Travellers to Europe tend to make a beeline for its famous cities to soak up the cutting-edge culture and historic charm they offer. Fly in and out, however, and you miss the continent’s beautiful landscapes and striking natural wonders that surround them. From the hairpin mountain roads of Romania to the wild coasts of the United Kingdom, these are the most beautiful road trips in every European country on the UN list. Due to the ongoing war, road trips in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine do not feature in this gallery.
Read on to discover European road trips for your bucket list...
Excellent roads, rugged landscapes, exciting cities and pretty villages: Albania has all the ingredients for an inspiring road-trip journey. There are plenty of routes to take but travel the coastal road from Vlore to Dhermi on the Albanian Riviera and you get to experience the magic of the 3,369 feet (1,027m) high Llogara Pass. It’s one of the country’s most scenic roads, weaving its way through the Ceraunian Mountains.
It’s 19.5 miles (31km) long and connects the Dukat Valley in the north with the coastal town of Himarë to the south, cutting into the Llogara National Park, a protected fir, pine and ash tree-filled forest where deer and wild boar roam beneath eagles soaring overhead. Although there aren’t any visitor facilities, it’s a nice place for a hike and picnic. If it’s a clear day, from the top of the pass you may be lucky enough to spot the Greek island of Corfu.
Sandwiched between France and Spain, landlocked Andorra is a tiny country in the Pyrenees big on mountain scenery, Old World charm, hikes and skiing. Because it’s so small – just 180 square miles (468sqkm) in size – it’s easy to whizz around in a couple of days. Whether you arrive from Spain to the south or France to the north, make sure to stop off at the capital, Andorra la Vella, before tackling Port d’Envalira, one of the country’s most scenic drives.
In the east of Andorra, near the border with France, this stunning 17-mile-long (28km) mountain pass connects the resort town of Pas de la Casa with the rest of the country. It’s the highest paved road in the Pyrenees and has featured in Tour de France and Vuelta a España cycling races several times. Not far from Pas de la Casa, you can take in the views over to Encamp from the 7,874-foot-high (2,400m) vantage point.
Dubbed ‘Austria’s best view’, this spectacularly high stretch of road is all about majestic twists and turns – 36 in total – and breathtaking alpine mountain vistas. It’s flanked by the Salzburg town of Fusch on the Grossglockner Road and Heiligenblut am Grossglockner on the Carinthian side, and cuts through the Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest national park in central Europe and home to around 15,000 animal species.
Although the entire road is just 25 miles (48km) long and can be completed in under two hours, slowing down and stopping off along the way reaps the traveller rich rewards. Dotting the route are museums that tell the story of the park’s natural wonders. There are also hiking trails, cafes and restaurants serving hearty mountain fare – and several traditional alpine guesthouses for a unique mountain getaway.
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Quiet countryside and idyllic rivers are highlights of this easy 28-mile amble (45km) through Belgium’s stunning Semois Valley National Park in the heart of the Ardennes, a region of forests, prairies and valleys that skirts the Semois river. It starts in the atmospheric castle town of Bouillon and ends in Vresse-sur-Semois. A village known for its creative community, it's home to several artist and maker galleries.
One of the gems of this journey is to be encountered at the start of this trip: the striking Bouillon Castle. It’s a must-visit, offering everything you want from a castle: dank tunnels, musty rooms, falconry displays, eerie nooks and even a cheese cellar. Other highlights of this journey are the area’s riverside towns. Rochehaut, nestled on a beautiful bend in the Semois, sits opposite the village of Frahan (pictured). Further west, there's Alle with its cafés and kayakers.
Picture-postcard medieval cities, magical waterfalls, Ottoman history and Islamic architecture infuse this epic 220-mile (350km) road trip that cuts through, roughly from north to south, the entirety of one of Europe’s newest countries. Set off from Banja Luka, Bosnia's second city, before working your way through the hinterland to the pretty riverside city of Trebinje in the south. Be sure to spend some time soaking up the sights in Tuzla, the capital Sarajevo, and Mostar on the way.
The journey is at its most epic on the road between Sarajevo and Mostar – the E73 – as it follows the river through the Neretva Canyon. The beauty of medieval Mostar, rich in Ottoman history and known for the iconic Stari Most bridge, is hard to leave behind, but worth it for a detour to the Kravice Waterfalls – 20 in total – before pushing on to picturesque Trebinje in the south.
