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Road trip en Europe : les 23 plus beaux itinéraires à découvrir

Et si vous vous lanciez pour une aventure des plus dépaysantes en voyage : un road trip en Europe ! Je reste un fan inconditionnelle de ce type de voyage, qui permet à la fois de lier découverte d’une destination, et expérience de liberté mémorable ! On ne compte plus le nombre d’itinéraires possibles en Europe, des road trip mythiques au soleil, au Portugal, en Croatie en Grèce ou Espagne. Ainsi que des road trip transportant dans les paysages les plus sauvages d’Europe, au cœur de l’Islande, le long des falaises déchiquetées d’Irlande, dans les Highlands en Écosse ou aux confins des Dolomites en Italie. Sans oublier des road trip en Europe de l’Est qui ont de beaux jours devant eux, du Monténégro à la Slovénie, en passant par l’Autriche. Inspirez-vous parmi cette liste de 23 road trip à faire en Europe. Préparez votre itinéraire et votre meilleure playlist de musique, et lancez-vous dans la grande aventure on the road !

• La carte des road trip à faire en Europe
• Comment préparer son road trip en Europe
• 23 itinéraires de road trip à faire en Europe
• La boîte à outils pour organiser un road trip en Europe

LA CARTE DES ROAD TRIP À FAIRE EN EUROPE

COMMENT PRÉPARER SON ROAD TRIP

Découvrez mon guide complet pour organiser votre road trip en Europe comme il se doit, et voyager l’esprit serein. Parmi les éléments incontournables, la location de voiture, bien entendu. Je passe maintenant systématiquement par le site de location Auto Europe , à la fois compétitif, riche d’agences et couvrant énormément de pays. La procédure de location est simple et le comparatif des prestations et assurances, bien expliqué, le top ! Je parle plus en détail dans mon guide du type de véhicule à louer selon vos destinations, quelles assurances prendre et surtout, les cartes bleues avec lesquelles voyager pour éviter les soucis de paiement au moment de récupérer votre véhicule (car oui, c’est déjà arrivé à certains et c’est la galère) !

Si vous partez avec votre voiture, prenez toujours votre carte d’identité, ou passeport pour les pays hors de l’UE (comme le Monténégro, par exemple). Munissez-vous d’un permis de conduire international, de la carte grise et de la carte verte. Vérifiez au dos de votre carte d’assurance les pays pour lesquels vous êtes couverts en cas de panne. Enfin, calculez votre budget voyage facilement, avec le site d’itinéraire Michelin par exemple. Prévoyez l’équipement adéquat selon vos besoins et réservez à l’avance (ou non, comme moi ^^) vos hébergements, selon votre destination et la période.

Mon guide complet pour organiser son road trip enn Europe ici : budget, sites, assurances, outils…

23 ITINÉRAIRES DE ROAD TRIP À FAIRE EN EUROPE

• 1. Road trip en Écosse : au cœur des Highlands
• 2. Road trip entre l’Irlande du Nord et nord de l’Irlande
• 3. Road trip en Irlande : serpenter le long des péninsules de l’ouest
• 4. Road trip en Angleterre du Sud : de Brighton à la Cornouailles
• 5. Road trip en Islande : le tour de l’île en van
• 6. Road trip en Norvège : au cœur de l’archipel des Lofoten

7. Road trip au Pays-Bas : des canaux d’Amsterdam aux moulins de Kinderdijk

• 8. Water-trip au Pays-Bas : voguer le long des canaux du pays
• 9. Road trip dans l’Ardenne : à cheval entre la Belgique, le Luxembourg et la France
• 10. Road trip en Allemagne : au cœur de la Forêt Noire

11. Road trip entre la Bavière allemande et les lands autrichiens du Tyrol

• 12. Road trip en Autriche : des Alpes autrichiennes à Vienne
• 13. Road trip au Portugal : de Lisbonne à la côte d’Algarve
• 14. Road Trip à Majorque en Espagne : 1 semaine aux Baléares
• 15. Road trip en Andalousie : dépaysement dans le sud de l’Espagne
• 16. Road trip à Lanzarote : ambiance volcanique en Espagne

17. Road trip dans les Dolomites en Italie : les Préalpes italiennes

• 18. Road trip dans les Pouilles : le Sud de l’Italie
• 19. Road trip en Grèce continentale : d’Athènes au Péloponnèse

20. Road trip en Crète : ambiance des îles grecques

• 21. Road trip en Croatie : au coeur du Golfe de Kvarner

22. Road trip au Monténégro : des montagnes de Durmitor aux bouches de Kotor

• 23. Road trip en Bulgarie : De Sofia à la mer Noire

1. Road trip en Écosse : au cœur des Highlands

Texte & photo par Nastasya, du blog Valiz Storiz

Après une dizaine de road trip partout dans le monde, je ne dirai qu’une chose : un road trip en Écosse est selon moi, l’un des plus inoubliables ! Tout y est : une nature sauvage et indomptée, faisant penser à une Nouvelle-Zélande en Europe. Ici, les lacs, les montagnes et les vallées prennent le nom de Loch, Ben ou Glen. Les paysages de vallons ondulés et verdoyants, typiques de la campagne britannique, alternent avec des points de vue de montagnes moyennes déchiquetées et de lacs miroirs, dans lesquels se reflètent des châteaux en ruine. Grimpez sur Ben Lomond pour une vue imprenable sur son lac. Randonnez à Hidden Valley, cachée au cœur de la plus belle vallée d’Écosse, Glencoe. Marchez sur les traces de Harry Potter à Glenfinnan viaduc ou au Loch Eilt, ou croyez-vous dans Highlander au château d’Eilean Donan. Parcourez de fond en comble la sublime Île de Skye, son Old Man of Storr tout droit sorti d’un film de science-fiction, ses cascades translucides à Fairy Pools ou ses points de vue imprenables à Nest Point. Ce pays est à tomber par terre de beauté, c’est dit, et encore bien préservé. Allez-y, respectez la nature… et profitez !

Infos pratiques :

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Loch Lomond – Glencoe – Glen & Ben Nevis – Glenfinnan Viaduc, pour les fans de Harry Potter – Ile de Skye
• Durée recommandée : 10 jours à 2 semaines
• Période idéale : Au tout début du printemps pour un temps frais, mais sec.

> Pour plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Écosse, c’est par ici !

2. Road trip entre l’Irlande du Nord et nord de l’Irlande

Texte & photo par Clara, du blog Wildroad

L’Irlande est un pays divisé en deux, d’un côté la République d’Irlande et de l’autre le l’Irlande du Nord qui appartient au Royaume-Unis. Un road trip d’une semaine au printemps est la meilleure idée pour découvrir ces deux coins de l’île la plus verte d’Europe. Au nord de la République d’Irlande, se trouve le comté de Donegal. Après avoir vécu plusieurs mois dans ce pays, je peux dire que c’est celui que je préfère. Cette région est la moins peuplée et la plus sauvage, c’est ici que se trouvent les plus beaux paysages.

Commencez par la ville de Belfast et son passé tumultueux. Ne passez pas à côté de son street art et de ses bars authentiques. Poursuivez par la Chaussée des géants, pour un spectacle digne d’une série anglaise très connue faite à base de rois et de dragons. Découvrez les péninsules du nord pour se sentir seul au monde. Malin head, Fanad head et bien d’autres endroits qui conquerront votre cœur ! Explorez le mont Errigal et le parc de Glenveagh pour s’enfoncer dans les terres irlandaises. Enfin, terminez par Slieve Leagues, le clou du spectacle. Ces falaises sont les deuxièmes plus hautes d’Europe.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Belfast – la Chaussée des géants – les péninsules du Nord – le parc de Glenveagh – Slieve Leagues
• Durée recommandée : 1 semaine
• Période idéale : Printemps

> Découvrez l’itinéraire complet pour un road trip entre l’Irlande du Nord et le nord de l’Irlande ici !

3. Road trip en Irlande : serpenter le long des péninsules de l’ouest

Texte & photo par Eloïse & Luc, du blog L’œil d’Éos

Les péninsules de l’ouest de l’Irlande sont un secret bien gardé et un territoire encore préservé du tourisme de masse. Nous sommes des habitués de l’Irlande et nous pouvons dire que cette partie de la côte ouest comporte parmi les plus beaux paysages du pays ! On y trouve à la fois des falaises vertigineuses, des villages et petites villes typiquement irlandaises et authentiques, des prairies vertes à perte de vue (c’est obligé !) et cette joie de vivre que nous n’avons retrouvé encore nulle part ailleurs.

Durant ce séjour qui alliait découverte de patrimoine et randonnées, nous avons eu un véritable coup de cœur pour la péninsule de Dingle ! C’est clairement à ne pas manquer lors d’un road trip en Irlande. Pour les plus courageux, vous pourrez faire l’ascension du Mont Brandon, l’un des sommets les plus hauts d’Irlande. Vous trouverez plus d’informations, ainsi que notre itinéraire complet de notre road trip d’une semaine en Irlande sur notre blog voyage.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Dursey Island – les Kerry Cliffs – le Killarney National Park – Dingle – le Mont Brandon
• Durée recommandée : 7 à 10 jours pour profiter de toutes les randonnées qu’offrent les péninsules
• Période idéale : de mai à septembre (en juin, c’était parfait)

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip d’une semaine en Irlande par ici !

ÉCONOMISE SUR TON ROAD TRIP !

4. Road trip en Angleterre du Sud : de Brighton à la Cornouailles

Texte & photo par Pierre & Alexandra, du blog On holidays again

Ce road trip au sud de l’Angleterre est idéal, car bien que relativement près de chez soi, il procure un vrai dépaysement. Par la conduite à gauche, of course, mais aussi l’architecture sooo british et une nature sauvage, à flanc de falaises, au milieu des fleurs. Les villes anglaises comme Brighton ou Exeter sont, quant à elles, terriblement cosy et charmantes, avec leurs ruelles pavées et médiévales. On s’y aventure volontiers dans ces chemins de traverse ! Et que dire des petits villages du Dorset ? Connus pour les maisons à toit de chaume, on se croirait dans le village des Schtroumpfs. On ne peut que s’imaginer prendre le « tea » dans un ces jardins si soignés. Nous sommes partis en vacances à 2h de chez nous, mais on avait l’impression d’être à mille lieues de tout ! En résumé, c’est mignon, cosy avec des panoramas à couper le souffle.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Brighton (en profiter pour aller jusqu’aux falaises des Seven Sisters) – Old Harry Rocks – Lulworth Cove et Durdle Door – Torquay, la douce « Riviera anglaise » – Sud des Cornouailles
• Durée recommandée : 2 semaines, dont une rien que dans les Cornouailles
• Période idéale : mai-juin (il y a des fleurs partout !) ou septembre => éviter l’été, car c’est bondé et les routes très (trop) étroites

> Pour organiser un road trip au sud de l’Angleterre, c’est par ici !

5. Road trip en Islande : le tour de l’île en van

Texte & photo par Dana & Stéphane, du blog Le monde de Tikal

Le van aménagé c’est un peu le confort partout avec un grand jardin à chaque stop. L’Islande fait rêver, alors parcourir ce grand pays pendant une dizaine de jours en fourgon, c’était le road trip parfait ! Et autant dire que ce territoire regorge de pépites et endroits magiques. On n’en est pas revenus indemnes ! Départ de Paris en avion. Les loueurs de van sont nombreux en Islande et chacun propose des vans de différentes tailles. Nous avons choisi un petit modèle, sachant que nous passerions tout notre temps dehors.

Départ de Reykjavik et exploration de l’île en tournant dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d’une montre. Les couleurs, la neige, la lumière, tout invite à faire des centaines de photos. Au programme : Geysers, volcans, glaciers, observation des oiseaux et mammifères et randonnées. Pour les amoureux de nature et de grands espaces que nous sommes, nous avons été comblés de découvrir un si beau pays. Il nous tarde d’y retourner à une autre époque de l’année et profiter des jolies fleurs islandaises !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 7 étapes clé : La Péninsule de Reykjnaes – Le Cercle d’or – Le Sud de l’Islande – L’est de l’Islande – Le nord de l’Islande – l’Ouest et les fjords – Reykjavik
• Durée recommandée : 12 jours minimum
• Période idéale : Fin mars, car les journées sont plus longues. Nous avons même pu voir des aurores boréales !

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Islande par ici !

6. Road trip en Norvège : au cœur de l’archipel des Lofoten

Texte & photo par Aurélien, du blog Voyageaway

L’archipel des Lofoten se trouve en Norvège, légèrement au nord du cercle arctique. Ces îles offrent des paysages magnifiques notamment en hiver sous la neige. Et en été, l’archipel se transforme en paradis de la randonnée. Les principales îles des Lofoten sont reliées par des ponts. Le road trip est alors le meilleur moyen pour découvrir les paysages et villages de l’archipel. Et même en plein hiver, il est possible d’y planifier un road trip !

Vous souhaitez savoir ce qui vous attend si vous prévoyez un séjour dans les îles Lofoten ? Visite de petits villages de pêcheurs, passer une nuit dans un rorbu (cabane de pêcheur), observer des aigles de mer ou encore profiter des paysages magnifiques de l’archipel. Également, la randonnée occupera forcément une place majeure dans un road trip en été alors que l’hiver permettra d’y observer des aurores boréales. 2 saisons, 2 voyages absolument différents !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Svolvaer – Leknes – le sud des îles Lofoten, notamment Å, Reine ou Hamnøy
• Durée recommandée : une semaine (ou plus en été pour la randonnée)
• Période idéale : soit entre début juin et fin septembre pour la randonnée et le soleil de minuit, soit entre début février et début avril pour les paysages enneigés et aurores boréales.

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip dans l’archipel des Lofoten en Norvège par ici !

HEY ! T'AS PENSÉ À UTILISER TES RÉDUC LOGEMENTS ?

C’est tout à côté de chez nous et pourtant, même si la plupart son déjà conquis par Amsterdam (et comme je vous comprends), on oublie souvent de pousser la curiosité en dehors de la capitale flamande. Dommage ! Nos voisins néerlandais présentent une histoire riche de la grande époque de la Renaissance, avec un patrimoine architectural et économique qui a façonné le pays. À commencer par les sublimes moulins de Kinderdijk, classés à l’Unesco. Les Flamands sont passés maître dans la gestion de l’eau depuis des siècles. Il faut voir ça une fois dans sa vie !

Si vous faites un road trip au Pays-Bas au printemps, vous pourrez également apprécier les fameux champs de tulipes à perte de vue dans tout le sud du pays, ou même dans le sublime jardin aménagé de Keukenhof. Au Nord, la mer s’impose encore, mais autour de l’économie de la pêche. Ce qui donne des petits villages mignons tout plein comme Volendam ou Marken, où se balader et déguster le fameux hareng cru, c’est trop bon ! Sans oublier le petit village sur l’eau de Giethoorn. Ici, pas de voiture, mais des barques et petits ponts pour se déplacer ! Bref, un bon moyen de faire un road trip en Europe des plus dépaysants en partance de chez nous, sans prendre l’avion !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Amsterdam – Kinderdijk – Keukenhof – Volendam – Giethoorn
• Durée recommandée : 1 semaine à 10 jours
• Période idéale : au printemps, pour voir les tulipes en fleurs

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip au Pays-Bas par ici !

8. Water-trip au Pays-Bas : voguer le long des canaux du pays

Texte & photo par Gaëlle, Jérémy & Monsieur Chat, du blog Sailing Kerguelen

Vous êtes-vous déjà imaginé faire un road trip en Europe… en bateau ? Un « water-trip » en quelque sorte ! Nul besoin d’être propriétaire d’un voilier ou d’une péniche, ni même d’un permis bateau, car il existe un peu partout en Europe des canaux sur lesquels vous pouvez naviguer avec des bateaux et péniches sans permis. Leur prise en main est rapide et vous êtes libre de vos allées et venues sur plusieurs jours, ou même quelques semaines. La seule contrainte : les (nombreuses) écluses qui rythment le trajet.

Le meilleur exemple pour profiter d’un road trip au fil de l’eau est évidemment les Pays-Bas. Des centaines de kilomètres de canaux s’étendent à travers le pays et vous seriez surpris des pépites que l’on peut trouver. S’amarrer au centre des vieilles villes et vivre au rythme de la ville comme si on y habitait est une expérience en soi. De Groningen à Middleburg en passant par Haarlem, Gouda et évidemment Amsterdam, les canaux des Pays-Bas sont un terrain de jeu idéal pour se détendre et regarder le paysage défiler en se tenant fièrement à la barre de « son » bateau.

• Itinéraire de ce water-trip en 8 étapes clé : Den Helder – Amsterdam – Flessingue – Haarlem – Gouda – Dordrecht – Willemstad – Veere
• Durée recommandée : 1 à 3 semaines. Trois semaines pour une expérience complète. En une semaine, il est possible de faire une petite portion des canaux en visitant deux ou trois villes maximum.
• Période idéale : de mai à septembre

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un water-trip au Pays-bas par ici !

9. Road trip dans l’Ardenne : à cheval entre la Belgique, le Luxembourg et la France

Texte & photo par Seb & Laura, du blog Les globe blogueurs

Il est des coins de l’Europe qui font croire en la possibilité d’un surpassement des frontières. Une région montre à la perfection que les barrières administratives, les limites théoriques tracées sur les cartes peuvent s’effacer devant une unité culturelle, héritage historique et géographique. L’Ardenne, à cheval entre la Belgique, le Luxembourg et la France offre cette singularité heureuse.

Quelle que soit la partie de l’Ardenne traversée, partout j’ai retrouvé cet esprit chaleureux, cette même envie de vivre ensemble, cette bienveillance qui fait du bien, tout simplement. Mais l’Ardenne ce n’est pas qu’une ambiance, c’est aussi et surtout une région magnifique, avec des forêts splendides, des vallées aux méandres irrésistibles, des villes vibrantes et passionnantes. Une invitation au voyage nature et culture.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : La Roche en Ardenne et le parc des deux Ourthes (Belgique) – Clerveaux et le lac de la Haute Sûre (Luxembourg) – Bouillon et la Semois (Belgique) – La vallée de la Meuse (France) – Dinant et la Lesse (Belgique)
• Durée recommandée : deux semaines (environ 2-3 jours par étape clé)
• Période idéale : automne, pour les couleurs. Mais également l’été, car c’est une des rares régions qui ne sont pas sur-fréquentées en été en Europe, et pourtant magnifiques.

> Retrouvez le récit du road trip en Ardenne de Seb & Laura sur leur blog ici !

VOYAGE MOINS CHER EN UTILISANT LE CASHBACK !

10. Road trip en Allemagne : au cœur de la Forêt Noire

Texte & photo par Sibylle & Sylvain, du blog Nos cœurs voyageurs

Juste à côté de la frontière franco-allemande, il y a une aventure qui nous donnait envie depuis longtemps : un road trip en Forêt Noire en van. Visiter l’Allemagne ne saurait se résumer à Berlin ou Munich. Le sud-ouest de l’Allemagne vous réserve de belles surprises si vous êtes en quête de nature brute et de liberté ! La Forêt Noire possède un décor idyllique spécialement taillé pour les road trip. Vous serez surpris par son immense forêt de pins couleur ébène et voudrez rejoindre les cimes en sillonnant les routes en lacets. Un paysage de légendes, ponctué de châteaux et de villages folkloriques, qui vous apportera le dépaysement rêvé.

À Fribourg, on profite de l’atmosphère bohème et ultra green, avant de randonner à travers le sentier forestier pour rejoindre les cascades de Triberg. Nichés au cœur de la Forêt Noire, les lacs glaciaires de Titisee et Schluchsee sont de petites merveilles, des eaux calmes, idéales pour profiter des joies de la baignade et autres activités nautiques. Vous allez adorer tracer votre route en Forêt Noire, à vous les clés de la liberté !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Fribourg en Brisgau – Lac de Titisee et Lac Schluchsee – Feldberg – Lac Mumelsee – Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald
• Période idéale : printemps – été

> Pour plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Forêt Noire en Allemagne, c’est par ici !

Texte & photo par Audrey et Mickaël, du blog Refuse to hibernate

L’année dernière, nous sommes partis en road trip pendant 10 jours entre l’Allemagne et l’Autriche. L’occasion pour nous de découvrir la Bavière, un état situé dans le sud-est de l’Allemagne, mais aussi deux lands autrichiens : le Tyrol et Salzbourg. Et je peux d’ors et déjà vous dire que nous avons été émerveillés par la diversité des paysages que nous y avons vu ! Le road trip a débuté à Schwangau en Allemagne, une ville plutôt touristique, réputée pour ses deux magnifiques châteaux de Louis II de Bavière : le château de Neuschwanstein, digne d’un conte de fées et celui d’Hohenschwangau, qui ressemble plus à un château fort.

Après ce point culture, place à la nature ! Les trois sommets : le Zugspitze, l’Alpspize et le Mont Jenner sauront à coup sûr satisfaire les amoureux de randonnées et d’alpinisme. Quant aux fans de lacs aux eaux cristallines, nous vous recommandons les lacs allemands et autrichiens de : Alpsee, Plansee, Königsee et Hintersee. Enfin, dans le land de Salzbourg, ne manquez pas la grotte de Werfen et les cascades de Krimml, avant de finir ce magnifique road trip dans la capitale colorée du Tyrol : Innsbruck !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 6 étapes clé : Schwangau – Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Werfen – Berchtesgaden – Krimml – Innsbruck
• Durée recommandée : 10 jours
• Période idéale : de mai à octobre

> Plus d’infos pour un road trip entre la Bavière et le Tyrol par ici !

12. Road trip en Autriche : des Alpes autrichiennes à Vienne

Texte & photo par Sarah, du blog Vents et voyages

De part ses paysages spectaculaires et variés et ses nombreuses routes panoramiques, ce road trip me semble l’une des meilleures façons de découvrir l’Autriche. Que ce soit en voiture, en camping-car ou en van, ce style de voyage te permettra de traverser l’Autriche, de la région du Tyrol jusqu’à Vienne, en passant par les plus belles régions du pays.

Ainsi, tu pourras emprunter l’une des nombreuses routes alpines panoramiques pour atteindre les plus hauts cols alpins et randonner sous l’œil des grands glaciers autrichiens, visiter les magnifiques villes de Salzbourg et Vienne, toutes deux riches d’histoire et à l’architecture incroyable, te baigner dans les eaux turquoise et cristallines de l’un des grands lacs autrichiens, avant de visiter Hallstatt, la perle de l’Autriche et terminer ce beau parcours au milieu des vignobles et des châteaux le long du Danube. Faire un road trip en Autriche, c’est bénéficier de toute la liberté nécessaire pour découvrir les richesses naturelles et culturelles de ce merveilleux pays.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Le Tyrol – La route Alpine du Grossglockner – Salzbourg et Hallstatt – La vallée de la wachau – Vienne
• Durée recommandée : 1 semaine à 10 jours, selon le temps consacré à la découverte de Vienne
• Période idéale : de fin mai à fin septembre, quand les cols alpins sont accessibles et que la température des lacs est assez agréable pour s’y baigner.

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Autriche par ici !

PENSE À PRENDRE UNE ASSURANCE VOYAGE !

13. Road trip au Portugal : de Lisbonne à la côte d’Algarve

Texte & photo par Carine & Nicolas, du blog Parenthèse Nomade

Le Portugal est certainement l’un des pays d’Europe où le road trip avec son propre véhicule aménagé est des plus aisés. Les interdictions de stationner et de bivouaquer sont rares, les spots nombreux pour passer la nuit en toute tranquillité. L’Algarve, très touristique, présente moins de lieux sauvages que la côte Atlantique, mais des infrastructures à un prix abordable vous accueillent dans des lieux tout confort. On y trouve des adresses vraiment sympas pour un road trip, d’autant plus si on voyage en famille.

À la facilité de circuler et de s’installer avec son van ou camping-car, s’ajoutent de nombreux atouts qui incitent à revenir régulièrement au Portugal : une gastronomie simple mais goûteuse, un patrimoine culturel riche avec des tarifs de visites très avantageux, surtout avec des enfants. Sans compter des paysages variés à peu de distance les uns des autres, des tarifs raisonnables permettant de se faire plaisir en consommant local, et un accueil très chaleureux par les Portugais, toujours soucieux de vous rendre service.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 6 étapes clé : Porto – Vallée du Douro – Lisbonne – le Centre à la fois sur la côte Atlantique et à intérieur des terres – la Serra de Estrela, villages blancs de l’Alentejo – région de l’Algarve.
• Durée recommandée : 2 semaines minimum (de Porto à Lisbonne) à 1 mois pour le tour du pays.
• Période idéale : printemps et automne. Été au bord de la côte.

> Pour plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip au Portugal, c’est par ici !

14. Road Trip à Majorque en Espagne : 1 semaine aux Baléares

Texte & photo par Vanessa, du blog Le blog Cash Pistache

Majorque est une île du bassin méditerranéen qui allie plages de rêves, terre sauvage et patrimoine espagnol. Elle est très réputée auprès des croisiéristes, En conséquence, si vous souhaitez sortir des sentiers battus, je vous conseille d’y partir en road trip. À vous la liberté de cheminer dans tous les recoins de ce petit paradis, contrairement aux autres qui restent dépendants des excursions téléguidées. J’ai eu l’occasion de faire la découverte de Majorque en combi van, ce qui, bien entendu, a donné un charme incontestable au séjour. C’est l’occasion de dormir sur place, afin de profiter des couchers de soleil sur la mer.

Vous devriez commencer par le Cap Formentor avec ses falaises vertigineuses, pendant l’orage on se croirait en Irlande. Le sud de Majorque se prête plus aux baignades et à la farniente avec des criques et des plages ravissantes. La ville de Palma de Majorque est à faire absolument si l’on veut ressentir l’ambiance espagnole sur les places à tapas et les monuments historiques remarquables.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Cap Formentor – Criques de Alcudia – Village de Soller – Palma de Majorque – Cala Figuera
• Durée recommandée : 1 semaine minimum
• Période idéale : de avril à octobre

> Découvrez toutes les autres raisons de choisir Majorque aux Baléares pour des vacances au soleil ici.

15. Road trip en Andalousie : dépaysement dans le sud de l’Espagne

Texte & photo par Linda, du blog L’apprentie voyageuse

Au sud de l’Espagne, l’Andalousie est une région idéale pour organiser un road trip en voiture. C’est le moyen de transport parfait pour découvrir les beautés de la région en toute liberté. Vous aurez ainsi l’occasion de sortir des circuits classiques et de découvrir une Andalousie plus sauvage et plus secrète. Après avoir vadrouillé plusieurs semaines dans cette région, je vous conseille forcément de passer du temps dans quelques villes incontournables comme Séville, Cordoue ou Grenade.

Je vous conseille aussi d’aller vous perdre du côté du Désert de Tabernas, dont les reliefs arides vous surprendront. De découvrir la beauté sauvage du Parc Naturel El Torcal de Antequera et ses formations karstiques complètement loufoques. De tester le mythique Camino Del Rey pour se faire quelques frayeurs. Et de vous perdre vers Ronda, pour découvrir la beauté des villages blancs andalous typiques. Un superbe road trip en Europe en perspective, qui vous donnera surement envie comme moi d’y revenir encore et encore !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Séville, Cordoue & Grenade – Désert de Tabernas – Parc Naturel El Torcal de Antequera – le Camino del Rey – Ronda
• Durée recommandée : 2 semaines
• Période idéale : printemps et automne

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Andalousie en Espagne par ici !

16. Road trip à Lanzarote : ambiance volcanique en Espagne

Texte & photo par Amélie, du blog Hello La Roux

Lanzarote, petite île aux 1 001 volcans, située dans l’archipel des Canaries au large du Maroc, est très agréable à visiter en hiver. Elle se découvre au fil de ses routes tortueuses qui longent l’Atlantique ou qui serpentent au milieu de cratères aux couleurs puissantes. Découverte en novembre le temps d’une semaine ensoleillée, commencez par les volcans de Lanzarote. Ils ont fasciné l’île et habillent le paysage, impossible de passer à côté du parc national de Timanfaya. Attention toutefois, c’est la grande attraction et l’authenticité peut manquer. On vous conseille de découvrir plutôt les alentours, tout aussi incroyables avec les volcans El Cuervo, Montana Colorada ou encore la Caldeira Blanca.

Poursuivez par Famara, LE spot pour les amoureux de kitesurf, mais c’est surtout une incroyable plage pour observer le coucher de soleil. Visitez Teguise, une ville charmante à l’architecture canarienne typique. Ou bien encore l’univers atypique de l’artiste César Manrique, grand amoureux de son île natale. Enfin, terminez par le Mirador Del Rio, point le plus culminant de l’île, duquel on observe l’île de Graciosa. La route pour y accéder est magnifique et le coucher de soleil depuis ses falaises volcaniques l’est tout autant !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Les volcans de Lanzarote – Famara – Teguise – Mirador Del Rio – les lieux de l’artiste César Manrique
• Période idéale : printemps & été

> Retrouvez un itinéraire complet de 7 jours de road trip à Lanzarote pour faire le tour de l’île ici !

Texte & photo par Seb & Lola, du blog Freelensers

Qui aurait cru qu’on trouverait un tel dépaysement en Italie ? Au nord du pays, bien loin des bords de mer et de la dolce vita, se trouve la fabuleuse région des Dolomites. Et rien de tel qu’un road trip pour en faire le tour : à chaque saut vers un nouveau point d’intérêt, le paysage change radicalement. À chaque virage, c’est une nouvelle surprise. Sur la route ou sur les sentiers, les montagnes des Dolomites se dressent, imposant l’humilité. On ne peut que se sentir tout petit face à ces géantes de pierre.

Imaginez : des hauts sommets, des plateaux, des routes sinueuses, des lacs irréels, une multitude de randonnées et une gastronomie aux accents tyroliens. Que demander de plus ? Les amoureux de voyage sur la route que nous sommes ont été tout simplement séduits à chaque kilomètre. Randonnée, VTT, escalade ou détente, on ne s’ennuie pas dans les Dolomites. Un road trip en Europe dans cette nature grandiose est un voyage inoubliable, que nous recommandons chaudement à tous les mordus de grand air.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : le Seceda et le parc du Puez-Odle – les Tre Cime di Lavaredo – les Cinque torri – le lac de Sorapis/Sorapiss – les Alpe di Siusi
• Période idéale : début d’été ou automne

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip dans les Dolomites en Italie par ici !

18. Road trip dans les Pouilles : le Sud de l’Italie

Texte & photo par Magali, du blog Ma globe trotteuse

La région des Pouilles, la Puglia en italien, est la région située tout au sud de l’Italie dans le talon de la botte. Baignée par la mer adriatique d’un côté et ionienne de l’autre, ses 834 km de côtes sont évidemment propices à un magnifique road trip maritime. On y arrive par la ville de Bari, son chef-lieu. De là, direction le Sud ! Avec pour commencer une escale à Polignano a mare, petit village surplombant abruptement la mer. Puis on traverse la vallée d’Itria et ses villages blancs, dont celui d’Alberobello, connu pour ses trulli, habitations troglodytes typiques. Après une escale à Lecce la ville baroque, on file droit vers la mer azur qui nous appelle de toutes ses vagues : Otranto, Castro, et le Ponte Ciolo pour une baignade rafraîchissante. N’oubliez pas d’acheter des Taralli à grignoter en route ou de vous arrêter déguster un panzerotto, une sorte de pizza calzone à la tomate et mozzarella, typique de la région !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Polignano a mare, village perché sur la mer – Les villages blancs de la vallée d’Itria : Alberobello, Cisternino et Locorontondo – Lecce, la ville baroque – Otranto, petite cité balnéaire – Gagliano del Capo pour une baignade sous le Ponte da Ciolo
• Période idéale : juin

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip dans les Pouilles en Italie par ici !

