Mountains, beaches, amazing roads and local life. If you’re eager to uncover the natural beauty of countries around the world, why not start with a road trip in Europe?
We know it’s not always easy planning a road trip. You need to think about the logistics and overnight stays, but it’s worth it in the end.
So that’s why we’re sharing 8 of the best European road trips that’ll make driving in Europe a one-of-a-kind experience.
EASY AS HACK
Don’t forget that a road trip is also time to relax and escape – give yourself enough time to take in the sights along the way and explore everything your route has to offer.
AT A GLANCE
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1. Pula to dubrovnik
We’re kicking off with Croatia, a small but diverse country that offers a variety of road trip experiences.
Start your journey in Pula – located beneath seven hills on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula – and drive all the way along the coast to Dubrovnik where blue waters await.
Break up your 709km drive with stops in Rijeka, Zadar and Split. And who says you need to stop in Croatia? You could continue driving to Bosnia and Herzegovina to see the picturesque city of Mostar and the stunning Kravica waterfall.
2. the amalfi coast
Of course we’re going to persuade you to drive along the Amalfi coast. It’s the best way to take in Italy's spectacular coastal scenery.
The drive from Salerno-Sorrento is approximately 75km. You can cover this in a day, but you’ll want to stop along the way.
Salerno is the main southern gateway to the coast. Start your journey there and then head west to Vietri sul Mare, a small town famous for its ceramics and the start point of the coastal road.
Twelve miles on and you’ll arrive in Amalfi, where a stop for pasta or pizza is needed. Then after a few hours or an overnight stay, head to Positano – the most popular destination on the Amalfi coast. Known as the ‘vertical town’, Positano is a beautiful village built on a steep hillside, with narrow, winding streets that cascade down to the sea.
You might have to drive through tight, narrow roads on this road trip, but the views along the way make it worthwhile.
3. switzerland circular route
Enjoy a grand tour of Switzerland that starts and ends in Zurich, taking between 9 and 10 days.
Drive through four different language regions, across five mountain passes, past 22 lakes and 12 UNESCO world heritage sites on a circular route through one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
On day one, take the route from Zurich to Lucerne, Lucerne to Interlaken on day two, and then Interlaken to Zermatt on the third day. The remaining days will take you through Montreux, Geneva and Basel.
Whether you’ve planned for a three-day trip or the full 10 days, a Swiss road trip has plenty to offer. Mountain views, stunning lakes, quaint old towns and some of the best roads in Europe – what more do you need?
4. iceland's ring road
Get comfy in the car and drive along Iceland’s Ring Road, which encircles the entire nation.
The Ring Road is 1,328 kilometres long,1 the equivalent of driving the full length of the UK from John o’Groats in Scotland to Penzance in Cornwall.
You can drive the entire route in around 12 or 13 hours but where’s the fun in that? For a memorable road trip, you’ll want to stop at some destinations.
The Ring Road loops the island in a full circle, skirting around Iceland's central, uninhabited highlands. Along the way you’ll find the most popular tourist attractions, including the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Dyrhólaey cliffs, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
And if you’re planning a winter road trip, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the captivating northern lights.
5. Norway's atlantic road
What’s the world’s most beautiful car journey? Many might say Norway’s Atlantic Road, which runs along the west coast of the country.
The road, which covers just 8.3km, has National Tourist Route status and the entire stretch between Bud and Kristiansund is packed with coastal scenery, culture and history.
Cruise along roads that curve and zigzag across the Norwegian Sea, drive on the famous Storseisundet Bridge, known for its distinctive architecture, and watch as waves crash dramatically against the road during stormy weather.
6. The wild atlantic way, ireland
Stock your car with the essentials and head to Ireland for a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world.
Take in enchanting villages, ancient monuments and amazing landscapes as you drive from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north, down to the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south.
Must-see spots include the Cliffs of Moher (one of Ireland's most iconic natural attractions) and Fanad Head, home to the picturesque Fanad Head Lighthouse which stands as a beacon at the entrance to Lough Swilly.
7. costa de morte
Despite being called the Coast of Death, there’s nothing frightening about this part of the Galician coast.
Discover the myths and legends surrounding this area of Spain, which was once considered Finisterrae (World's End), and enjoy an unforgettable trip of around 150 kilometres along local roads.
Watch the most magnificent sunsets on the Atlantic Ocean and witness the power of the sea at capes including San Adrián, Vilán or Fisterra.
8. north coast 500, scotland
Check oil levels, make sure you’ve got the right tyre pressure and pack whatever you need for a road trip along the North Coast 500 in Scotland.
Start off in the northern city of Inverness and weave your car along the west coast to Applecross. Then head northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool.
From there, you'll venture to some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness.
Cover just over 500 miles and take in ancient castles, glistening sandy beaches and the impressive heritage of the North Highlands.
And don’t forget that a road trip is also an escape – give yourself enough days to take in all the beauty and explore everything your route has to offer.
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Sources
1. https://www.timeout.com/europe/travel/best-road-trips-in-europe
