# Douro Valley and the N222

> The N222 follows the Douro between Peso da Régua and Pinhão for 27 km through terraced vineyards. About 93 bends make it slow driving, and a loop with the N32

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/douro-valley-n222/

The N222 follows the Douro between Peso da Régua and Pinhão for 27 km through terraced vineyards. About 93 bends make it slow driving, and a loop with the N322 fills a full day.

- **Region:** Douro, northern Portugal
- **Length:** 27 km Régua–Pinhão; loop over 120 km
- **Start / end:** Peso da Régua (loop)
- **Suggested time:** One long day (about 7 hours)
- **Best season:** May–June, Sep–Oct; summer hot

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Portugal).

## What should you know before visiting Douro Valley and the N222?

- The celebrated stretch is Peso da Régua to Pinhão: about 27 km and 93 bends. A 2015 study commissioned by Avis ranked it first among 25 roads, so treat the title as one study's result.
- The main roads on the loop are paved and wide enough for two cars, with many tight turns and switchbacks. The M633 down to the Valeira dam narrows, so check it before taking a large motorhome.
- In Portugal, outdoor furniture or an awning counts as camping and is illegal outside campsites. Municipalities and protected areas can add bans. Use campsites or service areas, and never dump wastewater outside them.
- Harvest is usually from mid-September to early October. May and June also suit touring. July and August are hot, and winter is quiet, with reduced hours at some quintas.

## The drive

A suggested loop starts and ends in Peso da Régua. Take the N222 to Pinhão, continue on the N322 north through Alijó to Vale de Mendiz, then via the Tua area and the Valeira dam back along the N222. The full loop is over 120 km and takes about seven hours with stops. Viewpoints include São Leonardo de Galafura, São Salvador do Mundo and Miradouro Ilha do Tua.

## Planning

Because the day is long, share the driving or split it over two days. Municipal service areas in Portugal often offer water and waste disposal; check the current list and local rules. Under a 2021 law, approved motorhomes may stay overnight for up to 48 hours in one municipality where no local rule applies, but not in protected areas, Natura 2000 sites or coastal zones unless signed. Local signs take precedence.

## FAQs

**How long is the N222?**
The famous section between Peso da Régua and Pinhão is about 27 km. A suggested day loop including the N322 and the Valeira dam area is over 120 km.

**Is the road suitable for a motorhome?**
The main roads are wide enough for two cars but have many tight bends. Smaller side roads such as the M633 narrow, so big vehicles should stay on the main roads and check each detour first.

**When is the best time to drive it?**
One regional guide names May to June and September to October as the best periods. Harvest is usually from mid-September to early October. July and August are hot, and winter is quiet, with reduced hours at some quintas.

**How much are the tolls on Douro Valley and the N222?**
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Portugal). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.

## Places to see

- [Miradouro de Casal de Loivos](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-casal-de-loivos/)
- [Côa Valley rock art](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-coa-rock-art/)
- [Almeida star fortress](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-almeida-star-fort/)
- [University of Coimbra](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b13-coimbra-university/)
- [Peneda-Gerês National Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/geres/)
- [Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-lamego-sanctuary/)
- [Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura](https://camping-spirit.com/places/douro/)
- [Marialva Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-marialva-castle/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Portugal](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/portugal/)