19. Road trip en Grèce continentale : d’Athènes au Péloponnèse

Texte & photo par Rachel, du blog Les voyageuses du Québec

Les îles grecques font rêver certes, mais avez-vous déjà envisagé de découvrir la Grèce continentale en mode road trip ? On voit très peu de photos circuler sur les réseaux sociaux, mais je vous assure, surprise garantie ! Chacun des lieux que j’ai visités, soit dans le Péloponnèse ou en Grèce centrale, a su m’amener dans un univers différent, avec des paysages à couper le souffle, une histoire qui transporte à différentes époques et qui rappelle la richesse culturelle de cette terre. J’ai des souvenirs de la mer et des montagnes, des routes sinueuses qui, à chaque tournant, offrent des panoramas exceptionnels.

La Grèce continentale, c’est le plaisir de découvrir de petits villages typiques, être bouche bée devant d’impressionnants canyons, être frappée par la magie de monastères au sommet de pics rocheux, pouvoir admirer une mer digne des Caraïbes, faire un plongeon dans l’une des plus anciennes civilisations au monde, manger beaucoup trop de gyros et partager sa route bien souvent avec des troupeaux de chèvres. N’hésitez-pas à vous organiser un voyage en Grèce continentale, je vous assure que vous ne serez pas déçus. En plus, la Grèce est encore l’un des pays les moins chers de l’Europe de l’Ouest pour voyager.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 6 étapes clé : Athènes – Delphes – les Météores – gorges de Vikos & Zagoria – le Péloponnèse – le Magne Laconien
• Durée recommandée : 3 semaines idéalement.
• Période idéale : De juin à septembre

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Grèce continentale par ici !

Texte & photo par Chloé & Romain, du blog Playing the world

La plus grande île de Grèce est une destination idéale à découvrir en road trip. La Crète offre une incroyable variété de paysages, qui sont pour la plupart uniquement accessibles en voiture (surtout dans le Sud et le centre de l’île). Plages de sable fin, criques désertes, randonnées en moyenne montagne ou bien visites culturelles dans des cités antiques, le choix est assez large pour explorer cette île mythique. Si on souhaite faire le tour de l’île, le road trip est incontestablement la meilleur option compte tenu de sa taille ! C’est un bonheur de découvrir des paysages à chaque fois différent. Et quelle surprise en découvrant des plages eaux turquoise, rappelant des îles du bout du monde ! Et pour changer des plages, n’hésitez pas à faire une rando d’une journée dans les Gorges de Samaria, les paysages en valent vraiment la peine ! Bref, la Crète nous a scotché par sa beauté, sa cuisine crétoise délicieuse et par l’accueil chaleureux des Crétois.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 6 étapes clé : Heraklion – Agios Nikolaos – Matala – Chania – Gorges de Samaria – Elafonissi.
• Période idéale : de mai à septembre (juin et septembre à privilégier pour éviter le monde et fortes chaleurs)

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Crète en Grèce par ici !

21. Road trip en Croatie : au cœur du Golfe de Kvarner

Texte & photo par Marion, du blog Mademoiselle Voyage

Bienvenue dans le Golfe de kvarner. Ce nom ne vous dit sûrement rien et c’est normal. Cette région au nord-ouest de la Croatie est peu connue des voyageurs français et pourtant, elle mérite le détour. Ce road trip débutera par Zagreb, la très jolie capitale marquée par son passé austro-hongrois, pour ensuite continuer vers le très beau Parc national de Plitvice et ses successions de cascades, classé au Patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco.

Le Golfe de Kvarner, c’est aussi des îles comme l’île de Rab, surnommée Happy Island et comme étant le lieu le plus ensoleillé d’Europe. On y trouve également la grande île de Krk, qui regorge de plages de sable et de galets pour la partie balnéaire, mais qui propose également des activités plus sportives et à sensations en montagne. Vous poursuivrez ce voyage par Rijeka, pour vous arrêter dans le vieux marché des halles. Le road trip s’achèvera à Opatija sur la Riviera Croate, une ville de charme et authentique. Le golfe de Kvarner, ce sont des lieux moins connus que ceux du Sud, mais qui ont un charme tout à fait différent à apporter du fait de l’histoire de cette région, une gastronomie goûteuse et savoureuse, des locaux très sympas, une quiétude dans les nombreux villages, de très jolies criques avec des eaux translucides.

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Zagreb – Parc national de Plitvice – les îles de Rab & Krk – Rijeka – Opatija
• Période idéale : printemps / été pour profiter de la baignade

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Croatie dans le Golfe de Kvarner par ici !

Le Monténégro fait partie des destinations montantes de l’Europe de l’Est. Beaucoup moins bondé que la Croatie, mais tout aussi joli, c’est l’un des meilleurs road trip en Europe à faire dans la région des Balkans ! Et bonus : la destination n’est pas chère du tout encore ! Les touristes se ruent sur la côte, sublime. Mais je crois que j’ai autant aimé l’intérieur des terres, où vous pourrez alterner entre séances de canyoning et rafting sur la rivière Tara, et randonnée au cœur du parc national de Durmitor. Les paysages d’alpages, de lacs et de montagnes moyennes y sont à couper le souffle.

Je vous conseille également un petit tour en bateau à moteur sur le lac Skadar, avec ses petits airs de Vietnam européen. Pour les amateurs, la nature et les oiseaux y sont légions. Et bien évidemment, il y a la côte adriatique, ses villages méditerranéens typiques, comme Budva, Sveti Stefan ou Bar. Sans oublier les magnifiques bouches de Kotor, immenses fjords du sud où les montagnes se jettent dans la mer. Serpentez sur la route et arrêtez-vous pour manger du poisson frais ou une glace à Kotor, Risan ou Perast. J’ai personnellement retrouvé l’ambiance de mes vacances d’enfance au bord de la mer dans le Sud de la France. Avis aux nostalgiques du bon vieux temps !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Le canyon de la Piva & la rivière Tara – Durmitor – le lac Skadar – Budva – les Bouches de Kotor
• Période idéale : au printemps ou à l’automne pour éviter le monde, en été pour se baigner.

> Pour plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip au Monténégro, c’est par ici !

23. Road trip en Bulgarie : De Sofia à la mer Noire

Texte & photo par Manon, du blog Voyageons le monde

Découvrez la Bulgarie grâce à un road trip entre Sofia, la capitale et Varna, sur les côtes de la mer Noire. Nous avons fait notre road trip en 5 étapes essentielles, mais d’autres merveilles comme Kazanlak  ou encore Véliko Tarnovo peuvent mériter votre attention. À Sofia, découvrez la capitale bulgare, la vie, le centre-ville, les musées et surtout l’histoire et notamment celle du communisme.

Rila et son Monastère classé au patrimoine Mondial de l’Unesco permettent de s’évader au milieu des montagnes bulgares et de voyager dans le passé. Poursuivez avec Velingrad et ses sources thermales qui apportent détente, repos et relaxation. Plovdiv, à quelques dizaines de kilomètres de là, permet de mieux connaître la Bulgarie antique avec son théâtre, ses monuments et ruines. La ville aux 7 collines vous promet de belles découvertes. Finissez votre tourde Bulgarie  sur les côtes de la mer noire, à Varna. Profitez de cette station balnéaire pour continuer la visite, mais surtout vous reposer et vous détendre sur ses belles plages. Encore préservée du tourisme de masse, la Bulgarie est idéale pour un road trip. La circulation est fluide dans tout le pays et les distances entre les villes étapes dépassent rarement 100 kilomètres ce qui permet de ne pas s’épuiser en roulant !

• Itinéraire de ce road trip en 5 étapes clé : Sofia – Rila – Velingrad – Plovdiv – Varna
• Durée recommandée : environ 10 jours
• Période idéale : Privilégiez l’été ! Nous l’avons fait au mois d’aout et avons eu un temps merveilleux du début à la fin. 28/30 degrés et pas une goutte de pluie.

> Plus d’infos pour organiser un road trip en Bulgarie par ici !

LA BOÎTE À OUTILS POUR ORGANISER UN ROAD TRIP :

• Réserve des vols pas cher en Europe par ici
• Fais un devis et prends ton assurance voyage en 2 clics ici
• Trouve des hébergements qui te correspondent ici
• Loue une voiture en toute sécurité ici
• Utilise les meilleurs guides de road trip ici
• Peur de te lancer solo ? Organise ton road trip à l’aide d’une agence de voyage sur-mesure en toute facilité. Découvre plein d’idées de road trip ici !

J’espère que ces idées de road trip en Europe vous ont plu ! N’hésitez pas à partager d’autres idées en commentaires, ou ceux que vous pensez tester bientôt :D

D'autres articles pour toi !

Road trip en france : 20 itinéraires pour s’évader… chez nous , road trip aux états-unis d’1 mois : itinéraire, budget & conseils, road trip au monténégro : itinéraire en 10 jours & budget, bienvenue dans la valiz, travaille et voyage en même temps.

Mes 7 secrets pour voyager léger en avion (-7 kg)

Visiter le caire : guide complet en 14 lieux incontournables, e-book « comment devenir freelance » : 1er chapitre gratuit , réaliser ses rêves : 11 points à conscientiser avant de se lancer, 6 romans philosophiques, pour changer sa vision de la vie.

Commentaires

Oh la la ! Que de beaux itinéraires à découvrir encore ! Merci pour cette compilation qui donne des idées à n’en plus finir. Vivement les vacances… en attendant de pouvoir repartir un jour pour plus longtemps.

Merci à toi, ça finira par revenir, fingers crossed ^^Bise à toi

Ravie d’avoir participé à cet article :) Que de belles idées de road trip à faire (ou à refaire comme l’Écosse que j’aime tant). xx

Encore merci d’avoir participé <3

Parmi les road trip en Europe qui m’ont marqués et qui ne sont pas dans la liste j’ajouterai : – L’île de Madère : une ile volcanique et luxuriante avec un tas de magnifiques randonnées à faire – La Slovénie : des lacs, des montagnes et une capitale attachante

Ah ces 2 destinations étaient prévues dans cette liste mais j’ai du faire des choix (compliqués d’ailleurs). mais totalement d’accord, on m’a dit tellement de bien de la Slovénie par exemple, merci pour ton retour !

bonjour ! merci pour votre partage. Je n’ai jamais aimer les longs voyages (road trip) mais avec le confinement j’ai changé d’avis et j’aspire plus a être connecté avec la nature. Avant j’aurais réservez sur airbnb balti booking et je serais parti en voiture sans vraiment profiter du paysage et de la route mais mon fils m’a convertit à une manière plus saine de voyager. Malheureusement à cause de la situation je n’ai pas encore tenter l’expérience d’un road trip en camping car ou en van mais vous me donner vraiment l’envie de le faire.bonne continuation. Cdt

Bonjour le lien vers le road trip en Grèce ne mène pas à un article précis contrairement aux autres. Pourriez vous le mettre à jour svp?

Bonjour ! C’est la blogueuse qui me l’a communiqué comme cela :) j’ai modifié le lien vers sa page Grèce, mais je ne peux pas faire plus, désolée ^^

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55 Epic Road Trips in Europe (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)

Whether you’re looking for coastal views, mountain villages, castles, wine country, or all of the above, one thing is for sure: there is absolutely no shortage of epic road trips in Europe.

Over the past several years, we have absolutely fallen in love with sampling the best road trips in Europe, and have explored parts of more than a dozen European countries by car, including driving from Portugal to Italy and back a few times!

Driving in Europe provides the freedom to find uncrowded corners and offbeat delights, while also ensuring you have a chance to hit up some of the biggest bucket list destinations on the continent.

In the beginning stages of planning a European road trip and not sure where you want to go?

With the help of many other travel bloggers, we have you covered–more than 50 times over!–in this giant guide to the best road trips in Europe.

Table of Contents

Once You Pick Your Perfect European Road Trip…

Tips for for planning to take a road trip in europe, best northern europe road trips, best southern europe road trips, best road trips in the balkans, best western european road trips, best central and eastern european road trips.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

… We’d love to help you plan your trip in more detail!

Here on Our Escape Clause, we’ve written detailed, step-by-step road trip guides for many of the destinations covered in this giant bucket list, based on our personal travels around the continent.

We’ll link them where relevant below, but to see them in one place, you can scroll through all of our road trip guides here .

We also have hundreds of travel guides on specific European destinations on our website.

To peruse by country, you can use our  destinations page  or the search bar on the top right of the page (on desktop) or at the top of the pop-out menu (on mobile) to find what we’ve written about the places you’re most interested in!

This travel guide to the best European road trips is already giant, so I’ll keep these brief, but here are a few essential tips for planning a European road trip!

Shop around for your rental car.

The best company to rent a car for your road trip in Europe from will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your European road trip.

Browse rental cars for your European road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many kilometers you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited)!

You’ll also want to note whether you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

Manuals are cheaper and easier to rent than automatics.

Ideally, you’ll want to know how to drive a manual before taking any road trips in Europe.

While most companies carry a few automatic cars for non-European visitors, manuals are standard on the continent and are both far cheaper and much less likely to sell out.

Don’t focus on big cities.

Generally speaking, Europe’s legendary trains , plus plentiful bus and flight routes, can get you between major cities easier than a rental car.

Plan your European road trips around small towns, natural highlights, and countryside beauty instead.

Plan ahead if you want to rent a car in a competitive area.

Want to road trip Iceland in the height of summer?

If so, be sure to plan ahead: rental cars have been known to sell out!

Booking your rental car in advance is most important in places at a crossroads of extreme popularity and limited availability–like islands, for example.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

From Michele of The Intrepid Guide

Located in Northern Northern, the Lofoten Islands are a quiet and almost untouched corner of Norway.

Connected to mainland Norway in the north by road, this beautiful archipelago extends out into the Norwegian Sea.

The long highway connects most of the islands by bridges or ferries, making it super easy to get around.

There are countless things to do in Lofoten which range from easy roadside stops to hiking the mountain tops for stunning panoramic views.

Lofoten highlights include seeing the brave arctic surfers ride the waves at Unstad Beach, seeing the bright yellow Fisherman cabins at Nusfjord, watching the Northern Lights reflect in the wet sand at Skagsanden Beach, and seeing the iconic red cabins and cod drying racks on Hamnøy Island. 

If you only do one hike, make the Reinebringen Trail.

This popular hike leads you to some of the best views you’ll ever see and the elevation will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

Start your trip in Svolvær, the region’s capital, and work your way down to Å – the most southerly town connected by road.

For the ultimate Lofoten experience, be sure to stay in a traditional fishermen’s cabin ( rorbuer ) and get hygge (Norwegian for ‘cozy’).

Recommended Road Trip Length

Allow at least 5 days to gently explore Lofoten and take it all in. This is not a place you want to rush!

From Svolvær to Å, it’s just 80 miles (129km), so you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground during your road trip.

Westfjords, Iceland

From James of Where You’re Between

Home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, Iceland, in general, is one of the best countries for road trips in Europe.

Iceland’s second city of Akureyri is a fairly easy drive from Reykjavik, though one way to stretch out the journey is to take a multi-day detour through the Westfjords . 

Being one of the most remote areas in Iceland means that the Westfjords is also one of the least visited.

Despite this, the Westfjords is one of the most dramatic and spectacular corners of Iceland.

As an added bonus, a detour via the Westfjords also passes through the equally beautiful regions of Western Iceland and Northern Iceland.  

Before reaching the Westfjords take a further detour to Snæfellsjökull National Park, wherein true Icelandic style a glacier sits on top of a volcano.

There are countless waterfalls all along the route, including Kirkjufellsfoss, underneath the jagged shard of Kirkjufell Mountain.

Just inside the Westfjords region is Dynjandi, the largest in the whole region at over 100 meters tall. 

Much of the Westfjords is made up of mile after mile of sensational landscapes.

The roads often cling to the craggy mountainsides as they peak and trough around the jutting fjords.

Dotted throughout the Westfjord’s dramatic landscape are a number of beautiful idyllic towns, such as Flateyri and Ísafjörður.

Sat beneath the sloping mountains and facing the fjords these picturesque towns feel as though they’re a million miles away from anywhere.

Iceland’s second city of Akureyri also sits on the rim of a huge fjord in the far north of the country.

The nearby town of Husavik is one of the best places in Iceland to go whale-watching, and don’t miss the other-worldly landscapes of Dimmuborgir lava fields before you make your way back to Reykjavik.

3-5 days will give you a great introduction to the Westfjords.

From there, you can either explore the region more deeply or combine it with time in the rest of Iceland!

Algarve, Portugal

From Nina of Where in the World is Nina

We’re not sure what the best part of road-tripping Portugal’s Algarve is… the beauty, the cheap car rentals, or the ease of getting everywhere.

Perhaps it’s all three that make it one of the best European road trips!

If you fly into Lisbon or Faro, get your rental car booked ahead of time.

If you visit in the off-season, you can get a steal of a price for your car rental and lodging.

On your Algarve road trip, you can work from east to west or vice versa.

An ideal route would start in Lisbon, drive south, and then end in Faro.

You may pay just a bit more to drop the car off in another city but it’s well worth not having to backtrack.

The Algarve is known for its incredible beaches, cliffs, coves, and surf.

Some highlights you must check out include the sleepy surf town of Sagres featuring three nearby beaches (Amado is the furthest but best for beginner surfers).

Just thirty minutes east is Lagos , known for its headland views, watchtowers, and perhaps the prettiest view you’ll lay your eyes on at Ponta da Piedade.

Take a boat tour to Benagil Cave, or anywhere along the coast, exploring its sandy rock towers that sprinkle the shores.

There are also numerous coastal hikes that are really easy and provide great views. A favorite coastal hike is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

One of the best parts of this Europe road trip is that you don’t have to pack up every day!

There’s no reason why you can’t choose where to stay in the Algarve once, and then not worry about it again since everything is pretty close and you’ll have a car.

Suggested Road Trip Length

Your trip should be nothing under three days, otherwise, it would be too rushed!

Five days is a good number and a week would be extremely ideal and you’d probably get to see everything you want and more without being too busy.

Andalucia, Spain

From Tom of The Travelling Tom

A road trip around Andalucia is the best way to see this beautiful part of Spain.

There is no shortage of beautiful places to stop, such as popular Seville , Granada, and Malaga, and lesser-known spots such as Cadiz and Ronda .

Andalucia is full of history and interesting sights. From the towering Puente Nuevo in Ronda to the Moorish palace La Alhambra, the region is arguably the most interesting part of Spain to visit.

History is everywhere you look. Buildings from the Moorish rule of Spain, to Roman baths and amphitheaters. Andalucia is the place to visit if you’re a culture vulture!

You will also find loads of activities along the way. One of these is the Caminito del Rey outside of Malaga. It once had the reputation of being the world’s most dangerous hike.

However, the hike on boardwalks overlooking a gorge is a lot safer than it used to be.

Now, you can admire the views instead of worrying whether you’ll fall off or not!

Starting from Malaga and passing through Seville, Granada, Cordoba , and Huelva is one of the best routes to take. A detour to Gibraltar is possible as well.

This road trip in Spain can be done in 7 to 10 days depending on how fast you want to go.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

From Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast is a memorable destination for a road trip as the colorful coastal towns are linked together with wonderful winding roads that meander along the hillside with spectacular sea views along the way.

Not only this, but the beaches, restaurants, markets, and museums en route make the Amalfi Coast ideal for travelers of any age.

Keep in mind, though, that driving on the Amalfi Coast in summer is not for the faint of heart: only undertake this road trip if you’re a confident driver!

The whole of the Amalfi Coast has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which just goes to show what an incredible destination it is.

Start your  Amalfi Coast road trip from Sorrento or Salerno, and work your way down the coast to towns like Ravello, Positano, and Praiano.

The panoramic views you witness as you drive along these coastal roads are absolutely breathtaking so make sure you pull over to take in the views on regular occasions throughout the drive!

While the joy of taking a road trip along the Amalfi Coast is that each journey can be totally unique as you have complete flexibility, there are certain stops that you’ll probably want to add to the list to ensure you see some of the highlights.

These include Positano (the official starting point of the Amalfi Coast), Furore (the only fjord in Italy), the quaint village of Atrani, and, of course, the port of Amalfi itself.

The Amalfi Coast runs as far as Vietri sul Mare and you can take in as many or as few towns and villages as you wish.

The larger, more northern towns are the busiest and therefore most expensive, so if you’d prefer something a little more relaxing head to one of the smaller villages further down the coast.

You could spend absolutely anywhere from a few days to a few months exploring the Amalfi Coast, but the sweet spot is probably somewhere between one and two weeks.

If you have longer to spend in southern Italy, consider visiting Sorrento, Pompeii , and Capri too as these all have tons of character, culture, and history to explore.

From Rai of A Rai of Light

There are plenty of places to visit in Malta and a road trip sure is one of the best ways of doing so.

The island is perfectly made to get into your car and head for the open roads (as long as you’re confident–the driving on Malta is intense).

However, Malta is small enough to ensure getting lost is not a regular occurrence, while large enough to hold many distinguished features and scenic routes.

From the start point in Sliema don’t miss a stop at the Birgu Waterfront for great views of Valletta, before moving on to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

This laid-back village will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Most of the scenic drives in Malta will have the sea featuring in one way or another.

After a stop in Golden Bay, the drive down from Mellieħa to Għadira comes with many good stops along the way, including Għadira Bay and The Red Tower.

On the way back to Valetta, a stop in St. Julian’s is recommended.

Malta is just so compact that you really can fit in most of the island on a day-long road trip.

However, it is recommended to increase this to two to four days if you’re really keen to take your time and see all that this island has got to offer.

Costa Brava, Spain

From Justine Ancheta of Latitude 41

Translated as “the rugged coast”, the Costa Brava blesses northeastern Spain with sandy beaches, medieval villages, and the eccentricities of artist Salvador Dalí.

From Barcelona , head north to Tossa de Mar, a small town where you can get a view of towering medieval walls while basking on Platja Gran, the main beach.

Then spend a day or two exploring the best thin gs to do in Girona, including the 12th-century Arab baths, the well-preserved Jewish Quarter, and the imposing Girona Cathedral.

From there, visit the charming former fishing village of Cadaqués.

A warning to the driver: the last few kilometers of the road leading up there are narrow and winding, but not dangerous.

However, the journey is worth the scenic beach coves, whitewashed residences, and cobbled streets wrapped up in a sophisticated ambiance.

It’s also where artist Salvador Dalí spent his summers and home to the famous Casa-Museo de Salvador Dali.

Next up is Figueres, the birth town of Dalí and home to the quirky Dali Theatre-Museum.

Some of his avant-garde works lie here like his holographic art, stereographs, and the Mae West installation. Also, the artist himself is buried in the crypt.

This European road trip is ideal if you’re seeking the warm Mediterranean sun while discovering local Catalan and Spanish art and culture.

Carve in at least seven days to see the magnificent Costa Brava!

Sardinia, Italy

From Hayley Lewis of A Lovely Planet

The stunning Italian island of Sardinia is a fantastic road trip destination, with stunning beaches, incredible scenery, and delicious Italian food.

Start your Sardinia road trip in Cagliari, the island’s largest city, and head southwest to Isola di Sant’Antioco, accessed by a mile-long causeway.

This is one of the oldest parts of Sardinia, and is not as frequented by tourists.

Next, drive to Bosa on the east coast. The coastline is incredibly scenic along the way, with rugged hills and sandy beaches.

Bosa is a hillside town filled with quaint colorful houses, and a castle at the center – a must-visit – especially for great views of the town.

Continue north to Alghero, a town with a strong Spanish influence and striking coastal walls.

North of the town you’ll find some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches – perfect for a few days of relaxing.

Make your way across the island to the west coast, and the town of Cala Gonone, the gateway to Golfo di Orosei – a stretch of incredible coastline accessed by boat or by hiking.

The water here is clear and a striking aquamarine color and the coast is dotted with great little beaches including the famed Cala Goloritze – one of Sardinia’s most prized beaches.

There is also an extensive cave network, which you can visit part of, via boat at Bue Marino Grotto, which is filled with striking stalactites and stalagmites.

Before you make your way back to Cagliari for your flight home, be sure to stop at Cala Sinzias, a white sand beach reminiscent of the Caribbean or French Polynesia.

Ideally, it’s best to have at least a week to explore all that a Sardinia road trip has to offer.

Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal

From Megan of MeganStarr.com

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where the European plates meet the American ones sits the Azorean Archipelago, a group of volcanic islands that are an autonomous region of Portugal. 

The largest of the islands is Sao Miguel and you’ll find the main airport there, as well as a copious number of things to do.

Sao Miguel is the perfect place to start your Azores itinerary as there is a network of well-taken care of roads that wind around the island allowing visitors to see all of the viewpoints.

This Azorean island is the perfect place for a road trip, and exploring Sao Miguel in-depth by car should take around 3-4 days.

The best place to embark on this road trip is in the capital city of Ponta Delgada.

After visiting the colonial city brimming with architecture constructed with a touch of black, volcanic stones, you should head west where you will have the opportunity to look down into craters of old volcanoes and lakes that now fill them.

Sete Cidades is the most famous and the landscape will blow one’s mind.

As you cruise around Sao Miguel by car, you’ll have the chance to drive by some attractive black sand beaches and small villages, such as Capelas along the north coast.

There are several natural pools along this route that you’ll want to be sure to tote along a bathing suit and beach towel.

The next place worth tackling on Sao Miguel is the eastern part of the island, where you’ll find many hot springs, botanical gardens, and relaxing parks such as Terra Nostra where you can spend time rejuvenating yourself in natural pools heated by geothermal energy.

Another can’t-miss thing to do in Sao Miguel is to find a restaurant near Furnas that specializes in ‘Cozido das Furnas’, a famous Azorean dish that has been slowly stewed by the Earth’s underground heat.

There is plenty to do in the Azores and Sao Miguel is an ideal starting point. 

Whether you stay there for three or four days, which is the minimum number I recommend, or more, you will definitely be glad you got to experience one of the best road trips in Europe.

Eastern Sicily, Italy

From Annabel of Smudged Postcard

Sicily is a big island so to do it justice it’s worth concentrating on just part of it. Eastern Sicily lends itself particularly well to a road trip.

Fly into Catania and start your Eastern Sicily road trip, starting with a few days spent exploring the beautiful coastal city of Syracuse with its stunning cathedral and fascinating ancient history.

Next up is the Val di Noto where a huge earthquake resulted in many of the cities being rebuilt in an elaborate Baroque style in the 17th century.

Noto and Ragusa are particularly impressive although fans of chocolate might prefer Modica and its interesting chocolate history.

Drive into Sicily’s interior for a morning exploring Caltagirone with its incredible ceramic staircase before heading on to Enna.

In the center of Sicily, Enna is a hilltop city like none other with awe-inspiring views across the wheat plains.

Also not to be missed near Enna are the Roman mosaics at Piazza Armerina, which are said to be some of the best-preserved in the world.

From Enna, you’ll pass smoldering Mt. Etna before ending the trip in pretty Taormina with its Greek amphitheater and the lovely beaches at Isola Bella below.

This trip will take around 10 to 14 days if you’d like to explore Sicily at a leisurely pace.

The road trip is best undertaken outside of the scorching summer months: the ancient sites are best visited during the milder weather of spring or autumn.

Southern Italy From Puglia to Rome

From Marta Correale of Learning Escapes

The south of Italy is one of the most beautiful areas of the Italian peninsula and a wonderful destination for a European road trip.

Blessed with beautiful weather almost all year round, this is a land of many wonders and rewards the adventurous visitor with stunning coastlines, charming whitewashed villages, and important cultural sites.

This southern Italy itinerary travels from Puglia to Rome, via the little-known region of Basilicata.

Start your trip from the small city of Trani, marvel at its stunning waterside cathedral, and make your first overnight stop in Alberobello.

Famous for its hobbit-like dwellings of UNESCO fame, this is a pretty town with flower-filled alleys and fairy-tale architecture, perfect for slow travelers and photography lovers.

Make unique Matera your second stop and spend a few days taking in the incredible sight that is this city, entirely carved out of rock ( sassi ).

Explore its rupestrian churches and get pleasantly lost among its labyrinthine city center, beautiful views, and restaurants!

If you book in advance, you may also be able to find accommodation in one of the  sassi : these have now been restored and are a unique and romantic place to call home for a few days!

From Matera, drive towards Rome but before diving into the dream that is the Eternal City, make sure you visit the archaeological site of Paestum along the way.

Famous for beautiful Greek temples abandoned among vast green fields, it is one of the most scenic Unesco sites in Italy and one not many visitors know about yet! 

This road trip is ideally spread over a week to 10 days and it is particularly suited to those travelers who enjoy cultural sites and getting off the beaten track.

Tenerife, Spain

From Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Some may think of Tenerife as a plain beach and sun destination, but it’s much more than that.

There are plenty of things to see and do on this Spanish gem once you get away from the shore.

The best to explore Tenerife is by going on a road trip, which will help you understand how diverse this island is: rocky volcano mountains in the north and golden, sandy beaches in the south.

I recommend starting in Adeje, one of the best places to stay in Tenerife , from here you can make your way up north to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, famous for its Auditorium and carnival.

From here, continue to La Laguna, a gem of historic architecture.

This is already the highest point you can get in Tenerife.

From here, drive all the way southwards passing along La Orotava and Los Gigantes. 

The island may seem small in size, however, you should at least calculate 2-3 days if you want to explore all its attractions with a road trip.

Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal

From Sylvia of Wapiti Travel

Terceira Island is probably the most spectacular island in the Azores archipelago. 

It can be visited as part of a broader Azores itinerary . This European road trip is a versatile vacation that is sure to please hikers and nature lovers.

Since none of the islands is really large, most tourists visit multiple islands in one trip. Island hopping, either by boat or by plane, is part of the charm of a trip to the Azores.

The island was the third to be discovered, hence its name, and it is also the third-largest island of the group. 

A few hours is all you need to drive the entire loop, but by just driving around the island you would miss the majority of the impressive sights that are located in the center of the island.

The island is home to two impressive caves. You can visit both in one afternoon leaving ample space to hike the Mistérios Negros trail that starts at the entrance of Gruto do Natal. 

The next day you can visit the Furnas do Enxofre, a fairytale-like landscape at the heart of the island.

The island has numerous impressive viewpoints and if you plan your visit in summer you can dive into the countless natural swimming pools to cool off.

Three days is all you need to see all of the highlights of Terceira, which will allow you time to leisurely road trip the island and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer.

From Linn of Brainy Backpackers

A  road trip across the Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca is a must if you visit the small Spanish island.

Starting in Palma de Mallorca, drive straight to Cap de Formentor for breathtaking cliff views.

You should not miss Cap de Formentor’s viewpoint, but even more spectacular are the views from an old abandoned building and watchtower up the hill next to the viewpoint.

You can either walk for 30 minutes or you can drive up the narrow road.

The reward is the most mesmerizing view of the entirety of Cap Formentor and Menorca in the distance.

Continue through the picturesque villages of Pollensa, Fortnalutx, Soller, Deia, Valldemossa, and Port Valdemossa.

In Soller, you should leave the car and take the old-fashioned tram down to Port de Soller. This town is a great place to stay the night during your Mallorca road trip.

 Recommended Road Trip Route

The route can be done in a day, but it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days to get the most out of it.

With more time, you can add additional island destinations to sightsee, enjoy the beaches, and go snorkeling in Mallorca !

Lisbon to Porto, Portugal

From Or of My Path in the World

Full of incredible stops along the way,   a road trip from Lisbon to Porto   is a great and easy way to explore multiple regions in Portugal.

This wonderful route includes quite a few unique landmarks, so it should be on any Europe lover’s bucket list.

The first one that shouldn’t be missed is Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.

It provides the most scenic views of the Atlantic coast, and it’s the starting point of several hikes alongside it.

There’s also a nice bonus of getting a personalized certificate confirming the visit to this unique place.

Another must-see on this road trip is Sintra. It’s home to the iconic, colorful, and Insta-famous Pena Palace, but there’s a lot more to this town.

Other historical landmarks to visit here include the Castle of the Moors, the Palace of Sintra, and the palace of Quinta da Regaleira.

The fairytale town of Obidos is also worth a visit: be sure to walk the town walls!

And, Portugal’s incredible UNESCO-recognized monasteries of Alcobaça, Batalha, and Tomar lie between Lisbon and Porto.

Your road trip isn’t complete without a stop at at least one of them!

Not including a few days in Lisbon and Porto, this route can take about 3-4 days.

