National Road 222 – the Complete Guide
last update: 09/08/2026
National Road 222 (EN222) | Guide and Complete Itinerary
The National Road 222 crosses the municipality of Castelo de Paiva and is just 9 km away from Cimo da Vinha – Nature Spot, so this trip may be an unique opportunity for you to stay with us – in our of our Suites, Granary or Glamping Tents – and visit the beautiful municipality of Castelo de Paiva in more depth.
History of the “Best Road in the World”
The creation of National Road 222 (N222)—often cited as one of the most beautiful roads in the world—was directly linked to the modernization and expansion of transport infrastructure in Portugal, driven by the growing need to connect the Douro wine regions with the rest of the country. For decades, the N222 was a vital route for transporting agricultural products, particularly Port wine, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development.
Beyond its logistical importance, the road also gained renown for its natural beauty, becoming one of the most cherished routes among travelers and tourists in Portugal. Passing through sites designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Douro Wine Region, the Ribeira district of Porto, and the Foz Côa Rock Art), the N222 has undergone various modernization phases throughout its history yet retained its unique character; to this day, it is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic roads in the world.
In 2015, the international car rental company Avis officially recognized National Road 222 as the best driving road in the world. This distinction was awarded based on its scenic beauty, challenging curves, and the unique experience it offers drivers. Such recognition helped further cement the N222’s reputation as a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike seeking a unique road trip.
Where does the N222 start and end? N222 Passport
National Road 222 begins in Vila Nova de Gaia, in the Porto metropolitan area, and extends 227 km to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, on the Spanish border. The road is renowned for running alongside the Douro River for part of its route, offering travelers stunning views of the region’s vineyard landscapes and its high, winding terrain. Connecting the Portuguese coast to the Spanish border, the N222 follows the left bank of the Douro and passes through various picturesque towns and villages—such as Peso da Régua and Castelo de Paiva—making it one of the most iconic and sought-after routes for those wishing to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Douro region.
You can document your trip by purchasing, for 3 euros, the N222 Passport to record the progress of your journey.
How Many Days Does It Take to Walk the N222?
Although it is possible to cover the entire N222 in a single day, covering its 227 km in less than 24 hours would not allow you to enjoy the route to its fullest, nor to make stops to visit the numerous places of interest.
To fully enjoy the N222 you should invest a few days:
- 2 days: Allows you to explore some locations such as Peso da Régua, Castelo e Paiva or Lamego, in addition to visiting farms in the Douro region. Ideal for those who want more time to enjoy the landscape and local culture.
- 3 days or more: A more relaxed trip, with time to explore different locations, do wine tastings and take the opportunity to rest in hotels along the route, experiencing the region and its gastronomy in greater depth.
Map of the N222
Best time of year to make the journey
Although the N222 is stunning all year round, during the harvest, the Douro Valley is particularly enchanting, with the vineyards already in vibrant autumn colors, creating an idyllic palette. The harvest season also brings the opportunity to witness the grape picking process. On the other hand, spring is also unforgettable, with nature in full bloom and the climate mild and inviting.
Key Tourist Attractions Along National Road 222
Although there are countless places of interest to visit along the route, we present here some of the options that are worth a stop:
♦ Vila Nova de Gaia:
♦ Castelo de Paiva:
♦ São João da Pesqueira:
♦ Vila Nova de Foz Côa:
cover photo © ippatrimonio.pt and portugaldenorteasul.pt
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cimo da Vinha IS a Nature Tourism resort in Castelo de Paiva, between the Paiva and Douro rivers. Its team is made up entirely of local workers with a deep knowledge of the regional geography and its traditions. This knowledge of the territory is one of our biggest differentiators. This understanding of the territory is at the service not only of our guests but also of this Blog.