12 unmissable road trips in Europe for car lovers

The best European road trips combine scenic variety, cultural depth, driving enjoyment, and practical access.

They’re not just visually stunning, they offer something richer — routes that feel worth the time, not rushed through for a single view.

Several things elevate a road trip from “pleasant” to unforgettable. First is terrain. Europe’s landscape diversity means you can cross high-altitude passes in the morning and end the day at the sea. Look for routes that shift rhythmically — mountains to valleys, coastlines to forests — rather than flat, linear highways.

Then there’s culture along the way. A great drive is more than just views through the windscreen. It should connect towns with character, regional food worth stopping for, and small places where getting out of the car matters just as much as the drive itself.

Road quality matters too. Twisting backroads may look romantic on a map, but if they’re in poor condition or overcrowded with tour buses, the reality doesn’t match the promise. The best drives offer smooth pacing: the occasional challenge, but not a constant struggle.

Time flexibility is another factor. A great route allows spontaneous diversions — a signpost to a vineyard, a café in a village square — without derailing your itinerary.

Finally, think about when to go. A road that dazzles in June might be under snow in February or clogged with traffic in August. Timing can define the experience as much as the destination.

These are the qualities we’ve looked for in each of the 12 routes ahead. Each one stands up not just in photos, but behind the wheel.

Each of the following routes has been selected for its combination of driving experience, scenery, cultural stops, and seasonal appeal. Some can be done in a weekend, others deserve a week or more. All are worth the journey.

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Route: Sorrento to Salerno
Distance: ~75 km
Recommended duration: 2–4 days

The Amalfi Coast is short in distance but rich in drama. Winding along the cliffside between Sorrento and Salerno, this coastal road curves around terraced vineyards, lemon groves, and pastel-coloured villages suspended above the Tyrrhenian Sea.

You’ll pass through iconic towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each with its own atmosphere and rhythm. Expect narrow roads, tight corners, and views that demand you pull over. In summer, traffic can be heavy and parking limited, so visiting in late spring or early autumn offers a more relaxed pace.

What makes it special: The contrast between sea and mountain, the vertigo-inducing drops, and the fusion of slow travel with high drama. It’s less about speed, more about soaking up the view.

Planning tips:

• Avoid peak summer unless you’re staying locally.
• Hire a compact car — roads are tight.
• Don’t rush. Two nights minimum lets you enjoy both the drive and the stops.

Best time to go: May, June, late September

2. North Coast 500, Scotland

Route: Inverness loop through the Scottish Highlands
Distance: ~830 km (516 miles)
Recommended duration: 5–7 days

Scotland’s North Coast 500 is often described as the UK’s answer to Route 66, but that comparison barely scratches the surface. This circular route begins and ends in Inverness, taking you through some of the wildest and most photogenic landscapes in the British Isles.

Expect to encounter rugged coastline, dramatic lochs, remote beaches, mountain passes, and quiet single-track roads with more sheep than traffic. It’s a route where you’re more likely to stop for a Highland cow in the road than a traffic light. Popular highlights include Bealach na Bà (one of Britain’s steepest roads), the white sands of Achmelvich Beach, and Smoo Cave.

What makes it special: It offers remoteness on a grand scale. You’ll drive through vast stretches of open land where the scenery constantly shifts, from windswept cliffs to deep glens and shimmering lochs.

Planning tips:

• Some petrol stations are far apart — never pass one with under half a tank.
• Book accommodation early, especially in peak season.
• Be prepared for changing weather. In Scotland, it’s part of the charm.

Best time to go: May to early October
Colder months have fewer midges and more availability.

3. Romantic Road, Germany

Route: Würzburg to Füssen
Distance: ~400 km
Recommended duration: 4–6 days

Germany’s Romantic Road is a curated drive through storybook villages, medieval castles, vineyards, and rolling Bavarian countryside. Beginning in the wine-growing town of Würzburg and ending at the foot of the Alps in Füssen, the route links over two dozen picturesque towns, each worth a stop in its own right.

Highlights include Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns; Dinkelsbühl, with its pastel buildings and quiet charm; and Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high above the alpine foothills like something from a fantasy novel. The road is scenic without being remote, making it ideal for a relaxed cultural drive.

