Many destinations across Europe are best discovered on a road trip. While we’re advocates of public transit and car-free travel, some trips are simply not possible without a vehicle.
Hut-to-hut hiking aside, a car gives you the greatest freedom to explore the most pristine natural areas of Europe. It’s often the most efficient way, or the only way to travel to remote and offbeat destinations.
What makes this particular list of Europe road trip routes unique, or different? Thematically, all of our road trips lead to gorgeous outdoor destinations, some alpine, others coastal. Our road trips are designed for outdoor travelers like ourselves who love to walk and crave authenticity.
Furthermore, as two women, safety is always top of mind. For that reason, we only gravitate to places where we don’t have to worry about our personal safety. Though I’d say we’re fairly adventurous, we’re certainly not reckless.
In this roundup of our favorite Europe road trips, you’ll discover seasonal routes, some best tackled during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) and others best driven in summer, or winter.
If you’re hesitant to rent a car in Europe, check out these adventurous European itineraries, including our 2-Week Portugal Itinerary (spring, or fall) and Marseille Calanques Itinerary (spring, or fall).
- Vignettes. Many countries in Europe require a vignette, or toll sticker, to drive on motorways.
- Toll Fees. In Italy, there is no vignette, but there are a number of toll roads. Motorway entrances and exits are marked by toll stations. Before entering a toll road, drivers take a ticket from a toll station. Upon exiting the toll road, drivers pay for their motorway usage, based on how many kilometers they drove.
- Manual versus Automatic Transmission. Most cars in Europe are still manual. If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.
- How to Rent a Car. We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Europe. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
- International Driving License. Some countries require that non-EU drivers possess an international driving license to rent a car.
- European Parking Disc. In free, but time-restricted car parks, it’s common to display your time of arrival with a parking-disc.
1. Picos de Europa Road Trip
Northern Spain
Picos de Europa National Park spans the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and León in Northern Spain, encompassing the breathtaking Picos de Europa Mountains. This limestone mountain range, composed of three massifs, reaches its zenith at Torre Cerredo, which stands at an impressive 2,650 meters.
The park is characterized by its striking lunar alpine landscapes, verdant gorges, mixed leafy forests, picturesque rural villages, and expansive mountain pastures. The rugged terrain of Picos de Europa bears a great resemblance to the Northern and Southern Limestone Alps; however, its vegetation sets it apart.
Instead of the typical coniferous forests found in the Alps, the park boasts lush mixed forests of oak, blackthorn, hawthorn, laurel, terebinth, ash, linden, chestnut, and beech, creating a uniquely lush environment.
Our Northern Spain road trip circuits the Picos de Europa Mountains, traveling from Poncebos in Asturias to Potes in Cantabria, and to Cangas de Onís in Asturias.
Highlights of the road trip include hiking through the majestic Ruta del Cares gorge and along the Puertos de Áliva, visiting the Covadonga Sanctuary and the Lakes of Covadonga.
Experienced alpine hikers can integrate the 2-Day Hike to Refugio Jou de los Cabrones in the central massif.
Our route ends at the sea in Llanes, a coastal village in Northern Spain.
Road Trip Itinerary | Picos de Europa Road Trip
Where to Start the Road Trip / Closest Airports | Santander Airport in Cantabria. More airport options: Asturias Airport, or Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport.
Duration | 10 Days
When to Go | Late May – September (October)
Related Guides | Where to Stay in Picos de Europa and Hiking in Picos de Europa
2. Brittany Road Trip
Northern France
Brittany (Bretagne in French, Breizh in Breton) is a region in Northern France renowned for its unique Celtic-rooted identity and rugged coastline punctuated by lighthouses, castles, and picturesque coastal villages.
Foodies likely know that the beloved crêpe originates from Brittany. History buffs may know that Brittany is home to the largest concentration of prehistoric megaliths (standing stones, dolmens, etc…) in the world. And, seasoned hikers know that the GR 34, aka the Custom Officer’s Trail, runs along the Breton Coast for 1700 kilometers.
For the traveler that loves coastal walking as well as medieval architecture, Brittany is one of the finest regions in France to explore with a car.
