As keen as ever to develop new tourist routes, the mayors of Faro and Chaves have announced the launch of Portugal’s answer to Route 66.
‘Route EN2’ may not have the same ring and depth of history as the iconic US road route but it is the third longest in the world after Route 66 and Argentina’s Route 40.
The EN2 is 71 years old, winding its venerable way for 738.5 kilometres across four mountain ranges, eleven rivers and through dozens of municipalities each with very different landscapes, histories and points of interest.
The road once was an essential trading link between the south and the north of Portugal but with a new motorway system in place the road lost its way as traffic dwindled and services fell away.
The plans to revive the EN2 as a sort of cultural and physical challenge and tourist attraction may pump some new blood through this sclerotic artery, the mayors certainly hope, and are working together to get ‘the offer’ sorted out with signage and publicity for those who want a touring holiday with difference, challenge and purpose.
Faro’s mayor, Rogério Bacalhau launched the route last week and said from the south to the north, a new an association of municipalities will work together to promote this route even though it is work in progress at the moment,
"This is a road with unique characteristics in Portugal. It runs right through the country’s centre and shows the various micro-cultures that exist in Portugal."
Faro and Chaves councils propose to create a small museum at each end of the route to explain the history of the EN2 from top to bottom – there is an old roadside building in São Brás de Alportel which would be well as an interpretive centre.
The inevitable protocol has been signed between the northernmost and southernmost mayors and the fun now begins to knit the diverse geography and history together into one of the most intriguing tourist journeys of Portugal.
_____
Main photo 'Alentejo sunset' © Frank McClintock 2015
