If you ask me, one of the best ways to experience Europe is on an epic road trip. There’s something liberating about taking to the open road and discovering new destinations along the way.
Winding through stunning landscapes, quaint villages and historic sites, the best road trips in Europe offer heaps of beauty and adventure.
From the sun-drenched coasts of the south to the rugged fjords of the north, I’ve handpicked each of these road trips for their scenery, activities and diversity.
Here’s my pick of the best road trips in Europe.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
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1. Amalfi Coast in Italy
We’re all familiar with the postcard-perfect scenery of the impossibly pretty Amalfi Coast.
One of the best ways to experience it is on a road trip, where you can soak up breathtaking views of the coastline along the way.
The 50 km stretch of winding road is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s not hard to see why!
This road has panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea on one side, and picturesque little villages on the other. A series of cliffs adds to the uniqueness of this beautiful spot.
One of the highlights of the trip is braving the narrow winding roads from Nocelle, then rounding a bend, and getting the first glimpse of Positano.
Pastel-coloured buildings cascade down the hillside in an amazing way unique to this part of the world.
If you have time, make a stop at the town of Amalfi, one of the most beautiful Italian coastal towns. The small town is bursting with history and interesting architecture.
The Arab-Norman Cathedral with its Byzantine, striped facade is a testament to the colourful cultural heritage of the area.
Amalfi is also known for its limoncello, so make sure to sample some of that – just don’t get behind the wheel until the effects have worn off!
2. Ring Road in Iceland
The Ring Road of Iceland, or Road 1, is one of the longest on this list, as it’s a 1,332 km drive, showcasing the country’s fascinating landscapes.
This road trip is a geologist’s dream, with unbelievable views of active volcanoes, immense glaciers, and everything in between fire and ice.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is unmissable, with its huge icebergs that calve from a glacier, and then drift serenely across the lagoon.
At the nearby Diamond Beach, little chunks of ice wash up on the dark sand, creating a sparkling carpet that shimmers magically in the dusk.
The magic doesn’t end there, as the Northern Lights are a sight to behold.
It’s worth noting here that the best time to watch these dancing celestial lights is during the months from September to March.
That’s when the Aurora Borealis really comes to life with its green and purple hues. You can park your car at any spot in the road, turn the headlights off, and enjoy the light show!
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, have a read of my guides before you go:
- 15 luxury hotels in Iceland
- Ultimate guide to visiting the Golden Circle
- Everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoon
- Visiting Iceland in November: what to know
- 7 incredible Michelin restaurants in Iceland
3. North Coast 500 in Scotland
The North Coast 500, or the NC500, also known as Scotland’s Route 66, is an 830 km drive that starts and ends at Inverness Castle.
It’s a perfectly circular route that became open to the public in 2015. The rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands is unparalleled, and this is a great way to explore it.
This road also takes you through historic castles and stunning coastal scenery.
One of my favourite stops along the road is Dunrobin Castle, which is one of Scotland’s grand houses.
Its fairytale spires, manicured gardens, and wild landscapes surrounding it are simply picture-perfect.
The NC500, by design, twists and turns through sparsely populated areas like Sutherland and Caithness.
The long drive with only heather-covered hills, and grazing cattle in sight, is a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.
If you’re planning a trip, have a read of my Scotland guides before you go:
- 10 epic castles in Scotland
- 10 gorgeous boutique hotels in Scotland
- 10 charming seaside towns in Scotland
4. Romantic Road in Germany
Germany’s Romantic Road is a 350 km drive through the heart of Bavaria.
The Romantic Straße, as the Germans call it, takes you back in time where there are castles, medieval walled towns, and half-timbered houses. It’s a real-life fairytale!
For me, the highlight of this trip is the spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle. This 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace stands regally on top of a rugged hill.
Some say that it inspired Walt Disney’s Princess animations, and in particular, the castle in Sleeping Beauty.
Another surreal stop along this road is the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Its cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval architecture will transport you back in time!
I was lucky to be there around Christmas, when the whole town transformed into a winter wonderland.
Discover more ideas for your Europe bucket list.
5. Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
Imagine standing atop a 214 m high cliff, and watching the Atlantic waves crashing against massive rocks below.
This unforgettable view is at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, and it’s one of many that you too can see along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland.