Our Brittany road trip showcases scenic stretches of the GR 34 (day hikes only) along with picturesque seaside towns, medieval cities, and gourmet dining experiences.
Over the course of just 10 days, you will journey to the Emerald Coast, Pink Granite Coast, Paimpol, Roscoff and Morlaix Bay, Crozon Peninsula, Quimper, Quiberon Peninsula, Belle Ile Island, and Vannes.
Road Trip Itinerary | Brittany Road Trip Itinerary
Where to Start the Road Trip / Closest Airports | Nantes, Rennes, and Brest
Where to Start the Road Trip / Ferry Terminals | Roscoff Port and St. Malo Port
Duration | 10 Days
When to Go | Late Spring, Summer, Early Autumn
Related Guides | Best Places to Stay in Brittany and Best Hikes in Brittany
3. Montenegro Road Trip
Montenegro is a Balkan Country bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania.
For travelers that love craggy limestone mountains as much as glistening seas, Montenegro is the ultimate European road trip destination.
Our Montenegro Road Trip links Prokletije National Park and Durmitor National Park with the Bay of Kotor and the Budva Riviera. It continues to Ulcinj near the border of Albania and finally to Lake Skadar (aka Shkodra Lake).
Each destination features remarkable scenery and epic roads like the P14 across Durmitor National Park, the hairpin-aplenty Kotor Serpentine Road, and the E65 along the mountainous coastline of Budva Riviera.
Travelers should be confident driving defensively on narrow, twisting roads.
Highlights of our Montenegro road trip route include hiking to Volusnica to see the vertical walls of the Karanfili peaks in the Prokletije massif (one of the most sensational mountain views in Europe), summiting Bobotov Kuk, exploring the Bay of Kotor, swimming around Sveti Stefan, and visiting Ulcinj and its many beaches.
Road Trip Itinerary | 2-Week Montenegro Road Trip Itinerary
Where to Start the Road Trip / Closest Airports | Podgorica Airport, Tivat Airport, or Dubrovnik Airport
Duration | 2 Weeks
When to Go | June – September (October). We recommend traveling to Montengro in September.
Related Guides | Where to Stay in Kotor Bay and Žabljak Accommodation Guide
4. Faroe Island Road Trip
For a nordic adventure full of mystical landscapes, look no further than the Faroe Islands.
Comprising 18 islands sculpted by volcanic activity and Ice Age glaciers, this archipelago lies in the North Atlantic between Norway and Iceland.
No matter where you venture across the Faroes, you will be immersed in a tapestry of treeless islands, vertical sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, pyramidal peaks, and vibrant fishing villages. Turf-roofed houses, shaggy sheep, and puffins further enhance the allure of the spellbinding scenery.
Planning a trip to the Faroe Islands can initially seem daunting. Which islands should you prioritize? How much time is needed? Which ferries require advance booking? What is the process for paying for sub-sea tunnels?
Our thoughtfully crafted Faroe Islands itinerary simplifies the planning process.
Over the course of one magical week, you will marvel at Múlafossur Waterfall and the Floating Lake on Vágar Island, hike to Klakkur, Kallur Lighthouse, Villingardalsfjall, and Katlarnir, follow the old village path from Saksun to Tjørnuvík, and visit Suðuroy Island.
Road Trip Itinerary | Faroe Island Road Trip Itinerary
Where to Start the Road Trip / Closest Airports | Vágar Airport (the only airport in the Faroes), located on Vágar Island.
Duration | 1 Week
When to Go | June – September
Related Guides | Best Hotels in the Faroe Islands and Hiking in the Faroe Islands
5. Mallorca Road Trip
Balearic Islands, Spain
Mallorca is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea that is suffering from over tourism in the summer months. Luckily, we don’t recommend touring this island in summer, and we certainly do not recommend visiting its infamous party zones.
Our suggested Mallorca itinerary centers around the scenic Ma-10 road, which meanders through the Tramuntana mountain range.
This itinerary is specifically designed for spring and autumn travel, when temperatures are cooler and many of the crowds have dispersed.