What makes it special: The Romantic Road blends history with hospitality. It’s an immersive drive through a fairytale version of Germany, complete with cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and open-air cafés that feel lifted from a painting.

Planning tips:

• Consider staying overnight in at least two or three towns along the way.
• Autumn brings fewer crowds and harvest festivals.
• Some towns restrict car traffic in old centres — park outside and walk in.

Best time to go: May to October
Autumn offers golden foliage, fewer tour buses, and cooler walking weather.

4. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Route: Kinsale (County Cork) to Malin Head (County Donegal)
Distance: ~2,500 km
Recommended duration: 10–14 days (or shorter sections)

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal drives in the world. It traces the untamed western edge of Ireland, connecting fishing villages, sea cliffs, windswept beaches, and ancient stone ruins. The road hugs the shoreline, twisting through Counties Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Donegal — each offering its own pace and personality.

Iconic stops include the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, and Achill Island. But some of the best moments are unplanned: a surf shack café in Sligo, an impromptu pub session in Doolin, or a silent bay at low tide with nothing but seabirds for company.

What makes it special: This isn’t a manicured road trip. It’s raw, vast, and unfiltered. The Atlantic wind shapes both the land and the people, and every turn invites you to slow down, explore, and listen.

Planning tips:

• Drive on the left — narrow lanes and blind bends are common.
• Allow time for detours. The charm is in the wander, not just the waypoints.
• Pack for all seasons. Rain and sun often arrive together.

Best time to go: May to September
For the best mix of long days, mild weather, and cultural festivals.

5. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

Route: Bascov to Cârțișoara, through the Făgăraș Mountains
Distance: ~150 km
Recommended duration: 1–2 days

Built as a military route under the Ceaușescu regime in the 1970s, the Transfăgărășan Highway cuts a bold path through the southern Carpathian Mountains. With its hairpin turns, sheer drops, and dramatic switchbacks, it’s one of the most thrilling drives in Europe — and easily among the most photogenic.

The route crosses the highest section of the Southern Carpathians and crests at 2,042 metres near Lake Bâlea. The scenery includes glacial valleys, waterfalls, and peaks that disappear into cloud. Motorcyclists and driving purists flock here for the curves alone, but it’s not just about the road. The nearby Poenari Fortress, linked to Vlad the Impaler, adds a dose of eerie folklore.

What makes it special: It feels engineered for driving pleasure. Top Gear famously declared it “the best road in the world,” and for good reason. The sense of scale, flow, and remoteness is unmatched.

Planning tips:

• Open seasonally, typically late June to October. Closed due to snow the rest of the year.
• Avoid weekends in peak season — day-trippers from Bucharest cause traffic.
• Combine with a visit to the Transalpina for a longer mountain loop.

Best time to go: Late June to early October
houlder months have thinner traffic and more stable weather.

6. Trollstigen to Geirangerfjord, Norway

Route: Åndalsnes to Geiranger via Trollstigen and Eagle Road
Distance: ~100 km
Recommended duration: 1–2 days

This short but spectacular drive in western Norway packs in more drama per kilometre than most full-length routes. Trollstigen, or “Troll’s Ladder,” climbs through eleven tight hairpin bends past waterfalls and cliff faces. At the summit, viewing platforms jut out over the valley, offering a vertigo-inducing glimpse back at the road you just conquered.

From there, the route continues through high alpine terrain before descending again via Ørnevegen (Eagle Road), which spirals down to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Sheer walls rise from deep, mirror-still waters, with old farmsteads clinging impossibly to the slopes.

What makes it special: Nowhere else combines engineering, landscape, and myth quite like this. Between the glacial peaks and legend-laced valleys, every turn feels like part of a Norse saga.

Planning tips:

• Trollstigen is usually open from mid-May to October, depending on snow clearance.
• Stop at Gudbrandsjuvet gorge and the Stigfossen waterfall.
• Accommodation fills quickly in Geiranger — book early in high season.

Best time to go: June to early September
Long days, accessible roads, and relatively mild weather in the fjords.

7. The French Riviera: Nice to Monaco and Beyond

Route: Nice to Menton via Monaco, with inland detours
Distance: ~70 km (longer with scenic loops)
Recommended duration: 2–4 days

The French Riviera delivers glamour, Mediterranean light, and cliffside roads that seem tailor-made for cinematic driving. Starting in Nice, this route hugs the corniches — three historic roads carved into the cliffs between sea and mountain — as you wind your way toward Monaco and the Italian border town of Menton.