Northern Spain Road Trip (Bilboa to Santiago de Compostela)

From Jessica of My Feet Will Lead Me

One of the most underrated areas of Europe may just be Northern Spain.

The diverse landscape from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela makes for multiple mini destinations in one road trip.

From tiny surf towns to mountain villages, to medieval cities, this region of Spain is an absolute gem.

And because it typically gets overshadowed by Barcelona, Madrid , and Andalucia , there won’t be swarms of tourists and prices are very reasonable.

Starting with the autonomous community of Basque Country, this culturally distinct region of Spain is known for its amazing cuisine and especially seafood.

Here, you’ll want to get your fix of “pintxos” or bar finger food.

For a lesser-known but incredible sight, visit the little surf town of Bakio and see the Game of Thrones filming location for the Dragonstone castle, known as Gaztelugatxe.

Continuing west to the Principality of Asturias, the Picos de Europa National Park is a dramatic and stunning area of snowcapped peaks, turquoise rivers, tiny traditional villages, and cliffside roads with views that will make your jaw drop.

Head back to the ocean in the Asturias region where seaside villages cling to the dramatic coastline.

There are sandy beaches, rocky and rugged beaches, and jade-colored water.

Visit the capital of Oviedo for architecture and history and if small seaside villages intrigue you more, wind your way down the coast stopping for tapas and drinks in towns like Ribadasella, Lastres, and Cudillero.

Finally come to Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia.

It also is the culmination of the iconic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, so you’ll see many backpackers with trekking gear.

This is a fairly small city with a stunning medieval old town and cathedral. It’s a perfect place to spend a couple of days sampling tapas and sightseeing.

Northern Spain is perfect for mountain and beach-loving adventurers alike.

You’ll need at least a week to adequately cover the small towns, and longer if you want to spend time in the cities of San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo, or Santiago de Compostela.

Barcelona to Andorra

From Mar of Once in a Lifetime Journey

Most people drive from Barcelona to  Andorra  without any stops, arriving at Andorra la Vella in about 2.5 hours.

However, you can also make it a day trip and visit a few of the interesting villages along the way.

Start with a morning stop at Montserrat Mountain. This famous landmark outside of Barcelona is a holy mountain for Catalans and contains the black Virgin of Montserrat.

There is a museum that holds paintings from famous artists such as Caravaggio and Picasso as well as the church which can be visited. 

After Montserrat, the next stop should be Manresa. This modern city has a Medieval core that contains a beautiful church, bridges over the River Cardoner and other places worth a visit.

Visit La Seu, the 14th-century basilica that took almost two centuries to build and is a gem of the Catalan Gothic style. 

Have lunch in Manresa, the more local a place looks, the better. Most restaurants will have lunch menus for less than 15 Euro, including coffee and usually a glass of wine.

With a full stomach, continue towards Berga, famous for La Patum, a fire festival that takes place every year during mid-June and which sees an explosion of fire, dancing, and drums.

If La Patum is not on, you can learn more at its small museum, and explore this small Medieval village with its entry gate called Portal de la Magdalena. 

After Berga, continue to La Seu d’Urgell, the capital of the county of La Cerdanya and the last territory before reaching Andorra.

In la Seu, as the name indicates, you can see a fabulous Romanesque Catedral de Santa Maria, which is one of the most important in Catalonia and has been well preserved.

There is an adjacent museum with Romanesque art pieces and a cloister.

You can comfortably complete this short European road trip in a day.

From Stephanie of Sofia Adventures

Slovenia is a stunning country, and some of the   best places to visit in Slovenia  are best reached by car.

While many tourists know to see Ljubljana and Lake Bled, gems like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Idrija, Lake Jansa, and Triglav National Park are can’t-miss spots that are slightly more remote. 

Start with a day or two in Ljubljana before you pick up a rental since Ljubljana is famously walkable and compact. When you’re ready to hit the road, you truly can go in any direction!

Head southwest to Predjama Castle, Skogjan Caves, and the seaside town of Piran , or you can head west to Idrija and the Julian Alps. 

Or go northwest to the waterfall-laden paradise of Triglav National Park.

If you’re itching to go east, set your GPS to Maribor and enjoy this gorgeous and quiet Slovenian city that too many tourists skip over. 

If you’re going to be in the country in the wintertime and intend to drive through the mountains or do any skiing, make sure you pick a rental car that can handle the driving terrain!

The mountain roads in the west can be a bit tricky.

You can cover a lot of the country in one week, but give yourself two weeks to enjoy a lazy circuit around this tiny but packed country. 

Bay of Kotor

From Emily of Wander-Lush

Petite, affordable, and with only one toll road to its name, Montenegro is a terrific place for a European road trip.

While you can reasonably cover the entire country from mountains to sea in 7 to 10 days, for a slower-paced  road trip around Montenegro , I highly recommend honing in on the Bay of Kotor.

Montenegro’s crowning jewel, the Boka winds its way along the northern part of the country’s Adriatic coast, carving deep coves into its stony mountains.

Eighty kilometers of well-maintained highway hug the shoreline, meaning it takes just over 2 hours to drive around the entire bay.

Along the way, there are plenty of small towns and national parks to stop off at.

Highlights include the town of Kotor , with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Budva, Sveti Stefan, and Herceg Novi, and Perast, a tiny Venetian town sandwiched between a pretty blue-water bay and towering hills. 

One of the best things about this road trip is that because of the short distance, you’ll never have to do more than an hour or so worth of driving in a single day.

You can easily break up the journey with longer stays in the more laid-back towns (Perast is perfect for this – mainly because it’s free from cruise ships).

If you want a change of scenery, it’s only a quick detour up the steep hills above the bay to reach Lovcen National Park.

If you’re feeling brave, take the Kotor Serpentine, a notorious road that involves 16 hairpin bends.

The views get more and more spectacular with every turn, and there are plenty of places to pull over for a photo once you reach the top.

I recommend setting aside at least 5 full days to do this route, and the towns along the way, justice.

Hvar, Croatia

From Martina of The Global Curious

The island of Hvar, in Croatia, is known for being a stunning, party island lying on the crystal clear depths of the Adriatic Sea.

Some head there to spend a few wild days, and others would visit for a couple of hours as a day trip from Split .

But travelers keen to unwind and truly enjoy Hvar could easily spend from 4 to 7 days road-tripping and discovering some of the island’s gems. 

Hvar’s most famous spots can be found in the Old Town and its surroundings, from the cathedral to the Spanish Fortress and a Franciscan Monastery.

If visiting over the summer, the lavender fields up on the hills around Velo Grablje and Brusje are a must, even if you are just passing by!

Camping and off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts can stay in Milna, a tiny villa by the sea with beautiful sunsets and great seafood.

If planning a visit to Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat on the island of Brac, Jelsa is also a cute little town with a campsite where you can park and set camp. 

The best of road-tripping is the chance to get to more ‘secret’ places.

Pitve is definitely one of those! It’s a tiny ghost town up in the hills with a population of 69 people.

Getting there is quite fun as you must cross an old narrow tunnel before reaching a settlement full of abandoned stone houses left to nature’s will.

Dubovica is also another very scenic beach in Hvar. 

Another great idea is not just touring the island but visiting the Paklinski Islands, especially Marinkovac and Jerolim. 

To kick start your road trip, catch the ferry in Split, arrive in Stari Grad, and tour the western half of the island. It’s also possible to rent a car once you arrive there! 

To complete the experience, drive across the island to the East and catch the ferry from Sucuraj to Drvenik.

Once in Croatia’s mainland, if you still have time on your hands, drive south for 2 hours and reach Dubrovnik !

Ideally, travelers would spend 5 or 6 nights in Hvar to really explore the island and its surroundings.

The roads are well maintained and although it can get crowded, as soon as you leave the main town, you’ll find peace and quiet.

Southern Albania

From Rick of The Road is Life

Albania isn’t the first country that comes to mind when planning a European road trip, but if you give it a chance it will prove to be an amazing adventure.

This is a country with both great natural beauty and interesting history.

Towering mountains plummet precipitously into the crystal clear and stunning Mediterranean waters that span the entire west coast and further inland there is no shortage of beautiful UNESCO-listed sites and old towns to explore.

This southern Albania road trip will start you off in the port city of Saranda before visiting the stunning coastal town of Ksamil, with striking azure waters and nearby UNESCO-listed Roman ruins.

Then, head inland, passing by the beautiful “blue eye” lake before heading to the ancient town of Gjirokaster, with its traditional stone-roofed buildings and market.

Hike up to the ancient hilltop fortress for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys .

Continuing north you can spend the night in a 13th-century citadel situated high above the UNESCO world heritage town of Berat , eating in beautiful local restaurants as you take in sweeping views of mountains and sunset.

Explore the unique town and architecture before getting back on the road for one of the most stunning drives in the world.

After leaving Berat you’ll head back to the coast via a winding and amazing mountain road, offering jaw-dropping views out across the Albanian riviera; keeping your eyes on the road is no easy task!

You can have lunch at a mountain-top restaurant overlooking the ocean before heading back down to have your choice of beaches to stay on. 

Spend as many days on the Albania Riviera as you please, feasting on fresh seafood (at amazing prices) and enjoying the pleasant lack of crowds compared to mainstream European beachside destinations.

There are multiple ferry trips between Corfu, Greece, and Saranda per day so fly into Corfu to save money.

Cars can be rented at Saranda port, consider paying a little extra for a well-known company to avoid scams.

This road trip in Europe can be done comfortably in a week but can be extended for as long as you can handle the sun-drenched beaches, cheap beer, and delicious seafood. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

From Arzo of Arzo Travels

One of the best road trips to take in Europe is through Bosnia-Herzegovina.

This beautiful but definitely underrated country surprises its visitors who venture to enjoy a Bosnia road trip .

Many travelers drive over from Croatia: if so and you come from Dubrovnik or Split , start from Kravica Waterfalls, Pocitelj, and Blagaj.

You can visit all three beautiful places in one day before driving to Mostar which is just a few kilometers from Blagaj.

After spending a day in Mostar it is time to drive to Sarajevo , which makes for a scenic ride .

Pass the Neretva River, Lake Jablanica, and Konjic and spend a full day on the road with many breaks.

Sarajevo is a wonderful city where you can spend a day or two before ending your day trip.

For this European road trip itinerary, I would plan in about 5 days.

If you have more time (6 or 7 days), consider driving the M 18 toward Montenegro.

You will get to Bosnia´s longest and deepest canyon – Rakitnica Canyon – where you can do some water sports. 

Eastern Crete

From Una of Wandernity

Crete is the largest island in Greece, and it takes several days to visit all of the must-see places on the island.

Renting a car and going on a road trip will make it possible to reach as many points of interest as possible, making Crete a fantastic option when planning a road trip in Europe.

Malia is a great choice for the apartment on the Eastern Crete. It’s known as a party location and has a lot of hotels, beaches, and attractions.

A perfect day-trip from Malia is going to   Spinalonga Island, Agios Nikolas town, and Richtis Gorge .

Spinalonga island is uninhabited, and tourists can reach the Venetian fortress and ruins of a former leper colony by boat.

You have to be there early to secure a place on a boat, as during the high season there might be queues.

Agios Nikolas is a coastal town with beautiful houses and streets leading from a hill to the seaside.

There is an old harbor surrounded by charming cafes and very photogenic architecture.

Richtis Gorge is a green and lush hiking path ending at the seaside. The hike is around 4 kilometers long one-way.

It has a waterfall in the middle for a refreshing swim before going back up the gorge.

Another day-trip you can make from Malia is to the cave of Zeus, Knossos, and Heraklion.

Knossos is a place famous due to the well-known myth of the Minotaur. Half-man and half-bull, the Minotaur is said to have lived there in a labyrinth, and the ruins which exist today actually look like the labyrinth.

Knossos is a ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture, which might be the oldest city in Europe.

Finally, Heraklion has an impressive Koules Fortress built by Venetians. It’s a perfect place to go for a walk and see the city from a long breakwater. 

Try to spend at least a few days dedicated to Eastern Crete if possible!

As the island is quite big, one way to save time on road trips is to rent an apartment on one side of the island for a few days, and then change the base to the other side.

Transylvania, Romania

From Rachelle of Adventure is Never Far Away

With fortress-dotted hills strewn across valleys, quaint medieval towns, and narrow highways slicing through dense forest, road tripping through the countryside of Transylvania is like something out of a fairytale, not a feature that many other corners of the world can boast. 

Starting in Brasov, head north towards the vibrantly colorful town of Sighișoara and wander through the maze of cobblestoned streets.

Get lost in the old town city center, which also happens to double as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue northwest to Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, and immerse yourself in the hopping local college nightlife scene.

Travel southwest to the charming town of Hunedoara and visit Corvin Castle, which resembles a real-life version of Hogwarts.

Wander through one of the largest castles in Europe and one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.

Then, start heading east to the city of Sibiu, home to some of the most dramatic houses in all of Europe: the old city center houses have eyes!

Catch a side-eye stare from the homes as you try your luck walking across the Bridge of Lies.

Finish your road trip through Transylvania by heading east back to Brasov, nestled snugly amongst the mighty Carpathian Mountains. 

Transylvania is one of those places that you should visit now before it explodes with tourism.

Prices are cheap, the countryside is beautiful (as you will discover on your road trip through Transylvania!), and it’s fairly easy to navigate! 

Road trippers should allow themselves about 5 days to make the journey, as many of Romania’s country roads have slower speed limits and cut through endless villages along the way. 

From Julie & Zach of Ruhls of the Road

A road trip through Croatia is basically a gauntlet of adventure and absolutely stunning sites!

Start in bustling Zagreb and head through Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split, and finish in the walled city of Dubrovnik.

This adventure is full of unique sites and experiences that you can’t find in any other country on Earth!

Start your road trip in Zagreb and get your fill of Croatian city life. Head to a local restaurant and pub to get some fuel and prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime Croatian adventure.

The first stop on the road is Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is about as close to the Garden of Eden as you can get.

Explore this paradise for a few days until you are ready to move on. Once you tear yourself away from Plitvice, head to the Croatian coast to Split. 

Split is a wonderful coastal town that gives you a truly Croatian experience.

Don’t miss wandering through Diocletian’s Palace, sampling the fresh seafood, or admiring the views from the promenade.

Relax and recharge in Split before making your drive down the coast to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s premier tourist destination.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town, used in Game of Thrones as King’s Landing, is an ancient walled city that makes for a unique adventure.

You can walk the entire wall, experiencing a city that has been home to so much of Europe’s history, and has still never been conquered!

Dubrovnik will be the perfect end to the perfect Croatian road trip.

Plan your trip for one week at least, with a few days in each place, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Korçë to Përmet, Albania

From Anita of Travelling Balkans

One of the lesser-known drives within Albania and the Balkans is the road trip from Korçë to Përmet. 

Korçë is a lively city with the biggest cathedral in Albania as well as the best beer and Qofte (a sort of meatball).  There are many great things to do in Korce , so it makes a great starting point!

The road starting here and leading to Përmet, which is a small town known for its slow food movement and being close to the incredible nature spot Bënjë, is one not to be missed.

It winds through forests, small villages, and natural hot pools, and the road sits parallel to the border of Greece. 

There are also many old bridges along the way which are perfect photo opportunities too. Just beware that you cannot cross safely due to half of the boards missing!

Make sure you stop off at Bënjë which is around 20 minutes from Përmet.

Here you can relax in many hot pools as well as marvel at the Old Ottoman bridge which is a true feature of this area. There is also a canyon and waterfall if you walk directly up the river.  

This road trip takes about 4 hours but do allow a couple of hours at Bënjë to relax in the hot pools as well as the various other stops along the way!

Transfăgărășan Road, Romania

From Dominika of Sunday in Wonderland

If you aim to check all the best European road trips from your bucket list, you should definitely visit Transfăgărășan road in Romania.

This picturesque path among the Transylvanian mountains is one of the two most famous roads in the country (just next to Transalpina).

It was called the absolute best road trip in Europe by the Top Gear team, but even without this honor, it has a lot of stories to tell on its own.

The road was built by the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Although there were many easiest ways to travel through the Făgăraș Mountains peaks, he decided to build the Transfăgărășan road to show the power of Romanian technology.

The must-visit place during the Transylvania road trip is the Poenari Citadel.

The ruins of the ancient fortress are situated on a high peak which you can reach by climbing ~1500 steps. The castle was the citadel of Vlad The Impaler.

He was the archetype of the famous character of a vampire from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”.

There are many more  interesting facts about the Transfăgărășan road  that you should know like Bâlea Lake or Vidraru Dam. But this trip is something you simply must try on your own.

You can drive the Transfăgărășan road in a day, but be prepared! You’ll need to pay extremely good attention when driving, as this is far from the easiest driving in Europe.

Eastern Scotland

From Gemma of Two Scots Abroad

There’s no denying that Scotland’s most popular road trip is the North Coast 500 but there are other routes which are lesser-known, and have historic castles, cute villages, and fewer midges!

Starting in Scotland’s capital, collect your car from Edinburgh Airport to avoid the stress of city driving or brave the roads and catch the highlights of the city.

Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Dean Village, Calton Hill, and of course all the Harry Potter attractions should make your list.

Leaving Edinburgh drive over the Queensferry Crossing to the Kingdom of Fife. Park up at North Queensferry for views of the Forth Bridge which is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Drive to Culross and walk back in time. Outlander fans might recognize Culross Palace.

Next, head to the ancient capital of Scotland, Dunfermline, and spend the afternoon at the Heritage Quarter and the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. 

The following morning, enjoy breakfast in Aberdour. Take a stroll along the beach then drive to the East Neuk stopping at Ellie and Anstruther for fishing village feels.

If you like to hike, consider staying in this area of Fife to do part of the Fife Coastal Path or head to St. Andrew’s for the night before moving on to Dundee.

From Dundee, head north to the city of Aberdeen stopping at Braemar and Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park.

At Stonehaven, visit Dunnottar Castle, you can’t miss it, literally! Arrive in Aberdeen and wander the streets discovering the Nuart street art mural trail all over the city. 

On the final day, head up to Slains Castle and on to Bullers of Buchan.

From here, you can turn back to Aberdeen for the night or drive to the gateway of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness.

It’s best to set aside a minimum of a week and a half for this road trip, but two weeks is even better.

French Riviera

From Victoria of Bridges and Balloons

Experience the glitz and charm of the world-renowned French Riviera on this road trip along one of Europe’s most exciting coastlines.

Though not technically part of France, kick off your French Riviera road trip in Monaco, the fanciest of all the Riviera destinations where you’ll be among mega yachts, Lamborghinis, and diamonds aplenty.

For something more quaint, head to the hills and the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a picturesque enclave famous for its art and the great artists who stayed there in the past.

Cannes is your next stop on this France road trip for some time by the beach and, if you time it right, the famous film festival.

St. Tropez is another popular spot for yachts and as such has the glitz that goes with that, but somehow also retains its charm with pretty streets and a laid-back vibe.

Before your final stop in Marseille, stop at the breathtaking Calanques National Park, one of France’s most stunning sights with turquoise water and hidden coves.

And finally, in Marseille, enjoy the vibrant, multicultural port city with all its gastronomic and cultural delights.

Seven days is ideal for this road trip and I recommend going in the springtime before the crowds hit in the summer.

If you want to extend this road trip into more of the best places to visit in the south of France , consider turning inland to the Luberon Valley after visiting Marseille.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

From Allan of It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor

Probably one of the most iconic road trips in Europe is the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,553-mile coastal road trip following the west coast along the Atlantic Sea.

It is also a route that connects many of Ireland’s more famous tourist attractions which include the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher , Connemara, and of course the cobbled streets of Galway.

The route itself can start in either the north in County Donegal or the very south in County Cork which will likely depend on the vantage point of arrival.

For example, from Dublin (2h 50mins) or Shannon Airport (1h 45mins), it may be best to start in the south at Cork, although a more convenient start would be from  Belfast in Northern Ireland  which is just over an hour from the borders of Donegal.

The overall time it then takes really depends on interests along the way!

With enough time, detours to places like the Slieve League Cliffs and Slea Head Drive are well worth your time.

While it is only an 8-9 hour drive direct from the most Northern Point at Malin Head, Donegal to the most Southern point of Mizen Head in Cork, this time would be at least triple when following the scenic coastal routes.

I would give at least 3 full days for any Wild Atlantic Way road trip, and, for a more leisurely drive visiting the various attractions along the way, I would give a week or so.  

Alsace, France

From Elisa of World in Paris

Alsace is one of the best regions in France and there’s no better way to explore Alsace than on a road trip.

Alsace is best known for Strasbourg, the capital, and its picturesque villages.

It is also one of the most important  French wine regions and there are also beautiful natural sites and impressive châteaux to visit.

Start your trip in Strasbourg , Alsace’s capital, to visit Strasbourg’s amazing Gothic cathedral and the streets of La Petite France, in the Old Town, with beautiful architecture surrounded by canals.

Head to the south to visit Colmar , the most famous town in Alsace.

Colmar is a great place to taste some of Alsace’s typical dishes in one of its traditional restaurants (winstubs).

Spend the third day exploring a couple of picturesque towns like Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, or Eguisheim. This may sound like too much but they are really small towns.

Don’t leave Alsace without tasting its wines, especially the whites.

If you don’t know what to choose, let yourself be guided by the winegrowers and you will be fine.

If you want to hit the road to explore Alsace, a minimum of 3 days is recommended.

This will give you time to visit Strasbourg well (we recommend one full day) plus explore some of the region’s picturesque villages and do a couple of wine tastings.

If you are interested in hiking in the Vosges, then a minimum of 4 days will be necessary.

From Ben Holbrook of Driftwood Journals

The open road, cozy country pubs, and wild horses galore… Wales really is made for those who love road trips in Europe.

Many a visitor to the UK makes the mistake of only visiting Cardiff in their bid to “tick Wales off” their bucket list. Needless to say, they’re missing out in a big way. 

Instead, what they should really do is hop in a rental car and head straight to the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park.

Located less than an hour away from the English border (via the newly free-to-cross Prince of Wales Bridge), this is a land of endless rolling hills and unspoiled natural beauty. 

If you have time then be sure to make a pitstop in the charming town of Abergavenny on your way, aka the Gateway to Wales, followed by a quick stomp up Sugar Loaf Mountain. 

Once in the Brecon Beacons National Park itself, simply let the winding, pine-fringed backroads guide you and stop for photos and picnics at secluded spots along the way, such as the Talybont Reservoir and Usk Reservoir.

Then it’s time to wind the windows down, shift into top gear and cruise the inspiring Black Mountain Pass, named one of the greatest driving roads in the UK (made famous by none other than motoring icon Jeremy Clarkson). 

From the Brecon Beacons, you can continue west to the rugged Gower Peninsula and/or Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for some of the best surfing and camping in the UK.

And all of this beauty can be reached within just 2 or 3 hours from the English border! 

Ideally, set aside at least a few days to explore all that Brecon Beacons National Park and Wales as a whole have to offer.

Brittany, France

From Shelley of Lifejourney4two

A Brittany road trip will introduce you to an amazing collection of destinations.

Brittany, located in the northwest corner of France, has a rich Breton culture and a mix of landscapes that makes a road trip here exciting and varied.   

Starting in the historic town of Kerhinet, you can wander through romantic thatched cottages, before moving along to the pretty seaside town of Sarzeau and its moated castle, Chateau de Suscinio, built in the middle ages.

The fabulous Bretagne coastline provides ample opportunity for beautiful coastal walks. Make sure to take time to explore the Quiberon Peninsula with its White Port Arch.

Further along, is the Pink Granite Coast and the seaside town of Perros-Guirec. In Plougrescant, you’ll come across an incredible house nestled impossibly between two rocks.

As well as coastal and seaside experiences, this Brittany road trip will have you stepping back in time in the charming medieval town of Dinan.

Set within its old city walls, it is known for its quaint half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and its array of historical monuments. 

Don’t forget to sample the local Brittany delicacies such as sweet crepes, savory galettes, and the butter-rich Bretagne Gateau. 

Four days will have you traveling about 500km through Brittany and will give you enough time to experience the variety of flavors Bretagne has to offer. 

Northern Ireland

From Amanda of Toddling Traveler

Northern Ireland is by far one of the best road trips in Europe.

Between the beautiful scenery and the unique outdoor activities, it’s something that needs to be experienced at least once.

The best area for a 1 week road trip in Northern Ireland is the Causeway Coast and Glens, after spending a couple of days in Belfast. 

With towns like Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy, and Bushmills, there are so many great places to stop along the way. 

From Belfast, you can make a stop at Carrickfergus for the castle and seaside restaurants.

Between the views of the ocean on one side and the sheep nestled among the cliffs on the other side, there’s so much to take in.

Cushendall is a quaint little seaside town with the friendliest people, and it’s a great location for sightseeing in Northern Ireland. 

From Cushendall, you can drive through the beautiful Glens of Antrim and make a stop at the Dark Hedges for any Game of Thrones fans.

Another famous stop on the Causeway Coastal Route is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which takes you a few hundred feet above sea level. 

Ballintoy Harbour and Fullerton Arms are two additional stops that are popular with Game of Thrones fans. 

From Cushendall, you can change your home base to Bushmills for a change of scenery. 

Bushmills Distillery and the Giants Causeway are two sites that shouldn’t be missed in that area. For golf fans, Portrush is a popular seaside town that also boasts a world-famous golf course.

If your Northern Ireland road trip allows for more time, spending more time in Portrush or Portstewart is definitely recommended as well. 

7-10 days is ideal for a road trip through Northern Ireland, but you can easily spend more time if you’re exploring beyond Antrim County.

Loire Valley + Normandy, France

From Brianna of Curious Travel Bug

The  Loire Valley and Normandy are two of France’s most beautiful areas and combined, they make for a fantastic road trip from Paris.

This European road trip is perfect for those who enjoy the countryside, castles, and adorable villages. 

Start your trip by driving to Amboise from Paris.

Amboise is small enough to be walkable and has a scenic chateau that overlooks the town, and a great base for visiting the Loire Valley.

From Amboise, you can visit famous chateaux like Chateau Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandry, and Usse.

After exploring the Loire Valley head towards Normandy and the coast.

A great halfway point to break up the driving is Chateau d’Angers, a massive castle with huge towers.

Stay in the village of Pontorson to visit nearby Brittany, towns like Dinan and Saint-Malo are both worth a visit.

From Pontorson you will be only 20 minutes from the incredible Mont Saint Michel.

Mont Saint Michel is what brings most people to Normandy and it is certainly impressive.

If you can, try to visit both at high and low tides as the contrast between the two is interesting to witness.

Drive further into Normandy and stay in the town of Bayeux. Bayeux is a cute medieval town made famous by both the Bayeux Tapestry and its proximity to the D-Day Beaches.

The D-Day sites are worth spending at least a day exploring.

Finish up your road trip by stopping in the port town of Honfleur to see its cute harbor.

Head back to Paris, stopping en route in Giverny to see Monet’s gardens.

Other places to include on your itinerary if you have more time are the city of Rouen and the cliffs at Etretat.

This route requires at least 6 days but you can easily spend much longer exploring both the Loire Valley and Normandy as these areas are rich with history, charming villages, and castles to explore.  

Cotswolds Road Trip

From Laura of Travelers Universe

If you have more than 3 days in London and are ready for a quick European road trip, then a visit to the Cotswolds is a must. No other area in the UK compares to the old-fashioned charm and heritage of the Cotswolds.

When planning your road trip route I recommend you start with the 4 must-see villages in the Cotswolds: Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter, and Bibury.

Bourton-on-the-Water has a unique appeal to everyone. It is regularly voted as one of the prettiest villages in England and is famous for its honey-colored stone architecture and idyllic scenes.

The village is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds and it’s the perfect place for you to enjoy some relaxing time by the River Windrush.

Upper and Lower Slaughter share an interesting name that could be translated as a ‘miry place’.

Lower Slaughter has been very well conserved and walking alongside the stream seems like a trip into the past. 

There is no wonder the village has been used for filming productions on several occasions. 

Upper Slaughter is equally as charming. Interesting fact – it lost nobody in the First World War and that’s why these days it is considered to be a sainted village. 

If you are by car, I recommend parking in Bourton-on-the-Water and walking from there, as there is limited parking in the Slaughters. 

When it comes to Bibury, everybody will quote William Morris as he famously said that Bibury is ‘the most beautiful village in England’. 

Well, this should be convincing enough to check it out for yourself. 

Don’t miss the picturesque Arlington Row cottages, dating back to 1380. Arlington Row is one of the most photographed places in Cotswold.

Recommended Road Trip Route

Try to set aside at least a couple of days to enjoy road-tripping the main villages of the Cotswolds.

Route des Grand Alpes, France

From Kat of Wandering Bird Adventures

One of the best road trips in Europe is the Route des Grandes Alpes, in the southeast corner of France. 

It’s possible to drive this route by car and stop along the way at one of the many beautiful towns, but a better option is to   travel the Alps by motorhome  and stop up a mountain in the middle of nowhere.

Technically, the Route des Grande Alpes starts in Lake Geneva and goes south over the highest mountain passes until you reach the French Riviera, but you can easily drive it in reverse if you wish.

Highlights include breathtaking mountain views; the Milky Way at night; going up Mont Blanc in a cable car; exploring picturesque Lake Annecy and the awe-inspiring Gorge du Fier.

Of all the places to enjoy a road trip in Europe, the French Alps are definitely one of the most awe-inspiring! 

This road trip can take anywhere from 3-5 days and the best time to go is late spring or early autumn, (May/ June or September/ October.) 

The reason for this is the weather (winter snow means road closures in the mountains) and also cyclists- you will not believe the number of cyclists who ride up and down these crazy roads! 

And that’s not including the Tour de France which regularly passes through this route- another reason to avoid July!

Dublin to Dingle (Cross-Country Ireland Road Trip)

By Jennifer P. (aka Dr. J) of Sidewalk Safari

A road trip from Dublin to Dingle is one of the longest you can undertake in Ireland.

Dingle is one of the most picturesque places in Ireland and is well-worthy of a road trip in itself. However, sometimes getting there is more than half the fun.

Take a road trip to Dingle and use the 5-hour drive to explore lesser-known parts of Ireland on the way.

Start at Birr Castle, a 19th-century house and gardens that was home to the world’s largest telescope for nearly 75 years.

Next up, drive to Adare, which is best known for quaint thatched cottages and for being one of the most beautiful small towns in Ireland .

Adare is an ideal road trip pitstop; there are cool things to see and do but not so many things that one is tempted to linger (budget 30-60 minutes).

Listowel is known as the literary capital of Ireland because writers like Bryan MacMahon and John B. Keane once lived there.

Grab a coffee on the colorful square and follow in the footsteps of some of Ireland’s best-known writers.

Do not miss Foynes and the Flying Boat Museum! Fun fact: Irish coffee is believed to have been invented in Foynes.

Finally, stop at Belvedere House in Mullingar for its follies.

Follies are large-scale structures that look ancient but are actually modern.

Belvedere House also has a Jealous Wall erected in a feud between two brothers centered around alleged adultery. 

Recommended length: 2 days. Take one day en route to Dingle and a second day on the way back to Dublin to cover all the stops referenced.

Montpellier to Toulouse, France

From Maura of Travel Kiwis

The region of Occitanie in southern France has spectacular scenery and diverse history.   

Start in the pedestrian-friendly and vibrant city of   Montpellier for shopping and French cuisine.

From Montpellier, allow an hour to travel the coastline dotted with pink flamingos to the fishing village of Sete, a perfect place for lunch and fabulous seafood.  

One-hour inland is Beziers, one of the oldest cities in France where high above the river Orb sits the Bezier Cathedral.

Bezier is famous for the Orb Aqueduct, which carries the Canal du Midi over the river, and the Fonserannes Locks, a staircase of nine water levels, which traverses the canal.   

Half an hour from Beziers is the old Roman town of Narbonne.

You can explore the Hordeum, a labyrinth of underground warehouses when Narbonne was a Roman port, and view part of the first Roman road in France, Via Domitia. 

An hour from Narbonne, overlooking the Aude river, is Carcassonne.

The spectacular UNESCO heritage site Chateau Comtal de Carcassonne is perfect for a short stay. Make sure to try the local dish Cassoulet.

