The National Road 222: road trip through the most beautiful road in the world, along the beautiful wine region of Douro River.

Did you know that one of the most beautiful roads in the world is in Portugal? We want to show you about the Estrada Nacional 222, which takes you to discover the incredible Douro wine region.

The National Road 222 , or EN222, connecting Vila Nova de Gaia Vila Nova de Foz Coa, is considered one of the most beautiful road in the world. Among the reasons that make this northern route seduce all who walk it, is its layout and its landscape surroundings, namely in the sections along the Douro River.

If you like to drive and explore the most beautiful scenery in our country, you must visit the Estrada Nacional 222, by many compared to the mythical Route 66 . Follow our itinerary and live unforgettable moments in the Douro region .

On the road: unforgettable itinerary on the 222 National Road

Where it starts and ends

National Road 222 is part of the National Road Network, with 226.3 kilometers in length . It starts in Mafamude, in the center of Vila Nova de Gaia and ends in Almendra, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa. A unique route worldwide, combining three destinations classified as World Heritage: the Porto Ribeira, the Alto Douro Wine Region and the Foz Côa Rock Engravings.

The most acclaimed section

The most beautiful part of this road, and the one that offers the greatest driving pleasure, is the Régua – Pinhão section . There are 27 kilometers and 93 curves to accompany the winding of the Douro, in the company of a truly inspiring terraced scenery.

National road 222: mandatory stops

If your time is counted, you can shorten this adventure. Use the fastest roads to cut your way and just enjoy the Régua – Pinhão section. However, the perfect trip starts at Cais de Gaia, early in the morning. After admiring the historic center of Porto and the bed of the Douro River crossed by the iconic bridges, head to Estrada Nacional 222 and all its treasures, including picturesque villages, breathtaking viewpoints and gastronomic specialties to eat and cry for. more. Here are our favorite stops:

1. Cinfães do Douro

County with a rich built, cultural and gastronomic heritage. Highlight for the villages of Boassas , Bustelo da Lage, Gralheira and Vale de Papas . Kid with oven rice, “porridge miles” of pork liver or rojões are unmissable specialties.

2. Resende

Land of delicious cherries, it is part of the itinerary of Estrada Nacional 222. Among other reasons of interest, it is worth visiting the Casa da Torre da Lagariça , which Eça de Queiroz immortalized in his book “The Illustrious Casa de Ramires”, as well as the thermal complex of Caldas de Aregos.

3. Régua

One of the highlights of this itinerary, here are several spaces where you can learn more about the history of Douro wines, namely Port wine. The Douro Museum and Quinta do Vallado , with their fantastic wine cellar, are mandatory. Climb still to the Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura and commune with the ecstasy felt by Miguel Torga in the face of this magical landscape.

It is here, in Régua, that the most memorable part of this journey begins, which will take you to the beautiful village of Pinhão. Along the way, be sure to visit Quinta do Seixo , where you can do a wine tasting and enjoy superb views. In this section you will also find one of the best national restaurants: DOC . – by the renowned chef Rui Paula. It is in Folgosa, in the municipality of Armamar.

4. Pinhão

The tiles of the railway station are one of the hallmarks of this charming village, from where you can depart on a pleasant – and highly recommended – boat trip . Before returning to Estrada Nacional 222, travel the few kilometers that separate Pinhão from the village of Casal de Loivos , where you will come across one of the most incredible viewpoints in the region.

5. São João da Pesqueira

Village and wine-growing municipality belonging to the district of Viseu, São João da Pesqueira deserves to be given good hours of attention. Stroll around Praça da República, and learn more about the region at the Wine Museum . The viewpoints of São Salvador do Mundo and Senhora de Lurdes give you fabulous views over the Douro Valley. Also remember the rustic beauty of the villages of São Xisto and Trevões.

6. Vila Nova de Foz Côa

It is in this municipality that our road trip ends at Estrada Nacional 222. Its most famous attractions are the rock engravings and the museum of the Vale do Côa Archaeological Park . Be sure to enjoy this ancient heritage and then, to rest and relax, go for a swim on the river beach of the river Sabor .

If you want to be strict, end the tour in Almendra , the village where the road ends. The Mother Church, the Pelourinho, the fountain, the chapels and the quintessential layout of many houses, give the place an interesting historical atmosphere.