The Carretera Nacional 222 (EN222) is one of the most beautiful roads in the world and is known for offering one of the best driving experiences for nature lovers. The road crosses the heart of the Douro Wine Region, a wine-growing region in Portugal, and offers impressive views of the hills, rivers and vineyards that surround the area.
If you have a road trip through the Duero in your plans, the EN222 is one of the most recommended routes to explore. Some 225 kilometers long, the road starts in Vila Nova de Gaia and ends in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, passing through towns such as Resende, Régua, São João da Pesqueira and other popular tourist destinations along the way.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know to plan your trip along the EN222. From the best places to take photos to the most recommended restaurants and accommodation, this complete itinerary will help you make the most of your adventure along Portugal's most beautiful road.
Why take a road trip along the EN222?
The Carretera Nacional 222 is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, with stunning views over the Duero river and the surrounding vineyards. A road trip along the EN222 is a unique experience not to be missed by lovers of nature, history and culture. These are some reasons why you should consider taking a road trip along the EN222:
- Natural beauty: The landscape is spectacular, with green hills, terraced vineyards and the Duero River meandering through them.
- Culture and history: The EN222 passes through many historic towns, such as Régua, Pinhão and Resende, where you'll find ancient monuments, churches and museums.
- Gastronomy: The Duero region is famous for its wines, but also for its gastronomy. There are many restaurants along the EN222 that serve traditional Portuguese dishes, such as Portuguese stew and codfish.
- Adventure: There are many outdoor activities to do in the Duero region, such as hiking, boat trips, cycling and even globe-trotting.
A road trip along the EN222 is a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty and culture of the Duero region. Don't miss the chance to take this unforgettable trip
What to visit on the EN222?
The Carretera Nacional 222 is one of the most beautiful in the world and offers stunning views of the Duero. If you're planning a road trip through the Duero, here are some suggestions on what to visit on the EN222.
Miradouros
There are several viewpoints along the EN222, offering panoramic views of the Duero. The São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint is one of the most famous and offers incredible views of the Duero valley. Other popular viewpoints are the Miradouro de São Salvador do Mundo and the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.
Bodegas
The Duero region is famous for its wines, and there are many bodegas along the EN222 that offer wine tastings and guided tours. Some of the most popular wineries are Quinta do Vallado, Quinta do Crasto and Quinta do Panascal.
Cities and towns
The EN222 passes through several charming cities and towns. Lamego is a historic town with an impressive cathedral and a medieval castle. Pinhão is a picturesque town that is home to several wineries and offers boat trips along the Duero river. Peso da Régua is another city worth visiting, with an iconic bridge over the Duero river and several museums dedicated to wine.
Monuments and historical sites
The EN222 passes several interesting monuments and historical sites. The Monastery of São João de Tarouca is a 12th century Cistercian monastery that is one of the oldest in Portugal. Casa de Mateus is an 18th century baroque mansion famous for its gardens and vineyards. The Côa Museum is a rock art museum that houses some of the oldest rock paintings in Europe.
Consejos para un viaje por carretera a lo largo de la EN222
Cuándo ir
La mejor época para hacer un viaje por carretera a lo largo de la EN222 es entre abril y mayo, cuando el clima es más suave y los viñedos están en plena floración. The vendimia takes place in September and October. You can enjoy various wine-growing activities, treading the grapes, on various farms throughout the Duero. However, it's important to remember that during the summer months, the road can be more crowded, which can make the journey a little longer.
Where to stay
Along the EN222 there are various accommodation options, from hotels and guesthouses to rural houses and campsites. We recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer months, to guarantee availability.
Accommodation
Régua | Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa
Pinhão | La Casa Vintage - Douro
Lamego | Casa de Santo António de Britiande
What to take
Some important items to take on a road trip along the EN222 include:
- Sun protection and a sombrero to protect yourself from the sun
- Water and water bottles to keep you hydrated
- A map or GPS to help with navigation
- A camera to capture the impressive landscapes
Safety on the road
It is important to remember that the EN222 is a winding, narrow road with many curves and steep climbs. It is recommended that you drive carefully and respect the speed limits. In addition, it is important to be aware of other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