The final stop is Toulouse, the capital city of Occitanie, referred to as the La Ville Rose with its pink terracotta brick buildings.

Visit the Aeroscopia museum to learn more about the Airbus A380, built-in Toulouse; it is the largest airliner in the world.

This route is 276kms taking four hours with no stops. So, take your time and plan a night or two along the way.

Scottish Highlands & Islands

From Jessica of One Girl, Whole World

Exploring deep into the Scottish Highlands and islands with one of the most stunning European road trips you can take.

A  10-day road trip itinerary  has gorgeous landscapes, interesting history, hiking options, boat trips and ferries, and few crowds.

There are infinite route combinations, but here is one that’s a great combination of landscapes, history, and activity, and avoids long stretches of driving. You can start from anywhere, but Edinburgh or Glasgow is the most common.  

Head toward the upper Highlands, covering Glen Torridon, Applecross, and (weather-permitting) driving the famous and slightly nerve-wracking Bealach na Ba pass. 

Then spend a few days on the Isle of Skye, possibly hiking the stunning Quiraing and taking a boat trip from Elgol to the misty Black Cuillin mountains.

Then get further out to islands that most tourists rarely visit. 

You can take a 90-minute ferry north to the Isle of Harris & Lewis and spend a day or two driving the island and experiencing the turquoise beaches and ancient standing stones. 

Once you’re back on the mainland, consider hitting beautiful Glen Coe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the Hogwarts Express!) in the Highlands on your way west to the tiny Isle of Iona. 

Iona has both beauty and some of the earliest Christian history in Scotland, and also a perfect base to take a boat trip to the almost-mythical Isle of Staffa. 

Finally, spend a day or two exploring charming Edinburgh at either the beginning or end of your trip. 

The length of your visit is flexible, but to cover everything above you should plan for at least 10 days–if you can set aside two weeks, that would be even better!

Northumberland Coastal Route, England

From Stuart Forster of Go Eat Do

The Northumberland Coastal Route is a scenic driving route that runs for 48 miles between Blyth and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The marked route meanders past broad beaches and castles built when this region saw regular raids by cattle rustlers, known as border reivers, and Scottish armies.

If you choose to drive on the most direct route, the A1, the journey between Berwick and Newcastle takes just 75 minutes.

Plan at least a couple of days to pause along the way and take walks to view the castles at Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh.

It’s also worth taking a reflective stroll on the golden sand of Alnmouth Beach after popping into nearby Alnwick to shop at Barter Books, England’s biggest second-hand bookstore, and see the castle where Harry Potter movies were filmed.  

Following the Northumberland coastal route offers opportunities to pause for locally landed seafood at the Fish Shack in Amble or The Jolly Fisherman pub in Craster.

The fishing village of Craster gives its name to traditionally smoked kippers, a local delicacy. Craster kippers pair well with Earl Grey tea, which was first mixed for consumption at Howick Hall, the 19th-century British prime minister’s estate in  England’s most northerly county .

Check the tidal table before driving to or from Lindisfarne, otherwise known as Holy Island.

Many a driver has had to abandon their vehicle in the face of rapidly advancing waters.

We suggest completing this trip in about two days.

Ring of Kerry, Ireland

From Cath of Travel Around Ireland

One of the best road trips to take in Europe is one in which you visit the Ring of Kerry in Ireland .

Encompassing the Killarney National Park and part of the epic Wild Atlantic Way, this part of Southern Ireland is filled with beauty that will leave you awe-inspired.

This is a popular tourist area of the region and it is best explored by car or motorbike.

Points of interest to stop and explore include the Gap of Dunloe, a beautiful valley snaking through the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains.

You cannot drive a car through it, but motorbikes, cyclists, hikers, and joggers can traverse it. There are tourist horses and carts which can take those in cars into the Gap to enjoy its beauty.

At the top of the Gap lies Kate’s Cottage, a historic coaching house, now with a restaurant, bar, and craft shop.

Not far from this is Lady’s View, affording magnificent views across the Killarney National Park.

You should also take a day to visit Ross Castle and Muckross House, Gardens, and Farms, both of which are steeped in history.

Got a Star Wars fan on your hands? Then a boat trip from the Ring of Kerry to Skellig Michael is a must. It featured in Star Wars VII – The Force Awakens.

Skellig Michel is famous for its 6th to 8th-century Christian monastery and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Another site to visit during your road trip around the Ring of Kerry is Torc Waterfall.

This lies only 7km from Killarney Town and is a beautiful waterfall with a height of 20 meters and a cascade of 110 meters long. 

Many of the towns that you pass through are worth stopping in for a cuppa or a meal including Kenmare, Sneem, and Killorglin.

The town with the most choice when it comes to accommodation and eating options is Killarney and should be your starting point when traveling around this stunning part of Ireland.

Killarney, the town at which you should start your visit to the Ring of Kerry, lies 300km southwest of Dublin and it will take you approximately four hours by car to reach this quaint little town.

Although you could drive the outer circuit of the Ring of Kerry in one day, you will need more than a day to visit the many places to stop around this 179km-long circular route in County Kerry.

Germany’s Romantic Road

From Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of Getting Stamped

Southern Germany is home to the Romantic Road, a journey from Wurzberg to Fussen that captures both the scenic beauty and beautiful, fairytale castles Germany has to offer. 

Start out by stopping at the Wurzburg Residence, a stunning palace with extensive gardens.

Next up is the Neuschwanstein Castle which has many great viewpoints, like Mary’s Bridge. Another castle in the vicinity that’s worth a stop is the Hohenschwangau Castle.

Those are the most popular stops on this European road trip, but also make sure to stop at some of the charming Bavarian villages along the way, such as Rothenburg ob de Tauber and Würzburg. 

For the average tourist, it is suggested to have a three-day itinerary for the Romantic Road .

It’s just enough time to see all the highlights on the route.

However, it is up to you to extend the trip by a few extra days if you’d like to explore more villages on the way. 

Austrian Alps

From Kati Walzl of Moon & Honey Travel

Austria is synonymous with the Alps. While Austria’s cities are easily accessible by transit, its mountains are best explored on a road trip.

If you love hiking and scenic alpine roads, follow this Vienna to Innsbruck road trip anytime between June and October.  

Start in Vienna, the capital city of Austria before driving directly to Filzmoos, a small alpine town in the Dachstein mountains.

Here, you can hike to scenic alp huts and explore the Gosaukamm, a subrange of the Dachstein.

After hiking in the Northern Limestone Alps of Salzburg, your road trip continues to the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, which encompasses Austria’s highest mountains.

Drive the celebrated Grossglockner High Alpine Road to East Tyrol. If you want to experience the glaciers of the Vendiger Group, explore the lesser-known Virgental and Gschlösstal valleys.

Next, head west to Mayrhofen, which is the perfect base for exploring the Zillertal mountains.

If there’s one range that epitomizes “the Alps” this is it.

After a few days in Zillertal, continue your drive to Innsbruck.

If you have more time, drive to Vorarlberg to explore the Rätikon Alps for a few days.

Tip: If you rent a car in another country, don’t forget to purchase a “Vignette” before driving on the Austrian “Autobahn” (highway). 

You’ll need 10 – 16 days to complete this route.

Czech Republic

From Celine of Family Can Travel

While Prague is certainly worth the visit, there’s so much more to see in the Czech Republic, and the best way to see it is by planning a Central European road trip.

Plan to make four major stops along the way: Cesky Krumlov , Karlovy Vary, Bohemian Switzerland National Park, and Bohemian Paradise.

The real charm of having a car is not only getting to each of these places but visiting some incredible sights near each of them.

Near Cesky Krumlov, explore the ruins of Hrad Divi.

After visiting the multitude of colonnades around Karlovy Vary, stretch your legs with a hike from Karlovy Vary to the charming town of Loket.

Next, leave the cities behind to enjoy the more natural side of the Czech Republic. 

Hiking in Bohemian Switzerla nd National Park to see the Pravcicka Brana (the largest natural stone bridge in Europe) and then continuing on to the Wild Gorge Loop will give you a real sense of the varying landscapes you can find in the Czech Republic.

If you find yourself with some extra time in Bohemian Switzerland, the Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland National Park (Germany) is only a short drive away.

The Tisa Walls are also worth a stop.

Before returning to Prague, make one final stop in Bohemian Paradise to see Trotsky Castle and the incredible rock formations on the hike from Hruba Skala to Valdstejn Castle.

This Czech Republic road trip could be done in one week, but 10 days would be better to add in a few extra places to visit along the way and truly enjoy all that the area has to offer.

East Germany Castle & Nature Road Trip

From Annemarie Strehl of Germany on the Brain

For an East Germany road trip heavy on castles and natural beauty, start in the gorgeous state capital of Mecklemburg-Vorpommern.

It‘s one hour away from Hamburg by train (90 minutes with a car) and there are plenty of things to see in Schwerin .

Its center is simply gorgeous, with typical Baltic houses and historic buildings, and from here, it’s a short walk to the fairy tale castle of Schwerin.

It was modeled after French chateaus and has even been featured in Hollywood productions.

From Schwerin, you can easily reach Berlin, where you can stroll around Charlottenburg Palace or Friedrichsfelde Palace.

Those beautiful baroque buildings can make you almost forget you are in a big and busy metropolis.

Complete your visit in the North with a trip down to Potsdam’s extensive Sanssouci Castle estate.

For Dresden alone, you can easily fill a week exploring castles inside and around the city.

Your starting point should be at the Zwinger and move on to the famous Frauenkirche, to name just two iconic attractions. For more castles, check out Pillnitz or Moritzburg.

Complete your journey in the neighboring state of Thuringia and visit charming Jena, Weimar, and Erfurt.

Weimar especially looks straight out of a history book in the best of ways.

In total, such a trip should be no shorter than seven days so you don’t have to rush through your destinations.

Driving times are between one to three hours from one place to the next, so it’s definitely doable to do one city per day.

However, for places like Berlin or Dresden you can easily schedule in multiple days.

The Italian Dolomites

From Kristen & Jeff Miller of Our Passion for Travel

Fans of jagged mountains, windy roads, and stunning landscapes will rejoice in a   Dolomites road trip .

Picking up a car in Verona and heading north, make your first stop in the hillside town of Trento. This stunning town is perfectly wedged in a valley with dramatic cliffs surrounding you.

Choose to spend a night here or head further north to the cute town of Ortisei.

Here, you can excite yourself with some of the winding passes that will take you from blazing sunshine in the middle of summer, up to near-freezing temperatures.

Admire the snow falling off the mountains in the Gardena and Sella Pass.

Later, mix it up with the majestic Lago di Carezza, one of the greenest alpine lakes you’ll ever lay your eyes on.

Ortisei is also home to the highest alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi. Spend a day up top wandering in awe as the lush green grass meets the jagged peaks and rich blue skies.

Leaving Ortisei behind, consider Cortina d’Ampezzo as your next overnight destination.

Not only is Cortina d’Ampezzo home to the future 2026 winter Olympics, but it’s well located to explore the surrounding areas.

Lago di Braies is the insta-famous lake, complete with rowboats to fill your feed with.

A short drive from Cortina, you’ll find Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

The entry of €30 to the national park may seem steep, but it’s about as picturesque as you’ll find in this region.

Those jagged peaks you’ve been admiring are so much closer here, and rip into the sky like daggers.

This road trip through the Dolomites can be done comfortably in as little as 4 days.

It is easily stretched to 2 weeks depending on your pace and how much hiking you’re contemplating. Also, be sure to allow time for good weather (it can be temperamental like all alpine regions). 

Vienna to Budapest Road Trip

From Pashmina of The Gone Goat

Imagine traversing through stunning countryside covering charming and beautiful towns and some very obscure ones, while crossing the capitals of these three countries Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest .

Whether you want to start your road trip in Vienna and end it with a weekend in Budapest , or vice versa, a road trip in these places is often brimming with exciting stories, culture, and unique landscapes.

Although the entire trip is approximately 243km and may only take you 3 hours to drive, this trip is best done with a detour spending time in Lake Neusield, Austria, followed by Sopron, Gyor, and Esztergom in Hungary. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the other route and pass through Slovakia and see firsthand what it is like to see a new generation of Slovakians who are eager to bring modern elements and street culture to their lives.

You can also stop in Bratislava and casually stroll through the old town while taking in the picturesque views of the architecture.

Compared to its neighboring cities, Bratislava is unhurried and feels small and quiet, and deserves that extra time to slow down, people watch and take in what you can.

The recommended time to spend on this Central European road trip is about 4 to 5 days. 

From Kate of I Live 4 Travel

The small country of Luxembourg is a great place for a European road trip. 

It is a country dominated by castles and old towns that you can walk around and some beautiful countryside to hike in. 

If you fly into Luxembourg then it is very easy to rent a car .

A trip to Luxembourg would not be complete without a visit to Luxembourg City and here you need to spend a day exploring the old town and visiting the Bock Casemates, walk the Chemin de la Corniche and visit Fort Thungen. 

After visiting Luxembourg City head north to visit the beautiful castle of Vianden, the town is worth a walk around and you can always get the chairlift slightly higher up the mountain to get a view of the town and the castle before walking down to visit the impressive castle.

It is worth stopping here for lunch in one of the many cafes in the town.

Next drive to Bourscheid Castle, which is only partially restored but has amazing views down the valley.

After visiting Bourscheid head across to the little town of Esch-Sur-Sure, it is in a horseshoe shape and surrounded by a river running along the outside, it is a beautiful town and it’s worth a walk up to the ruins of the castle located on the top of the hill in the middle of the town.

If you have a third day then head across to Echternach and hike part of the Mullerthal Trail.

If you do not want a long hike, you can just drive the route and explore the highlights.

The drive through the countryside to these places is stunning and it’s recommended you take 2 or 3 days to explore the country of Luxembourg.

From Dhara of It’s Not About the Miles

Looking to complete one of the best road trips in Europe? Consider Poland!

In about 10 days, you can see the best of this northern European country. 

Begin your trip in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Warsaw’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

World War II bombing destroyed quite a bit of the city, but it has been reconstructed.

Apart from Old Town, Powazki Cemetery, the monument to the heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Presidential Palace are must-visits.

From Warsaw, drive to Krakow where you can visit Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, and the famous Wawel Castle.

Old Town Krakow is gorgeous so plan on a walking tour to admire the architecture.

From Krakow, drive to Auschwitz  to tour the former concentration camp. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, travel to Wroclaw, with its beautiful Old Town. Market Square has stunning architecture.

From Wroclaw, drive to Torun, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Torun is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus.

Next, drive to the port city of Gdansk, the birthplace of Lech Walesa’s Solidarity Movement.

Gdansk has a beautiful Old Town as well. A   walking tour of Gdansk Old Town  is the best way to experience the sights.

Also do not forget a stop at Westerplatte, where the first shots of WWII were fired.

Return to Warsaw to complete your road trip through Poland. On the way, you can stop at Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world!

This Poland road trip is best completed in about 10 days.

South Styria Wine Road, Austria

From Lori of Travlin Mad

The  South Styria Wine Road  in southern Austria is the perfect European road trip for food and wine lovers.

This 44-mile-long patchwork of woodlands, lush rolling hills, and verdant vineyards just an hour from Graz is the southern part of Styria, known as the Green Heart of Austria, and looks more Tuscan than Alpine.

This part of Austria also borders northern Slovenia so combining both as part of a multi-country road trip in Europe is a great idea.

Fall is an especially good time to visit when autumn colors begin to appear in the vineyards and the first wine is being pressed.

People gather outdoors at local wineries along Wine Road drinking stürm wine and roasting chestnuts around a crackling fire.

Through the breeze, you’ll hear the unusual clacking sound of the klapotetz windmills spinning slowly through the countryside, designed to ward off birds and other pests who tend to gobble up the grapes.

Food lovers should start their tour with a visit to Vinofaktur Genussregal, the largest store in Styria featuring over 2,500 Styrian wine and culinary products from over 250 regional producers.

For lunch or dinner, local winery-owned buschenshanks are the place to go for platters of local smoked meats and cheeses.

It’s all so quintessential Styria and the perfect destination for a fall road trip through Europe.

Though you can complete this European road trip in a day, it’s best to set aside at least a couple of days if you’d like to leisurely explore what the wine route has to offer (and allow your designated driver some chances to sample the wine).

From Inma of A World to Travel

There are a surprising number of things to do in Latvia , the beautiful Baltic Republic located in northeast Europe–and it’s possible to cross the entire country in six hours!

The road trip itinerary suggested here covers 6 of the wonders of this country, from west to east, starting in the immediate vicinity of the Lithuanian border.

From exceptional natural landscapes to charming villages and large cities, this European road trip itinerary has something for everyone!

Stop first in Liepaja, known for its beaches with dunes and its constant wind, before moving on to Kuldiga, a picturesque village in the Western part of the country.

Be sure to make time for the unique Kemeri National Park, where it is possible to practice bog-walking with the right equipment and a guide!

Riga, the capital of Latvia and your next stop on this Europe road trip, needs no introduction. Neither does its historic center, central market, and lively nightlife.

From there, move on to visit Sigulda, a historical village that has lots to offer to lovers of active tourism.

Finally, pay a visit to Gauja National Park, located near the border with Estonia. There is no other place like this in the whole country to go hiking on its many trails. 

If possible, set aside about a week to explore this European road trip route through Latvia.

From Jo of Lost Wanders

There’s plenty to see in Lithuania other than the trendy capital Vilnius and it’s well worth having your own transportation for a road trip in this beautiful Baltic country .

The first stop is the Hill of Crosses near Siauliai to see a unique memorial dedicated to the many unknown deaths of the Lithuanian uprising against Russian rule.

The hill now holds over 100,000 crosses memorializing people from around the globe with more being added daily.

A two-hour drive west uncovers an old nuclear missile silo, one of only three left in the world, that’s been turned into a Cold War Museum.

It’s located deep within Žemaitijos National Park, down bumpy gravel roads, where you can also get a chance to spot wild animals such as Lynx.

Another hour’s drive towards the Baltic Sea, Klaipeda is the base for heading out to the Curonian spit, a large sandbar covering Lithuania’s coastline.

The town is famous for its spas and long open beaches.

Back down towards Vilnius, Trakai Castle is a must-see.

If you do just one castle on this trip make it this one. It sits on an island out on a lake where you can pedal and paddleboard in the summer months. 

You can do this trip in a week but allow 10 days to 2 weeks to fully see everything and don’t miss a couple of days in the capital.

Summer is by far the most favorable time to do this trip, crowds aren’t as big as in Central Europe and winters can get very cold for taking northern European road trips!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “55 Epic Road Trips in Europe (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)”

These road trip ideas are fantastic. I’d love to do the Dublin to Dingle trip someday.

We’ve done that one ourselves, and can absolutely endorse it! It’s phenomenal.

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European road trips: 15 of the best journeys across the continent

Sep 13, 2022 • 13 min read

Coasting through Italy's Dolomites Mountains © Artur Debat / Getty

In light of the recent travel chaos at airports across Europe, there has never been a better time to buckle up and explore Europe’s legendary landscapes by road.

Lonely Planet's new Epic Road Trips of Europe book  is the perfect inspiration to get out there and explore Europe by road. The new book offers a gorgeous collection of routes, gathered from contributors around the world. Enjoy the unique freedom a road trip allows while exploring Europe's wondrous landscapes, delicious regional food and drink and fascinating local culture and history. 

From ancient ruins to some of the world's best wine, here's a first look at the new essential European road trip companion guide.  

Ancient ruins and coastal views

The Peloponnese, Greece

Start: Ancient Corinth End: Nemea Distance: 395 miles (635km)

History and legend collide on this mountainous peninsula where you’ll find classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities and Venetian fortresses. Combined with dramatic peaks and deep gorges that give way to turquoise seas and deserted beaches, it makes a glorious spot for a road trip. In the northeast corner of the peninsula sits Ancient Corinth, a mostly Roman city, home to Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece. From here, you can take a route that combines historic, fortified cities with beaches and some of Greece’s most interesting wineries. Head for the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea, hilltop Mycenae or coastal Epidavros with its 4th-century-BC theatre, one of the best preserved ancient Greek structures in the country. Then loop by the mountaintop Byzantine city of Mystras, ancient Olympia, home to the original games, and the Lousios Gorge where you’ll find the cliffside Prodromou Monastery.

The best sustainable tourism experiences in Greece

The Costa Brava, Spain

Start: Girona End: Girona Distance: 118 miles (190km)

Mixing Greek and Roman ruins with medieval towns, the eccentricities of Salvador Dalí and a wild and rugged coast, Spain’s Costa Brava makes a fascinating, eclectic destination for a road trip. Begin   by exploring Girona’s hilly medieval core with its web of alleys and Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches. From here it’s an easy trip to Besalú, its strikingly well-preserved medieval streets fanning out around the handsome 11th-century Pont Fortificat (Fortified Bridge). Heading east to Figueres things get decidedly more bizarre at the Teatre-Museu Dalí , a fittingly trippy tribute to the local hero and Surrealist artist. Dalí spent his later life nearby in Port Lligat near Cadaqués , a whitewashed village with a pretty harbor and bohemian vibe. South along the coast are the extensive ruins of the Greek city Empúries and its later Roman neighbor, while inland is Castell de Púbol, a 14th-century castle that was Dalí’s gift to his wife and muse, Gala.

5 spectacular road trips around Spain

Hvar, Croatia

Start: Hvar Town End: Jelsa Distance: 22 miles (35km)

Fought over by the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians, Hvar has long been a sought-after destination. Medieval walls topped by an imposing Spanish fortress enclose the Old Town, whose marble streets are lined with elaborate Gothic and Renaissance palaces. In high summer, Hvar attracts a party-hard international jet set, but outside the peak it’s a magical place that acts as the perfect gateway to crystalline waters and quiet villages. Head for Stari Grad on the north coast, a quieter town set on a horseshoe bay, to visit Stari Grad Plain , a Unesco Cultural Landscape whose stone walls and terraces of olives and grapes were laid out by the ancient Greeks. Drive backcountry roads through a patchwork of lavender and rosemary to discover isolated beaches and hidden coves, colorful former fishing villages such as Vrboska or Jelsa, and some of Croatia’s best wineries.

The 7 best road trips in Croatia for fans of history and epic coastlines

Captivating lakeside drives

Lake Ohrid to Lake Prespa, North Macedonia

Start: Ohrid End: Oteshevo Distance: 34 miles (55km)

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world, straddling the border between North Macedonia and Albania . Despite its Unesco status and being home to a multitude of endemic species, it remains remarkably unvisited. Begin in the ancient, picturesque city of Ohrid, continuously occupied since Neolithic times. Its Grecian theatre, recently rediscovered and restored, hosts an arts festival each summer. As you drive south you pass fortresses and monasteries, teetering dramatically above the water. Leave Lake Ohrid on a series of switchbacks climbing up through Galičica National Park, where at the road’s highest point a trail leading farther up offers a view across both lakes. Descend to the tranquil Lake Prespa in time for dinner, stopping at one of the many small restaurants in Oteshevo that serve fish landed straight from the lake.

North Macedonia: how to explore this little-known gem

Annecy, France

Start: Annecy End: Annecy Distance: 25 miles (40km)

Lake Annecy found fame in Paul Cézanne’s Le Lac d’Annecy painting, a post-Impressionist masterpiece that captures all the beauty, grandeur and violence of the landscape here. But nothing beats seeking out that drama yourself. It takes just a lazy day’s driving to travel its circumference, along glimmering blue water with snowcapped Alps behind. Base yourself   in Annecy and explore the gorgeous Old Town and lively markets before setting off. Impressive Château Menthon is well worth visiting and has guided tours throughout the summer months. Stop at Talloires for lunch – it has a fine selection of restaurants and good swimming beaches – and then,   if you’ve still got the energy, hike one of the many trails that wind up to the peaks that surround the lake. Finish back in Annecy for a sunset drink with panoramic views across the water at the Hotel Belvédère.

The 12 best beaches in France

Finnish Lakeland

Start: Varkaus End: Anttola Distance: 86 miles (138km)

A quarter of the Finnish Lakeland region is water – there are at least 55,000 lakes here, making it the largest lake district in Europe. To drive in this area is to lose all distinction between the water and the road. From Varkaus, it’s less than an hour’s drive to the Järvisydän spa , offering every type of soaking and sweating you can imagine. It’s not all about relaxing though – as you drive across this watery landscape there is ample opportunity for swimming and canoeing, fishing and boat trips, or, in winter, skating and snowshoeing. Finland’s ‘Right to Roam’ means that camping is permitted just about anywhere, but the hotels might still tempt you. The Ollinmäki Wine Farm, just outside Anttola, has villas, fabulous food, homemade wine and nearby lakes for a final road trip dip.

Finland’s best road trips: lakes, Lapland and local delicacies (think reindeer)

Drives around Mediterranean islands

North Coast Gozo, Malta

Start: Ramla Bay End: Dwejra Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Gozo is the second-billed island in the Maltese archipelago, but for scenic appeal it easily rivals Malta proper. A drive along Gozo’s north coast reveals one of the country’s least built-up corners. Begin with a dip at Ramla Bay , a wide and largely wild beach not to be confused with the resort of the same name on the main island. Once you’ve brushed off its characteristic orange sand, take a coastal drive through the small harbor of Marsalforn, beyond which the route passes a surreal landscape of seaside salt pans. The road gets gravelly after it ducks round the inlet of Wied il-Għasri , but stick with it if you can along the clifftops to reach Wied il-Mielaħ, a natural sea arch to replace the famous Azure Window that collapsed in 2017. The location of the latter still makes a fitting trip finale, with sunset views beside the Dwejra Inland Sea.

Malta’s best diverse and delicious eating and drinking experiences

Mount Pantokrator Circuit, Corfu, Greece

Start: Pyrgi End: Pyrgi Distance: 41 miles (66km)

Mount Pantokrator is the highest point in Corfu (2972 ft/906m), and a lap of its flanks brings generous mountain and coastal views as you round the northeast corner of the island. Start in Pyrgi village and proceed north and clockwise if you want to get the climbing done early. From Pyrgi the road zigzags up past olive groves through the villages of Spartylas and Strinylas. Here you can drive east on a road up to the summit of Pantokrator itself (a car with a nimble turning circle is an advantage) where there’s a small but richly decorated monastery under a rather unfortunate communications mast. Return to the coast at the resort town of Acharavi, and head east as the road snakes round lushly wooded bays and charming villages such as c and Kalami, with views towards Albania just two miles across   the water.

10 incredible Greek hiking trails you can tackle right now

Lipari Loop, Italy

Start: Lipari Town End: San Salvatore Distance: 17 miles (28km)

Lipari is the middlemost of the Aeolian Islands , and as you drive the encircling main road, each of the other volcanic islands puts in an appearance on the horizon. Lipari Town is reached by car ferries and faster hydrofoils from Sicily , and heading out north the route is a palm-lined corniche running along a yacht-filled bay. From the road skirting the shingle beach at Canneto , you’ll have views towards the islands of Panarea and – half-concealed behind it – the ever-smoking cone of Stromboli. Past the pumice quarries at Lipari’s northeast corner, twin-peaked Salina lumbers into view, and after that, more distant Filicudi and Alicudi, if summer haze doesn’t obscure them. Last to appear as you turn the southwest corner is Vulcano. It’s visible from the main road, but for a close-up, end your drive at the viewpoint beside the Geophysical Observatory in San Salvatore, at Lipari’s southern tip.

Planning your first trip to Italy

Europe's best vineyard drives

Douro Valley, Portugal

Start: Porto End: Miranda do Douro Distance: 222 miles (358km)

Portugal kept this one up its sleeve for a long time, but oenophiles have finally clocked on to the romance – and increasingly outstanding wines – of the Douro Valley . The world’s oldest demarcated wine region (in 1756, for the record) is a real beauty, with mile after mile of twisting, terraced vineyards that rise sharply from the Douro River. Its true heart is the Alto Douro (Upper Douro), a Unesco World Heritage Site. The drive kicks off in the grand port lodges of Porto , gradually inching east to the Spanish border. En route expect to find an abundance of historic wine estates – Quinta Nova and Quinta do Crasto are names to remember. And you’ll want to linger at the Casal de Loivos lookout, where the gasp-eliciting view over the vines is the Douro reduced to postcard format. Allow five days to a week to do the drive justice.

Why the Azores are Europe's secret islands of adventure

Lavaux Vineyards, Switzerland

Start: Lausanne End: Château de Chillon Distance: 25 miles (40km)

Easily doable in a day trip from Geneva , this short but sublime drive takes in the Unesco World Heritage-protected Lavaux vineyards , which stagger up from the northern shores of Lake Geneva in a series of sheer, stone-walled terraces that beggar belief. The road trip along Rte 9 begins in the higgledy-piggledy French-speaking city of Lausanne and takes in pretty lakeside towns like Vevey before swinging southeast to Montreux (of summer jazz festival fame) and Château   de Chillon , an extraordinary 13th-century fortress, brought to world attention in 1816 in Lord Byron’s poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’. Painters William Turner and Gustave Courbet subsequently immortalized the castle on canvas. In the vineyards, pause at a cave to taste beautiful Chasselas white wines that are crisp, minerally and usually only produced on a small, artisanal scale. Lavaux Vinorama in lakeside Rivaz whisks you through the region’s 300 wines and offers insightful tastings.

The 7 most scenic road trips in Switzerland

Chianti Road, Italy

Start: Florence End: Siena Distance: 44 miles (71km)

Toscana simply doesn’t get more bella than this classic drive on the SR222 through Chianti country. Linking two great medieval cities, the road meanders languorously through gently rolling countryside striped with cypress trees, olive groves and vines. After an art and architectural feast in Florence , it’s time to head south to Siena , crowned by its magnificent cathedral   and 12th-century Piazza del Campo . In between are honey-colored hill towns, where life revolves around the town square, and is punctuated by the chiming of the campanile. Stop by enotecas (wine shops), open for tastings of the region’s revered red wines, including Chianti Classico, a sangiovese-dominated drop. The road   is technically drivable year-round but is perhaps at its most photogenic during the late springtime eruption of poppies and other wildflowers.

The art of the Italian meal

On tap at the source: the best European beer routes

Trappist beers of Belgium

Start: Westmalle End: Vleteren Distance: 347 miles (558km)

Explore Belgium while tasting beers from Trappist breweries, where monks have been creating flavourful beers for centuries before the contemporary focus on craft beer. Begin northeast of Antwerp at Café Trappisten , where Westmalle beers are matched with cheeses also made by monks from the adjacent Westmalle Abbey . Heading south through Brussels , beers from the Rochefort Brewery are partnered at local cafés with venison from the nearby Ardennes region. It’s then a 50 mile (80km) drive further south to Orval for their bottle-conditioned beer, a favorite of many craft brewers around the world. To the northwest, a quick spin of the wheels through France brings you to Scourmont Abbey , the base for Chimay. At the Poteaupré Inn at the Espace Chimay visitor center, try the Chimay 150, originally brewed in 2012 to celebrate the brewery’s 150-year anniversary. From here, it’s then a two-hour drive north to Vleteren, to end the trip with some excellent beers from Westvleteren.

Is Belgium the best destination in Europe for road trips? These 7 drives suggest so

Southeast Ireland suds explorer

Start: Dublin End: Cork Distance: 236 miles (380km)

Guinness in Dublin and Murphy’s in Cork are two of Ireland’s most renowned breweries, and linking these heavyweights is this itinerary visiting up-and-coming craft breweries in between. After touring Guinness’ historic St James’s Gate brewery, continue south for a hoppy Wildfire red ale from Wicklow Wolf Brewery , before making the 20-minute drive along the Irish Sea to the Wicklow Brewery. Sunday roast for lunch is always a good time to visit the brewery’s Mickey Finn’s pub. Continue through a patchwork of farmland to YellowBelly Beer in County Wexford . YellowBelly’s seasonal brews include unusual sours and farmhouse ales, while the Gallow’s Hill barley wine, found west at the Dungarvan Brewing Company, is ideal in cooler months. Complete a hop-fuelled Irish journey with a pint of Murphy’s stout at the Shandon Arms in Cork.

