The invention relates to a multi-step chemical transformation process for the production of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene starting from one or more naphthalene hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon blends containing the same, one or more benzene hydrocarbons and, optionally, a methylating agent reacted in the presence of a catalyst containing a zeolite belonging to the MTW structural group, where hydrogen is fed in at least one of the steps.