You can stick to the coastal route or veer inland for elevated views via the Moyenne and Grande Corniche. Stops like the hilltop village of Èze, the opulent gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, or the markets of Menton offer plenty of excuses to linger.

What makes it special: It’s not just the drive, it’s the setting. The blend of sun, speed, sea, and French style makes every corner feel indulgent. You’re driving through postcard territory.

Planning tips:

• Avoid peak July–August traffic unless you’re willing to crawl.
• Consider staying in Beaulieu-sur-Mer or Roquebrune for a quieter base.
• Parking in Monaco is expensive and limited — plan your stop accordingly.

Best time to go: May, June, or September
Perfect weather without the midsummer crush. Spring blooms or late-summer light both work beautifully.

8. The Alpine Route, Switzerland

Route: Grimsel Pass – Furka Pass – Susten Pass loop
Distance: ~120 km
Recommended duration: 1–2 days

This loop through central Switzerland’s high alpine passes is a masterpiece of road engineering and natural spectacle. Starting from Meiringen or Andermatt, the route takes in three legendary mountain roads — Grimsel, Furka, and Susten — each with its own character, elevation, and set of jaw-dropping panoramas.

You’ll encounter glacial lakes, tumbling waterfalls, snowbanks that linger into summer, and stretches of tarmac that snake across the landscape like a sketch. Along the way, you can visit the Rhône Glacier, stop for photos at the James Bond curve (Furka Pass featured in Goldfinger), or pause for a pastry in a mountain hut.

What makes it special: It’s about rhythm — hairpin after hairpin, rise after fall, with endless views and the sheer exhilaration of elevation. Few road trips are this compact yet this full-on.

Planning tips:

• These passes usually open from late May to October, depending on snow.
• Traffic is light, but cyclists are common — respect their space.
• Weather can shift fast — bring layers and check forecasts before setting off.

Best time to go: Late June to early September
When all three passes are open, clear, and dry for full access.

9. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Route: Bruck (Salzburg state) to Heiligenblut (Carinthia)
Distance: ~48 km
Recommended duration: 1 day (with scenic stops)

This is Austria’s crown jewel of mountain driving — a toll road that climbs to 2,504 metres as it winds through Hohe Tauern National Park, offering a close encounter with Grossglockner, the country’s highest peak. The road was purpose-built in the 1930s to showcase Austria’s alpine beauty, and it delivers in full.

With 36 hairpin bends, panoramic viewing platforms, and sweeping curves carved into the rock, it’s a driver’s dream. But it’s also a place to stop and stay still: the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint offers a commanding look over the Pasterze Glacier, and marmots are often spotted along the way.

What makes it special: It feels like a pilgrimage into the Alps. The elevation, views, and sheer scale of the landscape give every kilometre weight. It’s as much about looking as it is about driving.

Planning tips:

• It’s a toll road — around €40 for cars — but worth every cent.
• Open seasonally, May to early November, weather permitting.
• Combine with nearby alpine villages or extend toward Zell am See for a longer trip.

Best time to go: June to September
For clear roads, open viewpoints, and stable weather.

10. Basque Coastal Drive, Spain to France

Route: Bilbao to Biarritz (with detours via San Sebastián and Hondarribia)
Distance: ~150 km (longer with inland loops)
Recommended duration: 3–5 days

The Basque Coast offers a perfect mix of raw Atlantic scenery, surf towns, and world-class cuisine. Starting in Bilbao — home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum — the route rolls east along cliff-hugging roads, fishing harbours, and beach coves toward the elegant resort town of Biarritz, just over the French border.

En route, you’ll hit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (a castle-like islet linked by a zigzagging footbridge), the food capital of San Sebastián, and colourful towns like Getaria and Zarautz. The terrain combines sea views with green hills, winding roads, and just enough elevation to keep it interesting.

What makes it special: This is a drive for the senses. Pintxos bars, sea spray, and sunshine that shifts from Basque boldness to French Riviera elegance in under a day. And the roads — while not extreme — offer just the right level of movement and variation.