20 of the best pubs in Ireland for pints, music and the time of your life

German beer loop

Start: Cologne End: Düsseldorf Distance: 1130 miles (1818km)

Beer has been brewed in Germany for three millennia. It’s a major part of the country’s culture, with many regional styles. Begin with a delicate straw-colored kölsch in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral before heading southeast to Bamberg , home of interesting rauchbiers made with smoked malt. South, near the border with Austria , Munich is famous for its golden Helles lagers and the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, while to the north, in former East Germany, the traditional beer style of Leipzig is gose, a tart beer flavored with salt and coriander. Nearby, Berlin is famous for Berliner Weisse beers, refreshingly low in alcohol, and often spiked with berry syrup. To the southwest, via Hanover and Saxony , Düsseldorf is the heartland of copper-colored altbiers – the name translates to ‘old beer’, as this is one of Germany’s most historic brews.

6 must-do hikes in Germany's picturesque countryside

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Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

22 idées de road trip en Europe

En cette période d’incertitude pour les voyages à l’autre bout du monde pourquoi ne pas envisager de partir en road trip en Europe ? Également appelé autotour ou circuit en français, le road trip qui combine aventure et liberté permet de découvrir une destination ou une région au volant d’une voiture, d’un van, d’un camping-car et même d’une moto. Notre bon vieux continent européen regorge de routes légendaires et il n’y a souvent pas besoin d’aller très loin de chez soi pour partir à l’aventure. J’ai donc sélectionné 22 idées de road trip à faire en Europe parmi mes récits sur le blog voyage .

[Article initialement publié le 8 décembre 2020]

Dolomites – Italie

• Durée : 3 à 7 jours
• Étapes : Lago di Carezza – Santa Maddalena – Seceda – Lago di Sorapsis – Tre Cime – Lago di Braies

Les Dolomites sont une chaîne de montagnes situées au nord de l’Italie dans la région autonome du Sud-Tyrol. La route qui traverse cette région via deux cols de montagne vous fera découvrir des sommets abruptes ainsi que de nombreux lacs de montagnes aux couleurs arc-en-ciel. La plupart des sites sont facilement accessible en voiture, seul l’accès aux Tre Cime et au Lago di Braies se font via une randonnée. Ne manquez pas de goûter aux spécialités locales, un mélange de cuisine italienne et autrichienne.

Retrouvez tous les détails de cet itinéraire sur l’article du blog : Road trip dans les Dolomites en Italie .

Alpes slovènes – Slovénie

• Durée : 5 à 12 jours
• Étapes : Piran – Ljubljana – Logarska dolina – Ptuj – Lac de Bled – Lac de Bohinj

La Slovénie qui était encore peu connu il y a quelques années a depuis gagné en popularité auprès des voyageurs. Si vous appréciez la nature et la vanlife vous ne pourrez que tomber sous le charme des ces montagnes, rivières, cascades, lacs et villes médiévales. Même sa capitale a été élue Capitale verte de l’Europe en 2016. Cet itinéraire peut facilement être combiné avec le précédent dans les Dolomites si vous voyagez avec votre propre véhicule (Piran étant assez proche de Venise).

Pour plus d’informations rendez-vous sur l’article : Road trip en Slovénie .

Iles Lofoten – Norvège

• Étapes : Å – Reine – Hamnøy – Nusfjord – Plage de Kvalvika – Henningsvær

Si je devais faire un classement des plus beaux road trip en Europe que j’ai réalisé, les îles Lofoten en Norvège seraient sans aucun doute en 1 ère place. Cet archipel situé au delà du cercle polaire possède des paysages de toute beauté. Savant mélange de montagnes abruptes sortant de la mer, de fjords, de lacs de montagne, de plages de sable aux eaux turquoises et de villages de pêcheurs, c’est le road trip parfait pour les amoureux de la nature. Bien que la Norvège soit un pays très cher il heureusement facile de faire du camping sauvage ou d’utiliser les campings aménagés.

Tous les détails techniques et récit de mon aventure dans cet article : Road trip aux îles Lofoten .

La Goméra – Iles Canaries Espagne

• Durée : 5 jours
• Étapes : Hermigua – Valle Gran Rey – Parc Garajonay

L’île de la Goméra ne fait pas partie des îles les plus connues aux Canaries, il faut dire qu’elle n’est pas spécialement réputée pour ses plages par rapport à ses voisines. Tout l’intérêt de venir à La Gomera est de randonner dans de spectaculaires paysages luxuriants, dont des forêts de lauriers sombres et humides. L’île qui reste à l’abri du tourisme de masse possède quelques villages à l’architecture coloniale comme sa capitale San Sebastian de la Gomera. C’est ici que Christophe Colomb et son équipage serait venu prier avant d’embarquer pour le Nouveau Monde.

Retrouvez toutes les informations sur l’article : Randonnées et road trip sur l’île de La Gomera aux Canaries .

Causeway Coastal Route – Irlande du Nord

• Durée : 3 jours
• Étapes : Dunluce Castle – Chaussée des Géants – Ballintoy – Belfast

L’Irlande du Nord qui fait partie du Royaume Uni possède quelques trésors à découvrir le long de la mythique Causeway Costal Route. Cet itinéraire panoramique qui longe la mer vous fera découvrir des châteaux médiévaux en ruines, la célèbre Chaussée des Géants avec ses colonnes de basaltes, des petits ports de pêche et même un pont de corde reliant un îlot isolé. Sachez que si vous êtes fan de Games of Thrones plusieurs scènes ont été tournées dans la région. Ce road trip se termine à Belfast où vous pourrez visiter le musée du Titanic.

Itinéraire complet à découvrir sur le blog : Road Trip en Irlande du Nord sur la Causeway Costa Route .

Route de la lavande en Provence – France

• Durée : 2 à 5 jours
• Étapes : Alpes de Haute Provence – Vaucluse – Drôme

La France est un réservoir immense d’idées de road trip, on a tendance à toujours vouloir partir loin alors que l’on a à côté de chez nous des sites magnifiques. La route de la lavande fait partie des ces itinéraires incontournables. Elle permet outre de découvrir les magnifiques villages de la Provence, d’admirer des champs de lavande en fleurs. Pour photographier ces derniers il faudra impérativement venir pendant la période de floraison entre fin juin et fin juillet.

Retrouvez tous mes conseils sur Où et quand voir les champs de lavande à Valensole dans les Alpes de Haute Provence.

Tenerife – Iles Canaries Espagne

• Durée : 5 à 10 jours
• Étapes : La Laguna – La Orotava – Forêt d’Anaga – Parc Teide – Garachico – Masca

L’île la plus touristique des Canaries ne se limite pas à ses clubs all inclusive, bars et restaurants où les touristes viennent faire la fête. Tenerife possède de nombreux et superbes itinéraires de randonnée, notamment dans le nord et le centre de l’île. Le Parc National du Volcan Teide et son ascension feront partie des moments fort du voyage. Ajoutez à ça de magnifiques villes coloniales comme La Laguna et un climat ensoleillé toute l’année, Tenerife représente une belle idée de road trip en Europe.

Tous les détails sur l’article de mon road trip de 10 jours à Tenerife .

Route romantique en Bavière – Allemagne

• Étapes : Wurtzbourg – Nördlingen – Augsbourg – Château de Neuschwanstein – Füssen 

La route romantique est un itinéraire de 400 kilomètres entre les villes de Wurtzbourg et Füssen en Bavière. Cet itinéraire, l’un des plus populaires en Allemagne, vous fera traverser des villages médiévales, des abbayes et des églises classées au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO. Ne manquez pas la visite du château de Neuschwanstein qui inspira Walt Disney pour son château de la Belle au Bois Dormant. La route romantique est également l’occasion de découvrir les spécialités locales dans les nombreuses auberges traditionnelles bavaroises.

Retrouvez une partie de cet itinéraire sur notre road trip de 3 jours en Bavière .

Wild Atlantic Way – Irlande

• Durée : 3 à 15 jours
• Étapes : Mizen Head – Ring of Kerry – Péninsule de Dingle – Cliffs of Moher – Connemara

L’Irlande possède de nombreux itinéraires propices à des road trip et pour les découvrir rien de mieux que d’emprunter la Wild Atlantic Way. Cette route de 2 500 km qui longe les côtes du pays depuis le sud jusqu’à l’Irlande du Nord vous fera découvrir de magnifiques paysages sauvages. Pas besoin d’avoir 15 jours devant soit, des programmes de 3 à 5 jours peuvent être organisés depuis la capitale Dublin . Parmi les sites les plus connus ne manquez pas : Mizen Head, Ring of Kerry, la péninsule de Dingle, les falaises de Moher et le parc du Connemara.

J’ai écrit un article sur comment préparer son road trip en Irlande qui retrace plusieurs itinéraires.

Ile Madère – Portugal

• Durée : 7 à 14 jours
• Étapes : Funchal – Pico do Ariero – Ponta do Sol – Porto Moniz – Santana – Presqu’île Saint-Laurent

Madère est un archipel du Portugal situé dans l’océan atlantique au large du Maroc. L’île d’origine volcanique au relief escarpé a la particularité d’être très verdoyante ce qui en fait une destination idéale pour la randonnée (elle est surnommée l’île aux fleurs). De nombreux itinéraires suivent les levadas, des canaux d’irrigation creusés depuis le XVI e siècle pour acheminer l’eau des montagnes vers le sud de l’ile. Madère possède également une jolie capitale avec de nombreux bâtiments de l’époque coloniale.

Pour plus d’informations sur l’île et les plus belles randonnées rendez-vous sur l’article de mon road trip à Madère .

Route circulaire n°1 – Islande

• Durée : 7 à 21 jours
• Étapes : Reykjavik – Geysir – Gulfoss – Vik – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Mývatn

Terre de glaces et de volcans l’Islande se prête admirablement bien à un road trip. La route circulaire n°1 qui fait le tour de l’île sur 1 332 km permet de voir glaciers, iceberg, geyser, fjords, cascades, plages de sable noir, lacs, volcans et de jolis villages de pêcheurs. L’unique route principale de l’île reste accessible été comme hiver. L’Islande est également réputé pour ses sources chaudes que l’on trouve un peu partout dans le pays, la plus célèbre étant le Blue Lagoon. Cet itinéraire peut être entièrement réalisé en bus, c’est d’ailleurs ce que j’avais fait lors de mon voyage.

Retrouvez sur le blog mon récit du tour de l’Islande par la route n°1 .

Tour de Corse – France

• Étapes : Saint-Florent – Calvi – Porto Ota – Ajaccio – Bonifacio – Porto-Vecchio – Zonza – Corte

Le tour de l’île de Beauté en voiture, moto ou van est l’un des road trip en Europe les plus populaires et certainement l’un des plus beaux. La Corse regorge de paysages variés entre plages paradisiaques, montagnes, rivières et villages typiques. Sur votre itinéraire ne manquez pas le Cap Corse, le désert des Agriates avec ses plages de rêve, les calanques de Piana et la pointe de la Parata. Le sud de l’île entre Bonifacio et Porto-Vecchio abrite des plages parmi les plus belles d’Europe. Ne manquez pas non plus les îles Lavezzi. En remontant vers le nord, les montagnes du centre de la Corse raviront les amateurs de randonnées est de canyoning.

Retrouvez sur le blog l’itinéraire de mon road trip en Corse .

De l’Istrie à la Dalmatie – Croatie

• Étapes : Rovinj – Lacs de Plitvice – Sibenik – Parc Krka – Trogir – Split – Dubrovnik

La Croatie est principalement connue pour ses îles du sud de la Dalmatie et sa ville emblématique Dubrovnik. Mais le pays ne s’arrête pas au séjour all inclusive. Nous avons découvert lors de notre road trip dans le nord de la Croatie des coins beaucoup moins touristiques. Je vous invite à aller jusque dans la région de l’Istrie à la frontière de la Slovénie. Elle abrite de superbes villages médiévales et des villes à l’influence vénitienne comme Rovinj, notre coup de cœur. Le parc des lacs de Plitvice fait également partie des sites incontournables. Parmi les villes à ne pas manquer on trouve entre autre Sibenik, Trogir et Split.

Pour plus d’informations sur les choses à voir consultez l’itinéraire de mon road trip en Croatie .

Tour de la Sardaigne – Italie

• Étapes : Archipel de La Maddalena – Costa Smeralada – Iglesias – Péninsule du Sinis – Bosa – Alghero

Comme la Corse, la Sardaigne est une île parfaite pour partir en road trip en Europe. Elle est facilement accessible en ferry depuis la France en voiture, van ou camping-car. L’autre option est de prendre un vol jusqu’à Olbia, Cagliari ou Alghero puis de louer une voiture. Une fois sur place des dizaines de plages paradisiaques s’offrent à vous. Vous pouvez en fonction du temps dont vous disposez faire le tour complet de l’île (minimum 2 semaines) ou vous limiter au nord ou sud de la Sardaigne. Les plages sont plus jolies au nord (souvent de petites criques) mais c’est aussi le secteur le plus touristique. Parmi les villes à ne pas manquer Alghero figure en haut de la liste.

Vous trouverez sur le blog l’itinéraire complet de notre road trip en Sardaigne .

De Sommar ø y aux Alpes Lyngen (Troms ø ) – Norvège

• Étapes : Sommar ø y – Ersfjordbotn – Grøtfjord – Tromvik – Skulsfjord – Alpes de Lyngen

Avec ses paysages sortis tout droit d’une série sur les vikings, la Norvège offre des road trip parmi les plus beaux d’Europe. Cette fois je vous propose de partir tout au nord du pays au-delà du cercle polaire dans la région de Troms ø . La ville et ses environs sont connus pour être l’un des meilleurs spots pour observer les aurores boréales en Europe. Mais les paysages de fjords et de montagnes invitent tout autant à un circuit en voiture. Les panoramas sont très différents entre le soleil de minuit l’été et les paysages enneigés de l’hiver (préférez partir en février – mars pour ne pas avoir la nuit polaire).

Retrouvez tous les détails de l’itinéraire de ce road trip dans l’article que faire à Tromso en hiver .

Tour de l’île d’Ibiza – Espagne

• Durée : 2 à 7 jours
• Étapes : Eivissa – Es Vedrà – Santa Eulària des Riu – Platja de Ses Salines – Platges de Comte – Cala Saladeta

Quand on parle de road trip en Europe on ne peut pas dire que la première idée qui nous vienne soit Ibiza dans les Baléares. Pourtant l’île ne se limite pas à la fête et aux soirées en boite de nuit à écouter les meilleures DJ. Je dois dire que j’ai été très agréablement surpris par le charme d’Ibiza, loin des clichés que je pouvais en avoir. Sa capitale Eivissa classée au Patrimoine Mondial de l’Unesco pour sa forteresse est absolument superbe. Et que dire des plages paradisiaques dissimulées dans des criques tout autour de l’île. Vous pouvez même partir explorer l’île de Formentera située à 30 min de ferry d’Ibiza.

Pour tous les conseils sur les choses à voir et les hébergements je vous invite à lire l’article du blog que faire à Ibiza .

Route des vins des Langhe au Piémont – Italie

• Étapes : Barolo – La Morra – Serralunga d’Alba – Grinzane Cavour – Barbaresco – Alba – Asti

Voilà un petit road trip en Europe à réaliser proche de chez soi, surtout si vous habitez le sud de la France. C’est le genre de destination parfaite pour les week-ends prolongés ou les ponts des jours fériés. Les Langhe sont une région viticole située dans le Piémont au sud de Turin. Au programme de ce circuit en voiture, de nombreux petits villages médiévaux installés sur des collines formant des paysages sublimes de châteaux et de vignes. Les amateurs de truffes ne manqueront pas de passer par Alba. La région se pare de couleurs chatoyantes en automne, période à laquelle je vous recommande de venir car c’est la saison de la truffe et du Palio d’Asti.

Retrouvez mon itinéraire complet dans l’article visiter les Langhe .

Iles Vesteralen – Norvège

• Étapes : Nyksund – Stø – B ø – Andenes – Stokmarknes

Cet archipel qui se situe juste au nord des célèbres îles Lofoten en Norvège reçoit très peu de touristes en comparaison à ces dernières. Pourtant même si les panoramas y sont moins spectaculaires, la beauté des paysages méritent le détour et vous aurez la sensation d’être seul au monde. De plus les îles Vesteralen sont le seul endroit en Norvège où l’on peut voir des baleines et orques toute l’année (les croisières d’observation partent de la ville d’Andenes). Ne manquez pas non plus le village de pêcheurs abandonné de Nyksund . Et si vous venez en hiver vous aurez la possibilité d’observer des aurores boréales. C’est le road trip en Europe parfait pour ceux qui aiment les grands espaces sans touristes.

Pour organiser votre road trip et ne rien manquer des sites à voir rendez-vous sur mon article visiter les îles Vesteralen .

Algarve – Portugal

• Étapes : Tavira – Faro – Benagil – Silves – Lagos – Sagres

L’Algarve se situe tout au sud du Portugal, le long de l’océan atlantique. Cette région est connue pour ses magnifiques plages de sable et ses grottes creusées dans les falaises calcaires du littoral. L’Algarve attire chaque année des millions de touristes dans ses stations balnéaires. Mais heureusement la région ne se limite pas aux plages et on peut facilement éviter la file en réaliser un road trip. L’arrière pays est ponctué de villages au riche passé, de forteresses maures et même de ruines romaines. Les amateurs de surf ne manqueront pas de faire un tour à Sagres où se trouve une plage fréquentée par les surfeurs.

Pour préparer votre itinéraire je vous conseille de lire l’article visiter l’Algarve en road trip .

Du Tyrol à Salzbourg – Autriche

• Durée : 5 à 7 jours
• Étapes : Innsbruck – Kufstein – Bad Gastein – Salzbourg – Hallstatt

Je vous propose de découvrir un pays moins couru pour les road trip en Europe, l’Autriche. Avec ses routes de montagnes dépassant les 2500 mètres (comme la r oute alpine du Grossglockner), ses cascades et ses lacs, l’Autriche a de quoi attirer les amoureux de grands espaces et de montagnes. Sur cet itinéraire partez du Tyrol, la région la plus à l’est du pays, puis poursuivez vers Kufstein en direction de la Bavière (Allemagne) avant de revenir sur Salzbourg, la ville de Mozart. Depuis cette dernière vous pouvez passer une journée à Hallstatt, un magnifique village typique au bord d’un lac. Si vous avez plus d’une semaine allez jusqu’à Vienne.

Pour organiser ce circuit vous pouvez vous aider de mon article visiter l’Autriche en road trip .

Les Pouilles – Italie

• Durée : 5 à 15 jours
• Étapes : Otranto – Gallipoli – Lecce – Matera – Monopoli – Polignano a Mare – Alberobello – Ostuni

L’Italie qui est l’un des pays les plus touristiques en Europe offre une multitude de road trip à travers les villes et campagnes. Cette fois je vous propose de découvrir les Pouilles dans le talon de la botte italienne. Cette région agricole (nombreuses cultures d’oliviers, de céréales et de vignes) est réputée pour ses magnifiques plages et ses beaux villages. Le Salento, tout au sud du pays, abrite plusieurs villes baroques à découvrir dont la superbe Lecce. En remontant vers le nord faites un petit détour par la région Basilicate pour découvrir Matera, l’une des plus vielles villes au Monde. Continuez vers la célèbre Alberobello et ses trulli avant de rejoindre le bord de mer à Polignano a Mare et Monopoli.

Pour organiser votre autotour rendez-vous sur mon guide complet visiter les Pouilles .

La route des fjords de l’ouest – Norvège

• Étapes : Stalheim – Naeroyfjord – Nigardsbreen – Geirangerfjord – Trollstigen

La Norvège est l’un de mes pays préférés en Europe, les paysages naturels y sont absolument magnifiques. C’est pour cette raison que je vous y propose un nouveau road trip mais cette fois dans le sud du pays. La région des fjords de l’ouest située au nord de Bergen est splendide. Si vous rêvez d’immenses fjords profonds c’est ici qu’il faut venir, certains sont d’ailleurs classés au Patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco. Mais le sud de la Norvège ne se limite pas qu’aux fjords, on y trouve aussi des glaciers, des routes panoramiques spectaculaires et des églises en bois datant du Moyen-Age.

Pour découvrir la région je vous invite à lire mon article sur la route des fjords de l’ouest en Norvège .

Louer un véhicule pour un road trip

J’ai d’écrit un article spécial avec de nombreux conseils pour louer une voiture . Vous y trouverez pas mal d’informations pour bien choisir votre véhicule et les arnaques à éviter.

Pour plus d’indépendance et de liberté vous pouvez réaliser les road trip en Europe présentés dans cet article en van ou camping-car . La location de ce type de véhicule étant assez cher, je vous suggère de passer par des particuliers pour trouver des tarifs plus abordables. Pour cela je vous conseille le site Yescapa , leader européen de la location de camping-cars, fourgons et vans aménagés entre particuliers.

Cette liste d’ idées de road trip en Europe est loin d’être exhaustive, elle se base sur les voyages que j’ai déjà réalisé et je ne manquerai pas de la mettre à jour. Si vous avez des road trip en Europe à suggérer n’hésitez pas à utiliser les commentaires.

Visiter les Pouilles en Italie : itinéraire de 10 jours en road trip

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Europe Road Trip – 24 Incredible Routes

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The Best Road Trips in Europe

Europe is perfect for an epic road trip! From the rolling fields of Tuscany and the soaring mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of the South of France and the mighty Alps, you can find a European road trip route to suit your taste and travel style.

Whether you’re road tripping in Europe for a week, a month, or a year, our top eighteen best Europe road trip itinerary ideas will give you plenty of inspiration to get on the road.

We have lived on the road in Europe for four years, and in our Europe trip planner, we share our top routes and itineraries, ideas about what do to and see, and accommodation recommendations. If you’ve got wheels there’s a European road trip here for you!

Europe Road Trip Planner

We have traveled every single one of these European roads in and on a variety of vehicles! Whether you ride a motorbike, drive Europe by car or you’re traveling in a motorhome or RV, you’ll find some of the best Europe road trip ideas here.

If you’re on a flying visit and or want a 3 month Europe road trip , we have the best Europe road trip itineraries for you. Our road trip planner Europe includes specific road trip routes, amazing hotel recommendations, and insider travel tips to help you plan a driving holiday in Europe.

RELATED POST: Why We Think These Are the Best Driving Roads in Europe

Are you planning to rent a car in Europe? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip through Europe.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in France. We recommend Auto Europe for their large range of fully equipped vehicles, competitive pricing, and great customer service. Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Europe Road Trip Map

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Europe . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

• Get the Travel Guides
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Vienna to Innsbruck Road Trip

Vienna – graz – hallstatt – salzburg – zell am see – mayrhofen – innsbruck.

• May-October

We recommend starting your two week Austrian road trip in Vienna and concluding the itinerary in Innsbruck.

As you leave Vienna, beautiful and quaint Austrian towns and villages will greet you as you travel south toward the foodie city of Graz, the next major stop on your Austrian itinerary. From here, it’s north to Hallstatt, a small, alpine village situated on the western shores of Hallstätter See, also known as Hallstatt Lake, that offers iconic views and outdoor experiences. 

Next up is Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend leaving enough time in your itinerary to explore the Baroque architecture of the city and visit the Salzburg Fortress for stunning panoramic views. From Salzburg, head to Zell am See, a charming mountain town surrounded by the unforgettable mountain peaks of the Alps. 

Zell am See is the perfect spot from which to drive the spectacular Glossglockner high alpine pass, a mountain road that twists and bends itself along the Alps mountains, providing panoramic scenery and an unforgettable experience.

Your journey will continue on to Mayrhofen, a popular skiing destination known for its vibrant nightlife, unrivaled winter sports, and stunning alpine scenery. 

Finally, finish your Austria road trip in Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. This Austrian city is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is home to several impressive landmarks. Innsbruck is the perfect place to end your road trip and reflect on the stunning beauty of Austria.

• Driving the gorgeous mountain roads, when you feel like you’re on top of the world!
• Listening to Mozart in Salzburg, his birthplace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Walking out 1,48 feet onto the Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk for breathtaking views of the Hallstätter See.

Where to Stay

Vienna ⇒ Jaz in the City Vienna for its city center location, modern interior, and funky bar.

Salzburg ⇒   Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich  for its old town setting, luxury spa, and fantastic breakfast.

Innsbruck ⇒ Hotel Grauer Bär for its perfect downtown location, light and stylish rooms, and excellent customer service.

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Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

Loire valley road trip.

Orleans – Blois – Tours – Angers – Nantes

Centre-Val de Loire is a landlocked region, located to the southwest of the French capital Paris. As the name suggests this region is all about the magnificent river Loire. Just four to five hours from Calais to the capital of Orleans, and three from Paris, this region is a popular holiday region and makes an ideal destination for a road trip.

This is a real France bucket list trip. Fine historical cities and towns, many of which stand on the banks of the Loire, offer superb Renaissance religious buildings and architecture and of course, the fabulous and extravagant chateaux the region is best known for.

Follow this Loire Valley road trip between famous cities and marvel at the natural wonders, opulent architecture, charming towns, and breathtaking castles of one of France’s best-loved regions.

You’ll visit the many chateaux on the route, including the famous Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Villandry, and explore the Loire’s historic towns, learning about French history, architecture, and culture and you go.

Discover Joan of Arc’s legacy in Orleans and take a ride on a giant machine elephant in Nantes as you take in the beautiful Loire landscape.

• Taking a vineyard tour to taste the delicious white wines, like Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume, and Sancerre, which are produced here.
• Visiting the world-famous Chateau Chenonceau, the only castle on the Loire built by women.
• Watching the iconic steampunk elephant strutt its stuff at Machines de L’Ile on the Ile de Nantes, an urban island in the Loire river.

Orléans ⇒   Empreinte Hotel & Spa for its riverbank location, beautiful bathrooms, and private spa.

Tours ⇒ Château Belmont  for its wonderful grounds, stylish bedrooms, and excellent restaurant.

Nantes ⇒ Okko Hotels Nantes Château   for its city center location, cool decor, and private parking.

Pyrenees Road Trip

Lourdes – cauterets – gavarnie – arreau – bagnares-de-luchon.

• May-September

This is a Pyrenees road trip and hiking tour all in one. With four easy-to-moderate classic Hautes-Pyrenees hikes en route plus an extra in Spain just over the border and some of the most spectacular mountains on the map of Europe at your feet, this is an amazing route. 

One of our go-to happy places, get our detailed seven day Pyrenees hiking tour guide, including an interactive map of hikes and the suggested route.

• Taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of the beautiful Lac de Gaube on a hot summer’s day.
• Braving the nail-biting drive up the Pic du Midi and the incredible views from the Col du Tourmalet.
• Standing at the top of Pic de la Pahule with the entire Pyrenees mountain range at your feet.

Lourdes ⇒ Villa L’Orante  for its commanding views, beautiful bathrooms, and delicious homemade breakfasts.

Gavarnie ⇒ Hotel Le Taillon  for its location, views, and hearty mountain food.

Bagnares-de-Luchon ⇒ Le Castel d’Alti   for its elegant decor, heated jacuzzi and pool, and live music in the bar.

South of France Road Trip

Lyon – st croix du verdon – aups – cassis – aix-en-provence – bezier – carcassonne – toulouse.

• avoid July & August

A road trip in France is one of the best ways to see this beautiful country, and because France is so accessible, this is an easy 2 week Europe road trip from UK and the rest of Europe

Start in the foodie city of Lyon, a five hour drive south of Paris , before using the historic Route Napoleon to travel south. It’s one of the  best drives in Europe , free and incredibly scenic.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a gorgeous little town and worth a stop before you take a jaunt around the stunning Gorge du Verdon.

Try some  wild swimming in the Lac de Sainte-Croix here before making your way to Aups for their authentic farmers market and Provencal vibe.

Stop at Cassis to explore the Calanques, huge gashes in the coastal cliffs, often only accessible by boat. Take a day trip out for a picnic and an idyllic afternoon of soaking up the sun and snorkeling.

Head north to the vibrant and pretty French city of Aix-en-Provence and spend an evening strolling through the charming squares and winding alleys of this elegant and cultured city.

Next up is the drive east across the hauntingly beautiful and off-the-beaten-track Camargue, before arriving at Bezier, famous for the nine locks of the Midi Canal.

Move on to Carcassonne, dipping into the Pyrenees en route to see the incredible Peyrepertuse Castle, before spending a few days marveling at La Cite, the Disneyesque medieval citadel of Carcassonne. 

The pink city of Toulouse is your last stop and what a road trip destination it is! Head into the old town for great food, live music, and a typically Occitan atmosphere of noise, heat, and fun. 

• Walking through the fragrant iconic lavender fields of Valensole in Provence (June is the best month).
• Kayaking to hiffen beaches in the stunning Calanques National Park from Cassis.
• Discovering the atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage site of the medieval citadel in Carcassonne.

Lyon ⇒ Mob Hotel Lyon for stylish design, contemporary dining, and live DJ sets.

Aix-en-Provence ⇒   Le Pigonnet  for its beautiful location and luxury with a touch of glamour.

Carcassonne ⇒ Hotel de la Cite   for the Citadel location, traditional character, and spa.

• Lonely Planet Germany
• The Rough Guide to Germany
• DK Eyewitness Germany
• Germany Travel Guide
• Six Unmissable Germany Road Trip Routes
• Deutsche Märchenstraße: Germany’s Fairy Tale Road
• Romantic Road Germany: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• Deutsche Alpenstrasse: Route, Map & Highlights
• Motorhome Germany: Complete Touring Guide
• Driving from UK to Germany: Best Routes, Costs & Tips

The Fairy Tale Road

Frankfurt – steinau – marburg – kassel – gottingen – hamelin – bremen.

This central to north Germany road trip from Frankfurt does not technically start in the city, but Frankfurt is the perfect place to fly into and pick up a rental car. If you’re spending the night, make sure you visit the South Bank, where you’ll find an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

The Fairy Tale route, or Deutsche Märchenstraße , offers travelers a series of charming towns, half-timbered buildings, castles, beautiful parks, and museums, most of which reference one fairy tale or another from the story collection of the Brothers Grimm .   

The starting town of Steinau an der Strasse is straight out of their fairy tales, complete with typical half-timbered houses, twisting cobbled alleys, and the turreted Schloss Steinau which overlooks the whole town. Visit the Brüder Grimm Haus and Museum Steinau, both of which showcase the works of the brothers.

Take the back roads to Marburg and enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and slower pace for a few hours. Marburg’s altstadt is full of medieval houses and the hilltop Landgrafenschloss, a dramatic castle holding exhibits on sacred art and local history.

From Marburg, head to Kassel, where the Brothers Grimm spent their teenage years whilst working as librarians for the King of Westphalia, Jerome Bonaparte, the younger brother of the infamous Napoléon. Make sure to visit the Brüder Grimm Museum, and the Schloss und Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a tranquil green space and the largest hill park in all of Europe.

Gottingen is home to the University of Gottingen, where the Grimm Brothers once served as professors. Make for the traditional and atmospheric central market square, where the statue of Ganseliesel, the little goose girl of German lore, is one of the most kissed statues anywhere in the world. It is said that the kisser is rewarded with good luck, but maybe post-virus this practice will change!

Hameln (or Hamelin) is next up and one of the most famous fairy tale destinations in Europe. Hameln is the home of the Pied Piper, or Rattenfänger, who rid the town of rats in 1284, only to be cheated out of his payment.

The Pied Piper returned to Hameln a year later and lured away all the children. The story is re-enacted in the town center every Sunday between May and October and is a fantastic spectacle. The Weser Renaissance architecture of the Rattenfängerhaus and the Hochzeitshaus makes a fitting historic backdrop for the streets which are thronged with locals dressed the part, stalls selling food, and live music playing. 

Finally, on to the Hanseatic city of Bremen, your final stop. Good places to visit in Bremen include the traditional Marktplatz, which is located in the city’s charming altstadt, the 600-year-old Rathaus or town hall, the Roselius-Haus Museum, and the stunning St. Petri Dom, the 11th century gothic cathedral.

Another landmark can be found in the city’s central town square – a statue of the Bremen musicians and heroes of the Brothers Grimm story, ‘The Town Musicians of Bremen’.

