In this article, I will cover the Most Scenic Drives in Europe, highlighting some of Europe’s most beautiful routes while appreciating the charm, culture, and beauty of the continent’s nature.
- Key Poinst & Best Road Trips In Europe
- 10 Best Road Trips In Europe
- 1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
- 2. North Coast 500, Scotland
- 3. Ring Road, Iceland
- 4. Romantic Road, Germany
- 5. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
- 6. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
- 7. Trollstigen Route, Norway
- 8. Basque Circuit, Spain & France
- 9. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
- 10. Atlantic Road, Norway
- Conclsuion
- FAQ
Every traveler dreams of the memorable experiences each of these routes offers in terms of extraordinary scenery, historic communities, and fascinating activities, from the stunning Amalfi Coast in Italy to the Ring Road in Iceland.
Key Poinst & Best Road Trips In Europe
| Road Trip | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Amalfi Coast, Italy | Cliffside villages, Mediterranean views, coastal cuisine |
| North Coast 500, Scotland | Rugged highlands, castles, lochs, wildlife |
| Ring Road, Iceland | Waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal springs |
| Romantic Road, Germany | Fairytale towns, medieval castles, Bavarian countryside |
| Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria | Alpine peaks, scenic switchbacks, panoramic views |
| Dalmatian Coast, Croatia | Adriatic Sea, historic towns, island hopping |
| Trollstigen Route, Norway | Dramatic fjords, serpentine roads, waterfalls |
| Basque Circuit, Spain & France | Surf beaches, Basque culture, mountain passes |
| Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania | Carpathian Mountains, hairpin turns, Dracula’s castle |
| Atlantic Road, Norway | Ocean bridges, stormy seas, engineering marvels |
10 Best Road Trips In Europe
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
One of Europe’s most beautiful driving routes, The Amalfi Coast, sits on Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula and spans roughly 50 kilometers. The driving route on The Amalfi Coast provides stunning views of the Mediterranean.
The beautifully turquoise Mediterranean sea and picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello become visable as the road winds around and hugs the steep cliffs of the coast. Each of the towns is delightful Mediterranean architecture and Italian cuisine.
The route is exceptionally perfect when enjoyed slowly, and it is best when combined with short stops. The visable sea and the unexploited hidden coves are worth exploring.
The stunning landscape of Italy makes the narrow and sharp turning roads worth the driving struggle.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Towns | Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento |
| Landmarks | Amalfi Cathedral, Villa Cimbrone Gardens, Path of the Gods |
| Experiences | Coastal cliff driving, Lemon groves, Boat rides to Capri |
| Food & Drink | Limoncello, Fresh seafood, Handmade pasta, Italian gelato |
| Best Time to Visit | April to October |
2. North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is a 500-mile scenic tour through Scotland’s northern Highlands, culminating in Inverness, and is known as “Scottish Route 66.
It features beautiful coastlines as well as ancient castles, lochs, and villages. The North Coast 500 route displays untouched Scotland in all its glory with secluded Durness beaches and Ardvreck Castle’s eerie remains.
Wild red deer, seals, and puffins can be seen throughout the journey as well as other beautiful wildlife.
Whether you’re sleeping under the stars or in a warm bed, the North Coast 500 is rich in adventure, history, and beauty.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Towns | Inverness, Ullapool, Durness, John o’ Groats |
| Landmarks | Dunrobin Castle, Ardvreck Castle, Smoo Cave |
| Experiences | Wild camping, Castle visits, Whisky tasting |
| Wildlife | Red deer, Puffins, Seals, Golden eagles |
| Best Time to Visit | May to September |
3. Ring Road, Iceland
The Ring Road, better known as Route 1, circles the entirety of Iceland and is one of the best drives in the whole of Europe.
It is 1,300 kilometers in length and covers all of the major points of interest in Iceland, including the waterfalls Gullfoss and Skógafoss, geothermal springs, volcanic craters, and glacier lagoons.
