A European road trip: the best routes to take
The world’s second-smallest continent, Europe punches far above its weight with the sheer variety of landscapes and rich history it offers. Home to various small countries, Europe is easily the best place for a road trip if you want to explore several destinations and experience different cultures. Plus, whether you’re cruising down the coast or winding through mountain roads, there are some views you’ll only get from a car. The best part? You can combine, extend or alter any of these routes to create the perfect itinerary.
From sun-kissed beaches to snow-clad mountains, peppered with many a historic old town in between, here are eight European road trips to embark on.
Some of the best road trips in Europe
1. Ring Road, Iceland
Circling the entire island of Iceland, the Ring Road or Route 1 is the country’s main highway connecting its major cities and sights. The 1300-kilometre-long route will take you through some of the most otherworldly landscapes you will ever see – from glacial lagoons and black-sand beaches to dramatic waterfalls and fjords. Fly in and out of Reykjavík and set off on your Icelandic adventure after a few nights in the capital city.
Stops on your route should include the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the glacier-dotted Jökulsárlón Lake and Diamond Beach, named after the chunks of ice glittering like diamonds on the volcanic black sand.
Nearby, the sleek Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offers an elegant stay in the middle of the wilderness. When you need a break from driving, switch things up with a whale-watching cruise or a visit to the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park.
2. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Trade icy landscapes for sparkling sea views with a drive down Croatia’s scenic Dalmatian Coast. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can start the 710-kilometre journey from Pula or Dubrovnik, sparing enough time in both cities to soak up the rich history and architecture. Along the way, pause at the idyllic port cities of Split, Zadar and Rijeka, all of which serve up coastal panoramas and historic charm in equal measure.
While here, it’s well worth your time to take a little detour inland to Plitviče Lakes National Park and see its 16 emerald lakes cascading into each other, making it one of the best places to visit in Croatia for natural beauty. You could also opt for the softly terraced waterfalls of Krka National Park or sail off to any of Croatia’s countless islands like Hvar or Vis to experience the Adriatic Sea in all its turquoise glory.
3. Basque Country, Spain
You can get the best of Spain’s Basque Country on this postcard-perfect route hugging the rugged coastline. Start your road trip in Bilbao, but only after exploring the striking Guggenheim Museum designed by the luminary Frank Gehry. Cruise down the coast, enjoying views of the Bay of Biscay, dramatic cliffs and fishing villages, until you reach San Sebastián – packed with world-famous beaches and Michelin-star restaurants.
Must-try dishes include all kinds of seafood grills, salted cod, burnt Basque cheesecake and pintxos, washed down with local cider. Put your feet up at the historic Hotel Villa Soro in buzzing Gros or stay right by La Concha Beach at the Zenit Convento San Martin.
4. French Riviera, France
An easy extension of the previous route, the South of France is simply one of the prettiest places in all of Europe. You can continue from Spain, driving past the lush Pyrenees Mountains or fly into Marseilles and rent a car there.
From here on, it’s just paradisical views of turquoise waters, colourful houses and yacht-decked marinas. You can go sailing at the glamorous beach resorts of Saint-Tropez and Cannes or soak up the charm of Aix-en-Provence and its flower-laden streets. For the full French Riviera effect, go all out and stay in style at a swanky hotel like Carlton Cannes.
Time your holiday right, and a detour to Provence’s dreamy lavender fields is one you’ll be only too happy to take. Finish off in Nice – the veritable jewel of the Côte d'Azur – from where Menton’s pastel beachfront houses can be reached in a short drive.
This last leg of your France road trip promises to be worth it, with three corniche roads you can take, each boasting views more spectacular than the other. If you’re flying out of Nice, take a different route on your way back to make the most of the Mediterranean panoramas.
5. Romania and Bulgaria
Drive straight into fantasyland with the storied castles and twisting roads of Eastern Europe’s treasures on this road trip. You can fly into Bucharest or Sofia and fly out of the other or loop around and finish where you started.