• Watching the lively re-enactment of Hameln’s Pied Piper luring away visiting children.
• Exploring the altstads of towns en-route, where half-timbered houses and cobbled streets are common.
• Indulging in northern Germany’s hearty and tasty cuisine, like wurst , Germany’s delicious sausages, Bremer klaben , a yeasty cake of candied fruit and nuts, and kluten , a delicious dumpling.

Frankfurt ⇒ Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch  for its proximity to the airport and city center, fantastic spa, and beautiful surroundings.

Marburg ⇒ The Vila Vita Rosenpark  for its central location, excellent regional restaurant, and stylish bedrooms.

Bremen ⇒ Atlantic Grand Hotel   for its perfect riverside location, bike rental from reception, and ultra-stylish bathrooms.

Southern Germany Road Trip

Wurzburg – rothenburg – ludwigsburg – burg hohenzollern – fussen – oberammergau – linderhof – munich – chiemsee.

This route follows parts of southern Germany’s famous Romantic Road and the Deutsche Alpenstrasse and has a good mix of Alpine views, historic schloss and castles, and typical Bavarian towns and villages.

As you head south, enjoy the views of the magnificent Alps ahead.

You could rush around in a week but we think ten to fourteen days gives you enough time to visit a few other places of interest when you’re all castled out!

Visiting in the summer will provide you with sunshine and clear skies but if you can do this route in winter, then you’ll be rewarded with some of the best Christmas markets in the world, fairytale snowy landscapes, and schloss decorated for the festive season.

More of a palace than a castle, the  Wurzburg Residence  is a huge Baroque palace. Beautiful inside, the real draw here is the gardens, laid out in a typically formal French style.

From here, head to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a fairytale Bavaria town packed with medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets.

Next up is  Ludwigsburg Residential Palace  one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany. Its sumptuous interiors, with gold leaf and painted ceilings, are on a similar scale to Versaille, and the Palace Theatre is pretty impressive. 

Schloss Lichtenstein  is a pretty little Neo-Gothic castle built in the romantic style. It may not have the scale of other castles but it’s charming and quirky, with amazing views.

Hohenzollern Castle  does have the scale, along with grandeur, Rapunzel towers, and a long royal history. It’s one of the most magical castles to visit in Germany . 

Hohenzollern Palace (also known as Sigmaringen Castle) sits 50km to the southeast, can be seen on the horizon for miles around, and is a real  hidden gem in Germany .

Our next stop is the daddy of German castles, Neuschwanstein. Just outside Fussen, in the village of Schwangau, Neuschwanstein is a truly stunning Cinderella-esque schloss built by the fascinating historical figure of King Ludwig II, who ruled Bavaria in the 19th century.

If you have time when  visiting Neuschwanstein Castle , take a walk out to Marienbrucke bridge where you can take the perfect images of the castle, the earlier the better! This castle gets very busy every day through the year, so make sure you  book tickets online  before arriving.

Next up, take in Oberammergau, home of the famous once-in-a-decade Passion Play. There is also a fantastic  public spa  here, which may be just the thing after a few days of driving. The Germans know how to do a spa and this is one of the best we’ve visited.  

If you’ve time to spare,  visit the Zugspitze , you’re only an hour away from Germany’s highest mountain in the northern Alps . This natural wonder is easy to summit, with the help of the cogwheel train and cable car; it is absolutely worth the detour, and the views are stunning. 

The next stop is  Linderhof Palace , our favorite of the German schloss. This beautifully symmetrical and elegant palace is arguably King Ludwig’s finest creation. Check out the grottos in the landscaped grounds; they’re pretty special!

Finally, drive on to Munich for the Nymphenburg Palace, one of the premier royal palaces in Europe with magnificent interiors and gardens. Spend a day discovering Munich  and if you’re  road tripping in autumn , you could also take in Oktoberfest, Munich’s famous beer festival. 

Herrenchiemsee Palace  is the last stop on this Bavaria road trip. Known as the ‘Bavarian Versaille’, this palace is in a beautiful location on Herreninsel, the largest island on the Chiemsee lake.

• Discovering the pretty medieval houses and architecture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
• Admiring King Ludwig’s before-their-time building innovations at his fairytale castles .
• Taking fantastic images of Neuschwanstein from Marienbruck at dawn, when the light is perfect and you’ll have the bridge to yourself. 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber ⇒ Hotel Reichs-Kuchenmeister  for its altstadt location, traditional Bavarian decor, and fabulous breakfast!

Oberammergau ⇒   Mammhofer Suites  for their family-run hospitality, central location, and kitchen access for self-catering.

Munich ⇒ Roomers Munich  for stylish design, superb customer service, and an excellent restaurant.

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France.

• Lonely Planet Greece
• The Rough Guide to Greece
• DK Eyewitness Greece: Athens and the Mainland
• Motorhome & Campervan Greece – Complete Guide

Mainland Greece Road Trip

Athens – delphi – galaxidi – nafpaktos – parga – meteora – mount olympus – thessaloniki.

The beautiful landscape of mainland Greece is dotted with ancient Greek monuments and temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, hot springs, roadside churches, lemon trees overhanging the roads, and traditional tavernas where you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

This trip hits all the big highlights of Greece, taking you from the modern yet historic capital city to the most charming coastal towns before exploring the mountainous interior, all on one road trip.

You’ll visit the most important archaeological site in Greece, Ancient Delphi, and be in awe of the gravity-defying monasteries in Meteora, before making your pilgrimage to the most mythical of all sites in Greece, Mount Olympus.

• Looking across the magnificent landscape of Meteora, to capture that once-in-a-lifetime iconic image.
• Sipping a carafe of chilled Greek rose on the harbourside in Parga.
• Taking the hike up to the Acropolis in Athens in the early morning, before the crowds arrive.

Ancient Delphi ⇒ Fedriades Delphi Hotel , for its perfect location and fantastic Greek breakfast.

Parga ⇒ Villa Coralli apartments for its perfect location overlooking Krioneri Beach and 200m from the center of town.

Thessaloniki ⇒ Plaza Hotel in Ladadika, for its beachside location close to all the major attractions.

Peloponnese Road Trip

Athens – corinth – kalavryta – olympia – kalamata – the mani – sparta – nafplio – mycenae – athens.

This two week Peloponnese itinerary and road trip starts in the capital city of Athens. Spend a day or two in this incredible city, which is both ancient and edgy.

As you head west from Athens towards Ancient Corinth, you’ll cross the Corinth Canal, which splits the Corinth Isthmus, the narrow strip of land between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, and joins the Aegean and Ionian Seas, it’s worth making a stop to see what was a major feat of engineering back in the day.

Home to the legendary Jason of the Argonauts, of Golden Fleece fame, Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BCE. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BCE before building a new city in its place in 44 BCE, which became the provincial capital of Greece.

Next up, head to Kalavryta, known officially as the place where the Greek War of Independence started when Greece revolted against the Turks in 1821, and where 500 souls were massacred by the Nazis in World War Two. The latter event is depicted in the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust, a moving tribute to those residents and the story of the struggle between Greek partisans and the occupying forces.

The Diakofto-Kalavryta Railway is a vintage rack and pinion railway between the two towns. The route is incredibly scenic, passes through seven tunnels, and twists along the dramatic Vouraikos Gorge, clinging to its narrow ledge over the churning rapids below – make sure to fit this into your visit before moving on to Ancient Olympia.

The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia is where the Games took place every four years, for over 1100 years! The Olympic Flame is still lit here for the modern Games. This beautiful, shady archaeological site is incredibly evocative – wandering through the ruins, it’s easy to imagine the ripped athletes and excited spectators of its heyday, amongst the magnificent temples and athletic facilities.

Our route has two options at this point – head inland for spectacular scenery and mountain passes, or take the coastal route around the middle peninsula of the Peloponnese through the wild and rugged Messinian Mani, with picture-perfect Kardamyli and the colorful harbor of pretty Gythio awaiting.

Your final stop is Nafplio, often called the most romantic city in Greece, and blessed with pretty streets, elegant neoclassical architecture, and interesting independent shops, bars, and tavernas.

• Hiking the incredible Vouraikos Gorge from Kalavryta to Diakofto, and admiring the limestone formations along the route.
• Driving the 59km Langada Pass across the Taygetos Mountains from Kalamata to gory Sparta and the Byzantine capital of Mystras.
• Walking along the Cave of the Lakes boardwalk to view the incredible rock formations and thirteen crystal clear subterranean pools formed by millennia of mineral deposits.

Athens ⇒ The Athens Gate Hotel for its central location, Acropolis view, and stylish decor.

Kalamata ⇒ Messinian Icon Hotel & Suites for its spa and pools, sea views, and large, bright rooms.

Nafplio ⇒ Amymone and Adiandi for its perfect location, gorgeous decor, and homemade Greek breakfast.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

• Lonely Planet Iceland
• The Rough Guide to Iceland
• DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland
• Iceland Road Trip – 26 Epic Things to See & Do
• One Day Reykjavik Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide
• South Coast Iceland: 18 of the Best Things to Do & See

The Golden Circle Road Trip

Reykjavik – thingvellir national park – geysers of haukadalur valley – gullfoss waterfall – reykjavik.

• June-September

Close to Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik , the Golden Circle is easily the most touristy thing to do in the land of fire and ice, and traditionally the first stop on Iceland’s Ring Road, so it can get very busy, especially in peak season.

Start early if you can, and hop onto the Iceland ring road (route 1), which takes you first past the Reykjavik waterfront, and then out to the three stops on the Golden Circle. It’s a short drive away from Reykjavik, and should only take about 40 minutes to get to the first stop, Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located right in Þingvellir (or Thingvellir) National Park , you can walk through the middle of the large area where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have been splitting apart over the course of the centuries. This is one of the coolest things to do while you’re visiting the Golden Circle.

Don’t miss the other attractions in the national park where the Continental Divide is located. It’s home to Iceland’s first Parliament, where chieftains formed the first laws and court proceedings at what is known as the Lögberg, and has lots of trails and beautiful nature to explore if you have the time. You can even go snorkeling at Silfra, and see the divide in the tectonic plates underwater!

The next stop, about 60 kilometers from Þingvellir, is the two geysers at Haukadalur . These geysers are easy to visit because they erupt very regularly, so you’ll definitely see at least one eruption while you’re there. Strokkur is the larger of the two, but don’t get too close as the water really is boiling hot!

The last stop on the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss waterfall, just one of Iceland’s incredible waterfalls, of which there are 10,000!  The waterfall, located at the end of the Hvítá River, is absolutely gigantic and produces beautiful rainbows and light prisms from every angle.

There are viewing places galore here. A concrete path makes it easy to see the waterfall at various points, though there are clearly marked signs and ropes warning you where you should stop, as it can be very windy and slippery the closer you get to the edge.

After you’ve finished seeing Gullfoss, it’s about an hour and a half drive back to Reykjavik to complete the circle. There are add on’s which aren’t traditional Golden Circle stops, but you may want to take a lovely warm bath at the Blue Lagoon just outside the city, enjoy a slightly more natural thermal experience at the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, or head to the Kerid Crater if you’re in an off-road vehicle.

♥  Spending an hour lounging in the Reykjadalur Hot Springs whilst taking in the incredible scenery. ♥ Standing at the continental divide where Europe becomes North America, and being in awe of Iceland’s geology. ♥  Doing the Golden Circle in reverse and getting to Gullfoss before the crowds arrive.

Reykjavik ⇒ Sand Hotel for its city center location and Icelandic character and design.

• Lonely Planet Ireland
• DK Eyewitness Ireland
• The Rough Guide to Ireland
• Wild Atlantic Way: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• One Day in Dublin – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
• Motorhoming in Ireland – A Complete Guide

Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

Co. donegal – co. sligo – co. mayo – co. galway – co. clare – co. limerick – co. kerry – co. cork.

From Co. Donegal to Co. Cork and passing through counties Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, and Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way winds down the intricate coast of western Ireland and the edge of Europe.

Taking in the must-sees of Malin Head, the Killarney National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula, this is a truly epic Ireland road trip covering many of the Emerald Isle’s most beautiful spots .

This huge trip from the north to the south of Ireland is best done with time on your side. Three weeks is just about enough, four weeks or longer will give you time to explore more and perhaps participate in some activities along the way.  

If this is too long for you, then pick out one of the six regions that appeal the most and take a couple of weeks to cover that specific area. You can find out more about these from the official  Wild Atlantic Way  website.  

The Bay Coast stretches south from Erris to Galway Bay and takes in the wild beauty of Connemara, the incredible 365 islets of Clew Bay, pretty Georgian Westport, dramatic Downpatrick Head, and medieval Galway, our favorite city in Ireland .

There’s plenty of things to see and do in Ireland if you love wide open spaces, wilderness, and raw nature, one of the reasons we adore this bit of the Wild Atlantic Way.

A great alternative is to  road trip from Dublin to Galway , traveling the southern half of the Wild Atlantic Way in a huge circle, and visiting Waterford, Dingle, and Cork on the way.

Dublin is a great place to start your road trip with an easily accessible international airport and lots of car rental choices.  

• Watching the rollers crashing from the savage beauty of Malin Head in Co. Donegal.
• Tapping your foot, sipping a pint of Guinness, and enjoying a hooley (live traditional Irish folk music) in Galway.
• Taking the steep and winding road to Dunquin Pier on the Dingle Peninsula for a memorable photo opportunity.

Westport Co. Mayo ⇒ Knockeranny House Hotel and Spa  for sublime Clew Bay views, Irish hospitality, and elegant dining.

Rossnowlagh Co. Donegal ⇒ The Sandhouse Hotel and Marina Spa  for its stunning beachfront location, contemporary decor, and excellent spa.

Glengarriff Co. Cork ⇒ Eccles Hotel and Spa  for its snug and traditional decor, a superb restaurant specializing in local seafood, and proximity to the pretty village and harbor.

• Lonely Planet Italy
• Fodor’s Essential Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Top Spots in Between
• T he Rough Guide to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Bucket List Italy Road Trip
• Northern Italy Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

• Tuscan Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• A Bucket List Amalfi Coast Road Trip
• Sicily Road Trip – Itinerary, Tips & Map
• Beautiful Puglia – A Road Trip Itinerary

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

• Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete Guide
• Driving to Italy from UK – Routes & Tips

Amalfi Coast Road Trip

Sorrento – positano – amalfi – ravello – salerno.

• avoid July-August

The Amalfi Coast road, the SS163, is a 50km spectacular stretch of tarmac, hugging the cliffs and coves of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and is surely one of the best driving roads in Europe.   

Like the roads around Portofino and the Cinque Terre, this is a car route only and the road is permanently closed to motorhomes and RVs.

In a car or on a bike, it is best driven early in the morning in the months of April, May, October, and November due to the monstrously high amount of traffic in the peak months.

You can do the entire road in a day and stop in Ravello for lunch, but two or three days will give you longer to enjoy the glorious views and pretty towns en route.

Start from easily accessible Sorrento and head south across the peninsula until you get to the coast at San Pietro. Your first view of the glistening sea and this epic road are pretty special, prepare to be wowed.

Stop at Positano, the quintessential coast road town and the image on a thousand travel magazine covers. Take a wander through the maze of steep streets, pastel-painted stacked houses, and steps to find charming hotels and restaurants alongside chic independent boutiques. 

Next up is Amalfi itself. This hugely popular holiday resort is the largest town along the coast road. The pretty seafront, with its cafes and glamorous boutiques, gives this town a great vibe.

Head west on foot to Spiaggia del Fornillo from Amalfi, a long stretch of soft sandy beach perfect for an afternoon’s relaxing.

Ravello has to be one of the most romantic villages in Italy and is right up there on our list of favorite places in Europe. Perched high above the sea and overlooking immaculate terraced slopes full of vines, Ravello is home to lush Mediterranean planting and charming sun-dappled squares, and has to be one of the best spots in Southern Italy .

The 20km round-trip detour to Ravello from the main coast road is so worth taking. Visit Villa Rufolo, host to beautifully landscaped and dramatic gardens with superb sea views.

On to Salerno and the end of the Amalfi Coast road, or turn around and drive it again! 

• The glorious coastal views from the gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello.
• Taking a Limoncello tour and tasting this delicious local liquor where it’s made.
• Watching the fiery sun sink into the Tyrrhenian Sea at the end of a perfect day.

Positano ⇒ Hotel Marincanto  for its stunning cliff-hugging position, beautifully decorated rooms, and hands-on owners.

Ravello ⇒ Hotel Villa Maria  for its romantic dining terrace, old-world Italian charm, and fabulous breakfasts.

Vietri sul Mare ⇒ Palazzo Suriano  for its fragrance-filled terraced gardens, excellent homemade breakfasts on the terrace, and gorgeous decor.

Puglia Road Trip

Taranto – gallipoli – santa maria di leuca – lecce – ostuni – alberobello – bari.

Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is a beautiful place for a 7 day road trip in Europe. With Trulli houses, a fabulous sandy coastline, and whitewashed villages, there is a lot to see and do here.

The abundance of fresh, local produce means you will eat and drink well on this road trip! We spent an  amazing seven days exploring beautiful Puglia  and fell in love with the region.

• Visiting the UNESCO Trulli houses at Alberobello for an other-world experience.
• Discovering Gallipoli’s atmospheric, oh-so-Italian old town and castle.
• Finding a salumeria (deli) and enjoy the local specialties over a lazy lunch.

Gallipoli ⇒ Palazzo Presta for its fabulous old town location, eclectic design, and excellent service.

Lecce ⇒ La Fiermontina Urban Resort for its contemporary art and sculpture, outdoor pool set in an olive grove and gorgeous rooms.

Alberobello ⇒ Tipico Resort for its superb location, fabulous breakfast and for being a Trulli!

Sicily Road Trip

Catania – syracuse – ragusa – agrigento – marsala – palermo – cefalu – taormina.

A coastal road trip around Sicily can take a few weeks or a few months, there is so much to see. From ancient, immaculately preserved temples to modern and vibrant cities like Palermo , via jaw-dropping natural wonders, this rich and diverse island is a world away from anywhere you’ve ever been before. 

Read our detailed guide to  road-tripping eclectic Sicily , which includes an itinerary along the island’s coastal ring road, and start planning your trip!

• Taking a hike above the clouds to the summit of Mount Etna and look deep into the rumbling magma below. 
• Being awed by the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
• Wandering the charming historic back streets of Ortigia, the old town of Syracuse.

Syracuse ⇒ Hotel Gutkowski for lovingly crafted and unique interiors, beachcomber chic, and a cool roof terrace.

Palermo ⇒ BB22  for its perfect piazza location, a cozy home-from-home feel, and palazzo style.

Taormina ⇒ Hotel Villa Ducale  for spectacular views, a relaxed vibe, and legendary cocktails!

Tuscany & Umbria Road Trip

Pisa – lucca – florence – san gimignano – siena – arezzo – cortona – pienza – montepulciano – assisi – spoleto.

• avoid August

Italy is a gorgeous country for a road trip , no area more so than Tuscany and Umbria, which are easily accessible by car from the UK and Europe. The rolling fields of vines and golden wheat, studded with tall cypress trees and creamy stone villas are iconic.

This is a truly epic journey packed full of culture, great food, wine, and fantastic roads. There is much to see and lots of interesting places to stop between the main route destinations, make sure to do your research before leaving home!

Pisa in northern Italy is a great place to start this road trip. The leaning tower is a bit cliched but has to be seen. Lucca is perfect to explore on foot, with narrow lanes opening onto charming piazzas lined with historic buildings.

Florence is the jewel in Tuscany’s crown. A surprisingly compact city with the imposing Duomo at the center, a must-see. Book well in advance for anything to do with the Duomo, it’s strictly ticketed and you won’t be able to buy a ticket on the day.

You’ll probably want at least two days in Florence to see everything at a manageable pace, although you can see Florence in a day if you plan well. Leaving Florence is the time to set your sat nav to ‘no autostrada’ and get off the beaten track in the Tuscan countryside …yes, it may take a little longer but it will be worth it!

San Gimignano, famous for its thirteen towers, sits high on a hill south of Florence. Between April and September, this thriving hill village is busy with tourists visiting the churches, palazzos, independent shops, and restaurants.

Onwards to Arezzo and then Cortona, one of the oldest and most scenic hill towns in Tuscany. Pienza is a delightful village and has perfect, interesting streets for wandering and admiring the 15th century architecture.

The drive through the  Val d’Orcia  from Pienza to Montepulciano on the SP146 is like driving through a film set! Sweeping curves, rolling vineyards, and photo opportunities at every bend; this is quintessential Tuscany.

From Montepulciano , follow the road around the tranquil Lake Trasimeno to Assisi, our favorite Umbrian destination. The imposing Basilica of St Francis can be seen hugging the hillside for miles around. Your last stop is the gorgeous hill town of Spoleto, stuffed with monuments, churches, and other historic buildings.

For us, this has got to be one of the best European road trips we have taken; for the fabulous ride (we did it on a motorbike, highly recommended!), the stunning landscapes, and the beautiful Italian hospitality.

• Taking the breathtaking drive through the Val d’Orcia to Montepulciano with photo opportunities galore and a glass of local red waiting for you!
• Discovering Siena’s perfectly laid out, beautiful fan-shaped Piazza del Campo.
• Climbing the dome of the Duomo in Florence for spectacular views, inside and out!

Florence ⇒ AdAstra Suites  for their stunning location, classy and interesting decor, and magnificent terrace.

Montepulciano ⇒ Palazzo Carletti  for attention to detail, gorgeous frescoed interiors, and central location.

Assisi ⇒   Nun Assisi Relais and Spa  – for its lavender-filled gardens, incredible Roman spa, and fabulous restaurant.

• Lonely Planet Norway
• Fodor’s Essential Norway
• The Rough Guide to Norway
• Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes
• Atlantic Road Norway: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!
• Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips
• One Day Oslo Itinerary – Map, Guide & Tips
• Campervanning in Norway – Tips, Routes & Destinations
• Flåm Norway: Visitor Guide & Tips

West Coast of Norway Road Trip

Bergen – loen – geiranger – trollstigen – kristiansund – trondheim – jektvik – bodo – tromso.

Taking in the iconic sights of Norway ‘s west coast, this route will take you through tunnels, over fjords, along the Atlantic Ocean Road, and the infamous Trollstigen Mountain Road.

This is a route for those that love the journey more than the destination; it’s all about the road – even getting to Norway is a road trip in itself!

Start in  beautiful Bergen , the city surrounded by seven fjords and seven hills. There are lots of things to do here, including visiting the lively Vagen harbor in Bergen’s old quarter, Bryggen.

From Bergen, take the E39 motorway north to Loen where you’ll find the awesome new  Loen Skylift  which takes you to the top of Mount Hoven for spectacular views of the white-blue Jostedalsbreen glacier.

If you prefer to get to the top under your own steam, then take the via Ferrata up and the zip-line down! Is sea-level activity more your thing? Then head for glacial Lake Lovatnet where you can swim and kayak.

At Hellesylt, you’ll take the ferry through Geirangerfjorden to Geiranger itself before picking up the RV63, the Trollstigen Mountain Road. Incredibly beautiful, this road was opened in 1936 and includes eleven hairpin bends and a 9% incline. Stop at the Ornesvingen viewing point for incredible vistas and again at the top to admire the Stigfossen waterfall.

Once you reach Andalsnes, head west and then drive north on the E39 to Vevang, and the start of the Atlantic Ocean Road, which runs across seven bridges and follows the islands between them like a silver ribbon. If you want to visit picture-perfect  Alesund  on the way, take a slight detour and head south on the E39 instead of north – if you have a few extra days, you won’t regret it!

Next up is Trondheim, Norway’s original capital city before you head to Jektvik. You can either take the E6 Arctic Highway all the way or around 80km north of Trondheim, and just after Steinkjer, pick up the FV17 and take in the glorious landscape and coastal views from the magnificent Kystriksveien Coastal Route.

This Atlantic road route will add a fair few kilometers, two days, and six fjord ferries to your journey, but the detour will be worth it if you have the time. You’ll cross into the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees, on the ferry between Kilborghavn and Jektvik.

At Bodo, you can get a ferry out to the  Lofoten Islands  if you are making this a longer trip. Perfect for hikers and nature lovers, Lofoten has become Norway’s go-to place for adventure – you can even  swim with Orca whales  here! 

Mount Romvik, outside Bodo and with minimal light pollution, is a good place to see the Northern Lights.

Otherwise, keep on trucking to  Tromso , Norway’s party city. From here, you can head on to Nordkapp where the sun never drops below the horizon from mid-May to the end of July.

Hauntingly beautiful but incredibly busy, you may prefer the true northernmost point of continental Europe at Knivskjelodden, an 18km hike away and inaccessible to vehicles.

You could also take a ferry to Svalbard and visit the polar bears, catch the  Hurtigruten ferry  back to Bergen or Oslo , or get on a flight to pretty much anywhere in the world. Wherever you end up, it will take you a while to forget what is surely one of the best road trips in Europe.

• Driving the thrilling and impressive Trollstigen Road from Geiranger to Andalasnes
• Crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the midnight sun and Northern Lights.
• Following the Kystriksveien Coastal Route and see the real coastal Norway of fishing villages and subsistence agriculture.

Bergen ⇒ Det Hanseatiske Hotel  for its harbourside location, dining options, and cozy decor.

Narvik ⇒ Narvik Mountain Lodge  for its truly spectacular location, traditional log cabin style, and amazing coastal views.

Tromso ⇒ Scandic Ishavshotel  for its harbor location, fabulous breakfasts, and excellent customer service.

Western Fjords Road Trip

Stavanger – preikestolen – kjeragbolten – trolltunga – flam – bergen.

This is an outdoor enthusiasts’ adventurous road trip ! If you’ve ever looked at those amazing images of people perched on tongues of rock, sheer cliffs, or precipitously balanced boulders whilst gazing out over stunning blue fjords, then this is the road trip for you. We did this Norway route by campervan , and it’s got to be one of our favorite travel experiences!

You’ll start in the pretty and typically Norwegian city of Stavanger before heading off to  hike to Preikestolen  (Pulpit Rock) which is 4km and can be done in half a day with an early start.

Next up is the  Kjeragbolten  hike, the site of a giant boulder wedged in a crevasse 1084m above Lysefjorden, where you can also base jump. This is a longer hike at 10km and you will need a full day to complete it.

Both hikes can get busy and you may have to wait if you want the obligatory photo, so allow plenty of time. If you’re not a confident hiker, consider taking a guided hike, you’ll learn lots on the way.

Everywhere you drive in Norway, you are surrounded by mountains, fjords, and waterfalls. The scenery is simply spectacular, with new thrills around each bend in the road. Route 13 from Stavanger to Odda is known as the Ryfylke National Scenic Route, one of Norway’s eighteen official touring routes designated for their stunning scenery and tourist-friendly infrastructure.

As you drive through Norway you will motor through tunnels and need to get a ferry to cross a fjord. Allow several hours drive time longer than Google Maps suggests; this is a full day drive and you should start early.

Your next stop is Odda, for the infamous Trolltunga (literally Troll’s Tongue) one of the best hikes in the world. The most challenging of the three, this hike is 20km distance across mainly flat terrain but can be tricky underfoot with changeable weather.  Hiking Trolltunga  is not for the faint-hearted or unprepared but is an absolute must-do on your Norway road trip.

Take a few day’s downtime in Flam, a small village right at the top of the beautiful Aurlandsfjord. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and water this is a playground for hikers, water sports enthusiasts, and mountain bikers.

From Flam, you can drive to Bergen or take the spectacular Flamsbana railway there, considered one of the most spectacular train rides in the world.

• Taking the incredible Flam Railway to Myrdal and cycle the Rallar Road.
• Standing on the edge of the Troll’s Tongue with the world at your feet.
• Discovering the imposing and dramatic Lysefjorden by boat.

Stavanger ⇒   Sola Strand Hotel  for the breathtaking beachfront location and a modern spa.

Odda ⇒   Vikinghaug Apartments for their amazing fjord views and the post-Trolltunga bath!

Flam ⇒ Flåmsbrygga Hotel   for its superb central position, cozy traditional decor, and micro-brewery.

• Lonely Planet Portugal
• DK Eyewitness Portugal
• The Rough Guide to Portugal
• Road Trip Portugal – Two Incredible Itineraries
• Driving from Lisbon to Porto: Itinerary, Route & Tips
• Driving to Portugal from UK – Routes & Tips
• Campervanning in Portugal: Complete Guide

Atlantic Coast Road Trip

Porto – coimbra – nazare – sintra – lisbon.

Portugal is a tiny country but it packs one hell of a punch. This Portugal road trip itinerary can be managed in five days, but seven gives you the opportunity to revel in the cities of Porto and Lisbon and enjoy a beach stop en route.  

You could easily drive from Lisbon to Porto as a 7 day road trip in Europe from UK if you fly into Porto and out of Lisbon, or vice versa. One-way car rental is possible from either airport.

Porto is a lively and fun city, intimate and friendly. There’s a lot to do in  Porto  but walking over the mighty Douro river on the iconic Luis I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and the historic port lodges, has to be top of the list.

Head south from here to the  less-traveled city of Coimbra , Portugal’s ancient capital. Stacked on the banks of the river Mondego, the Moorish old town is dramatic and atmospheric. This is a great place to stop at a bar for authentic live fado or Portuguese guitar music.

Halfway between Coimbra and Lisbon, take a short detour to Nazare on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Known for its monster waves and daredevil surfers, this is a great place if you like huge beaches and dramatic landscapes.

Heading south, Sintra, in the mountains of the same name, is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of place. Home to Portuguese royalty for centuries, the lush landscape is dotted with pastel-colored palaces, villas, and houses.

You can also take a  day trip to Sintra from Lisbon  if you’d prefer to base yourself in the city. Visit and decide for yourself!

Finally to wonderful Lisbon for picture-postcard panoramas and fabulous food!  This most Portuguese of cities serves up fantastic bacalhau, pastel de nana, and port from the Douro Valley. Head for the exotic Tropical Botanical Gardens and stroll amongst giant banana plants before visiting the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a haven of peace amongst the bustling city.

If you want to stretch your week in Portugal, you’ll find the beautiful Algarve region just three hours south of Lisbon. This stunning part of Portugal is famous for its incredible beaches and perfect climate. Make for the charming town of Lagos and stay at  Vivenda Miranda , a beautifully restored boutique hotel.

• Taking a port wine tour and tasting in one of Porto’s historic port wine lodges.
• Heading to a fado bar to hear the traditional and haunting music of Portugal played live.
• Tasting hundreds of delicious foods at the Mercado de Ribeira, Lisbon’s buzzy food hall.

Porto ⇒ Flores Village Hotel and Spa for its central location, roof-top bar views, and stylish design.

Coimbra ⇒ Sapientia Boutique Hotel  for the perfect location, stylish design, and warm hospitality.

Lisbon ⇒ Valverde Hotel for its gorgeous interiors, walkable location, and courtyard pool.

• Lonely Planet Spain
• DK Eyewitness Road Trips Spain
• The Rough Guide to Spain
• Spain Travel Guide
• Six of the Best Road Trips in Spain
• The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• North Spain Road Trip: Itinerary, Route & Tips
• Madrid in One Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
• One Day in Barcelona – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
• Driving from UK to Spain – Routes & Tips
• Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide

Andalucia Road Trip

Marbella – ronda – cadiz – jerez de la frontera – seville – cordoba – granada.

Andalucia epitomizes Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colorful, and passionate. This itinerary will take you to the major cities of Andalucia, bringing Spain alive.

If you’re looking for a longer holiday, it’s perfect for a 3 week European road trip itinerary with a bit of beach time thrown in,  even if you visit in winter .

This is a perfect road trip to start and finish in Malaga. Fly in, hire a car, and within a few hours, you can be on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, enjoying year-round sunshine.

In Marbella, spend a day soaking up the sun and visiting the charming old town. Make for  Taberna Casa Curro Marbella  where you’ll find great tapas and fruity Spanish wine.

Head north to Ronda and the stunning mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. If you have a few extra days, now is the time to visit the atmospheric cities of Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera.

Your next stop is  Seville , a city almost too good to be true, and everything you ever through Seville would be.