While driving, there is no end to the striking landscapes, ranging from beaches with black sand to lava fields with moss.
With the summer, one gets endless days and in the winter, there is the opportunity to view the Northern Lights.
The Ring Road is well kept, and remote, perfect for those who want peace. The surreal landscapes make the road trip feel interplanetary.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Natural Wonders | Skógafoss, Gullfoss, Dettifoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon |
| Landscapes | Volcanoes, Lava fields, Black-sand beaches |
| Experiences | Hot springs, Glacier hikes, Northern Lights |
| Towns | Reykjavík, Akureyri, Vik, Egilsstaðir |
| Best Time to Visit | June to September (summer) / December to March (auroras) |
4. Romantic Road, Germany
Germany’s Romantic Road is a 400-kilometer route across Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, a fairy-tale world of medieval towns, castles, and vineyards.
It begins in Würzburg and ends in Füssen, near the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. It passes through and quaint villages, and Dinkelsbühl, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where each stop offered hearty Bavarian cuisine, timber-framed houses, and cobbled streets.
The route’s name is perfect and as is the trip steeped in history, culture, and most importantly charm.
Views of ancient fortresses and the enchanting countryside, as well as the roots of german folklore and romance, make this one of the most picturesque road trips in all of Europe.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Towns | Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Füssen, Dinkelsbühl |
| Landmarks | Neuschwanstein Castle, Würzburg Residence |
| Experiences | Wine tasting, Castle tours, Medieval town walks |
| Food & Drink | Bratwurst, Pretzels, Bavarian beer |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October |
5. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
At 48 kilometers long, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the most spectacular drives and sights in all of Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park.
It is a sight to behold and a drive to take where you can see and admire the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest summit at 3,798 meters, and a national treasure.
This road takes you to over 2500 meters and through 36 high sharp bends, and 2.5 kilometers long, and 15 kilometers wide snow packed mountains.
The drive is only open and allowed May to October every year. It is a dream drive and perfect picture spot and most importantly, a place to experience the hike of a lifetime in ultimate snow packed and rich alpine wilderness.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Natural Sights | Grossglockner Peak, Pasterze Glacier |
| Viewpoints | Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, Edelweiß-Spitze |
| Experiences | Alpine hiking, Mountain photography, Biking |
| Wildlife | Marmots, Ibex, Golden eagles |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October |
6. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Beginning in Zadar and continuing to Dubrovnik, explore the beautiful Mediterranean Coast of Croatia. The coastal drive has stunning views of aged fortresses and contrasting redroofed towns.
The many islands, Hvar and Korčula, offer additional routes for the traveler to explore. Along the coastal road, travelers can find many hidden natural beaches for swimming or sunbathing.
The Mediterranean relaxed charm can be found in the many fresh seafood cafes scattered along the coastline. For romantics, the drive offers stunning views of the sunset and is perfect for people looking to unwind after a long day.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Cities | Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Šibenik |
| Landmarks | Diocletian’s Palace, Dubrovnik Old Town Walls |
| Experiences | Island hopping (Hvar, Korčula), Beach relaxation |
| Food & Drink | Grilled fish, Octopus salad, Dalmatian wine |
| Best Time to Visit | May to September |
7. Trollstigen Route, Norway
Widely regarded as the center of Norway’s beautiful drives, the Trollstigen drive is in the Rauma region.
Among many mountain roads, this one stands out as it has 11 mountain passes. Each one offers beautiful views of waterfalls and hidden deep valleys.
Travelers with the sense for adventure can explore the road in summer and witness the many created mountain roads. Each pass offers amazing views of the untamed Norwegian wilderness.