Planning tips:

• Parking is limited in central San Sebastián — stay just outside the city and walk in.
• Avoid high summer if you want quieter beaches and easier roads.
• Don’t rush — the joy is in sampling the villages as much as the views.

Best time to go: May to June or September
Ideal weather, fewer crowds, and all the good food still flowing.

11. Andalucía Loop, Spain

Route: Seville – Ronda – Granada (with optional Córdoba or Cádiz detours)
Distance: ~500–700 km (depending on detours)
Recommended duration: 5–7 days

This loop through southern Spain ties together some of the region’s most enchanting cities and landscapes — from flamenco-filled Seville to the cliff-top drama of Ronda and the Moorish grandeur of Granada. The driving itself is relaxed, with long open roads, olive groves stretching to the horizon, and mountains rising in the distance.

Ronda, perched above a plunging gorge, offers one of the most dramatic townscapes in Europe. Granada’s Alhambra feels like a living museum, while Seville invites slow wandering through shaded plazas and jasmine-scented alleys. You can loop through the white villages (pueblos blancos) or detour toward the Atlantic coast if time allows.

What makes it special: It blends architecture, culture, and countryside with a warm, laid-back pace. Each stop tells a different story, but the drive between them offers just as much richness.

Planning tips:

• Summer can be extremely hot inland — spring and autumn are far better for comfort.
• Book Alhambra tickets weeks in advance.
• Stay overnight in Ronda if possible — the town is magical after day-trippers leave.

Best time to go: April to June or late September to October
Ideal weather, golden light, and quieter historic sites.

12. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Route: Dubrovnik to Split (or extended north to Zadar or Rijeka)
Distance: ~230 km (Dubrovnik to Split direct)
Recommended duration: 4–7 days

This stretch of Croatia’s Adriatic coast is a blend of medieval cities, island views, terracotta rooftops, and blue-on-blue seascapes. Starting in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” you’ll travel north along a coastal road that clings to cliffs, passing through seaside towns, quiet coves, and Roman ruins.

Key stops include the walled town of Ston (known for its oysters), the island-hop port of Makarska, and the Diocletian-built heart of Split. You’ll see the Dinaric Alps rising inland and ferry lines slicing across the sea toward islands like Hvar and Korčula. The road isn’t long, but it’s rich — and ideal for slow cruising.

What makes it special: The contrast between deep coastal blues and ancient stone architecture is unforgettable. It’s also one of the best routes for combining scenic driving with beach stops and historical exploration.

Planning tips:

• Border control still exists between Croatia and Bosnia (briefly near Neum) — have passports ready.
• Traffic builds in July and August. Consider travelling slightly off-season.
• Allow time to explore the islands, even as day trips.

Best time to go: Late May to June or September
Warm, dry, and without the high-summer crowds.

When you choose to drive in Europe can change the entire character of your trip — affecting road conditions, crowd levels, weather, and even access to the route itself.

A beautiful mountain pass in summer could be closed by snow in October. That sun-soaked cliff road in August? A crawl of hire cars and tour buses.

Spring (April–June) is often ideal for most routes. Roads are quieter, temperatures are comfortable, and landscapes burst into life. Coastal drives in Italy, Spain, and Croatia are especially rewarding in spring. Restaurants have reopened after winter, but crowds haven’t yet arrived.

Summer (July–August) can be a double-edged sword. In the Alps or northern Scandinavia, it’s perfect — long daylight hours, open high passes, and mild weather. But in southern Europe, it means heatwaves, high prices, and traffic. Some routes, like the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera, become logistically difficult during this time unless you plan meticulously.

Autumn (September–October) brings golden light, harvest festivals, and less traffic. It’s ideal for wine regions, forested routes like Germany’s Romantic Road, or cultural loops through Spain. Temperatures are still pleasant in most areas, and accommodation is easier to find.

Winter (November–March) limits many options. Alpine roads may be closed entirely, and even where they’re open, driving can be challenging without winter tyres or chains — often legally required. That said, a winter road trip has its own rewards if you’re prepared: Norway’s snowy landscapes, festive markets, or Iceland’s otherworldly solitude.

Some routes — like the Transfăgărășan Highway, Grossglockner, and Swiss alpine loops — have strictly seasonal access due to snow closures. Others, like coastal drives in Portugal or Spain, remain possible year-round but offer a very different mood depending on the season.