Over the course of seven days, you’ll hike in the Serra de Tramuntana, explore the mountain villages of Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller, watch the sunset from Formentor Peninsula, and bask in the sun-drenched coves of Cala Llombards, Caló des Moro, and Cala Pi.
Road Trip Itinerary | Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary
Where to Start the Road Trip / Closest Airports | Palma de Mallorca Road Trip
Duration | 1 Week
When to Go | Spring (April – May), or Autumn (October – November). We don’t recommend visiting Mallorca between June and August.
Related Guides | Where to Stay in Mallorca
6. Dolomites Road Trip
Northern Italy
Driving across the Dolomites of Northern Italy awakens and energizes the senses. It’s a medicinal and transcendental experience.
This dramatic mountain range extending across five Italian provinces is the ultimate backdrop for an Italy road trip filled with jaw-dropping mountain scenery, serpentine mountain roads leading over cinematic mountain passes, and utterly fantastic accommodations.
Anyone who visits the Dolomites will likely return to the Dolomites (we have 11 times).
We have dedicated many years to exploring this corner of Northern Italy and have created three unique road trip itineraries for you: 5-Day Dolomites Road Trip, 7-Day Dolomites Road Trip, and 10-14 Days Dolomites Road Trip.
If you’re asking how long do you need in the Dolomites, the answer is always “the more time the better.”
Where to Start the Road Trip / Closest Airports | Read How to Get to the Dolomites
Duration | Varies
When to Go | June – October. Our recommendation is to travel to the Dolomites in late June, September, or October.
Related Guides | Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer, Best Hotels in the Dolomites, Places to Visit in the Dolomites, and Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites
7. Bavarian Alps and Tyrolean Alps Road Trip
Germany and Austria
Journey to the Northern Limestone Alps of Bavaria and Tyrol for storybook alpine towns, castles in the air, soaring mountains, and picturesque mountain lakes.
This circular Alps road trip route ties together our favorite destinations along with top attractions in Upper Bavaria, Germany, and Tyrol, Austria.
We recommend starting the trip in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the base of the Wetterstein Mountains in Bavaria. From here, you can visit Partnachklamm Gorge, Höllentalklamm Gorge, and Lake Eibsee.
The road trip continues to Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau, and Schloss Neuschwanstein. After visiting Bavaria’s fairy tale castles, cross the border into Tyrol, Austria. Drive to Ehrwald in order to hike to Lake Drachensee.
In autumn, when temperatures are cooler, you may want to detour to Oetztal to spend a few hours, or a day at the Aqua Dome thermal spa.
The drive continues to Innsbruck, Mayrhofen, and Lake Achensee, the largest lake in Tyrol.
After detouring to Grosser Ahornboden, drive to the fabled Bavarian town of Mittenwald, the final destination along this Bavaria-Tyrol road trip route.
Road Trip Itinerary | Bavarian Alps – Tyrolean Alps Road Trip Itinerary
Where to Start the Road Trip | Munich International Airport, or Innsbruck Airport
Duration | 10 Days
When to Go | June – October. We recommend visiting outside of high season: September-early/mid October.
Related Guides | Best Hikes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
8. Tenerife Road Trip
Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa.
Home to the highest mountain in Spain, Mount Teide (3,715 m), this winter sun destination is vastly appealing, because of its varied landscapes, thanks in part to its many microclimates.
From the verdant and lush northern tip to the barren interior, there is so much to discover on this volcanic island.
Our Tenerife Road Trip route ties together Anaga Rural Park with Teide National Park and the Teno Mountains.
Road Trip Itinerary | Tenerife Road Trip
Where to Start the Road Trip | Tenerife-South Airport (TFS) in Puerto de la Cruzand Tenerife-North Airport (TFN) in La Laguna.
Duration | 7 Days
When to Go | November – March
Related Guides | Best Hikes in Tenerife, Tenerife in January, and Where to Stay in Tenerife for Hiking
9. Gran Canaria Road Trip
Canary Islands, Spain
Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the Canary Islands.
For better or for worse, Gran Canaria is famous for its beach resorts.