These traits offer Norway beautiful pictures and stunning driving experiences as well as overlooking waterfalls and deep valleys. The drive is the perfect way to commune with the wilderness.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Landmarks | Stigfossen Waterfall, Stigrøra Summit |
| Experiences | Scenic mountain driving, Viewing platforms |
| Nearby Attractions | Geirangerfjord, Åndalsnes |
| Wildlife | Reindeer, Eagles, Mountain goats |
| Best Time to Visit | June to September |
8. Basque Circuit, Spain & France
The Basque Circuit offers a unique cultural and culinary experience and stretches through Basque Country, and covers the northern parts of Spain and the southwestern parts of France.
It is a scenic journey, providing a blend of the coast and the mountains; it starts from the modern art of Bilbao to the elegant beaches of Biarritz.
On the way, the fishing villages of Getaria and Hondarribia, famous for their seafood and pintxos, are a must stop.
It also passes through the lower parts of the Pyrenees and the greenery that is rich in pastoral Basque traditions.
It is a road trip through one of the distinctive and most flavorful regions of Europe, for foodies, culture, and nature lovers.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Cities & Towns | Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz, Getaria |
| Landmarks | Guggenheim Museum, La Concha Beach |
| Experiences | Surfing, Pintxos tasting, Basque festivals |
| Food & Drink | Pintxos, Txakoli wine, Basque cheesecake |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October |
9. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
Transfăgărășan Highway is one of the most exciting roads in Romania, crossing the Carpathians Făgăraș Mountains for 90 kilometers.
Constructed in the 1970s, this winding highway reaches 2,000 m in altitude. It is highly serpentine(climbing) with tunnels and astonishing alpine views. This road was once described by Jeremy Clarkson as “the best road in the world”.
This statement is justified by the Bâlea glacial lake and glacial castle and untouched wild nature.
The road is only open in the summer, and provides a unique driving experience in the heart of Romania with an blend of marvels of engineering and natural beauty.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Landmarks | Bâlea Lake, Vidraru Dam, Poenari Castle |
| Experiences | Mountain driving, Cable car rides |
| Nearby Attractions | Făgăraș Mountains, Transylvania region |
| Wildlife | Bears, Lynx, Carpathian chamois |
| Best Time to Visit | June to October |
10. Atlantic Road, Norway
The Atlantic Road in Norway is a modern engineering marvel, designed as a series of connecting roads and islands with bridges that crossover the sea.
While only 8 kilometers in length, the drive from Molde to Kristiansund is surreal. The dramatic sea views include storm waves crashing onto the road.
The road is a great spot for fishing, and allows for the viewing of a variety of animals, from seals to sea birds.
The most notable bridge is the Storseisundet Bridge, famous for its “impossible” curve. The Atlantic Road is a unique experience with amazing coastal views. Every drive, be it in sunshine or rain, is breathtaking.
| Category | Famous For |
|---|---|
| Landmarks | Storseisundet Bridge, Eldhusøya Viewpoint |
| Experiences | Oceanfront driving, Fishing, Birdwatching |
| Nearby Attractions | Kristiansund, Molde, Kvernes Stave Church |
| Wildlife | Seals, Seabirds, Whales (occasionally) |
| Best Time to Visit | May to September |
Conclsuion
In summary, Europe has some of the world’s most beautiful road trips. Europe is blessed by nature, culture, and adventure, and road trips exemplify that.
Enjoy the beautiful and unique landscapes along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Ring Road in Iceland, and the Atlantic Drive in Norway, and create lasting memories along the way.
Located along these routes, travelers will find countless local experiences that are sure to please.
FAQ
What is the best time to take a European road trip?
Late spring to early autumn (May–October) offers the best weather and open mountain routes.
Do I need an international driving permit in Europe?
Yes, in most countries outside the EU, an international driving permit is recommended.
Which is the most scenic road trip in Europe?
The Amalfi Coast in Italy and Norway’s Atlantic Road are among the most scenic.
What is the longest road trip in Europe?
Iceland’s Ring Road (over 1,300 km) is one of the longest and most diverse.
Which European road trip is best for nature lovers?
The North Coast 500 in Scotland and the Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania are perfect.