Road Trips in Europe
With its dense network of scenic roads, compact distances and astonishing variety, Europe is made for the road trip. In a single drive you can pass from coast to mountains, through vineyards, medieval towns and dramatic passes.
The Mediterranean coast roads, the great Alpine passes and the wild routes of Scotland, Ireland and Iceland are the marquee drives, but every country hides its own. Good roads and short distances mean you are never far from the next unforgettable view.
These are the drives worth building a trip around.
Europe's Greatest Road Trips#
The Amalfi Coast, Italy One of the world’s most beautiful and hair-raising coastal drives, hugging the cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea past pastel towns and lemon groves. Traffic is heavy in summer, so go early or late. The views are simply unforgettable.
The Ring of Kerry, Ireland A 179km loop around Ireland’s southwest peninsula, taking in rugged coast, emerald hills, ancient forts and colourful villages. Drive it anticlockwise to dodge the tour buses. Detours to the Skellig coast reward the adventurous.
The Atlantic Road, Norway A short but spectacular stretch that leaps between tiny islands on a series of dramatic bridges, seemingly launching into the sea. It is a gateway to the fjords. Storms make it thrillingly wild.
The Transfagarasan, Romania A serpentine mountain road climbing over the Carpathians in a dizzying series of hairpins, once dubbed the best driving road in the world. It is open only in summer. Glacial lakes and viewpoints line the way.
The North Coast 500, Scotland A 516-mile loop around the wild northern Highlands, past empty beaches, lochs, castles and single-track passes. It has become a bucket-list route. Distilleries and seafood shacks make perfect stops.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria A magnificent toll road that switchbacks up to a glacier viewpoint at 2,500m amid Austria’s highest peaks. Marmots and ibex are often seen. It is an unforgettable day’s drive.
The Ring Road, Iceland A full 1,300km circuit of the island, passing waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, geysers and black-sand beaches. Allow at least a week. Every bend reveals another otherworldly scene.
The Romantic Road, Germany A classic route through Bavaria linking walled medieval towns, half-timbered villages and the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Christmas markets add winter magic. It is Germany at its most storybook.
The Route des Grandes Alpes, France A legendary drive crossing the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean over some of the highest passes in Europe. Cyclists and drivers share the cols. It is a summer-only epic.
The Transalpina, Romania Romania’s highest road, crossing the Carpathians through wild, open highland scenery even more remote than the famous Transfagarasan. Shepherds’ flocks share the road. It is a hidden gem.
The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia A stunning Adriatic drive linking Split, Dubrovnik and countless coves, islands and walled towns. Ferries let you island-hop along the way. Turquoise water is a constant companion.
Andalusia’s White Villages, Spain A sun-drenched loop through the pueblos blancos, whitewashed hilltop towns scattered across the mountains between Ronda and the coast. Sherry country and Moorish history abound. It is southern Spain at its most romantic.