Cordoba  is home to the breathtaking Mezquita, or mosque-cathedral, started by the Moors and finished by the Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century. Seeing this alone would make a visit to Cordoba worthwhile.

Pass through Antequera and learn the local legend of the  Lovers Rock  before making your way high into the Sierra Nevada to Granada and the famous Alhambra. Make sure you book your  priority tickets online  at least three months in advance, this ancient palace of kings sells out quickly.

• Visiting the beautiful  La Casa del Rey Moro  in Ronda for unrivaled views of the Puenta Nuevo.
• Watching steamy live flamenco in Seville’s atmospheric Barrio Santa Cruz.
• Being wowed by the incredible Moorish architecture of the Mezquita in Cordoba.

Marbella ⇒ Amare Beach Hotel  for its fun adults-only vibe and glamorous beach club. 

Seville ⇒ Casa del Poeta  for the beautifully renovated interiors, Barrio Santa Cruz location, and roof-top views to die for.

Granada ⇒ Hotel Santa Isabel la Real  for cozy rooms, spectacular Alhambra views, and a really special cooked breakfast.

Northern Spain Road Trip

San sabastian – bilbao – comillas – oviedo – ribadeo – a coruna – santiago de compostela.

• April-October

This Spanish road trip will take you through the beautiful and lush, aptly named Green Spain, hugging the north coast along the Bay of Biscay.

From the border with France and through the regions of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, you’ll see some of the most picturesque landscapes in Spain, enjoy amazing food, and crisscross the famous  Camino de Santiago .

Start in San Sabastian, a sophisticated city with a renowned restaurant scene, famous for seafood and pintxos (pronounced pinchos), which are similar to tapas.

Take a  gastronomic tour  for the best experience. Eat your fill and head west to Bilbao, home of the incredible  Guggenheim museum . The building itself is a work of art, with beautifully curved and sweeping architecture.

Head west, making sure to stop at the  cave of El Castillo  to see the 35,000-year-old drawings there.

Continue along the coast to the stunning Santillana del Mar, known as the town of the three lies; not holy (santi), flat (llana) or by the sea (del mar) .

This medieval town is beautifully preserved and worth a wander before you make your way to Comillas, further along the coast. Traditionally low-rise, you’ll find a pretty beach, a tiny fishing port, and a charming cobbled old center here.

Don’t miss El Caprichio, a Gaudi-designed villa.  If you have a few extra days, head into the  Picos de Europa , the small but perfectly formed mountain range.

Oviedo is the next stop and the starting point of the lesser-known Camino Primitivo (the oldest Camino). This compact and elegant city is another foodie delight, with a lively gastronomic scene.

Home to Spanish cider (who knew?), you’ll find traditional sidrerias along Calle Gascona, known as cider boulevard.   Visit in September for  Fiestas de San Mateo , a live theatre and music spectacular. If you go in October, you’ll be in the middle of the Asturias apple harvest.

A Coruna is up next, passing by the spectacular Playa de Las Catedrales en route. There is so much to do in A Coruna, a dynamic city that is home to a busy modern port, a relaxed beachfront resort, and an atmospheric old town.

The seafood here is some of the freshest and finest in Spain, with seafood tapas being a specialty. Take a walk out to the Tower of Hercules, the least-looking lighthouse we have ever seen!

Finally, you’ll reach  Santiago de Compostela , the end point of the famous Camino de Santiago, and your last stop. As you enter the town, you’ll see pilgrims covering the final few miles into one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, proudly displaying their vieira, the scallop shell badge that you’ll have seen along your route .  

Twisting alleys, dramatic squares, and historic religious buildings make up this labyrinth of a city, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are too many must-sees to list so consider a  walking tour with a local  to make the most of the time you have in this gorgeous city.

• Eating delicious  pintxos straight from the bar in the Basque Country. 
• Walking along the boardwalks at Playa de Las Catedrales and marvel at the extraordinary natural arches.
• Exploring the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela and make the climb to Las Cubiertas , the cathedral roof, for incredible views of the city and landscape beyond.

San Sebastian ⇒ Lasala Plaza Hotel  for a big dose of glamour, sea views, and a cool rooftop pool.

Oviedo ⇒ Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes  for its laid-back vibe, modern decor, and smooth service.

Santiago de Compostela ⇒ Parador De Santiago de Compostela  for its history, traditional decor, and HUGE breakfast buffet.

Switzerland

• Fodor’s Essential Switzerland
• Rough Guide to Switzerland
• DK Eyewitness Switzerland  
• Switzerland Road Trip: The Best Itinerary + Map & Tips
• One Day in Zurich – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Road Trip to the Alps

Zurich – bern – lausanne – geneva – montreux – nendaz – zermatt – interlaken – lauterbrunnen – grindelwald – furka pass – lucerne – zurich.

This two week Switzerland summer road trip will take you on a spectacular, circular drive through Switzerland’s iconic landscapes covering roughly 1000km south across western Switzerland to Geneva before heading east towards Zermatt and eventually back north to Zurich.

Starting in Zurich, your first stop will be Bern, found within the curves of the Aare river. Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and is known for its 12th century architecture that forms the old town or Alstadt . Your visit to Bern would be incomplete without exploring Lake Brienz, just north of the Alps, which offers breathtaking mountain views and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland .

After your trip to Bern, begin traveling south to Lausanne, Geneva, and Montreux, visiting Lac Léman en route. 

The following stretch of your trip will provide unrivaled views of Les Diablerets as you head towards Zermatt where you will be met with the iconic Matterhorn, a mountain in the Swiss Alps.

At this point, your road trip starts the route east taking you to Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald where hiking, mountain views, waterfalls and plenty of exciting adventures await.

As you leave Grindelwald, make sure you save time for the Furka Pass as you head to Lucerne. Our Swiss road trip itinerary will continue north to our initial starting point, the city of Zurich.

• Driving the incredible Alps passes of Furka and Susten, high in the picturesque Bernese Highlands.
• Taking one of the many cog-wheeled trains or cable cars into the big mountains that Switzerland is famous for.
• Exploring the incredible Jungfraujoch from Lauterbrunnen, an absolutely epic day trip!

Zurich ⇒ Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle for its very cool interiors, accessible location, and free bikes to help you explore the city.

Geneva ⇒ Hotel Mon Repos  for its excellent location, beautifully decorated rooms, and comfy beds.

Lauterbrunnen ⇒ Hotel Schützen Lauterbrunnen for its Swiss chalet style, cozy restaurant and terrace, and friendly service.

United Kingdom

• Lonely Planet Great Britain
• DK Eyewitness Great Britain
• Rough Guides Make the Most of Your Time in Britain
• United Kingdom Travel Guide
• UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes
• Eight Incredible Scotland Road Trips
• North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips
• Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes
• Wales Road Trip – A Stunning Route & Itinerary
• A South England Road Trip to Dorset & The New Forest
• Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips
• Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?
• Belfast in A Day: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• Atlantic Highway: An Epic Devon & Cornwall Road Trip

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Derry-londonderry – port rush – bushmills – cushendun – carrickfergus – belfast.

The wild and unspoiled  Antrim Coast  in Northern Ireland is made for a road trip. Peppered with fascinating places to see and exciting things to do, this route will appeal to outdoor adventurers.

If you are a  Game of Thrones fan , there are lots of  places along this route  which featured in the show or book a tour to find them all.

Start in the walled city of Derry-Londonderry, one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe and the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. The walls, which are around 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town.

From here head north on the coast road, past the magnificent and unmistakable mountain of Binevenagh, and stop at Benone beach for a bracing walk along the sands. Don’t miss the Mussenden Temple perched on the cliff edge at the easternmost point of the beach.

Make your way to the pretty seaside town of Port Rush for a local ice cream and local craft shopping before meandering along the coast to Bushmills, home of the whiskey distillery. This is the perfect starting point for the gloriously breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO site.

As you head west, make sure to stop at the picture-perfect harbor of Ballintoy and test yourself at the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.

Take in the conservation village of Cushendun, steeped in character and folklore before heading on to Carrickfergus Castle. This imposing Norman castle stands on the northern shore of Belfast Lough and is one of the best-preserved medieval structures on the island of Ireland.

Belfast is your final stop; don’t miss the fantastic Titanic Quarter, historic Crumlin Road Gaol, and the buzzing nightlife of the Cathedral Quarter. Check out this detailed post for more  things to do in Belfast .

If you have longer, start in Belfast and head in the opposite direction. From Derry-Londonderry head across the border into raw and wild Co. Donegal and pick up the Wild Atlantic Way. This makes for a great island of Ireland 2 week road trip in Europe.

• Discovering the Giant’s Causeway, a truly spectacular natural wonder.
• Crossing the iconic Peace Bridge in Derry-Londonderry and then walking the ancient city walls.
• Taking a black cab mural tour in Belfast for a unique cabbie’s take on local politics and the troubles.

Londonderry ⇒ Bishop’s Gate Hotel for its perfect location, fascinating history, and tasteful decor.

Bushmills ⇒ The Bushmills Inn Hotel  for its homely peat fires, great Irish breakfast, and proximity to the Giant’s Causeway.

Belfast ⇒ Ten Square Hotel  for its superb central location, fantastic grill restaurant, and contemporary decor.

Norfolk Road Trip, England

Norwich – wroxham – winterton – cromer – hunstanton – sandringham – king’s lynn.

• Distance 175km
• Duration 5-7 days
• Drive Time 3 hours

This delightful coastal road trip will take you through the county of Norfolk to the Norfolk Broads, old-fashioned English seaside resorts, and onto the beautiful and unspoiled North Norfolk Coast .

Summer road trips in the UK are best if you want sunshine, but visit the UK in winter for more cost-effective travel and you’ll enjoy incredible beaches, big skies, and perfect solitude, especially when you road trip in Norfolk , England.

From the historic and pretty city of Norwich , head east towards Wroxham, the self-styled capital of the Broads. The dramatic landscapes and raw natural beauty of the Norfolk Broads were created when peat digs flooded in the 14th century.

This area is now a national park and a haven for wildlife and birds. Take a Broads cruise, hire a boat, or head off for a long walk along towpaths and through fields, where seeing flapping sails in the river is an everyday occurrence.

Nearby is the loud and bright town of Great Yarmouth , a traditional bucket and spade destination, with great nearby beaches and lots to do – you certainly won’t get bored here!

From the Broads, head east to explore the pretty towns and incredible beaches of the Norfolk coast . Winterton-on-Sea is a perfect place to see seal pups in the winter. Further north is the popular seaside town of Cromer, renowned for its lively pier.

From Cromer make a short detour south to the stunning Jacobean  Blickling Hall , home of Anne Boleyn.

Continue along the coast road to Blakeney and practice your crabbing skills from the harbor. Make a stop at the beautiful and huge Holkham Beach, where the ending of ‘Shakespeare in Love’ was filmed.

Onwards from here to Hunstanton, another bucket and spade destination , which is close to the medieval and Hanseatic port town of King’s Lynn . 

From here it’s a short drive to  Sandringham , home of the Queen. There are lots of things to do here, including visiting the house, gardens and country park.

If you have time, head to 12th century  Castle Rising  before making your way to the Hanseatic town of Kings Lynn. The town’s heritage is reflected in the fine merchants’ houses which stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House that overlooks the harbor.

• Walking on Holkham Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
• Traditional, delicious and fresh fish and chips from No 1 Cromer .
• Discover the stunning historic estates of Blickling Hall and Holkham Hall.

Norwich ⇒ The Georgian Townhouse   for its informal vibe, lively bar and restaurant, and contemporary decor.

Thornham ⇒  The Lifeboat Inn  for its romantic retreat-style location, open fires, and really seriously good pub grub.

King’s Lynn ⇒ Bank House  for its prime location, Grade II exterior, and go-to, lively brasserie.

North Coast 500 Road Trip, Scotland

Inverness – wick – john o’groats – durness – lochinver – ullapool – applecross.

• Distance 830km
• Duration 2-3 weeks
• Drive Time 12 hours

A favorite of motorhomers and campervanners, this iconic Scottish road trip is a 516 mile route that wends its way around the spectacular north coast of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness. 

Passing through the remote and wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and the spectacular west coast, the North Coast 500 route delivers dramatic roads with spectacular views and is one of the must-do road trips in the United Kingdom .

• Hiking to beautiful  Sandwood Bay Beach , for the incredible sight of the Am Buachaille sea stack, a remnant of when the Highlands and North America were connected, millions of years ago.
• Whale watching from Gairloch, where you might also see porpoise, dolphins, and sharks, as well as seals, otters, puffins, and maybe white-tailed eagles. 
• Driving Bealach na Ba, the legendary Applecross Pass, and one of the best (but also most dangerous) roads in the UK.

Inverness ⇒ Kingsmills Hotel  for its traditional Scottish decor, lively bar, and spa.

Wick ⇒   Mackays Hotel for its award-winning service, great restaurant, and ideal location.

Gairloch ⇒   Shieldaig Lodge Hotel  for its wonderful lochside location, traditional hunting lodge style, and seriously good breakfast.

Snowdonia to the Brecon Beacons, Wales

Snowdonia – portmeirion – barmouth – new quay – pembrokeshire – gower peninsula – mumbles – brecon beacons.

• Distance 256km
• Drive Time 7 hours

Small but perfectly formed, the glorious country of Wales is a road tripper’s dream. With soaring mountains and valleys, miles of golden sands, craggy headlands, and some incredible roads, head to Wales for an adventurous and eclectic road trip.

Start your road trip itinerary in the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, or Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri in Welsh, in north Wales for drama, huge skies, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Perfect as a base for a few days, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town in a beautiful valley, full of companies offering outdoor adventures, shops selling outdoor gear, and pubs and restaurants full of hikers talking about the day’s activities.

Your next stop is Portmeirion, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Wales. Portmeirion is best known for Portmeirion Pottery (now made in Stoke-on-Trent) and its role in the 1960’s cult TV show The Prisoner . Look beyond the obvious though and enjoy local walks, tropical gardens, and interesting architecture.

Families with love Barmouth and its location on the west coast has to be one of the most beautiful in Wales. Steeped in a history rich with connections to the shipping and slate industries, this is a good old-fashioned seaside resort with a west facing beach ideal for sea swimming and watersports. 

Head south through coastal mid-wales to the vibrant seaside town of New Quay, following the Coastal Way along the length of Ceredigion Bay. Popular with tourists for its picturesque harbor and sandy beach, New Quay is an ideal base for water sports like sailing, stand-up paddle, kayaking, and canoeing – you’ll find lots to pack in for a couple of days.

Next up is Pembrokeshire, famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches, and remote islands. The coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and is one of the most stunning places in the UK. 

Pembrokeshire boasts that it invented coasteering, and it’s an activity you must try. The sport of jumping from land to sea, cliff scrambling, and swimming between rocks will stretch you mentally and physically but give you hours of fun. There is also lots of opportunity for swimming, paddling and generally messing about on the water.

Your next stop is the spectacular Gower Peninsula in south Wales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famous for its breathtaking coastline, 30 or so unspoiled beaches and coves, and coastal walking, including the gorgeous Rhossili Beach and the dramatic Worm’s Head, whose long ridged back rises straight from the sea.

Stop at Mumbles, a traditional seaside town, and walk along the bustling prom, where rollerbladers weave between pedestrians, and ice-cream parlors tempt.

Make a detour to the infamous Top Gear road, the Black Mountain Pass, as you head into the Brecon Beacons, or Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh, for more fantastic hiking, especially if you tackle Pen y Fan, and incredible views.

• Driving the Black Mountain Pass and the Gospel Pass through the Brecon Beacons.
• Paddleboarding at the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire.
• Visiting the puffins and wildlife of Skomer Island.

Snowdonia ⇒ Ty Gwyn Hotel in Betws-y-Coed for its great location, friendly welcome, and traditional decor.

New Quay ⇒  Rooms @ The Dolau Inn for its location close to the beach, cozy rooms, and Welsh hospitality.

Pembrokeshire ⇒   Heywood Spa Hotel in Tenby for its luxury facilities, comfortable rooms, and great location.

European Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for planning a European road trip.

• Search for affordable flights to Europe with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Europe with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Europe with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Europe with Rentalcars.com
• Best for ferries around Europe are Ferryhopper
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Indie Campers
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in Europe

• Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know
• How to Plan a Road Trip – Your Complete Guide
• 19 Helpful Long Distance Driving Tips
• Road Trip on a Budget: 36 Tips to Save Money in Europe
• The Best Printable Road Trip Checklists
• 150+ Road Trip Songs: Your Ultimate Driving Playlist
• Podcasts for Road Trips: 26 to Keep You Entertained
• Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip
• 113 Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Trip
• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Europe. If you’re traveling to Ireland , your passport must remain valid for the duration of your stay (UK citizens do not need a passport to visit Ireland, which is in the Common Travel Area).
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
• Most of Europe drives on the right, except the United Kingdom which drives on the left.
• Most European countries, especially those with mountains, have rules about snow tires and snow chains. Make sure you check these rules if you’re taking a road trip to Europe in colder weather.
• You may want to consider carrying an  electronic toll pass  for the duration of your European road trip itinerary. These devices deduct the toll fees from a credit card automatically, meaning you don’t have to stop at a booth or barrier.
• Many cities across Europe have low emissions zones, which can be easy to stray into accidentally.  The Urban Access Regulation in Europe  website has information on a country and city-by-city basis, to help you plan your trip. They also share links for purchasing LEZ and ULEZ stickers online.
• Make sure you’re aware of the specific rules for each European country that you intend to visit. Some have obscure rules about driving in flip-flops or eating road trip snacks at the wheel! You can find more information about the rules of the road and what to carry in your vehicle  here .
• Although it is strongly advised, you are not required to have breakdown cover. UK registered vehicles may be able to add this to an existing policy or take out a policy for the duration of the trip. If you’re hiring a car to road trip around Europe, make sure to check breakdown arrangements with the car rental company.

Looking for more Europe itinerary ideas? Check out these top posts…

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

Croatia Road Trips: Five Incredible Routes

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10 Road Trip en Europe à découvrir absolument en 2024 !

Vous cherchez des idées de Road Trip en Europe ? Le road trip est toujours un voyage qui s’annonce comme un vent de liberté et d’aventures. Né sur les longues routes droites des Etats-Unis, il est devenu un rêve pour beaucoup grâce aux road-movies.

Des films où le personnage prenait la route pour se libérer de ses soucis et partir à la conquête de lui-même et du monde.

Mais il faut le savoir, le road trip se prête tout aussi bien au continent européen. En effet l’Europe est remplie de terres vastes où les routes regorgent de paysages incroyables. On vous invite donc aujourd’hui à enfourcher votre moto, à mettre le contact sur votre voiture, et à faire crisser vos pneus sur des kilomètres de routes, parfois sinueuses, qui sauront conquérir votre cœur.

Quels pays découvrir en voiture en Europe   ? Un road trip idéal peut être tellement varié pour deux voyageurs différents. C’est pourquoi nous vous avons listé 10 destinations pour 10 idées de road trip en Europe exceptionnels !

Où partir en Road Trip en Europe ?

1. la norvège.

Voyagez au cœur des Fjords avec ses paysages à couper le souffle  : glaciers, montagnes, cascades. Pays idéal pour faire de belles randonnées, les routes panoramiques de la Norvège ne vous laisseront pas non plus indifférent. Attention toutefois, avec les fjords, les distances peuvent se rallonger et les détours se multiplier. Il faudra aussi prévoir un budget conséquent pour votre voyage… Mais pour partir en faisant d’emblée des économies, n’hésitez pas à découvrir tous nos bons plans pour la Norvège. De quoi prévoir deux semaines de road trip en Europe sur les routes de Norvège sans rentrer à découvert !

A découvrir également : 12 destinations où partir en juin pas cher

2. L’Allemagne

Vous cherchez un road trip en Europe avec des paysages sublimes ? Alors partez en Allemagne explorer les Alpes Bavaroises. L’occasion de découvrir des châteaux incroyablement élégants et des points de vue exceptionnels lors de vos nombreuses randonnées. Profitez par exemple du Parc National de Berchtesgaden pendant quelques jours, ou encore de ses lacs invitant à la sérénité. Pour entamer ce voyage, il suffit d’atterrir à Munich et d’embarquer pour un road-trip d’une semaine ou plus. Vous trouverez des vols à moins 80€ aller-retour pour Munich en réservant quelques mois à l’avance.

A découvrir : 14 destinations de rêve pour vos vacances !

3. La France

Vous cherchez des idées de road trip en Europe ? Pourquoi ne pas aller découvrir notre cher beau pays, la France. Il y a existe sûr des tonnes de possibilités d’itinéraires en France. Je vous propose aujourd’hui un road trip dans le sud, excellent moyen de découvrir des villages qui sentent bon la lavande et où les cigales chantonnent : Eze-sur-Mer, Antibes, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Le Castellet, St Paul de Vence… Embarquez pour une escapade entre Nice et Marseille avec pourquoi pas une halte au cœur des Gorges du Verdon. Laissez vous bercer par ces kilomètres de routes panoramiques en bord de mer, comme cette vue célèbre sur Villefranche sur Mer . Profitez d’un voyage où la tranquillité est reine et qui saura vous donner des étoiles dans les yeux.  

4. La Croatie

Ce petit pays offre de bons moyens pour programmer un road trip en Europe en famille grâce à des distances réduites entre les différents points d’intérêts. Partez par exemple de Dubrovnik jusqu’à Zadar en passant par le parc national de Krka ou celui de Plitvice, dont les centaines de cascades et l’eau d’un vert incroyable vous laisseront sans voix. En 1 semaine de road trip en Croatie , vous découvrirez aussi de jolis villages en pierre comme celui de Trogir. Ce pays vous tente ? Découvrez tous nos bons plans voyage pour la Croatie. Nous répertorions régulièrement des vols à moins de 50€ aller-retour pour cette destination.

5. L’Angleterre

Vous pourrez relier Londres à l’extrême Nord du pays en passant par toutes les contrées vertes anglaises. L’occasion d’avoir un bon aperçu de ses grandes villes comme Liverpool, Manchester , ou encore Newcastle. Envie d’un petit détour par la mer ? Rendez-vous dans la ville de Brighton. De quoi vous entraîner à conduire à gauche sur quelques miles. Londres est une des villes les mieux desservies . En effet, vous trouverez des vols depuis la plupart des aéroports français, belges et suisses. De plus, les prix des billets d’avion sont très peu onéreux pour Londres. Il n’est pas rare de trouver des vols à moins de 30€ aller-retour pour cette destination !

6. L’Italie

Vous cherchez un road trip en Europe pour varier entre paysages incroyables, petits villages et découvertes culturelles ? Alors partez pour sur les routes de la Toscane. Vous pourrez y découvrir les Cinques terres , la ville de Sienne ou encore l’incroyable musée à ciel ouvert qu’est Florence.  Vous pourrez rouler sur des kilomètres au milieu des vignes et vous arrêter chez quelque producteurs locaux pour déguster de bons mets italiens. Si vous n’habitez pas près de l’Italie, vous pourrez partir en avion pour la ville de Pise et louer une voiture dès votre arrivée à l’aéroport. Nous publions des bons plans pour Pise avec des vols aller-retour à moins de 38€. N’hésitez pas à les découvrir !

A découvrir :  où aller en Italie ? 

7. L’Ecosse

En Ecosse, tournez vous vers un road trip en direction de l’île de Skye,  pour des panoramas à couper le souffle. Sur votre chemin, ne manquez pas le fameux pont du Poudlard Express dans Harry Potter . Vous serez époustouflés par les paysages de l’Ecosse, avec cette impression que Merlin l’Enchanteur s’apprête à vous rejoindre à tout instant. Pour rejoindre ce pays majestueux , vous pourrez atterrir à l’aéroport de Glasgow ou d’Edimbourg . Les vols varient aux alentours de 50 à 150€ aller-retour selon la période de l’année.

8. L’Irlande, des paysages variés pour un autotour en Europe !

L’Irlande est appelée communément l’île émeraude. C’est en effet, la couleur la plus présente dans ses paysages : le vert de ses prairies, de ses immenses falaises, du trèfle, symbole du pays. Mais aussi de ces petites créatures que tant de voyageurs viennent chercher : les légendaires Leprechauns  ! En partant de Dublin, retrouvez les incroyables Cliffs of Moher et bien sûr les plaines du Connemara (qu’il faudra programmer au moins pour vous mettre la chanson dans la tête). L’Irlande sera votre future destination pour votre autotour en Europe ? Alors n’hésitez pas à comparer les vols pour Dublin et Belfast sur ce site vous ferez surement de belles économies !

9. Le Portugal

Du Nord au Sud, le Portugal possède des paysages très diversifiés . Vous pourrez rouler vers les grandes villes cosmopolites de Porto et Lisbonne puis descendre vers la côte pour découvrir l’Algarve et le charme de ses villages blancs : Faro, Albufeira.  Dans le sud du pays, vous découvrirez également de sublimes plages avec des formations rocheuses de toutes sortes de quoi revenir avec de sublimes souvenirs. Prêt pour partir en road trip en Europe sur les routes du Portugal ? Nous répertorions régulièrement des bons plans voyage pour l’Algarve avec parfois des vols à moins de 20€ aller-retour pour Faro !

10. L’Islande, le pays rêvé pour un road trip en Europe !

De la nature à l’état brut vous attend dans ce pays où le tourisme s’est développé il y a peu de temps. En voiture, vous pourrez faire le tour de l’Islande par la route 1 et découvrir le Cercle d’or, différentes cascades et glaciers et bien sûr observer des aurores boréales en hiver. Nous avons écrit un article sur un très bel itinéraire de 8 jours en Islande, où l’on peut découvrir des paysages hors du commun. N’hésitez pas à le consulter. Vous vous demandez quand partir en Islande  pour un road trip ? Toutes les périodes de l’année possèdent leurs propres charmes alors c’est à vous de voir !

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Road trip en Europe

• ARTICLES : 26

Bienvenue sur notre page dédiée au road trip en Europe ! Ici, vous retrouverez nos meilleurs conseils pour préparer son road trip, quelques suggestions d'itinéraires mais également l'ensemble de nos posts relatifs à nos différents trips (que ce soit en van aménagé ou en combinaison voiture + tente ou même en bus) que nous avons réalisé ces 10 dernières années. La liste complète de nos articles de blog se trouve à la fin de la page.

Sinon, vous pouvez aussi afficher tous nos articles sur la catégorie "Road Trip en Europe" en cliquand sur la carte ci-dessous:

Afficher la carte

Road trip: définition - et si ce n'était pas que la vanlife?

Le mot road trip est un terme assez générique qui englobe foncièrement tous les modes de transports par la route à bord d'un véhicule motorisé. On retrouve donc dans cette catégorie les voyages en van, camping-car mais également en voiture, bus ou même à moto!

Pourtant quand on entend le mot "road trip" de nos jours, la première image qui vient à l'esprit c'est le vieux bus VW un peu old school ou alors le van aménagé comme "Dahu". Alors oui, depuis 2020 nous faisons effectivement des road trip en van... mais vous savez quoi? Des road trips on en a fait des dizaines avant et nous n'avions pas de van! ;)

Sans conteste, le van (ou le camping car) c'est un peu l'option "luxe" du road trip, on a toute sa petite vie avec soi et l'espace est pensé pour cuisiner, dormir et ranger ses affaires. Mais c'est avec 2000% d'assurance que je vous assure que c'est largement possible autrement aussi!

Je garde des souvenirs de ouf de nos voyages en bus à travers l'Europe (que ce soit nos 2 mois dans les pays baltes ou encore le mois de voyage avec le pass Interflix de Flixbus ). Et sinon, avant Dahu, nous partions également avec une voiture et notre tente dans le coffre. L'idée est un peu similaire au van, car on prend de quoi dormir, un brûleur pour cuisiner et on stocke ses affaires dans le coffre.

Des road trip en voiture on en a probablement fait une dizaine (5 mois en France pour écrire Randos Bière en France où on alternait camping et airbnb, 2 semaines en Slovénie avec une voiture de loc et notre tente, 1 mois en Bretagne en mode rando et camping, 10 jours aux Lofoten où nous avions notre tente mais où on a fini par passer 9 nuits sur 10 dans notre coffre de voiture de loc car la météo était apocalyptique haha, etc...)

Vous vous en doutez, la différence entre l'option van et celle de la voiture + tente c'est le niveau de confort mais aussi le budget. Que ce soit à l'achat / entretien ou en simple location, un van reviendra BEAUCOUP plus cher... A vous de voir où vous placez le curseur du confort et vos possibilités en termes de budget. Mais sincèrement, ne vous laissez pas décourager par les prix de loc des vans, l'alternative voiture plus tente est vraiment top aussi et permet de se créer des chouettes souvenirs!

A l'époque de notre voyage au Lofoten (2019) notre budget était serré pour la destination... Car oui, la Norvège ce n'est pas exactement le pays le moins cher d'Europe. On pensait au départ louer un van, mais nous avons rapidement déchanté. Les locations de van aux Lofoten sont chères (comptez plus de 220€ par jour). Clairement, nous n'avions pas les moyens (et nous avions notre tente alors bon...). Au final, nous avons trouvé une voiture via Rentalcars au départ de Narvik pour 388€ les 10 jours, autant dire 5 à 6 fois moins cher que le van.

Préparer son road trip : les choses à penser avant le départ

Se lancer en road trip n'est pas "rocket science" comme on dit et ça ne demande pas une préparation de dingue. Néanmoins, avant de partir il est quand-même mieux de procéder à quelques vérifications:

• Assurez-vous d'avoir toutes vos assurances véhicule à jour (et valables pour votre pays de destination) ainsi que les attestations d'assurance avec vous.
• Vérifiez votre couverture d'assurance voyage à l'étranger . Si vous n'avez pas de couverture ou si elle est insuffisante, il peut être pertinent de souscrire à une assurance voyage. Si vous recherchez une assurance, vous pouvez aller jeter un œil à notre comparatif d'assurances voyage .
• Faites les vérifications importantes sur votre véhicule: pression des pneus, niveaux des liquides (huile, liquide essuie-glace, liquide de frein, antigel, etc.), les essuies-glaces, les feux, etc.
• Réfléchissez et planifiez votre budget: cela vous évitera bien des surprises.

Planifier le Budget road trip

Préparer son budget road trip est un point qui mérite bien quelques petits paragraphes supplémentaires. On entend parfois des phrases comme "oh mais trop bien, en partant avec votre van vous pouvez dormir dedans, ça doit vous permettre de bouger pour presque rien" :)

Mouais... Alors effectivement, nous ne payons pas souvent des nuits d'hôtels quand on voyage avec le van (même s'il nous arrive de louer un petit appart de temps en temps quand on part longtemps histoire de faire des lessive et de s'étaler un peu plus pour mieux travailler). Mais après, cela ne veut de loin pas dire que voyager en van ou voiture ne coûte rien. Voici les postes de dépenses "classiques" des voyageurs:

• Le carburant : poste de dépense numéro 1 (surtout avec les prix actuels)... Ici ce n'est pas très compliqué à estimer. Prenez la distance totale qui vous sépare de votre destination, ajouter 15%-25% pour les détours et petits trajets de visites + une moyenne de km par jour sur place et multiplier par votre consommation d'essence aux 100km. Exemple: aller en Galice représente 1800km depuis chez nous. Sachant qu'on évitera quelques péages chers, cela amène le total à 2100km. On ajoute quelques crochets en route et on base nos calculs sur 2300km. Dahu consomme environ 7-8L / 100 km (conso mixte), soit environ 350€ de budget gasoil pour l'aller simple.
• Les péages : Ici c'est au choix, soit vous les prenez et les ajoutez au budget, soit vous les évitez et répercutez les km supplémentaires / la consommation sur le budget carburant. L'application web du site via Michelin est assez bien faite pour cela et permet de comparer les dépenses de carburant + péage selon votre modèle de véhicule.
• Le budget repas : en van nous cuisinons beaucoup et estimons donc un budget course en fonction des pays visités.
• Un budget activités / visites : ce poste n'est généralement pas très important pour nous étant donné que notre loisir principal est la rando. ;) Mais on s'accorde tout de même un petit budget pour des musées, traversées en bateau, visites guidées, etc.