Travelling north to south from Ruse to Smolyan offers an epic 560-mile (900km) road trip adventure to discover the most beautiful places in Bulgaria, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It starts in the port city of Ruse on the Danube River before taking in the rock-carved churches of Ivanovo and the ancient Roman city of Nicopolis ad Istrum. The route also features Veliko Tarnovo, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria.
From Veliko Tarnovo, the road trip continues to Kazanlak, crossing the Balkan Mountains and the Shipka Pass (pictured). The latter is an incredibly scenic road. Don't miss a climb to the top of the Monument to Freedom for some amazing views. After this, it’s onto Plovdiv. Then, the pretty town of Smolyan, the authentic village of Shiroka Laka and the stunning Trigrad Gorge leading to the Yagodinska Cave.
Jadranska Magistrala, as it’s known locally, is Croatia’s ultimate coastal road trip and one of Europe’s most unforgettable journeys. Running just over 400 miles (650km) from Rijeka on the Kvarner Gulf to Karasovići on the border with Montenegro, it features endless twists and turns, not to mention striking cliff-top views over to the islands of Brač, Vis and Korčula that glitter below against a cobalt-blue horizon.
One of the most beautiful stretches runs 158 miles (254km) along the southern Dalmatian coast between Split and the walled city of Dubrovnik (pictured). At Drvenik, it’s fun to make a detour by 15-minute car ferry to the less visited eastern tip of Hvar Island, before getting back on the mainland. Afterwards, head south to the rustic Konavle region, famous for its vineyards and the secluded beach of Pasjača outside tiny Popovići.
There’s so much more to explore in Czechia than the ever-popular capital city of Prague, the starting point for a 129-mile (207km) jaunt into the country's rural areas. A landscape of rolling hills, castles and vineyards, is discoverable starting northeast of the capital at Český Ràj, or Bohemian Paradise (pictured), an otherworldly protected landscape of volcanic pillars, hilltop castles and forests. From here, it’s an easy ride to Brno. Czechia’s second city is where you'll find the delightful Špilberk Castle.
Vineyards surround the must-see town of Znojmo, with its medieval city walls and imposing setting above the Dyje River. To the west of here, another must-visit is the UNESCO-listed Telč (pictured), with its town square plucked out of a fairytale storybook, lined with multicoloured houses with high gables and home to arcades full of little shops and cafés; and Třebič, with its Jewish Quarter, one of the largest and best preserved in Europe.
The epic 2,236-mile (3,600km) circular Marguerite Route in Denmark is one of Europe’s best road trips for those with time on their hands. It’s named after the Marguerite flower, a favourite of the former Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, who opened the route in 1991. It runs through most of Denmark and takes in one thousand – and counting – of the country’s attractions, including many the Danish children’s author, Hans Christian Andersen, loved visiting. They're each signposted along the way.
Zealand is a nice place to start, a region northwest of Copenhagen, known as the Danish Riviera, and home to lots of the country’s top historic attractions including the fairytale Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød (pictured) that Andersen is said to have visited regularly. From here, you’re not far from Holsteinborg Castle – another of the author’s haunts. Discovering it is half the fun, with a drive here taking travellers on a magical trip through Denmark’s longest avenue of chestnut trees.
Compact Estonia – the most northerly of the three Baltic states – offers a landscape peppered with historic towns and carpeted in rich forest. One of the most unique and spectacular road trips here is a journey around the islands of Muhu, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa. It’s a nice road-trip idea that would take around five days, starting with some sightseeing in the capital city of Tallinn.
From Tallinn, it’s an 81-mile (131km) drive to Virtsu Port where you catch a ferry to otherworldly Muhu, dotted with timeless villages, historic houses and bike trails. A drive over the Väinatamm causeway takes you to Saaremaa with its scenic beaches, marshes, and the famous Kaali Meteorite Crater. This is followed by another ferry ride to Hiiumaa, Estonia's natural spa, known for sandy shores, the Kõpu Lighthouse and refreshing sea breezes. After enjoying all that, head back to the mainland.
This memorable 168-mile (270km) road trip starts at the village of Tankavaara, where you can pan for gold, and ends in Nuorgam, Finland's northernmost village. Running through the country's unsung Utsjoki region, it’s especially magical come summer when all the snow melts and the Arctic scenery of Finnish Lapland transforms into a lush, verdant landscape. We think it's the perfect setting for a seasonal journey on four wheels.