The good news is that it’s quite easy to avoid those eyesores if you know where to go. If you identify with our travel style and you love the outdoors, spend most of your time in Agaete in the northwest and Tejeda in the interior.
Agaete is the gateway to the fertile Agaete Valley at the base of the Tamadaba massif. The white-washed town of Tejeda, situated on the eastern edge of the Tejeda volcanic crater, is easily the most beautiful town in all of Gran Canaria.
This Spanish island is extremely mountainous and furrowed with deep ravines. Expect a lot of mountain driving when exploring the interior. For drivers who savor spine-tingling serpentine roads, don’t miss the GC-210.
After three weeks on the island, we created this meticulously-designed 7-day Gran Canaria itinerary that highlights our favorite destinations, including Agaete, the San Pedro to Agaete hiking trail, Tejeda, and Güi Güi Beach.
Gran Canaria versus Tenerife
When readers ask us to compare Tenerife with Gran Canaria, this is what we say:
Gran Canaria Pros and Cons
- Gran Canaria’s hiking trails are better signed and in better condition. We didn’t encounter any trail closures during our 3-week trip.
- Driving is more difficult. There are many mountain roads.
- The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is more vibrant.
- There are only 2 towns/areas that we recommend exploring deeply (Agaete/Puerto de las Nieves and Tejeda).
- There are more purpose built resorts (can be avoided)
Tenerife Pros and Cons
- The scenery is more varied and dramatic: volcanic, Mars-like landscapes as well as lush, verdant areas.
- Trail closures are frequent because of landslides and construction. It’s difficult to find out which trails are open/closed in advance.
- There are far more interesting towns and destinations across the island.
- There is a better atmosphere in general.
Road Trip Itinerary | Gran Canaria Road Trip
Where to Start the Road Trip | Gran Canaria Airport
Duration | 7 Days
When to Go | November – March
Related Guides | Best Things to Do in Gran Canaria
10. Slovenia Road Trip
Slovenia is one of the eight alpine states of Europe. We particularly love traveling to Slovenia, because it’s safe, pristine, and absolutely gorgeous; its landscapes aren’t marred by ugly ski infrastructure.
We’ve created a 5-Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary that circuits the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and a longer 2-Week Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary, which showcases all the must-see destinations across Slovenia.
Most roads are in good condition. However, in summer road work is fairly common and that can impact which routes you can take. Some roads to trailheads are unpaved.
Our 2-week Slovenia route commences and concludes in Ljubljana. From the charming capital, journey to the picturesque town of Piran on the Adriatic Sea.
Continue your adventure by driving up the Soča Valley into the heart of the Julian Alps. Drive the Russian Road to Kranjka Gora, the mountain resort town in the northwestern corner of the country.
After visiting Pokljuka Plateau, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj, drive to Logar Valley.
The secret is out about Slovenia. Summer is getting increasingly busy. We recommend traveling to Slovenia in September and October. June is also an option, but there may be lingering snow on high-alpine trails.
Road Trip Itinerary | 2-Week Slovenia Road Trip
Where to Start the Road Trip | Ljubljana Airport
Duration | 5 Days – 2 Weeks
When to Go | June – October
Related Guides | Best Places to Stay in Slovenia and Best Hikes in Slovenia
11. Austria Road Trip
As you may know, we live in Austria. Over the years, I have reworked and reworked again our 2-Week Austria Road Trip Itinerary to reflect our newest finds and favorite places.
By following our Austria route, you will intimately experience the unique culture of the Austrian Alps and visit places that are still off-the-beaten-path.
We also have a 1-Week Austria Road Trip Itinerary and Salzkgammergut Itinerary for travelers with less time.
Starting in Vienna, we recommend first visiting the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its riverside castle ruins and wine villages.
From Lower Austria, the road trip leads to the Salzburg village of Filzmoos, the perfect base for exploring the impressive Dachstein Mountains.
Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road into Carinthia and then continue to East Tyrol. After a few nights in Mayrhofen in the Zillertal Alps, venture north to Lake Achensee.
