HI there.
I am retiring in 3 weeks and am going on a road trip in my 2007 icon to Los Picos de Europa and then down Portugal’s equivalent to Route 66, the popular Estrada Nacional 2 ( N2 ). I will eventually end up in Portimao where I will be staying for at least 4 or 5 months.I was wondering if anyone has done this trip and if they might have any tips for me. I would also like to know if there are any members in the South of Portugal who might be able to recommend a good mechanic ( just in case ) and might like to get together for some outings and maybe a cold Sagres or two.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Kind regards,
David Quinnelle
Just curious how you are going to get around the 90 days in 180 rule since Brexit ?
Unless the rules have changed recently - you can only travel in to the shengen area for a max of 90 days in any 180 day period.
I am fortunate to hold an Irish passport.
2 Likes
Brexit has become a royal PITA for long trips in to the shengen area now. ( with a British passport )
Sounds excellent! Not sure about any members on here based in Portugal, but I see there’s an MX-5 Club in Portugal - CLUB | CLUBMX-5 -
One of the 2023 activities mentions an N2 tour - ACTIVIDADES | CLUBMX-5 -
There’s also a Facebook group, if you use it. But it doesn’t look that active?
Many thanks Wardy5 for the links. The Clubmx-5- looks very promising.
1 Like
Hi David
We had a 6 week road trip last year ( it’s a year today since we set out).
Hillsborough Co Down to Rosslare
Bilbao, Santillana del Mar, Oviedo/Gijón
Santiago de Compostella
Porto
Coimbra
Sintra
Lagos
Tavira
Beja
Evora
Guarda
Salamanca
Valladolid
Burgos
and Bilbao and Rosslare with Brittany Ferries.
Sorry I can’t help regarding a known mechanic, but Mazda agents are plentiful, in both Spain & Portugal. I got European recovery sorted for the trip, but thankfully had no issues. I checked the oil, once, in Coimbra.
I pre registered for the Portuguese tolls- so they read your number plate and bill you on-line. Saves a lot of messing about. The Spanish ones aren’t as good- carry cash.
If I can help at all, let me know.
DavidC
Hi DavidC.
Many thanks for taking the time to write back. I have read your interesting and well written account of your trip around Portugal and Spain and all the following comments and advice… A good tip about pre registering for toll payments although I plan to stay away from toll roads and motorways.
Best wishes.
David
Thanks DavidQ
Have a great trip, and let us know how you get on.
I recommend this sticker for your trip to the continent
1 Like
Good one.
We’ve drive to the Algarve 3 time relatively recently and the small hotels and people are lovely. The Portuguese tend to press on a bit so you can cover some miles.
I believe you can go 10KPH over the speed limit to overtake but check it out properly!!
Elvas is certainly worth a visit and we had great hotels in Mertola, near Elvas and Castelo de Vide.
The N2 is a bit straight and we went all over the shop looking for the twisty roads and mountains
Hi Stace.
Thanks you for your tips. I will not be in a hurry and will take 3 days off the route to pop over to Aveiro to visit friends. I know the Alentejo region tends to be very flat with long straight roads which might be nice after a week driving around Los Picos De Europa🙂. I will definately check out Elvas and Castelo de Vide.
Best wishes,
David
This topic was automatically closed 30 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.