number of riding days: 6,7 or 8
Tour Type: Guided or Self-Guided, Point to Point, Instant Download
Airport Porto / Faro
Km / day: 90-130km
Elevation gain / day: 1000-2000m
Overall Difficulty: Medium to Advanced
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
Guided, Self-Guided and Instand Download options are now available, so don’t miss out and add this iconic tour to your bucket list!
738km N2 cycling tour from North to South of Portugal
Download this bucket list tour from just €350! Go Self-Guided from €945pp or join our 2027 tour from €1550.
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.
How challenging is the N2 route?
The N2 has a varied terrain, with significant climbs in the north and central regions, particularly through the Douro Valley and Serra da Estrela foothills. The southern half is generally flatter, making for a more relaxed ride towards the Algarve. The tour is suitable for moderately experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness.
What levels of support do you provide?
You can join our 2027 Guided Tour for the full package, or book a Self-Guided tour for added flexibility. This includes GPX files, hotel and restaurant reservations, airport transfers, cafe recommendations and 24/7 whatsapp support.
If you prefer a DIY approach, check our our Instant Download package and get started on your planning straight away! Please check the full information below.
How many days does it take to complete the N2 cycling tour?
Most cyclists complete the N2 in 6 to 10 days, depending on their fitness level and preferred daily distances. A typical itinerary covers 80-120 km per day, balancing challenging climbs with time to explore the towns and cultural sites along the route.
What type of scenery can I expect along the N2?
Cycling the N2 takes you through Portugal’s most diverse landscapes—lush green mountains in the north, terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley, the golden plains of the Alentejo, and the rolling hills leading to the Algarve. Along the way, you’ll also pass historic castles, charming villages, and picturesque rivers.
Is the N2 road safe for cyclists?
Yes, the N2 is generally very safe for cycling, with many sections having light traffic, especially outside of major towns. The road surface is mostly well-maintained, and drivers in Portugal are very curteous to cyclists.
We will help you ensure that you stay on the N2 (there are sections where it’s easy to accidentally head onto some much larger roads) and also enjoy the less well-known sections of the ‘N2 Antiga’, which are absolutely stunning narrow sections of the route which haven’t been widened.
What type of bike is best for the N2 route?
A road bike bike is ideal for the N2, as the road is fully paved. If you prefer extra comfort on long rides or want to explore side trails, a touring bike or hybrid can also be a good option. Many riders also choose e-bikes to help with the tougher climbs. We can offer bike here, on any variety of tour, and we will assist in choosing the best bike for you.
What is the best time of year to cycle the N2?
In our experience the best seasons for cycling the N2 are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate, and the landscapes are at their most scenic. Summer can be very hot, especially in the Alentejo and Algarve, while winter may bring rain and colder conditions in the north.
Do I have to stay on the N2?
Not at all! We have some fabulous alternative ‘Best-Of North to South of Portugal‘ routes that the N2 doesn’t include over varying lengths and levels of difficulty. For cyclists wanting to get an even better feel for what Portugal has to offer, get in touch and we will send you a PDF proposal of one of our alternatives. For example, these routes might take in more of the Douro Valley, into the heart of the Serra da Estrela mountains and even over to the unexplored and deeply historic Spanish border.
What type of hotels can I expect?
For the most part, we book 3-4* hotels for our N2 tour, however this can vary considerably.
If you would like to upgrade your hotels, do let us know and we can recommend some incredible 5* options on route.
If you are travelling in a small group or as an individual, you will also be able to access the smaller boutique and family-run Portuguese guesthouses, which will make your experience truly special.
Example N2 Itinerary Options
This tour is usually done between 6-8 days of cycling, but many groups decide to have a rest day mid-way, and some people want to include less mileage to do more sightseeing, making it a 10 or even 12 day tour.
6 DAY N2 TOUR
Average daily mileage 125km
7 DAY N2 TOUR
Average daily mileage 105km
8 DAY N2 TOUR
Average daily mileage 93km
Swipe to compare example 6,7 and 8 day itineraries…
6 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 123km per day
7 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 105km per day
8 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 93km per day
Join our 2027 Guided N2 Tour!
6 Riding Days, 7 Nights
24th April – 1st May 2027
Twin Room €1550. Single room: €1950
Includes:
Airport Transfers OPO-Chaves and Faro-FAO
7 nights accommodation in handpicked 3/4* hotels
Buffet breakfast each morning and 3-course dinner each evening
Civil liability insurance
Luggage transfers and support vehicle
Awesome English speaking guides (maxiumum ratio 1:8)
Detailed itinerary and GPX route files in advance
5 star service – our promise!
Those dates don’t work for you? Send us a quote request for a private tour!
Interested in a Self-Guided N2 Tour or our Instant Download Package?
🗺Self‑Guided Tour | ⚡Instant Download Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| GPX Files | ✅ | ✅ |
| Detailed Daily Overview & Route Preview | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended Cafés en Route | ✅ | ✅ |
| Points of Interest | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airport Transfers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Luggage Transfers and/or Support Vehicle | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| 24/7 WhatsApp Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Restaurant Booking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Accommodation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Breakfast | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bike Rental | Optional extra | Recomended Providers |
| Civil Liability Insurance | ✅ | ❌ |
6-Day, 7-Night Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
7-Day, 8-Night Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
8-Day, 9-Night Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
⚡ Instant Download ⚡
GPX files and recommendations only. Perfect for independent cyclists who enjoy making their own plans.
Optional Extras
*Please note that the self-guided tour prices above are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. For anyone sleeping in their own room, the single supplement applies.
High Season Single Supplement €180/night pp extra
Medium Season Single Supplement €160/night pp extra
Low Season Single Supplement €150/night pp extra
Other Optional Extras
Luggage transfers and mechanical support vehicle: €360 per group per riding day
Luggage transfers: €150 per group per riding day (up to 5 riders) or €200 (6+ riders)
Guiding: €260 per group per riding day
Bike Rental: See our options here
Massage: €on request
Other 'off-the-bike' activities: €on request
Please note that all prices are subject to change due to hotel availability and season, but we will always endeavour to meet your budget!
⚡Download Route Files Now! ⚡
✅ Tried and tested route files in GPX format
✅ Detailed daily itinerary
✅ Recommended cafés en route
✅ Points of interest
✅ Points of caution - e.g. river crossings
✅ WhatsApp contact with a Paradise guide
Please note that our luggage transfer deal only applies to groups of up to 5 riders. If you are a group of 6 or more, please get in touch via the contact form.
CUSTOM CLUB AND GROUP TOURS
We have hosted groups of up to 45 riders and some clubs come back to us year after year. In the past we have delivered large group tours from Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro, and many others. We can build you a point-to-point tour, a single location trip, or anything else in between.
Check out what we can offer by following the link below, and get in touch via the contact form.
Interested in booking this tour? Contact us now for a detailed proposal.
One of our friendly team will be in touch with you within one working day.
Liked the sound of this tour?
You might also be interested in our other road cycling holidays in Portugal...
Related products
- Guided
Gravel Cycling, Nutrition and Yoga Retreat x Gravel-Up in Pays-Basque
Price range: €1.600,00 through €1.950,00 - Self-guided
Douro Valley 6-Day Road Tour
€250,00 - Guided
Azores Road + Gravel Tour 2027
€350,00 - Self-guided
Best-of Algarve 5-Day Road Tour
€200,00 - Self-guided
Best of Portugal North to South 8 or 13-Day Road Tour
Price range: €350,00 through €450,00 - Guided
Cycling, Nutrition and Wellness Retreat
Price range: €1.600,00 through €1.950,00
