The Best Road Trips Across Europe: Routes, Stops, and Scenic Views

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most breathtaking coastal drives in the world. Starting from Sorrento and ending in Salerno, this 50-kilometer stretch of road winds along the cliffside, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and picturesque towns perched on the rocks.

• Positano: A colorful cliffside village with steep streets, charming boutiques, and beautiful beaches.
• Amalfi: Visit the historic Amalfi Cathedral and explore the town’s winding streets filled with cafes and shops.
• Ravello: Known for its stunning gardens, including Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, which offer panoramic views of the coastline.

• The drive itself is a continuous feast for the eyes, with the road clinging to cliffs that drop straight into the sea. Be sure to stop at the many viewpoints along the way to capture the stunning vistas.

Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire island, covering around 1,332 kilometers. This road trip offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from volcanoes and glaciers to waterfalls and black sand beaches.

• Golden Circle: Includes the Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss Waterfall.
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: A stunning glacier lagoon where you can see icebergs floating in the crystal-clear water.
• Vík: A charming coastal village known for its black sand beaches and the Reynisfjara sea stacks.

• The entire Ring Road is a photographer’s dream, with dramatic landscapes at every turn. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a detour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula for even more stunning views, including the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain.

Germany’s Romantic Road is a 400-kilometer route that takes you through charming medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and beautiful countryside. Starting in Würzburg and ending in Füssen, this road trip is perfect for history buffs and lovers of picturesque villages.

• Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A perfectly preserved medieval town with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
• Augsburg: One of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Renaissance architecture and rich history.
• Neuschwanstein Castle: The fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, located near Füssen.

• The Romantic Road offers idyllic views of the Bavarian countryside, with rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. The approach to Neuschwanstein Castle is particularly stunning, with the castle perched high on a hill against the backdrop of the Alps.

Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 500-mile loop around the northernmost part of the Scottish Highlands. This route is a wild and rugged adventure, taking you through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the UK.

• Inverness: The gateway to the Highlands, where you can visit Culloden Battlefield and the Inverness Castle.
• Durness: A small village with stunning beaches, including the famous Sango Bay.
• John o’ Groats: The northernmost point of mainland Britain, offering dramatic coastal views.

• The NC500 is known for its jaw-dropping scenery, including rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and pristine beaches. Be sure to visit Loch Assynt and Smoo Cave for some of the most iconic views along the route.

Norway’s Atlantic Road is a short but spectacular 8.3-kilometer drive that connects a series of small islands with bridges and causeways. This road trip is a must-do for anyone visiting Norway, offering a unique blend of engineering marvels and natural beauty.

• Kårvåg: The starting point of the Atlantic Road, where you can explore the surrounding islands.
• Storseisundet Bridge: The most famous of the bridges, known for its dramatic curve and stunning views.
• Bud: A picturesque fishing village with traditional red cabins and a rich maritime history.

• The Atlantic Road offers incredible views of the Norwegian Sea, with waves crashing against the rocks and bridges. The drive is particularly spectacular during stormy weather when the sea is at its wildest.

The Transfăgărășan Highway is one of the most famous roads in Romania, winding through the Făgăraș Mountains in the Southern Carpathians. Known for its sharp curves, steep descents, and dramatic scenery, this road trip is an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

• Bâlea Lake: A stunning glacial lake located at the highest point of the road.
• Poenari Castle: The real-life castle of Vlad the Impaler, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle.
• Vidraru Dam: One of the largest dams in Romania, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

• The Transfăgărășan Highway offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe, with hairpin turns, steep cliffs, and breathtaking vistas. Be sure to stop at Bâlea Waterfall and Bâlea Tunnel for some of the most spectacular views.

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500-kilometer coastal route that stretches from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. This road trip takes you through some of Ireland’s most stunning coastal landscapes, charming towns, and historic sites.

• Cliffs of Moher: One of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Ring of Kerry: A scenic loop that takes you through mountains, lakes, and picturesque villages.
• Dingle Peninsula: A beautiful stretch of coastline known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and vibrant Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) communities.

• The Wild Atlantic Way is all about the views, with dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and endless ocean vistas. Don’t miss the chance to explore Connemara National Park and Skellig Michael, both offering unforgettable scenery.

The French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) is a glamorous road trip that takes you along the Mediterranean coast from Nice to Saint-Tropez. This route is famous for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and charming coastal towns.

• Monaco: The glamorous principality known for its casinos, yachts, and the annual Grand Prix.
• Cannes: Famous for its film festival, Cannes offers beautiful beaches, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
• Saint-Tropez: A playground for the rich and famous, Saint-Tropez is known for its beaches, harbor, and lively atmosphere.

• The French Riviera offers some of the most beautiful coastal views in Europe, with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and palm-lined promenades. Be sure to take a detour to Eze Village, a medieval hilltop village with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a 48-kilometer mountain pass that takes you through the Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria. This road trip is a must for anyone who loves alpine scenery and dramatic mountain landscapes.

• Heiligenblut: A picturesque village at the foot of the Grossglockner, known for its stunning church and alpine views.
• Franz-Josefs-Höhe: A viewpoint offering incredible views of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain.
• Pasterze Glacier: The longest glacier in Austria, accessible via a cable car from Franz-Josefs-Höhe.

• The Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in Europe, with snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glaciers. The road itself is an engineering marvel, with hairpin turns and steep ascents that make for an exhilarating drive.

The Route des Grandes Alpes is a 684-kilometer road that takes you through the French Alps from Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva to Menton on the Mediterranean coast. This road trip is a true alpine adventure, offering stunning mountain scenery and challenging driving conditions.

• Chamonix: A famous ski resort town located at the foot of Mont Blanc, offering stunning views and outdoor activities.
• Col de l'Iseran: The highest paved pass in the Alps, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Mercantour National Park: A beautiful national park located near the Mediterranean, offering a mix of alpine and coastal scenery.

• The Route des Grandes Alpes offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe, with towering peaks, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Be sure to stop at the many viewpoints along the route to take in the stunning vistas.

1. Plan Your Route: While spontaneity can be fun, it’s important to have a rough plan for your road trip. Research the best routes, stops, and accommodation options to ensure a smooth journey.
2. Pack Light: European roads can be narrow, and parking can be tight, especially in small villages. Pack light and consider renting a smaller car to make navigating easier.
3. Stay Flexible: Road trips are all about the journey, not just the destination. Leave some room in your itinerary for unexpected detours and discoveries.
4. Respect Local Traffic Laws: Each country in Europe has its own traffic laws and regulations. Make sure you’re familiar with the rules of the road in each country you’ll be driving through.
5. Enjoy the Scenery: Europe is full of stunning landscapes and scenic routes. Take your time, enjoy the views, and don’t be afraid to stop and explore along the way.

Europe offers an endless array of road trip possibilities, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re exploring the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean, the rugged landscapes of the Highlands, or the historic towns of Germany, a European road trip is an adventure you’ll never forget. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the best that Europe has to offer.