Along the way, the road connecting Karigasniemi north towards Utsjoki is considered one of Finland’s most beautiful. It skirts the River Teno that weaves through beautiful fells and valleys in the heart of Sámi country (this is Finland’s only municipality where the Sámi population is a majority). Here, traditional Sámi costumes are still worn at local events and festivals – offering travellers a chance to experience this unique culture up close.
The idyllic vine-strewn countryside of Alsace is some of the most stunning in France. One of the best ways to explore it – and its 50 wineries – is by following the Alsace Wine Route, also known as the Route des vins d’Alsace. This 105-mile (170km) journey is France’s oldest and most historic route of its kind and runs through the eastern foothills of the Vosges Mountains. It starts in Marlenheim in the north and ends in Thann in the south, passing through more than 70 towns and villages on the way.
Expect the most dramatic scenery in the southern stretch between Thann and Soultzmatt in the south, where verdant vines cling to dizzyingly steep slopes. It all happens near Rosheim, with its fascinating Romanesque Saint Peter and Paul Church. Kaysersberg, a few miles from the German border, is a village of chocolate-box houses overlooked by a castle built in the 13th century. This is where the region’s very first vines were planted in the 8th century.
Route signs along the way in German – and Japanese – are a clue to this road trip’s worldwide appeal. It wends its way through forests and mountains of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to make up Southern Germany’s Romantic Road, a picturesque 218-mile (350km) route big on fairytale castles and towns. It’s bookmarked by Würzburg (pictured), a wine region city known for the Residenz, an 18th-century Baroque palace with a Tiepolo fresco and the town of Füssen, in the foothills of the Alps.
Every stretch offers up storybook scenes. Don’t miss a wander around one of the several medieval walled towns dotting the route: Augsburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. Venture into the stunning Tauber Valley and you’ll find walking trails through vineyards. In Füssen, King Ludwig II’s enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle awaits travellers in all its turreted perfection.
Lovers of ancient Greek history and dramatic mountainous scenery will love this epic road trip, exploring the unsung Peloponnese region on the southern Greek mainland. Starting in the capital city of Athens, you’ll journey for 10 days and cover 515 miles (830km) on your way to the birthplace of the Olympic games, Ancient Olympia, with plenty of stop-offs en route.
Two hours east of Athens is the Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, a classic Greek amphitheatre dating back to the 4th century that still hosts events today. Venture deeper into the region, and you’ll discover pretty fortress towns like Monemvasia on the southeastern coast and Kardamyli overlooking the glittering Gulf of Messenia, before reaching Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held in the summer of 776 BC.
Opulent architecture, fascinating folk art, thriving cities of culture, thermal lakes and spas and forest-rich scenery are Hungary’s major selling points. Soak it all up on this lovely 130-mile (258km) route through the country that starts in the well-trodden capital city of Budapest and goes on to Pécs in southern Hungary, via Lake Balaton. Although it only takes a few hours to complete the route, it’s well worth booking in a couple of overnight stays.
Take your time over Lake Balaton, Hungary’s most famous beauty spot, 85 miles (139km) from Budapest. It’s Europe’s biggest and shallowest body of water surrounded by forested hills. Climb to the top of the 464 Bujdosók Stairs for a particularly good view. It’s also worth savouring the nearby spa town of Héviz, home to Europe’s largest thermal spa bathhouse, while the underrated ancient city of Pécs offers a mix of museums, galleries and cultural events without the crowds of Budapest.
Known for its jaw-dropping natural wonders and easy driving conditions, Iceland is the perfect European road-trip destination. Route One, or the Ring Road, is the country’s most iconic journey, a 822-mile-long (1,322km) national road that loops around its entirety. It features more epic waterfalls, glaciers, lagoons, black-sand beaches, basalt cliffs and volcanoes than you'll know what to do with. Along the way, you'll also pass through some fairytale towns and villages.
When it comes to deciding what direction to travel, locals tend to choose a direction based on which way promises better weather. Although there are plenty of waterfalls to see along Ring Road, Godafoss is arguably the most spectacular of them all. Known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods', it’s said to date back to around AD 1000. The spectacular piece of nature is 98 feet (30m) wide and 39 feet (12m) high.
The decade-old 1,600-mile (2,500km) Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest coastal touring routes in the world. It stretches along Ireland's wild and windswept west coast, from Kinsale in County Cork on the Celtic Sea coast to the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, Ulster. This is a great trip to do with little ones, who will love stamping off discovery points – there are 180 in total – in a Wild Atlantic Way Passport that's available, along with stamps, from post offices along the way.
