10 Epic European Road Trips—From Scenic Mountain Drives to Stunning Coastal Routes

A European road trip is a traveler’s rite of passage. Not only does it allow you to explore villages, mountains, lakes, and ancient ruins you might not get a chance to see when taking public transportation, but it also challenges you a bit. You may have to drive on the other side of the road, figure out how to pump gas in another country, or navigate the route via signs that aren’t in your first language.

No matter where you choose to embark on an unforgettable road trip, there are a few things to keep in mind, starting with when to go. “The best months are almost always April through June or September through early November, when you can truly hit the sweet spot,” says ​​Chris Brunning, the co-founder and managing director at Untold Story Travel.

Bryan Lewis, the founder of Tenon Tours, also recommends employing a leisurely pace. “Travelers often underestimate how much there is to see along the way, and rushing from A to B can mean missing the moments that make a trip memorable, like a spontaneous stop at a roadside cafe or a village market,” he says. “I also always remind people to avoid overpacking the itinerary; two or three regions are plenty for a weeklong trip.” Below, both Brunning and Lewis, plus a couple of other travel experts, share their picks for the best road trips in Europe.

The Dolomites, Italy

View of the landscape of the Italian Dolomites.

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“If I had to choose just three road trips around Europe, I’d start with the Dolomites in the north of Italy, where driving the green alpine roads with the amazing lakes and mountain landscapes makes travelers feel the real beauty of nature,” says Pablo Gómez, CEO at Holafly. Brendan Fox, the managing director at Destination Sport Experiences, is also partial to this part of the world, noting how you can choose to follow “the roads made famous in the Giro d’Italia,” the annual road cycling race primarily held in Italy. Start your journey in Bolzano, where you can pick up a rental car, then set out to discover all of the hikes, scenic views, charming villages, and wineries in South Tyrol (just make sure you’ve assigned a designated driver beforehand).

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The coastline of Dingle, Ireland.

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“One of my favorite drives is along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, especially the stretch between Galway and Dingle,” says Lewis. “It’s dramatic and untamed, with winding coastal roads, colorful fishing villages, and the kind of views that make you want to stop every few minutes. It’s also a brilliant way to experience Ireland beyond the cities: you get the music, the storytelling, and the sense of community that makes the country so special.” This is a good road trip for movie buffs, too. Along the way, you’ll find filming locations for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Star Wars, Normal People, Harry Potter, and more.

Southern Spain to the South of France

View of Ronda, Spain on cliffs.

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Gómez says the drive from southern Spain to the South of France is one of the best Mediterranean trips. There are endless ways you can organize the journey, whether you’re beginning the road trip around Seville or Córdoba, so definitely do your research ahead of time. “Travelers will move from a sunny Andalusia to the Pyrenees, having also two of Europe’s most incredible food cultures in the same trip,” he adds. Fair warning, though: Both regions are jam-packed with amazing places to visit—so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. Andalusia has Granada, Ronda, and Málaga, for example; when you arrive in France, you’ll be within driving distance of Marseille and Nice.

North Coast 500, Scotland

A van drives along the North Coast 500 in Scotland.

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“Obviously, being Scottish, I have to recommend that everyone drives through the glens and mountains of Scotland. There is so much to see and experience, whether the food, drink, or the golf! The scenery is unforgettable and unlike what you see in other parts of the world,” says Fox. Brunning specifically recommends the North Coast 500 for its “moody, atmospheric scenery, historic castles, and rugged coastline.” You can do a portion of the 500-plus-mile drive or the full thing; either way, highlights include Inverness, the seaside town of Dornoch, ​​Corrieshalloch Gorge, and the Torridon mountains.

Ring Road, Iceland

A waterfall along Iceland’s Ring Road.

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Gómez also recommends taking a road trip through Iceland because of the country’s “unique” qualities. “Travelers can feel both adventure and isolation while still being completely connected to nature. Iceland has volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches to make travelers enjoy its beauty,” he says. You’ll fly into Reykjavik and follow Ring Road (Route 1). It’s 820 miles long and can be driven in either direction. While driving through the south, you’ll see glacier scenery and waterfalls. In the east, you’ll witness the stunning Eastfjords, known for their diverse geography. As you make your way north, you’ll cruise through the Diamond Circle, a gorgeous loop with more waterfalls, whale watching, and geothermal features. In the west, it’s more about the small towns and villages—like Blönduós, Hvammstangi, and Borgarnes.

Black Forest, Germany

View of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany a village in the Black Forest.

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If you can swing it, give yourself at least three to five days for a road trip through the Black Forest in southwest Germany. “The landscapes here are breathtakingly beautiful, making it the perfect place to hit the throttle and rediscover the joys of driving,” says Brunning. Freiburg will be your first port of call; here, you’ll want time to check out Münster Cathedral and take the cable car up Schauinsland. From there, venture on to Titisee, Feldberg, and Triberg, where Germany’s highest waterfalls, Triberg Waterfalls, await. You’ll then drive to Baden-Baden, where you’ll pop on the B500—also known as the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse or Black Forest High Road. It’s one of the country’s most beautiful drives.

Grand Tour of Switzerland

Aerial view of the Zurich cityscape.

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“Another incredible route is Switzerland’s Grand Tour, which ties together the country’s lakes, mountain passes, and charming alpine towns in one loop,” says Lewis. “It’s beautifully organized and showcases everything from Lucerne’s medieval bridges to Zermatt’s car-free serenity. The drive itself is part of the experience: precise, scenic, and dotted with viewpoints that feel cinematic.” If you’re up for the whole thing, you’ll cover around 1,000 miles, starting and ending in Zurich. Just avoid traveling in the winter if you can; some of the high-altitude passes will be closed, and snow and ice can affect road conditions in general.

The French Riviera to Provence

The landscape of Provence, France.

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“For something slightly unexpected, the French Riviera into Provence is stunning. You can start in Nice, follow the coastal roads through hilltop villages like Èze, and then wind inland toward the lavender fields and vineyards of Provence,” says Lewis. “It’s that perfect mix of glamor, history, and countryside calm.” And if you time your trip correctly—from mid-June to early August—you’ll be able to see (and take endless photos of) the famous Provence lavender fields.

Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

Aerial view of the Transfagarasan highway in Romania.

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“The Transfăgărășan Highway also deserves a mention as an under-the-radar route cutting through the heart of the Romanian countryside,” says Brunning. This is one of the shorter drives—you really only need a day to drive from end to end, stops included—but there is no shortage of incredible views along the way. Get ready for hairpin turns, switchbacks, and steep climbs; the road starts in the south in Bascov, runs through the Făgăraș Mountains, and ends in the north in Cârțișoara. It’s about 56 miles in total, and there’s a glacial lake (Balea Lake) at its highest point.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Aerial view of sunset over the Lofoten Islands.

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“For a scenic coastal drive, it’s hard to beat the Lofoten Islands in Norway,” says Brunning. Plan to explore this part of the world in the summer, as the days will be longer and the weather milder. You’ll rent a car in mainland Norway, taking the ferry to the islands. Upon arrival, you’ll drive north from Svolvær, checking out the fishing villages of Henningsvær,  Kabelvåg, and Reine. Along with general sightseeing, you may also want to hike, fish, kayak, and see the northern lights.