Trips and Adventures
N222 in Portugal: one of the most beautiful roads in the world
Do you like driving? Do you feel a car like no other when you're behind the wheel? Then perhaps the time has come to choose N222, in Portugal, as your next adventure. This road connects Vila Nova de Gaia to Almendra, in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, for a total of 226 kilometres. Long considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, we promise that there are many surprises in store for you along the way. Are you ready to discover them?
We know that it can be hard to surprise someone who already has a monthly car rental by subscription, but the N222, in Portugal, could be the perfect excuse to use all the advantages that Xtracars has included in your monthly fee. After all, we're talking about a route that passes through all kinds of landscapes and curves, which we know you'll want to experience with the greatest comfort. And comfort is with us.
The N222 in Portugal is a true World Heritage Site
From Ribeira do Porto, to the Alto Douro Wine Region, to the Côa Valley Rock Engravings, this road takes in three UNESCO World Heritage sites. Need any more excuses to hit the road? If the answer is (still) yes, we've got you covered.
We know that it can be hard to surprise someone who already has a monthly car rental by subscription, but the N222, in Portugal, could be the perfect excuse to use all the advantages that Xtracars has included in your monthly fee. After all, we're talking about a route that passes through all kinds of landscapes and curves, which we know you'll want to experience with the greatest comfort. And comfort is with us.
For some years now, the N222, in Portugal, has been considered one of the best driving roads in the world, mainly due to its 27-kilometre stretch. It links Régua to Pinhão, with exactly 93 bends, and has earned it the title of one of the most beautiful in the world.
Those who travel it describe it as going "straight to the heart of the Douro valley, offering breathtaking views over the terraces". And we know that anyone who discovers the Douro Valley, a region famous for its wines and the production of Port wine, will be treated to unique landscapes of vine-covered hills, picturesque villages and the majestic Douro River.
Urban or country landscape: what to do on N222, in Portugal
Kilometre zero of the N222, in Portugal, is located exactly at the Santo Ovídio metro roundabout in Vila Nova de Gaia. It's the starting point for a surprising adventure through a varied landscape. It passes through Castelo de Paiva, the Ilha dos Amores seen from Praia do Castelo and even takes a (well-deserved) diversion to the Ribeiro do Sampaio waterfall. City and countryside in a harmonious journey of discovery. But this is only the beginning of what awaits you.
Just before you reach the well-known Bestança Swing, you can opt to take a short break at the Ponte Velha do Cabrum, which links the municipalities of Cinfães and Resende, where you'll find some incredible hiking routes. Further on you'll find the headquarters of N222, in Caldas de Aregos, where you can ask for directions if you need them.
Resende is well known for its cherries, but there's much more waiting for you. Like the Monastery of Santa Maria de Cárquere or the Municipal Museum. In São Martinho dos Mouros, you can discover the Casa da Soenga and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, which sets the tone for the beginning of a landscape where the vineyards are in the spotlight.
And speaking of vineyards, you can't miss a visit to some of the most renowned Port wine estates. Like Quinta da Pacheca, very close to Régua, and in Régua, the old iron bridge, with an incredible view over the river. About 19 kilometres from here, it's worth taking a diversion to the São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint.
The more than 200 kilometres of the N222 in Portugal require you to set aside some time to explore it in all its splendour. The Casal de Loivos viewpoint and the Provesende wine village may be more than enough reason to take a break from your journey and enjoy the best the Douro has to offer. Just 11 kilometres off the N222 is the best-known dock for the Rabelo boats. We're talking about Pinhão, where even the old railway station, full of tile panels, dazzles passers-by.
São João da Pesqueira is your next stop, where you can see the beautiful Clock Tower, the Arch of Praça da República and the Misericórdia Chapel. Don't just leave your visit for the summer. This region is well known for its almond blossoms between February and March. As we near the end of this adventure with Xtracars, there's still time to discover the Castelo de Numão Interpretive Centre, the Prazo Archaeological Station and the Old Castle of Freixo de Numão. History is well preserved in the natural landscapes that the N222 in Portugal still hides.
Vila Nova de Foz Côa is one of our last destinations. The Pocinho Railway Bridge is worth a diversion, as is the incredible Côa Valley Archaeological Park. Before you head home, record your adventure with one of our cars by subscription at the São Gabriel viewpoint.
Any route is unique with Xtracars
With your route mapped out so you can discover the N222, in Portugal, like a local, all that's left is to make sure you have the ideal car to accompany you on every kilometre. SUVs, city cars, family cars - the choice is yours with the help of our cars to hire.
From 1 to 12 months, your car subscription allows you not only to secure a car in just 6 hours but also to confirm all the advantages of having one without the commitment to buy. Book for as long as you need and enjoy your fixed monthly instalment with no surprises.
Our service is quick and easy to request, for an extra touch of peace of mind on your journeys. But with so many curves awaiting you in the Douro Wine Region, it's better to be safe and add a good dose of memories with our complementary Glass and Wheel Protection product. This way, you can enjoy the natural beauty that awaits you without worrying about possible extra costs to your journey. Sounds good? Then go pack your suitcase.