Be sure to stop in County Clare to admire the moonscape of karst limestone at The Burren. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches over 155 miles (250km) and is home to megalithic tombs older than Egypt’s pyramids. Check out its unique ecosystem, featuring everything from native Irish plants to alpine flowers, before going for a refreshing walk on the beaches of the Beara Peninsula. This West Cork highlight is home to some pretty islands, hiking trails and castle ruins you can explore with the aid of regular boat trips.
Driving the wildly popular Amalfi Coast Road – or Costiera Amalfitana – is one of the top things to do in Italy. Bookended by sophisticated Sorrento and Vietri sul Mare, near Salerno, this 35-mile (55km) narrow ribbon of road is stunning – but best avoided in the height of summer. It meanders south of Naples through colourful fishing villages and past terraces of lemon trees, vineyards and olive groves, that cling precariously to the steep hillsides above the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea.
Positano is a must-see, with its pretty houses and popular Marino Grande beach. For epic panoramic views here, climb the town steps to the top. Head eastwards to Amalfi where the famous Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea, makes a great backdrop for a photo. Stunning Ravello is one of the quietest villages along the stretch, set slightly inland away from the bustle of the coastline but still offering amazing coastal views.
Bordered by Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, Lithuania to the south, and lapped by the Baltic Sea, cosy Latvia is rich in nature, lakes and stunning views of the Baltic Sea. This pleasant 241-mile (389km) road trip celebrates this, with two-thirds of it following the coastal road. It starts in the terracotta-hued UNESCO recognised city of Riga, with its Gothic spires and Art Nouveau architecture, before heading west to the coastal town of Liepāja.
Start on foot with a tour of Riga’s highlights, most of which are in the Old Town, before hopping in the car to the wealthy seaside resort of Jurmala, overlooking the glittering Gulf of Riga on the Baltic coast. One of the prettiest stretches of the trip is the drive along the coast to Cape Kolka (pictured) on the Liv coast – an area home to an endangered Indigenous population – where two bodies of water clash dramatically.
Embedded deep in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in Europe; a mountain principality ruled by a monarch who lives in a castle in Vaduz, the country’s capital. It’s the road trip destination of choice for lovers of short journeys big on forests, castles, alpine scenery and great hiking. The drive up to Malbun village is a stunning, yet short, jaunt beginning in Vaduz. There’s no airport so most arrive from Zurich in Switzerland.
A stroll around the capital’s beautiful town square reveals lots of cafés and public artworks. There's also the chance here to join a narrated Citytrain tour. This is a fun way to see the city highlights, including the castle. Next, follow the Bergstrasse road up to Malbun (pictured). Glorious in the summer, when the hills are carpeted in green, Triesenberg serves up showstopping views and epic hiking options en route.
The largest and southernmost of the three Baltic countries, Lithuania has an ethereal atmosphere. Although it’s known for its pristine lakes and forest, it’s also rich in medieval history and fascinating architecture. This seven-day 300-mile (480km) road trip from city to sea, marries these cultural and natural attributes; taking you on a journey to discover some of its most appealing attractions.
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A wander around Vilnius’ medieval cobblestone lanes is a must, getting you in the mood for the next stop: Trakai Castle, dating to the 14th century and set on its own island. A scenic route through foliage-lined roads leads the way through Kaunas, Lithuania’s second city and a treasure trove of street art. On the way to Klaipėda, the gateway to the Baltic Sea, it’s worth detouring to the Hill of Crosses, a recent pilgrimage site, before taking in the beauty of the UNESCO-protected Curonian Spit peninsula.
With an area of just one thousand square miles (2,600sqkm), Luxembourg is a country of short distances. This means all its best attributes, from castles and modern buildings to natural wonders, are essentially nearby. What’s more, it boasts pretty roads surrounded by vast greenery and panoramic views. One way to take it all in is by following the Grand Tour of Luxembourg road trip route, a 450-mile (724km) national journey featuring over 200 official signposts.
Tackle the entire route in one mega road trip or, break it into chunks by following one of the six smaller regional routes like the Éislek Tour. This 150-mile (243km) journey weaves through the country’s northern region known for its forests, hilly roads, museums, places of remembrance and castles like the stunning Vianden (pictured). The Moselle Tour, however, explores Luxembourg’s wine country on riverside roads that pass picturesque villages and vineyards, particularly magical in autumn when the colours change.
