The 5 Most Breathtaking European Road Trip Destinations

The magic of Europe is not only found in its cities like Paris or Barcelona. If you truly want to experience Europe at its finest, you have to head to mountains, towns, and off-beaten-track destinations. There you will find lovely landscapes and villages that capture the essence of Europe. 

There are beaches with aqua blue water on the Mediterranean coast, green valleys, in the North of Spain, and more. Right now might be the best time to visit Europe now that travel restrictions have largely been reduced.

It’s very easy for many travelers to enter the continent. Starting in May 2023 many visitors will need to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver, however, this will also be very simple to obtain for most travelers.  

Whenever you can come to Europe, a road trip is a perfect way to enjoy some of Europe’s most fascinating towns, and landscapes. Have a look at 5 of the best places to drive around in Europe. 

Amalfi Coast, Italy 

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline on the southern coast of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, and features some of the most stunning scenery in all of Europe. The Amalfi Coast also happens to be one of Italy’s most visited tourist destinations. It was named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1997 due to its cultural significance and history.

The Amalfi Coast stretches for about 75 miles along Italy’s Tyrrhenian Sea from Sorrento at its northern end down south to Salerno where it meets up with Vietri Sul Mare near Naples. 

This stretch has some incredible views that include lush greenery as well as dramatic cliffs that plunge into crystal clear waters below them.

Alsace, France

Alsace is the smallest region in France, but it has a rich cultural heritage that makes it an appealing place to visit. 

The culture of Alsace is distinct from other regions of France, with its own dialect, cuisine, and architecture. That’s why heading to Alsace and the rest of France is always an interesting and even educational experience. 

The area is also known for its wine production: Riesling is one of the most popular white wines here, known for its intense flavor.

Alsace is also famous for its autumnal color palette. If you want to view some amazing scenery while driving through Europe on your road trip itinerary, then plan your journey so that you arrive around late September or early October. During this time of year, every tree changes color—and there are plenty of scenic routes where you can stop to enjoy them.

Basque Country, Spain 

The Basque Country is tucked away in Spain’s northern region and is known for its seafood, beautiful beaches, and the unique Basque language. This area is perfect for a road trip if you want to explore a region that feels worlds apart from the rest of Spain.

The area is famous for its delicious seafood dishes, but there are plenty of other reasons why you should visit:

• The weather is great in the summer months (June-August). Plus, the Basque Country has beautiful beaches and scenery.
• You can drive along winding coastal roads and admire French towns across the border like Biarritz or Bayonne.
• There are also outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling through lush forests filled with pine trees.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

The Causeway Coastal Route is the most scenic road trip in Northern Ireland and offers a great way to see the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Portrush, and many other beautiful sights along the coast. This route is also circular; you can start and end your journey in Belfast.

If you fall in love with this part of the world, there are many other routes to explore on this island—from Derry/Londonderry to Armagh by way of Enniskillen (and beyond).

The Ring Road, Iceland 

Iceland’s Ring Road is a popular tourist destination because it allows people to enjoy the stunning views of Iceland. The Ring Road is a 4-lane highway that circles most of Iceland, with many scenic views along the way.

It’s also the main road connecting most of Iceland’s towns and cities. So, if you want to get from one place to another without backtracking or taking an indirect route, then we recommend using this highway as your guide on where exactly you should go.

There are plenty of places along this route where tourists can stop off and explore local attractions such as waterfalls or lava fields. 

Depending on how long you have available for your trip though (and how much driving experience), there may be some other areas worth exploring by car too.

Author Bio: 

Susan Noel is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.