If you love driving and exploring new places, Europe is a great destination for road trips. With its diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions, you can find something for everyone on the continent. Whether you want to admire the stunning scenery, visit historic sites, or enjoy the local cuisine, there is a road trip for you. In this blog post, we will share the best 10 places in Europe for scenic road trips, according to travellers and road trippers. These routes will take you to some of Europe's most beautiful and interesting places and give you an unforgettable experience behind the wheel.
1. The North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is a 500-mile (800km) loop around the most northern parts of mainland Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness. It is one of the most iconic and unmissable road trips in the UK and the world. Along the way, you will see fishing villages, charming towns, massive mountains, some of the best beaches you have ever seen, and lots of the planet’s best landscapes. Some stretches are unbelievably otherworldly and totally unlike any other part of the UK. If you like hiking, you will love this ride - it takes you to some of the best, most rugged and most underrated walking spots in the UK, such as Stac Pollaidh, Torridon, and the Bealach na Bà.
2. The Northumberland Coastal Route, England
The Northumberland Coastal Route is the best road trip in England, especially if you love remote beaches, isolated shorelines, friendly fishing villages, massive castles, or gigantic portions of heavily salted fish and chips. The route is about 64 miles (103km) long and runs from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Tynemouth along the stunning coast of Northumberland. You will pass by some of England's most impressive and historic sites, such as Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne Castle, Alnwick Castle, and Hadrian’s Wall. You will also enjoy the views of the North Sea, the Farne Islands, and the Cheviot Hills.
3. The Peloponnese, Greece
The Peloponnese is a mountainous peninsula in southern Greece where history and legend collide. It is a place where you can find classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities and Venetian fortresses, as well as dramatic peaks and deep gorges that give way to turquoise seas and deserted beaches. The route is about 395 miles (635km) long and starts from Ancient Corinth, a primarily Roman city, home to Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece. From here, you can take a route that combines historic, fortified towns with beaches and some of Greece’s most interesting wineries. You can visit the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea, the hilltop Mycenae, the coastal Epidavros, the mountaintop Byzantine city of Mystras, ancient Olympia, home to the original games, and the Lousios Gorge, where you can find the cliffside Prodromou Monastery.
4. The Costa Brava, Spain
The Costa Brava is a wild and rugged coast in northeastern Spain that mixes Greek and Roman ruins with medieval towns, the eccentricities of Salvador Dalí and a bohemian vibe. The route is about 118 miles (190km) long and starts from Girona, a city with a hilly medieval core and a web of alleys and churches. From here, you can head to Besalú, a well-preserved medieval town with a handsome 11th-century bridge, and Figueres, where you can visit the Teatre-Museu Dalí, a trippy tribute to the local hero and Surrealist artist. You can also explore Cadaqués, a whitewashed village with a pretty harbour, where Dalí spent his later life, and Empúries, where you can see the extensive ruins of the Greek and Roman cities.
5. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,553-mile (2,500km) route that follows the entire west coast of Ireland, from Malin Head in the north to Kinsale in the south. It is the longest coastal route in the world and one of the most scenic and diverse. Along the way, you will encounter cliffs, islands, beaches, bays, mountains, lakes, forests, castles, monasteries, pubs, and villages. You will also experience the Irish culture, music, and hospitality, as well as the legends and stories that make this place so magical. Some of the route's highlights include the Giant’s Causeway, the Slieve League Cliffs, the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula.
6. The Golden Circle, Iceland
The Golden Circle is a 186-mile (300km) loop covering some of Iceland's most iconic and spectacular sights, within a short distance from the capital, Reykjavik. It is a perfect introduction to the natural wonders of this volcanic island, where you can see geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, and hot springs. The route consists of three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; Geysir, where you can witness the powerful eruptions of the Strokkur geyser; and Gullfoss, where you can admire the majestic waterfall that plunges into a canyon. You can also add some optional stops, such as the Kerid Crater Lake, the Secret Lagoon, and the Langjokull Glacier.
7. The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
The Transfagarasan Highway is a 56-mile (90km) road that crosses the Fagaras Mountains, the highest range in Romania. It is considered one of the world's most spectacular and challenging roads, with sharp curves, steep gradients, and breathtaking views. The road was built in the 1970s by the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu as a strategic military route, but today it is a popular tourist attraction. The road connects the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia and passes by some of the most impressive landmarks in Romania, such as the Poenari Castle, the former residence of Vlad the Impaler, the Balea Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by peaks, and the Vidraru Dam, one of the largest in Europe.
8. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a 43-mile (69km) stretch of coastline in southern Italy that is renowned for its beauty, glamour, and romance. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations in Italy. The road hugs the cliffs and curves along the sea, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean, the mountains, and the colourful villages. The route starts from Sorrento, a charming town with a lively atmosphere and a lemon grove, and ends in Salerno, a historic city with a medieval cathedral and a castle. Along the way, you can stop at some of the world's most picturesque and famous towns, such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Praiano.
9. The Atlantic Road, Norway
The Atlantic Road is a 5-mile (8km) section of the Norwegian County Road 64 that links the islands of Averøy and Eide in the western part of Norway. It is one of the most scenic and dramatic roads in the world, as it bridges the gap between the land and the sea, with eight bridges, several viaducts, and four rest areas. The road is a masterpiece of engineering and design and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains, and the wildlife. The road is especially impressive during storms when the waves crash against the bridges, or during sunsets when the sky turns into a painting.
10. The Route des Grandes Alpes, France
The Route des Grandes Alpes is a 425-mile (684km) route that traverses the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding road trips in Europe, as it climbs over 16 mountain passes, some of the highest and most famous in the world, such as the Col de l’Iseran, the Col du Galibier, and the Col de la Bonette. The road offers incredible views of the alpine scenery, with glaciers, lakes, forests, and valleys. The route also passes by some of France's most charming and authentic villages, where you can enjoy the local cuisine, culture, and hospitality.