At just 17 miles (27km) by nine miles (14km), the Mediterranean island of Malta offers the opportunity for in-depth discovery on a micro-road trip. This roughly 10-mile (17km) trip from the honey-coloured capital city of Valletta in the east and ending at the Dingli Cliffs in the west offers an easy slow amble packed with ancient sights, views and stunning seascapes. It’s a nice one to start after lunch so you reach your destination around sunset, in time for golden hour.
Prolong the amble with plenty of stop-offs on the way: the historic town of Paola, the Blue Grotto for snorkelling, the must-see megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, the pretty Ghar Lapsi cove, Limiti tal-Ghajn il Kbira viewpoint, and finally – the Dingli Cliffs. Some 830 feet (253m) above sea level, they’re the island’s most vertiginous area with immense views, where a chapel to St Mary Magdalene nestles precariously on the edge. Walking is popular here too.
This small, landlocked Eastern European country bordered by Romania and the Ukraine, is also one of the world’s least visited, it’s crying out for tourists, which currently makes it an ideal choice for a crowd-free road trip. This 186-mile (300km) journey follows a route around the country’s lush south, offering the traveller a flavour of Moldovan culture and countryside. It’s one to enjoy over a weekend, or a bit longer with more overnight stops.
It starts in the capital, Chisinau, and ends with a stay in traditional accommodation on the shores of pretty Lake Beleu (pictured). As well as taking in the capital’s cultural sights – the National Art Museum and the National Library of Moldova are highlights – you’ll pass through dense forests and journey over rocky hills. You’ll also get to sample Moldovan wine at some of the country’s best vineyards, including Vinăria din Vale winery.
Squeezed into just 200 hectares, Monaco is a tiny principality hugging the Mediterranean coast surrounded by France. Well known as a magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early 20th century, it’s also the setting for an annual Formula One Grand Prix, and where one of the three famed Corniche roads – the Grande Corniche – passes through.
Running from Nice to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the Grande Corniche was built by Napoleon I and follows the ancient Roman route known as Via Julia Augusta. This short section of the elevated route, with its vistas and winding paths, is the chance to soak up the glamour Monaco is known for: luxury shopping, fine dining at one of the principalities many upscale restaurants, and a flutter in the elegant Beaux Arts Casino de Monte Carlo (pictured) that opened in 1865.
A sublime stretch of Adriatic coastline, thick forest and crystal-clear lakes, Venetian old towns and Ottoman history – Montenegro is a fascinating destination. The 98-mile (166km) drive from Kotor on the coast to Durmitor in the centre offers some of the country’s best scenery – which starts with a drive along the Kotor Serpentine (pictured), Montenegro’s most spectacular stretch of road.
With no fewer than 16 hair-raising hairpin bends, this isn’t a drive for the faint of heart. It’s worth tackling it though, safely of course, to take in the views – the best of which are seen on the way down. If you set off in the late afternoon, and you’ll witness Kotor, Tivat, and the entire Bay, bathed in golden-hour light. There are also designated viewing areas for hopping out the car and grabbing that all-important holiday photo.
Time it right and this short but sweet 40-mile (64km) drive from coastal Haarlem to the canal-side city of Leiden, through the country’s famous Bollenstreek bulb-growing region, packs in a rainbow of colour. No sooner do you leave Haarlem’s cobbled streets and gabled buildings behind you’ll soon pass open fields and flower farms. Come spring, the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, hosts stunning colourful displays of seven million blooms.
Head west to discover coastal Noordwijk, with its white-sand dunes roamed by fallow deer, foxes, speckled green sand lizards and a cacophony of birdlife. Historic Leiden, home of Dutch master painter Rembrandt, is 30 minutes away, not far from Hortus Botanicus Leiden, the Netherlands’ oldest botanic gardens.
This digestible 108-mile (174km) route through North Macedonia is a good one for first timers to this tiny landlocked Balkan gem. It takes in all the must-sees for a good introduction to the country, starting in the capital Skopje, the country’s main cultural centre, and ends in second city of Bitola, the gateway to northern Greece for onward travels. Although it’s a short journey, it pays to slow down and give it a week.
Don’t miss the distinctive Ilinden war monument in Krusevo, built during the Yugoslav time, and make sure to linger awhile on the crystalline shores of Lake Ohrid, a symbol of North Macedonian tourism. Shared with Albania, this is the only inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Macedonia and one of only a few dozen anywhere in the world to be included on both the Cultural and Natural lists.