The best part of this route is undoubtedly the Transfăgărășan, a 150-kilometre-long paved road cutting through the Carpathian Mountains, widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful roads. You’ll pass hiking trails, waterfalls and maybe even a few bears as you make your way up to the glacial Bâlea Lake nestled 2,034 metres up in the mountains.
Other stops in Romania include Brașov, a medieval city and Sinaia, home to a 17th-century monastery and the fairytale-like Peleș Castle. Transylvania’s star attraction, however, is Bran Castle – a Gothic clifftop fortress that inspired the legend of Dracula.
Cross the border and enter Bulgaria, which holds its own with the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, the heady scent of Rose Valley in bloom and the ancient cities of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo.
6. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The longest coastal road in the world, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way hugs the west coast’s entire length, stretching 2,600 kilometres from the northern tip of the country to the southern. Expect unbeatable views, from mighty cliffs standing tall against the crashing waves to windswept beaches hidden by rocky headland. You’ll likely fly in and out of Dublin or Belfast and drive to Donegal or Kinsale if you want to do the full route.
Highlights include the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, Fanad Head Lighthouse, the scenic Ring of Kerry circuit and the Slieve League sea cliffs. Stretch your legs on Achill Island’s beaches, Barley Cove or Dog's Bay Beach and swim in the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. Galway, Westport and Cork are some of the prettiest places to stop for the night and hit a few Irish pubs. Live like royalty at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel or drink some beer with fellow travellers at the Kinlay Hostel Eyre Square.
7. Romantic Road, Germany
Majestic castles rise up against mountains and medieval towns beckon with old-world charm – Germany’s Romantic Road truly delivers on its name. The 350-kilometre route can easily be travelled in a day, but where’s the romance in that?
We recommend spending at least a few days wandering the cobblestone streets of frozen-in-time villages and sipping wine amidst rolling vineyards. For a taste of German tradition, plan your trip according to the seasons. Summer sees buzzing beer gardens and open-air festivals, while winter brings authentic Christmas markets brimming with baubles and gluhwein (mulled wine).
The route begins at Würzburg (the closest international hub is Frankfurt Airport), the capital of the Franconia wine region and home to the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence. As you drive south, the Bavarian scenery rewards you with uninterrupted views, from the lush Tauber Valley and its vineyards to the Alpine countryside dotted with crystal-clear lakes.
Towns along the way are steeped in history and straight out of a storybook – Nördlingen is characterised by red roofs encircled by intact medieval walls, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber oozes charm with half-timbered houses and Gothic churches. The pot of gold at the end of Romantische Strasse is the turreted hilltop Neuschwanstein Castle and you will see why it inspired the fabled Disney castle. You can also opt to start your road trip here at Füssen, flying into Munich Airport instead.
8. Amalfi Coast, Italy
If your idea of romance is quaint cliffside villages coupled with sparkling Mediterranean waters, all roads really do lead to Rome. Stay a few nights in the Eternal City for a dose of history before setting off on one of the most picturesque road trips in Europe or start in Naples if you just want to do the Amalfi Coast.
Rugged cliffs, lemon groves and a mosaic of pastel fishing villages on one side and pebble beaches lapped by brilliant blue sea on the other – it’s easy to see why this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a coveted holiday destination. Its winding roads aren’t the easiest to drive on, but the views more than make up for it. Flowers spill from balconies and sun-baked houses perch precariously on the hillside in Cinque Terre, while the endless expanse of turquoise water is always in sight.
Embrace the Italian philosophy of ‘dolce far niente’ (the sweetness of doing nothing) and spend ample time in the pretty coastal towns of Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi to truly soak it all in. Siesta under a canopy of lemons at Villa Maresca B&B or base yourself at Villa Piedimonte for the best vistas from Ravello’s vantage point up in the hills.
The island of Capri is a quick boat ride away and the magical sight of sunlight setting the Blue Grotto aglow is one you do not want to miss.
