Inside the Legendary Ride from North to South Portugal

If you have ever dreamed of cycling the entire length of Portugal—from the rolling hills of the north to the sun-drenched shores of the Algarve—there’s one route that captures it all: the Estrada Nacional 2. Known as the Route 66 of Portugal, the N2 is the longest continuous road in the country, stretching 738km from Chaves in the north to Faro in the south.

While many now offer tours along this iconic road, the N2 Challenge was the first organised cycling event to tackle Portugal from end to end. Created over a decade ago by Adriano Placidi, founder of Volta Pro Tours, this legendary tour remains unmatched in depth, experience, and rider support.

An Interview with Adriano Placidi – Founder of the Original N2 Challenge.

We spoke with Adriano to learn more about what makes the N2 so special, how the Challenge was born, and why this once-a-year ride continues to be one of Europe’s most life-affirming long-distance bike rides.

Adriano, you created the first-ever cycling tour of the full N2. What inspired you?

When I first discovered the N2, it was just this beautiful, under-the-radar stretch of road crossing the heart of Portugal. No traffic, endless variety, ancient towns and farmlands—everything a cyclist dreams of. At the time, no one was cycling it end to end.

I knew straight away it was a challenge worth creating—not just for the route, but for the story. It’s a road that literally crosses a country. From the border of Spain to the Atlantic coast, north to south. That felt epic. That felt meaningful. And I wanted to make it possible for cyclists to experience it fully supported.

Why do you think cycling the N2 has become such a bucket list adventure?

The N2 bike route shows you the soul of Portugal. You start in the green, mountainous regions of Trás-os-Montes, pass through the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Douro Valley, cross the vast plains of the Alentejo, and finish by dipping your wheels in the Atlantic at Faro.

It’s one of the few long-distance bike rides in Europe where the landscape changes so dramatically every day. You pass ancient castles, Roman bridges, whitewashed villages, and ride roads that feel like they were made for cycling—quiet, flowing, and scenic. It’s Portugal’s best-kept secret.

What does a typical day feel like for a rider on the N2 Challenge?

There’s a rhythm to it. Each morning begins with a hearty breakfast, a short briefing, and then you’re off—riding straight into Portugal’s heartland. Some days are filled with climbs and sweeping descents through forested mountains. Others are long, rolling stretches across olive groves and cork trees.

We’ve planned it carefully: each stage has the right balance of challenge and beauty. Our ride guides know every corner of the N2, so whether it’s a quick espresso stop or an unexpected tailwind, they help shape each day into something unforgettable.

At the end of the day, riders roll into hand-picked hotels—often family-run, always full of charm—where luggage is waiting, bikes are looked after, and a warm meal rounds off the day. There’s a real camaraderie that builds. You’re not just riding a route—you are part of something.

A lot of other companies are now offering N2 bike tours. What sets the Volta N2 Challenge apart?

We’re the originators of the N2 Challenge. This isn’t just another route for us—it’s our signature event. We’ve been running it for over 10 years, and we know it better than anyone.

Our local knowledge is unmatched. The Volta ride guides have deep roots in Portugal, and we’ve ridden this road so many times we know exactly where to find the best lunch, the smoothest road surface, the quietest sections, or the best view for a photo stop. We’ve built close relationships with hotels, restaurants, and even local winemakers along the way.

Some tours follow the route. We live it.

Why do you only run the event once a year—and why in April?

We’ve chosen April for a reason: it’s simply the best time to cycle the N2 in Portugal. The roads are quiet—almost empty in some sections—the days are long, and the countryside is in full bloom. It’s before the heat arrives and before the summer traffic starts.

And we limit the Challenge to once a year because we want to keep it special, intimate, and high-quality. With just 20 riders, it feels like a team. That way, we can give every cyclist personal support—from ride planning and GPX navigation to luggage handling and recovery.

What kind of cyclists take on the N2 Challenge?

We welcome regular riders—not just elites. You don’t need to be a racer. We are fortunate to be partnered with World Champion, Dame Sarah Storey and she supports our riders with training plans in the lead-up to the event. Our team is there on the road every day and, if you’re prepared to ride 100km per day and want to discover Portugal by bike, this is for you.

By the time you arrive in Faro, there’s this incredible sense of achievement. Many riders tell me it’s the best cycling experience of their life. Not just because of the distance, but because of the friendships, the places, and the story they now carry.