Norway’s Atlantic Road is a short but sweet scenic stretch of Road 64 that connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of islands and islets. It’s only 5.2 miles (8.3km) long, but it’s often dubbed one of the world’s most stunning road trips. It consists of eight bridges that soar between tiny islands dotted with typical, red-roofed summer houses, and spots to pause for a picnic and watch the seabirds and seals playing on the shore. You can also follow one of the many hiking and biking trails.
It offers open sea views at every turn and passes by Hustadvika, a notorious section of the Norwegian coastline where numerous shipwrecks have occurred in the shallow waters over the years. The most breathtaking stretch is said to be the one that runs between the fishing villages of Bud and Kristiansund.
One minute you’re looking out over impressive rock formations, next you’re immersed in deep forest on a drive on this remarkable 14-mile (22km) section of road 387. It connects Kudowa-Zdrój and Radków in Poland’s lush Kłodzko Valley and is best known as the 100 Curves or 100 Bends Road. It’s a dramatic sight; a winding course of bends backdropped by rock walls offering a unique mountain landscape featuring arches, chasms and beautiful views. It’s particularly popular road trip with bikers too.
The road winds its way through an area known as Table Mountains National Park, a well-known home to some of Poland’s most impressive natural landmarks in the Kłodzka Valley, dramatic natural formations like the Bledne Skaly, Szczeliniec and Gory Stolowe. All these sights are easily accessible if following one of the many hiking trails around the landscape, plenty of them family friendly.
Nowadays, it’s almost deserted except for local traffic and makes for a perfect slow travel adventure with a focus on local culture, regional food and nature. Highlights of the N2 include the town of Lamego, a historic city where visits to the cathedral and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies are not to be missed; the latter the setting for one of the country’s most important pilgrimages that takes place every September.
Usually starting in Bascov and Carțișoara, the Transfăgărășan Highway is a 71-mile (114km) road characterised by a series of hairpin bends. It was built in the 1970s for military purposes to connect the regions of Wallachia and Transylvania and dramatically snakes its way through the Făgăras mountains, known as the Transylvanian Alps, rich in stunning natural landscapes and wildlife.
Along the way, don’t miss a stop-off at Poenari Castle, a mystical fortress of Vlad Tepes, who inspired Bram Stoker to create the legend of Dracula, and Curtea de Arges, one of the oldest cities in Romania founded in the 13th century. Meanwhile, the area’s scenic hiking and biking trails will be a fun detour for any adventurous traveller.
Landlocked San Marino is a mountainous microstate surrounded by north-central Italy. It’s made up of nine old small towns, known as castellis, each with something to discover, so a road trip like this would enable you to spend a couple of days visiting each one. And, at just 24 square miles (61sqkm), it’s one of the few European countries you can see in its entirety in a day by car. This just also happens to be the best way to get around, seeing as its roads are narrow, steep and curvy.
The best place to start is in the capital – also called San Marino – on the slopes of Monte Titano. It’s best known for its medieval walled old town with narrow cobblestone streets and three towers (previous slide): Guaita and Cesta, both built in the 11th century, and Montale, built in the 14th century. Don’t miss a trip to Borgo Maggiore (pictured here), an old market town dating to 1244 on the UNESCO list. It’s also linked to the capital by cable car.
Most travellers to Serbia tend to fly in and out of Belgrade, the capital city, but this beautiful Balkan country has so much more to offer. This 170-mile (273km) road trip ending in Tara National Park, focuses on the north of the country and offers a bit of everything: culture, incredible architecture, street art, food and showstopping natural wonders, all easily connected by great roads for an easy journey.
The mighty Danube runs through the centre of first stop, Novi Sad, Serbia’s second city and cultural capital known for its great restaurants and wineries. North of here in Subotica, marvel at the stunning examples of Art Nouveau architecture including the Raichle Palace built in 1904, before a trip to Belgrade to catch a city view at the Avala Tower. End on a high note in Tara National Park, widely considered Serbia’s most pristine pocket of nature, with surprisingly few tourists.
There’s much diversity to be discovered on this road trip that runs from west to east through landlocked Slovakia, a nation of forests, stunning castles and emerald lakes – and plenty of epic sights and stretches. Bratislava, the capital, with its atmospheric Old Town, marks the start of the 250-mile (403km) journey that ends in the city of Košice, home to a medieval old town and with access to the Tokaj region – it boasts a unique microclimate, rolling vineyards and historic wine cellars.
