Portugal occupies most of the western coast of the Iberian peninsula. Although it's quite a bit smaller than neighboring countries, like Spain or France, the distance from top to bottom is still significant—traveling from Porto in the north to Faro in the south takes about five hours by car.

Driving from the northernmost town of Chaves to the southernmost city of Faro in 2026 takes approximately 6 to 7 hours if you use the modern A1 and A2 motorways (toll roads). The distance is roughly 730 kilometers (450 miles). However, the most famous way to do this drive in 2026 is via the EN2 (Estrada Nacional 2), known as the "Route 66 of Portugal." The EN2 is 739 kilometers long and cuts through the heart of the country's interior, bypassing the coastal motorways. This scenic route takes significantly longer—at least 2 to 3 days if you want to actually see the Douro Valley, the Alentejo plains, and the central mountains. In 2026, the Portuguese government has invested heavily in "EN2 Passports" that you can get stamped at various towns along the way. Whether you choose the 6-hour "speed run" on the toll roads or the multi-day "slow travel" experience on the EN2, the drive offers one of the most diverse landscape transitions in Europe, moving from the lush, rainy green hills of the north to the arid, sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve.