Exploring Europe’s Best Road Trips
Europe is one of the most captivating continents for road trip adventures. With its compact countries, you can easily escape into the wilderness while still being close to major towns and cities. The diversity of landscapes across Europe is truly remarkable, from the dramatic coasts of Ireland to the waterfall-laden inlands of Iceland, the German Alps to the banks of the Danube. These stunning vistas are best experienced by driving through them.
The road infrastructure in most European countries is excellent, and the expansion of roadside electric vehicle charging stations makes it even easier to travel. Additionally, the absence of land border checks between Schengen countries means that you can move around much of the continent without encountering unnecessary bureaucracy.
There are numerous benefits to exploring Europe by road. You aren’t limited by train timetables, and you have ample space in your car boot for luggage. Plus, you can visit multiple destinations in a single trip, whether that’s within a region or across several countries.
Here are some of the best road trips in Europe:
1. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,600-mile coastal route that stretches from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north to Kinsale in the south. Divided into 14 stages, it includes notable stops such as Donegal Town, Galway, Kilkee, and West Cork. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery and natural landmarks like Tulland Strand, Barleycove Beach, the Slieve League Coast, and the Cliffs of Moher. The route ends in Kinsale, a charming harbour town with vibrant storefronts.
2. Rome to Naples (via the Amalfi Coast), Italy
This scenic drive takes you from Rome to Naples via the Amalfi Coast, offering picturesque views and a chance to explore two of Italy’s most important cities. Starting in Rome, you’ll head to Salerno before continuing along the coast to places like Ravello, Torca, and Castellammare di Stabia. The route is only 75 miles long but takes over four hours due to its winding roads.
3. Iceland Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s ‘ring road’ is an 820-mile route that starts and ends in Reykjavik. It passes through various natural wonders such as Thingvellir National Park, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and Dyrholaey cliffs. The journey typically takes around seven days, allowing time to explore these stunning sights and experience the northern lights if you visit during the right season.
4. Dubrovnik to Pula, Croatia
This 465-mile route takes in a large section of the Croatian and Dalmatian coast. Starting in Dubrovnik, a medieval walled city, you’ll pass through Split and Zadar before reaching Pula, home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. From Pula, you can extend your trip with a three-hour drive or ferry journey to Venice.
5. Bilbao to Menton, France
This route begins in Bilbao on the northern coast of Spain, crosses into southern France near the Pyrenees, and ends on the southern Riviera coast. Along the way, you’ll visit cities like San Sebastian, Biarritz, Toulouse, Montpellier, Marseille, and Nice. The final leg of the journey follows the Corniche Inferieure to Menton, offering dramatic coastal views.
6. Braga to Faro, Portugal
This 430-mile journey starts in Braga, a lively university city, and includes Porto, Aveiro, Lisbon, and the Algarve. The route offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions, including the Douro River, the Algarve’s beaches, and vibrant nightlife in towns like Albufeira and Faro.
7. Vienna to Belgrade
This 380-mile route along the Danube connects Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade. You can extend the trip by starting in Prague or heading to Zagreb after Belgrade. The journey offers a mix of historical sites, scenic views, and vibrant cities.
8. Vienna to Geneva (via Munich)
This 640-mile route takes you from Vienna through Germany and Switzerland, passing through Salzburg, Munich, Zurich, Bern, and Geneva. Each city offers unique attractions, from historic architecture to scenic lakesides.
9. North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile route through the Scottish Highlands. It includes natural wonders like the Falls of Shin, Eas A’Chual Aluinn, and Sandwood Bay, as well as historic castles and villages. The route starts and ends in Inverness, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
10. The Romantic Road, Germany
This 285-mile route through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg takes you past fairytale castles, medieval towns, and scenic landscapes. Highlights include Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nördlingen, and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The route offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