Tick off Bratislava, and hit the road for Banská Štiavnica, an attractive town of terracotta rooftops set in a caldera and beautifully framed by forest. Arguably, the most epic stretch of this mega country-wide road trip is in the High Tatras scenic drive, just after visiting Orava Castle. True to its name, this stretch promises lofty, twisting roads and majestic views, plus Štrbské Pleso, a stunning glacial lake where you can take a hike.
With its ice-fresh rivers, charming villages and spectacular mountains, Slovenia isn’t short on impressive sights to discover on the road. One of the most spectacular parts of the country is around Triglav National Park which covers most of the Julian Alps, a trip that promises dramatic scenery and showstopping views on every bend. Start with a culture fix in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, before heading west into the mountains, a 107-mile (173km) journey that takes around two to three hours.
Around halfway, stop to take in the majestic Solkan Bridge (pictured), the world’s largest stone arch bridge. From here, it’s fun to drive on smaller roads skirting the Soča River and past the pretty village of Most na Soči, on the way to Tolmin Gorge. This is the lowest and southernmost entry point to Triglav National Park, where the scenery takes a dramatic alpine twist and your adventure into the Julian Alps begins.
Sun-soaked beaches, fascinating cities and pretty fishing villages are just some of the rewards that await the traveller taking this 105-mile (170km) road trip. It starts in bustling Barcelona and ends in the quaint seaside town of Cadaqués on the bay of the Cap de Creus peninsula. It’s one of the most spectacular stretches of Spain’s Costa Brava, lapped by the Mediterranean Sea on the northeastern coast of Catalonia, an area that inspired artist Salvador Dalí.
On leaving Barcelona, take the GI-682 road from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, which is dotted with viewpoints for taking in the scenery. It’s worth detouring away from the coastline to the ancient city of Girona, to explore its ancient lanes and marvel at its spectacular cathedral – which has one of the biggest Gothic naves in the world.
This 82-mile (131km) stretch of route E10 is one of the most northerly, and beautiful, roads in Sweden. The road hugs the south shore of Torneträsk, one of Sweden’s largest alpine lakes, passing through Abisko – a jewel of the national park system. You'll see excellent views of Lapporten too, the region’s iconic U-shaped Mountain.
Unless you’re also planning on visiting Norway, you’ll have to turn around at Riksgränsen and drive back the way you came, which isn’t wasted time, since the panoramic views look different in the opposite direction. You can easily make the round-trip drive in a day, but if you’ve got time, spend at least a night or two in the Abisko area to experience the national park where, if you time it right, you may catch a glimpse of the glimmering Northern Lights.
From treelined lakeshores to sparkling glaciers, vibrant modern cities to historic towns – the Grand Tour of Switzerland is an epic 1,020-mile (1,643km) circuit that packs in all of the country’s highlights. It features 650 signposts pointing to 46 top attractions, 22 lakes, five alpine passes and 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, photo spots – and charging points (the Grand Tour of Switzerland can be completed in an electric vehicle). Choose to tackle the entire tour or bite off one stage at a time – there are eight in total.
For example, Neuchâtel to Bern is the stage to follow if you love Switzerland’s glistening lakes. Starting at Lake Neuchâtel, the route goes past Lake Murten, Lake Schiffenen, Lake Gruyère, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and along the Aare River to the capital, Bern. For the thrill of driving on winding roads, the Bellinzona to Zermatt stage includes the nailbiting Tremola (pictured), that snakes its way from Airolo up to the Gotthard Pass, and features 24 hairpin bends.
One of the most spectacular road trips in the UK is The Coastal Way in Wales. This windswept stretch of road that’s part of the recently launched Wales Way, a collection of three national routes that together cover 420 miles (675km) of Wales. This part runs 180-miles (290km) along an unbroken sweep of Cardigan Bay through the counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Gwynedd, weaving its way between blue seas and big mountains. You could easily spend a week doing this.
There are plenty of unmissable experiences to savour, unexpected treasures to discover and road trip detours to make along the way. Don’t miss a trip to Borth Beach in Ceredigion where, come low tide, you’ll see the remains of a submerged ancient forest sticking out of the sand. For great photos, stop at Portmeirion, an Italianate village built between 1925 and 1976, featuring a central piazza and houses inspired by those on the Italian Riviera.
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