The drive continues to Ehrwald and through Lech Valley to the alpine town of Lech am Arlberg, set between the Lechquellen Mountains and the Lechtal Alps.
After exploring lovely Lech, continue deeper into Vorarlberg to Brand and the Rätikon Alps.
The way back to Vienna passes through Innsbruck, the Hochkönig Mountains (optional), and Salzburg City (optional).
Road Trip Itinerary | 2-Week Austria Road Trip Itinerary
Where to Start the Road Trip | Vienna International Airport, Salzburg Airport, Munich International Airport
Duration | 2 Weeks
When to Go | June – September (October)
Related Guides | Austria in Summer, Austria in Autumn, and Austria in Winter
12. Iceland Ring Road Road Trip
There’s no denying it; Iceland is the ultimate road trip destination in Europe. So much of the joy of visiting Iceland lies in driving across Iceland. Roadside views astound continuously.
The foundation of a great Iceland road trip is the Ring Road, the 1322-km paved road that encircles the entire island. The road is accessible all-year-long.
Travelers will need 10 days at the very minimum to complete the route.
Iceland requires advanced planning and a lot of research. If you visit outside of summer, there will be places you cannot go. We explained this in our April in Iceland travel guide.
Road Trip Itinerary | 2-Week Iceland Road Trip
Where to Start the Road Trip | Keflavík International Airport
Duration | 2 Weeks
When to Go | Read our Iceland Travel Guide for more information.
13. Cornwall Road Trip
England
There is a certain danger in visiting Cornwall in Southwest England.
Visit Cornwall and you will not want to leave. After your trip, you will daydream about your fictional life in a coastal village along the impossibly romantic Cornish Coast. You will fantasize about eating warm Cornish pasties along the South West Coast Path. You will reminisce about all the friendly dogs you met on Cornwall’s most stunning beaches. And, you will be furious about Brexit.
During our first trip to Cornwall, we followed this Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary. We returned two years later and stayed all of May in Newquay.
If you love coastal walking and dog-friendly destinations, plan a trip to Southwest England immediately.
Road Trip Itinerary | Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary
Where to Start the Road Trip | Bristol Airport. Most people will have to start in London, as very few airlines fly to Bristol.
Duration | Forever if possible
When to Go | May – October
14. Algarve Road Trip
Southern Portugal
The sun-kissed Algarve region of Southern Portugal attracts beach-loving Europeans in the summer months (June – August). However, we’d argue that autumn (October, November) is the best time for a road trip.
When temperatures are cooler and the beaches are nearly empty, you can take in the beauty of the Algarve coastline along various coastal trails like Seven Hanging Valleys Trail or Trail of the Headlands.
It’s far more enjoyable to visit towns like Sagres, Burgau, Lagos, Ferragudo, Silves, Armação de Pêra, Olhão, and Tavira when you’re not competing for parking, or melting in the midday sun.
Our Algarve Road Trip begins in Ferragudo, a white-washed fishing village located at the mouth of the Arade River. From Ferragudo, travelers are well-positioned to explore the beaches and coastal trails around Carvoeiro. Don’t miss the sunset at Praia dos Caneiros.
The Algarve route continues to Lagos, where you can visit Praia da Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, and Ponta da Piedade. After visiting Burgau and Sagres, explore the towns of Olhão, Tavira and São Brás de Alportel.
Road Trip Itinerary | Algarve Road Trip
Where to Start the Road Trip | Faro Airport
Duration | 1-Week
When to Go | Spring, or Autumn. Related: Algarve in November.
15. Albania Road Trip
Albania is a Balkan country that is becoming increasingly popular among young travelers. Though I think the hype is a bit excessive, it is a fascinating place to visit that bears little resemblance to neighboring countries.
Our Albania travel itinerary starts in the Albanian Alps and then proceeds south to the Albanian Riviera. It continues inland to the historic towns of Gjirokastër and Berat, before concluding in Tirana, Albania’s capital.
Road Trip Itinerary | Albania Road Trip
Where to Start the Road Trip | Shkoder, or Tirana
Duration | 2 Weeks
When to Go | June, or September
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