So you have decided to take a European road trip and now you are trying to sort out all the practical details. This can be a particularly fun part of the process, as well as one that takes a certain amount of time and dedication.
Whether you are taking your own car, or choosing to rent one, driving in Europe is a great way to see the more of the continent. You’ll get you the opportunity to plan an epic trip, see new places, take in amazing scenery along the route and also be flexible with your plans, adapting them to places you like along the way.
Also, there are some pretty awesome roads out there – ones that will make your road trip into an epic adventure with plenty of tales to tell on your return. Still not convinced? Well read on and we are sure you will be.
Fasten up your seat belt as we get behind the wheel to recommend some of the most scenic and breathtaking driving roads in Europe.
1. Furka Pass, Central Swiss Alps
This stylish road (featured above), zigzagging across the grassy mountains of the Swiss Alps, looms flat below the mountainous setting and trails up and down steep hills. The Furka Pass connects Gletsch and Valais with Realp and Uri; though the setting is stunning, glaciers and snowy mounds do bear hazard warnings, so drive with care!
After all, it is situated in one of the snowiest regions of Switzerland. Famously used in a scene of the James Bond film Goldfinger, the Furka Pass also takes you within a hundred metres of Rhone Glacier, a source of the Rhone River. What better route for all you wanna be 007s?
2. Col de la Bonnette, Alps Maritimes, France
Bordering Italy and covering the south eastern region of France, laying surface to the motoring fanatics, is The Col de la Bonette. A much-loved route for motorcyclists, its beautiful winding roads have also featured in the Tour de France on four occasions, most recently in 2008.
A stop at the summit is a must and a quick snap almost 3000m above sea level is strongly recommended. Most of this region, close to Nice, is surrounded by Mercantour National Park which only adds to the stunning backdrop of splendorous natural beauty.
3. Road of the Sanctuaries, Italy
Passing along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea is the scenic ‘Road of the Sanctuaries’ in the well known Cinque de Terre, Liguria.
Tucked in the north eastern region of Italy, its path is scattered with vineyards and fishing villages, and is countable for the most common route between four worshiped sanctuaries; the Sanctuary of Montenero, Sanctuary of our Lady of Health, the Sanctuary Madonna di Reggio and the The Sanctuary of our Lady Soviore.
The Ligurian fishing villages are symbolic to early Italian architecture with narrow streets and harmonious structural design and imagery. Efficiently crafted Roman design often puts Italian roads at the top for most motorists, and who could argue with fresh sea food, Italian blessings and beautiful weather to accompany you?
4. Old Military Road, Scottish Highlands
Undoubtedly one of the finest roads in Britain for clocking up the miles! This stretch of road passes through the Scottish highlands, traversing the Cairngorms National Park from Perth in the South to Fort George in the North.
Completed in 1745 after the Jacobite rising, some parts of the road have fallen into disrepair and may test your suspension. Cutting through the heart of Scotland the Old Military Road exhibits a fine salutation for newcomers.
Keep an eye out for the River Ericht showcasing Scotland’s crystal clear waters. Inhale the strong heritage of Scottish distilleries that line the route and be sure to stop by the Glenlivet and Glenffidich distilleries close to Tomintoul. Any volunteers to be the designated driver?
5. Dingle Peninsula Loop Triple, Dingle, Southern Ireland
Southern Ireland has some mind-blowing coastal roads and the Dingle Peninsula holds most. A short climb up mountainous roads from Dingle town is easily attainable; the road is close to 26 miles long, so takes around 30 minutes to drive.
Rocky beaches and natural cliffs lay marker to one of the purest visions of the Atlantic Ocean from land. The Dingle Peninsula stretches 48 kilometers into the Atlantic Ocean and the Loop Trip enables you to drive the majority of Western/Southern Ireland by coastal roads.
Passing through green pastures, rocky terrain, you also the chance to see some of Ireland’s man-made slate building designs. Up for a challenge? Cycling the route may take an afternoon but is strongly recommended of those with enough leg power.
6. Stelvio Pass, Italy
You will be grateful you honed your driving skills when it comes to the twists and turns that challenge you on the Stelvio Pass. This is likely to be one part of your life that you will never forget.
It boasts no fewer than 48 switchbacks over the course of 15 miles, taking you up the side of the mountain. This adventure seeker’s paradise is one of the highest roads in the Alps and you can tell when driving it. Find a place to stop when you reach the top and pear down at the route that you have just mastered.
Nobody will believe their eyes when they see your photos of the amazing challenge you completed.
7. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Whereas some roads are impressive for the mountains that they go up, the Transfagarasan Highway is a feat of engineering due to the topographical features it goes through.
Nicolae Ceausescu had his workforce blast dynamite through the rock in order to create the route between Transylvania and Walachia.
Drive through tunnels and across bridges that seem to defy engineering and marvel at the amazing aqueducts Romania’s former leader commissioned. The scenery is stunning and the driving is incredible.
8. Amalfi Coast, Italy
All road trip holidays in Europe tend to include the Amalfi Coast, as it is a classic and iconic coastal drive place to drive and has charm by the bucket load.
Enjoy stopping off at small villages perched on the cliff tops for a gelato, stopping at some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and relaxing looking out across the glistening sea.
Your photos from here will show a romantic side of Italy that is easy to fall in love with. There is a whole stunning coastline to explore and doing it by car really opens up the possibilities for seeing all the main highlights. View more tips for driving the Amalfi coast.
9. Conor Pass, Ireland
Ireland is a great place for a road trip, as it has many similarities with the UK, but is different enough to be exciting. The Emerald Isle is blessed with stunning scenery and is a really interesting place to drive through.
Stop off at small villages and sample the craic, as well as some of the black stuff, but only if you are planning on stopping for the night. Then seek out the legendary Conor Pass, taking you from the southern end of the Dingle Peninsula up towards Dingle Bay.
Expect stunning mountains and tranquil lakes dotting the landscape as the road organically snakes its way through the countryside. You’ll be glad you packed your camera when you see the views you are presented with.
10. Golden Circle, Iceland
When you check most online lists of the best road trip roads in Europe, most feature destinations on the mainland. But plan a trip to Iceland and you won’t be disappointed. This country is spectacular and has scenery to rival anywhere in the world.
There are so many amazing places to see in Iceland, and driving he legendary Golden Circle allows you to take in the highlights. You’ll get to see stunning coastline scenery, waterfalls, glaciers, hotsprings and if you are lucky, you’ll also see the spectacular natural phenomena of the northern lights – something which has to be seen to be believed.
The landscape of Iceland looks magical through all the seasons, but especially in winter when it snows.
Other
There really are so many incredible European driving routes, these are some more top rated road trip destinations to consider:
• Barcelona to Montpellier
• Bordeaux to Bilbao
• The Lofoten archipelago, Norway
• Rhine Valley – Düsseldorf to Mainz, Germany
• Swiss Alps – Arosa to Zermatt
• French Riviera – Cannes to Èze
• Loire Valley France – Chinon – Chambord
Top Tips for Exploring Europe by Car
Spending time touring Europe is a classic way to see more of the continent. To give it your own twist, you can hire a car and give yourself far more freedom to head wherever the wind takes you – something we’ll be telling you more about today.
Why Travel by Car?
A lot of people organise quite a firm schedule for their trip, and while having something like that in place is really useful in terms of making sure you see everything you want to, that’s not to say there’s no room for a little more flexibility. If you want the freedom to act on impulse, visit little-known destinations on a whim and experience some spectacular road trips, then hiring a car and striking out independently is the way to go.
You don’t have to drive all the way from the UK to do this, either. For instance, if you’re planning to explore Italy, just fly into the airport of your first destination – Milan, say – and pick up your hire car from there. It’s easy to arrange this through companies like Auto Europe, and doing so means you can combine getting on to the continent quickly with the freedom to hit the open road.
Alongside the added flexibility, hiring a car also has the benefit of potentially being cheaper than relying on public transport – especially if you’re planning to travel with several friends, because you can split the cost of fuel. Also, you won’t be constrained by bus and train timetables, while it’ll also be much easier to reach more isolated destinations.
Getting to Know European Driving Rules
Of course, you can’t hit the road in Europe without a little prior preparation. The first thing to do is make sure you can actually drive in every country you want to visit – there are different age limits and paperwork requirements depending on where you go. We’ll continue with our example of Italy to show you the kinds of things you need to research.
For example, to drive in Italy you need to be at least 18 years old, which is also the minimum age of hiring a car here. Another important rule is that you’ll have need to have had your driving licence for a minimum of a year before hitting the road, and you’ll need all the relevant documentation in the car with you at all times.
As is the case with most European countries, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. Plus, you must wear your seat belt any time the car is moving – though you should of course be used to that from driving in the UK.
It’s also worth remembering that some companies will only let you hire from a certain range of vehicles if you’re a young driver, so check that before you get your heart set on any one model.