The 2,500 km drive runs mostly along the country’s western seaboard. As you advance through this road trip, you’ll savour Ireland at its best: rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
If you love visiting castles, I’d recommend a stop at Kylemore Abbey, which is a beautiful Victorian neo-Gothic castle standing in the middle of Connemara’s wild landscape.
The coastal villages are also amazing, and I’d suggest visiting Dingle in County Kerry. It’s a particularly delightful destination with jolly colourful houses and friendly pubs.
Plus, if you look carefully at the coast, you might spot the famous resident dolphin, Fungie.
6. Basque Circuit in Spain and France
The Basque Circuit straddles the northern parts of Spain and southwestern France.
It’s an out-of-this-world drive through verdant mountainous regions, charming coastal towns, and vibrant cities.
The 482-km drive starts at Bilbao, Spain and ends at Biarritz, France.
Don’t miss the chance to explore San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque). This elegant city has incredibly beautiful beaches; as for the afternoons, you should definitely sample its world-class cuisine.
If you like architecture, then you’ll find a treasure in Espelette’s white-washed houses, and as you cross into France, you’ll be dazzled by the beauty of Biarritz.
This French seaside town was the preferred destination for European aristocrats, and its Belle Époque architecture reflects that so well!
7. Dalmatian Coast in Croatia
To fully explore the Dalmatian Coast, you’ll need to free up 7-10 days. There’s so much to explore, and every spot is worth seeing.
The road winds through medieval towns, Roman ruins, oyster farms, family-run wineries, and some of the clearest waters in the whole world.
One of my favourite places is the old town of Split. At its core, there’s a palace that was built in the 4th century AD.
The UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace is a filmmaking site, with TV shows like Game of Thrones taking advantage of its ancient walls and narrow streets.
Croatia’s roads and beaches are busiest from June to August when tourists enjoy luxury hotels and turquoise bays.
The ‘shoulder months’ from September to early May are the best times for taking the Dalmatian road trip.
8. The Great Dolomites Road in Italy
The Great Dolomites Road, or as the Italians call it, the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, is a 110 km road trip through the heart of the Alps.
I love the mountains, so this is one of my favourite road trips in Europe for its dramatic mountain scenery.
A breathtaking moment during the Dolomites road trip comes when you reach the Pordoi Pass. You’ll stand at an elevation of 2,239 m, watching the surrounding peaks.
If you’d like to see more stunning vistas, you can take the cable car to the Sass Pordoi plateau, also known as the “Terrace of the Dolomites”.
I’d recommend making a stop at Cortina d’Ampezzo, which will be hosting the next Winter Olympics in 2026.
It’s a quaint but glamorous village, and one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe. While in the summer, you’ll find plenty of hiking opportunities.
The food there is a fusion of Italian and Austrian tastes. Make sure you try canederli, which are bread dumplings served in broth; it’s simple and absolutely delicious!
9. Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania
The Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania isn’t too long, as it’s a 90 km drive, but it’s most certainly an unforgettable experience!
The road twists, winds, and wades into the Carpathian Mountains, sometimes making steep descents and hairpin turns. But these heart-stopping moments are totally worth it!
This highway was built in the 1970s, initially intended as a strategic military route.
At its highest point, it has an altitude of 2,042 m, and that’s where you’ll get the best views of the valley below.
A little heads-up for those who get car sick like me: the road zigzags sharply as it ascends the mountainside.
If you like photography, then you shouldn’t miss the Bâlea Lake, which is a fascinating glacier lake near the road’s highest point.
The crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding peaks on its mirror-like surface in a picture-perfect scene you can only find in Romania.
Discover more of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
10. The Fjords in Norway
Taking a road trip through Norway’s fjords is like watching extraordinary landscapes in an art gallery, except that all this beauty is real.
As you drive from Bergen to Geiranger, you’ll come across snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls, and deep blue fjords.
The Geirangerfjord is one of the most visited locations in Norway. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best places to experience the country’s unique nature.
The Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba is Europe’s highest fjord viewpoint. From there, even the cruise ships appear tiny and inconsequential beside the massive towering cliffs.
Have you done any of these road trips in Europe? Let me know your favourites in the comments below!
If you’re planning a European getaway, you may also like:
- 10 underrated European cities to visit
- 12 amazing hidden gems in Europe
- 10 European destinations that are hot in October
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