• Le budget logement / camping : Ce point dépendra énormément du pays visité mais aussi de votre envie (ou non) de faire beaucoup de camping sauvage. Pour notre part, nous savons que nous aimons bien l'idée d'avoir une douche assez régulièrement et aussi des emplacement où on peut travailler sereinement avec le toit ouvert et un bon réseau (en sauvage ce point est souvent délicat). Bref, dans nos calculs on part du principe qu'on passe environ 50% de nos nuits en campings / sur des aires. Pour des séjours plus longs (comme durant nos 3 mois en Andalousie), nous passons environ 1/3 du temps en camping, 1/3 en appartement de location et 1/3 en sauvage ou sur des aires gratuites.
• Un petit budget "Extra" : une crêpe, un apéro, un stationnement payant, un petit resto de temps en temps, une lessive payante... Nous comptons environ 50-60€ par semaine. Ce montant étant bien évidemment très variable selon vos envies de restos - habitudes de voyages.

Si vous voulez avoir plus de détails sur nos budgets, nous avons publié plusieurs budgets spécial road trip sur le blog:

• Budget de nos 2 mois et demi en Andalousie (en van)
• Budget de nos 5 mois de road trip en France (voiture)
• Une semaine de road trip en Suisse centrale (van)
• 8 jours dans les Grisons en Suisse (van)
• 2 mois en Bretagne (van)
• 40 jours en Turquie (en bus)
• 10 jours aux Lofoten (voiture + tente)
• 26 jours dans les pays Baltes (en bus + appart)
• Nos 2 semaines en Catalogne (van)

Les erreurs quand on prépare un road trip

Etre trop ambitieux quant aux distances.

Ce point parait trivial, mais en vrai il est souvent un réel problème pour les voyageurs. Quand on vit dans le nord de la France, en Suisse ou en Belgique, prévoir 10 jours de road trip en Andalousie devient rapidement un projet "très ambitieux" pour ne pas dire irréaliste.

De Bruxelles à Ronda il y a plus de 2000km!!! Alors oui, il serait en théorie possible de faire la route en 2-3 jours mais vous serez lessivé en arrivant, et si on compte le trajet de retour cela ne laisse plus que 5 jours sur place. Autant dire que c'est un voyage qui va coûter cher en gasoil, péage et en énergie personnelle. ;) La solution? Essayer de trouver une solution pour partir plus longtemps ou partir moins loin . Et si vraiment vous voulez aller si loin, il peut être plus pertinent d'y aller en train ou en avion et de louer ensuite un véhicule sur place . La location peut coûter cher, mais pas dit que cela soit plus cher que ce que coûterait le trajet en lui-même.

Pour louer une voiture sur place on vous conseille d'aller voir le site Rentalcars pour comparer les prix. Pour la location de van, vous pouvez comparer les tarifs sur Yescapa ou encore BlackSheep Van

Ne pas planifier des journées "repos" ou "logistique"

Ce point là est un peu particulier je vous l'accorde, mais pour quelqu'un qui prépare son premier voyage en mode road trip cet aspect est souvent largement sous-estimé. Le road trip ça a la réputation d'être le mode de voyage "liberté" par excellence et on sera les premiers à vous dire que c'est vrai. Mais attention, il y a quand même quelques "tâches" logistiques qui ne devront pas être sous-estimées: faire sa lessive, trouver où faire ses points d'eau, chercher une bonbonne de gaz de remplacement compatible, vider ses déchets / eau grises. Comme ça on se dit "bah c'est pas bien compliqué", mais croyez-moi, selon l'endroit où vous êtes ces petits "détails" pourraient vous amener à devoir prévoir quelques sacrés détours.

Et même si on met de côté des points practico-pratiques, il ne faut pas négliger le fait que le road trip n'est pas toujours de tout repos. Il peut être vraiment utile de se prévoir des journées avec moins de route et plus de repos et de farniente.

Suivre aveuglément les conseils de son GPS

Ce point est globalement davantage valable si vous êtes en van ou camping-car (encore que... on en a vécu avec notre voiture aussi)... Car oui, notre pote Google est généralement très fiable pour tout ce qui touche aux grands axes et routes principales, mais dans les coins plus reculés il a tendance à être TRES optimiste sur les dimensions et les capacités d'un véhicule. On garde des souvenirs assez marqués des ruelles super étroites du village de Laxe en Galice où Google nous a fait entrer par des voies à sens uniques... On a bien cru ne jamais ressortir de ce village haha!

Un autre exemple, serait sur l'île de Tenerife. Une large route monte depuis le bord de mer jusqu'au parc du Teide situé à 2000m, autant dire que ça grimpe. En arrivant de la Orotava, Google Maps estime qu'il est "plus rapide" de prendre les minuscules routes qui montent à pics en coupant les lacets de la route principale. Suivre Google est une TRES mauvaise idée... D'une part, c'est tellement étroit qu'il est impossible à croiser et d'autre part, notre pauvre voiture de location et son moteur de tondeuse à gazon a bien failli ne jamais s'en remettre (on a perdu quelques années de capital cardiaque et on a mis bien plus long au final haha).

Bref, utiliser un GPS c'est bien, mais utilisez aussi votre bon sens et ne vous engagez pas si vous avez l'impression que ça sent le pâté.

Prendre trop d'affaires

Ça mes amis, c'est probablement l'erreur la plus commune et il est à peu près certain que vous la ferez. Nous les premiers, nous l'avons faite à plusieurs reprises! En fait, quand on part avec son véhicule (contrairement au voyage sac au dos) on a un peu ce réflexe de ce dire "oh, ça je le prends, ça peut servir". #MauvaisReflexe

Alors oui, dans un van, camping-car ou une voiture il y a plus de place que dans un sac à dos, mais ce n'est pas une raison d'emporter toute sa maison. Plus votre véhicule sera encombré, plus vous allez galérer au quotidien à déplacer des objets (tout le temps) et à jouer à tetris pour tout ranger (et je ne vous parle pas des retours de courses où on a fait des provisions pour quelques jours et qu'il faut caser ça dans un véhicule qui est déjà plein)! Partez plutôt du principe que vous pourrez laver vos affaires et si vraiment il vous manque quelque chose vous le trouverez en route.

Comment planifions-nous nos itinéraires?

La planification d'un itinéraire de voyage est souvent une étape qui est un peu vue comme un casse-tête... Où aller, combien de temps prévoir à chaque endroit? Les méthodes de "préparation" varient donc énormément d'une personne à l'autre. Certains aimeront avoir un plan de route bien établi, une idée précises des endroits où ils vont dormir ainsi que des arrêts en chemin. D'autre, à contrario, mettront 3 affaires dans le coffre et partiront sans but précis et avanceront au gré des envies, de la météo et des rencontres.

Toutes les méthodes se valent, mais étant donné qu'on nous a souvent posé la question de comment nous trouvons nos idées de choses à voir en route on s'est dit qu'on allait vous détailler un peu la manière dont on procède habituellement.

On se fixe une "destination" et une date d'arrivée "max", au-delà de ça on reste flex!

Quand nous partons en road trip nous avons en général une destination en tête. L'hiver dernier c'était l'Andalousie. Mais après, nous sommes des grands spécialistes pour nous "perdre en route" au gré des coups de coeur. Partis début décembre, nous avions rendez-vous pour les fêtes avec une amie qui vit à Malaga. Au moment du départ, nous pensions descendre tranquillement en 3-4 jours et profiter de l'Andalousie avant de la retrouver. Au final? On a eu un gros coup de cœur pour la Catalogne (même s'il y faisait frisquet en montagne en décembre) et on aura mis plus de 2 semaines à atteindre l'Andalousie. ;) Pas prévu au départ, notre "trajet" s'est transformé en super voyage à part entière.

Nous avons le luxe de pouvoir travailler en voyageant, ce qui fait que nos voyages peuvent être relativement longs. On est bien conscients que si vous prévoyez des vacances de 2-3 semaines vous n'aurez pas autant de flexibilité pour le trajet "aller". Ce que nous entendons par cette partie, c'est plus l'idée de partir du principe que le voyage peut débuter dès qu'on quitte sa porte et qu'ajouter des étapes "visites" à sa route permet de rendre un trajet bien plus agréable.

Les temps de route donnés par GoogleMaps/Waze ne prennent pas en compte les pauses, arrêts déjeuner, etc... De notre expérience, viser 5-6h de route par jour est déjà beaucoup!

Sur place, on construit l'itinéraire à coup de 2-3 jours

Une fois que nous sommes arrivés "à destination", nous essayons en général de prévoir les quelques jours à venir en fonction de la météo et de nos envies de rando et besoin de boulot. Quand il faut plus travailler, on s'installe en général dans un camping et sinon on part pour des coins plus sauvages sans trop nous pré-occuper de savoir s'il y aura la 4G ou non. ;) Non plus sérieusement, planifier 2-3 jours en avance nous aide à structurer nos journées et cela évite aussi de se poser quotidiennement la question du "on fait quoi, on va où, on dort où?" au moment du petit-dej. En van, nous aimons bien être assez efficace le matin et on débute généralement notre journée de bonne heure. Bref, quand on part se coucher, nous savons en général déjà ce que nous ferons le lendemain et où on dormira le soir suivant. Question de goût j'ai envie de vous dire.

Pour trouver des idées de choses à voir et de rando cela dépend bien évidemment des pays, mais globalement les apps comme Wikilocs, Google Image et simplement les cartes topo sont de bons alliés. Parfois, nous allons aussi jeter un oeil sur des sites d'activités comme GetyourGuide ou Civitatis pour voir s'il y a des activités/visites qui valent la peine (soit on fait des tours (notamment des free walking tours ou excursions à caractère plus historique/culturel) soit on se sert des plateformes pour avoir des idées de choses à voir). Oh et les applis météo aussi! Parfois il peut faire un temps atroce dans les terres et beau sur la côte ou vice-versa. A cela on ajoute une touche de réseaux sociaux et aussi des conseils d'autres voyageurs rencontrés en route pour l'inspiration.

Au fil du voyage, nous alimentons une carte "MyMaps" où nous plaçons toutes nos idées et cela nous aide à construire notre itinéraire. Pour vous donner une idée, on vous a mis ci-contre une image de ce à quoi ressemblait notre MyMaps lors de notre dernier road trip espagnol. Pour chaque point on y glissait un lien pour un article de blog, une trace GPX ou un site officiel afin de retrouver plus vite les infos. Nous sommes bien évidemment loin d'avoir tout vu, mais c'était notre façon à nous d'avoir toujours "un stock d'idées". Parfois quand on ne savait pas trop par où partir on se dirigeait simplement vers la prochaine zone dans laquelle on avait placé pas mal de points. ;)

Faire de son trajet retour un autre voyage - prévoir du temps

Quand on part en road trip il est important de penser aussi au trajet du retour et surtout de prévoir assez de temps pour rentrer. Il n'y a rien de plus désagréable que de se retrouver à devoir se stresser pour rentrer. Pour le retour, nous avons tendance à "plus rouler" qu'à l'aller, mais on essaie quand-même de nous limiter à 600-650 km par jour. On essaie en général de dessiner le trajet du retour et prévoyons des arrêts d'une nuit dans des coins sympas sans pour autant prévoir de visites/rando. Exemple: pour rentrer de la Rioja nous avons mis notre village en destination et vu que nous avions 1300km devant nous. En regardant la carte de la France on y est allé au feeling et avons décidé de marquer un arrêt d'une nuit dans l'Aveyron, ce qui permettait de couper en 2 notre trajet.

Pourquoi l'Europe est-elle la parfaite destination pour un road trip?

Ahhh le vieux continent!!! Nous n'avons pas fait beaucoup de road trip ailleurs dans le monde, même si notre toute première expérience de ce mode de voyage remonte à... 2009 quand nous sommes partis un mois aux Etats-Unis). Je ne suis pas en train de vous dire que l'Europe est l'unique destination qui se prête aux road trip, mais par contre, ce que je peux vous assurer que c'est une région du monde qui s'y prête remarquablement bien!

La première raison serait probablement la très grande diversité de paysages et de cultures que nous avons "au pas de la porte". Si je pense à notre petite vie en Suisse, il suffit de choisir une direction et en 1000km ou 2000km on se retrouve déjà dans une culture totalement différente! Imaginez... tant Grenade, Stockholm ou Thessalonique se trouvent à moins de 2000km!

L'Europe est aussi une région où on retrouve plein de climats différents et il sera possible de trouver une destination "idéale" à toutes les périodes de l'année.

Et bon, l'ouverture des frontières, les infrastructures routières, les campings, la facilité de communiquer, la monnaie (presque) unique, sont autant de choses qui font que c'est vraiment simple de bouger d'un pays à l'autre.

Quelques idées de road trip en Europe au gré des saisons

Avant de terminer cet article on s'est dit qu'on allait vous proposer quelques suggestions de destinations en fonction des saisons basés sur nos préférences et envies du moment. Notez que ces choix sont purement personnels. Un grand nombre de voyage peuvent s'effectuer à ce que nous considérons personnellement une "mauvaise période". Si vous êtes bien équipés et préparés il n'y a que très peu de limites (hormis peut-être la fermeture de certaines routes en hiver). ;)

Meilleures destination road-trip pour l'été

Certains associent l'été à la plage et au chaud (on comprend) mais à titre perso, les mois d'été riment pour nous avec "Monter". Que ce soit en latitude ou en altitude, peu importe! :) L'été est selon nous une super période pour aller explorer des coins comme l'Islande, l’Irlande, l'Ecosse, les pays nordiques ou encore les Alpes!

De manière plus générale, nous essayons aussi de viser des endroits un peu moins touristiques.... car oui, qui dit été dit haute saison et beaucoup de monde. En mode road trip, beaucoup de monde implique qu'il faut souvent réserver ses logements en avance, une règlementation plus stricte sur le stationnement et le camping sauvage, des prix au max.

Les fortes chaleurs du sud peuvent attirer de prime abord, mais croyez-moi en van ou sous tente on change vite d'avis... Une canicule peut rapidement devenir insupportable sous une toile de tente ou dans un véhicule.

Où partir en road trip en automne?

Rhaaa l'automne... Je vais être franche, c'est probablement notre saison préférée pour voyager avec notre van! Et pour le coup, mon conseil va être assez générique, mais sincèrement, l'automne me parait être la "bonne période" presque partout en Europe !

En montant au nord vous aurez du frais, mais aussi des couleurs exceptionnelles (nous avions été randonner en Laponie suédoise et enchaîné avec un roadt trip aux Lofoten et c'était grandiose). En allant vers le sud, on gagne quelques degrés et on profite à fond de l'été indien. En Suisse, France, Italie, je vous conseille de grimper en altitude pour profiter des incroyables couleurs oranges en montagnes... En 2022, nous avions d'ailleurs fait un superbe road trip en Suisse d'une semaine .

Road trip en hiver: où aller?

Cap au sud! L'Andalousie, la Grèce, l'Algarve, les Canaries, Madeire, la côte sud de la Turquie... Autant d'exemples qui sont vraiment de chouettes destinations pour l'hiver en van! Bien évidemment, si vous êtes bien équipés en matière de chauffage, d'isolation il est possible d'envisager des itinéraires plus au nord, mais personnellement, plus que le froid c'est la longueur des journées qui font pencher la balance vers le sud. En hiver, plus vous montez au nord, plus les journées seront courtes. En road trip cet aspect peut rapidement devenir un peu gênant car on passe quand-même beaucoup de temps en extérieur.

Le gros plus de l'hiver c'est que vous serez "hors saison". Nous l'avons vécu en Andalousie et franchement c'était le top! Des prix moins élevés, beaucoup moins de monde sur les spots touristiques. Après, il faut savoir que voyager hors saison vient également avec quelques contraintes supplémentaires, notamment une offre touristique plus faible. En Andalousie, seuls quelques campings restaient ouverts durant les mois d'hiver (principalement sur la côte) et dans certains petits villages, l'hiver correspond aux mois de "vacances" pour pas mal des restaurateurs qui travaillent de manière très saisonnière. Bref, il faudra accepter d'être un peu plus "autonome" (dormir dans des aires, spots sauvages, cuisiner plus souvent). Loin de nous déranger, nous avons plutôt ressenti ces points comme des avantages, mais on préfère vous prévenir.

Quelques idées de road trip pour le printemps

Le printemps est une très belle saison pour les road trips aussi! Personnellement, on éviterait les Alpes (plus assez de neige pour les activités d'hiver mais encore trop pour la rando). ;) Par contre c'est vraiment une saison au top pour gagner quelques degrés en se dirigeant vers le sud ou alors profiter de spots qui sont habituellement très touristiques l'été avec encore un peu moins de monde.

Je pense notamment à la Bretagne où, à deux reprises, nous avons fait de superbes roadtrip entre avril et début juin. Si je devais opter pour d'autres destinations je dirais surement aussi la région des 5 terres ou les Pouilles en Italie ou encore la Turquie (Capadoce par exemple). C'est également une saison vraiment top pour partir randonner dans le nord de l'Espagne ( Asturies , Cantabrie ou encore la Castille-et-Leon ou la Galice ). D'ailleurs, si je m'amuse à faire les comptes, je crois bien que le printemps est la saison à laquelle nous avons fait le plus de road trip en Europe ces 10 dernières années... Après, il faut savoir que si votre objectif est la baignade "hors saison" il vaut mieux miser sur l'automne que le printemps, car à la sortie de l'hiver la mer est encore bien fraîche (notamment en Bretagne ou dans le nord de l'Espagne). ;) Pour en savoir plus sur les road-trip en Espagne, on vous conseille notre article dédié .

Les applications pratiques pour un Road trip

Pour la route, voici une petite liste d'applications pratiques à avoir avec soi en road trip:

• Maps.Me : Ca c'est probablement l'application que nous utilisons le plus! 100% gratuite, elle permet de télécharger la carte d'un pays ou d'une région et d'y accéder hors ligne à tout moment. On y retrouve les restaurants, les campings, les points de vue mais aussi les sentiers de randonnée.
• Park4Night : L'application de référence pour trouver un endroit où dormir en van. A utiliser en combinaison avec son bon sens et les règles locale, ca reste néanmoins une excellente source d'idée pour savoir où passer la nuit et lire les avis d'autres voyageurs avant de s'y rendre.
• Waze et/ou Google Maps : Une application GPS n'est pas seulement pratiques pour trouver son chemin, mais cela permet aussi d'anticiper les bouchons et ralentissements et éventuellement prendre une un itinéraire alternatif.
• Windy : Une application météo. Il en existe des centaines et franchement elles se valent pour beaucoup. On aime bien Windy pour voir les animations radar et on trouve que pour le vent ils sont assez bons (pratiques quand on prévoit de dormir dans la tente de toit du van)
• Spotify : Rien de tel que de la bonne musique ou un podcast pour passer le temps sur les routes
• N26 ou Neon : Une banque mobile pour limiter les frais. Il en existe plein, pour notre part nous avons un compte Neon depuis 4 ans maintenant et en sommes très contents (pour les suisses uniquement).
• Des apps de rando : Ici le choix va dépendre du pays... En France c'est incontestablement VisoRando qui remporte la palme. En Espagne on vous conseille carrément Wikilocs. Sur notre téléphone nous avons ces deux mais aussi Alltrails.
• Vous cherchez un livre sur les roadtrip? Rendez-vous sur notre article où on a sélectionné tous les meilleurs livres pour préparer votre aventure sur les routes.

Road trip en Europe: tous nos articles

Road trip en Espagne : nos idées d’itinéraires et conseils pratiques

Si vous nous suivez depuis quelques temps, vous aurez surement noté que nous avons un petit faible pour l’Espagne. Depuis 2018, nous y sommes retournés à 4 reprises et si on fait les calculs, nous y...

Roadtrip en Suisse: Itinéraire et budget de 7 jours de voyage en automne (octobre)

Combien coûte un roadtrip en Suisse? Durant 7 jours, nous avons scrupuleusement noté nos dépenses en voyageant dans les régions touristiques de Suisse

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Au fil de l’Ebre: de Orbaneja del Castillo à Tobera

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Le nord de la Province León: de la grotte de Valporquero aux montagnes de Riaño

Le nord de la province de León est assez méconnu. Il y a pourtant de belles choses à découvrir commes les montagnes de Riaño ou la grotte de Valporquero.

Roadtrip en Andalousie: bilan et budget après 10 semaines de voyage

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Roadtrip en Catalogne: Du cap de Creus au Delta de l’Ebre en passant par les terres

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Retour sur notre road trip en Bretagne: bilan + budget et des idées d’itinéraires

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Roadtrip dans le Finistère nord: nos idées de visites et choses à voir

Notre petit guide du Finistère Nord; retrouvez ici tous nos conseils voyage pour découvrir la côte bretonne nord entre Carantec et Brest.

Bilan Van Life: 1 an avec Dahu, notre van Toyota Proace 4×4

1 an après avoir acheté notre van Dahu, on partage avec vous nos impressions sur la Van Life et sur nos choix par rapport à notre van Dahu

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On vous emmène au coeur des Grisons, à la découverte de l'Alp Flix, du viaduc de Landwasser et de gorges de Viamala

Nos idées de randonnées en Engadine et dans le Parc National Suisse

3 jours de road trip dans l'Engadine: un article avec tous nos coups de coeur du Val Müstair à la région de Pontresina en passant par l'emblématique parc national suisse.

Road trip dans les Grisons: 8 jours le long de l’Alpine Circle Route

8 jours de road trip dans les Grisons à l'ouest de la Suisse. Tous nos conseils pour préparer votre périple.

Les Asturies: Road trip au nord de l’Espagne

Traverser l'Espagne par le nord et s'arrêter profiter de la magnifique région des Asturies; une région tellement riche et variée!

Les Rias Altas: à la découverte de la côte sauvage du nord de la Galice

On vous emmène avec nous en Road Trip à travers les magnifiques Rias Altas et leurs paysages incroyables au nord de la Galice

Galice: Road Trip sur la Costa da Morte entre Malpica et Muros

Récit de nos quelques jours passés le long de la Costa da Morte, la partie nord ouest de la Galice.

La Ribeira Sacra: road trip dans la région des vins et des canyons de Galice

On vous emmène avec nous à la Ribeira Sacra, à la confluence des rivières Sil et Miño, pour un road trip entre canyons et vignobles au coeur des terres de Galice

Road trip en Galice: 4 jours de Catoira à Lanzada

Plein d'idées de choses à voir le long de la côte au nord de Pontevedra en Galice. Récit de notre magnifique road trip de 4 jours.

Escapade en Suisse: visiter la région de Gruyère en hiver

Petite escapade hivernale dans le village de Gruyère. Au programme? L'incroyable musée HR Giger mais aussi une jolie balade au bord du lac de Montsalvens

Vanlife: tour de notre van Dahu, un Toyota proace 4×4

Il aura fallu un confinement pour nous faire craquer, mais en 2020 nous avons (enfin) acheté notre van aménagé. Dans cet article on vous présente donc le Dahu qui va nous suivre dans de nombreuses aventures

La région des vins du Piémont: nos coups de coeur de ce road trip au nord de l’Italie

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Cet été nous avons testé pour la première fois de voyager uniquement avec Flixbus. Nous sommes allés jusqu'en Bulgarie en passant par Zagreb et Budapest. Qu'avons nous pensé de Flibus et du pass interflix? On vous en dit plus dans...

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Circuit dans les pays baltes: Bilan et Budget

Voyager dans les pays baltes: notre guide! Que ce soit en hiver ou en été, vous trouverez dans cet articles toutes les infos utiles et nos coups de coeur pour construire l'itinéraire parfait en Estonie, Lettonie et Lituanie. Comme...

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The 12 best and most beautiful road trips in Europe

Fill up the tank, load up the tunes and get behind the wheel. The best road trips in Europe are waiting

If you’re anything like us, incredible road trips will be high on your bucket list. You simply can’t beat the feeling of speeding down the road, loading up the tunes and having your main character moment (whether you’re the one behind the wheel or not). 

The best part? Europe alone is home to a number of incredible road trips, from the mountainous views of Iceland to the deserts of Tirana. Pick your favourite road trip playlist or a cracking podcast, load up on snacks and hit the road. Here are the best road trips in Europe. 

RECOMMENDED: ⛰️ The best city breaks in Europe for 2024 🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe 🏛️ The best museums and galleries in the world 🎨 The world’s exhibitions worth travelling for

John Bills is a writer for Time Out Travel. At Time Out, our travel guides are written by experts all over the world. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Best road trips in Europe

1.  Iceland Ring Road

Iceland makes an appearance on any self-respecting list of travel experiences. The Iceland Ring Road encircles the entire nation, covering 1,333 kilometres of road, a distance that can be traversed in 12 or 13 hours, depending on speed. Truth be told, you should take a week or so to do it properly, stopping to take in the majestic scenery that only Iceland can produce. Sigur Rós made a video of the whole thing backed by some typically gorgeous music, so head to a well-known internet video streaming site and start making plans. 

2.  Epirus, Greece

Driving around the winding mountain roads of Zagori sounds like a dream, right? These serpentine roads aren’t the easiest, but they are well worth it; think lakes, monasteries, stunning mountain villages and animals that are very much in charge of the place. There are several possible routes, so you might as well just get that driving licence sorted and let your whims do the rest.

3.  Pula to Dubrovnik, Croatia

If anyone tells you that Croatia is still a hidden gem, you should stop listening to them. Hrvatska gets mega busy throughout the summer, but spring and autumn remain brilliant times to visit, and what better way to explore the coast than by driving all the way down it? Start at Pula and snake your way down the coast to Dubrovnik, breaking up the 709km with stops in Rijeka, Zadar, Split and wherever else. Heck, you could even nip inland to explore the magical Plitvice Lakes National Park, and extend the last leg by heading into Bosnia and Herzegovina to see Mostar, Kravice waterfall and Blagaj for yourself.  

4.  Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

You can also call it the DN7C if you’d prefer. The Transfăgărășan is a stunning mountain road that traverses Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, the second-highest in the country but arguably the best known. Every spectacular second of the 150 kilometres offers up stunning views. The speed limit is 40km/h because of the relatively fragile ground, but going slow makes it easier to enjoy the surroundings. Bâlea Lake is pretty much at the top, and it doesn’t get much more beautiful than that. 

5.  Atlantic Road, Norway

Not all road trips need to be multi-day marathons. Sometimes, going out for a few hours of gorgeous driving interspersed with views (and a picnic, you gotta have a picnic) is all that is needed. Norway ’s Atlantic Road snakes around the west coast of the country, covering just 8.3km but encapsulating the old ‘quality over quantity’ cliche perfectly. The road has been described as the world’s most beautiful car journey, and we aren’t about to disagree.

6.  Tallinn to Tirana

Somehow, someway, Eastern Europe remains criminally misunderstood. The vague geographic notion doesn’t tell half the story, so why not drive from the north of the east to the south and see for yourself? From Estonia on the Baltic to Albania on the Med lies a conveyor belt of fascinating nations with beauty around every corner. It would take around 34 hours to drive the 2,945km without stopping, but you’d also need to be a cyborg. Head through the Baltic states before heading central into Poland , Czechia and onwards. 

7.  Autobahn, Germany

If you’re interested in an incredible European road trip, the chances are you’re already very aware of the Autobahn. Germany and all things automobiles go together like magnet and steel – hurtling down the Autobahn is one of Europe’s great behind-the-wheel experiences. You can’t actually go as fast as you like on this famous road, so pay attention to the various limits, lest you end up in serious bother. Start in Cologne and head north through Bremen and Hamburg before snaking back down to Berlin , covering more than 500km in the process.

8.  Northern Lakes, Italy

Okay, now we’re really entering the world of dreams. The magnificent lakes in the north of Italy have been big business for a long old while, but how about an extravagant road trip taking in as many of them as possible? You can start this one pretty much from the moment you land in Milan , picking up a rental and heading to Lake Maggiore and setting up shop before heading east through Lake Como, Lake Garda and all the rest. Take as much time as is humanly possible, you’re going to want to savour these spots. 

9.  Edinburgh to London, United Kingdom

You could tackle the entire length of Great Britain, starting at John o’Groats and driving 1,407km down to Land’s End, but the  very northern tip of Scotland isn’t the most accessible place. Instead, make a grand journey between the capitals of Scotland and England , starting in Edinburgh and heading south through the Lake District , the cities of the north, the meat of the Midlands and more. Just 647km sit between the two, so be sure to make this itinerary a winding one.

10.  Vienna to Belgrade

Europe has no shortage of great rivers, but the diversity of the Danube makes it the continent’s finest. The second longest in Europe, the Danube runs through four capital cities (Belgrade, Budapest , Bratislava and Vienna ), so why not get behind the wheel and hit up all four? Start in the latter and weave your way towards bouncing Belgrade, treating yourself to a night out in one of the continent’s most exciting cities as a treat. Better yet, if you have the time, why not follow the entire length of the river?  

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Accueil > Conseils voyage > Idées de voyages > Road trip Europe : 10 idées de voyages exceptionnels

Road trip Europe : 10 idées de voyages exceptionnels

Article mis à jour le

Nos plus beaux road trip en Europe

Loin d’être exhaustif, cet article présente les 10 road trip d’Europe qui nous ont le plus marqués. Des paysages époustouflants depuis les pays scandinaves jusqu’aux richesses culturelles de la Grèce ou de l’ Andalousie , vous trouverez ici 10 idées de  circuits  toutes très différentes pour partir sur les routes d’Europe lors de superbes road trip. Le but de cet article étant avant tout d’être une source d’ i nspiration pour de futurs voyages . L’ordre de ce classement est parfaitement aléatoire, chacun de ces voyages a son propre charme et les hiérarchiser aurait été tout simplement impossible ! 

Pour aider les autres lecteurs et nous donner à tous de belles idées, n’hésitez pas à nous partager en commentaire d’autres idée de road trip en Europe ! Vos contributions aideront chacun à préparer son voyage !

Nos idées de road trip en europe

1. road trip en islande, 2. road trip en norvège, 3. road trip en suède, 4. road trip en irlande, 5. road trip en andalousie, 6. road trip en toscane, 7. road trip au portugal, 8. road trip en sicile, 9. road trip dans le péloponnèse, 10. road trip en crète.

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1. Road trip en Islande, Notre coup de cœur au nord de l’Europe

L’Islande est sans aucun doute notre coup de cœur absolu parmi nos road trip en Europe du nord ! Un road trip en Islande c’est une découverte permanente de paysages absolument magnifiques que l’on ne trouve qu’ici. Cascades majestueuses, paysages lunaires, glaciers à perte de vue. En prime, la neige et les aurores boréales en hiver, les colonies de macareux et le soleil de minuit en été ! Si vous aimez la nature et êtes en quête de grands espaces et de tranquillité, un voyage en Islande est une idée parfaite pour un road trip en Europe. 

Quel itinéraire choisir pour son road trip en Islande ?

L’Islande est l’un des pays d’Europe les plus adaptés aux road trips. Une île ni trop grande, ni trop petite, une route en très bon état qui en fait le tour et des points d’intérêt tous plus beaux les uns que les autres un peu partout ! L’itinéraire à choisir est de fait assez simple : faire le tour de l’île ! Si la durée de votre séjour ne vous le permet pas, cantonnez-vous à une petite partie de l’île. La région sud est la plus dense en points d’intérêt et la plus rapidement accessible depuis l’aéroport international de Reykjavik.

À lire aussi :

Road trip en Islande : Notre itinéraire pour faire le tour de l’île

Combien de temps partir pour un road trip en Islande ?

Pour pouvoir faire le tour de l’île, il est recommandé de disposer d’au moins 10 à 15 jours sur place. Avec un peu plus de temps, vous pourrez ajouter à votre road trip la visite des hautes terre du centre de l’île. Pour un voyage plus court (un long weekend ou une semaine), la visite de la région autour de Reykjavik ou du sud de l’île est plus idéale. Quoi qu’il en soit, ce road trip en Islande est certainement l’un des plus beaux road trip en Europe que vous puissiez faire !

Pour  découvrir Reykjavik  et l’Islande, n’hésitez pas à consulter notre  Carnet de route  qui propose un  itinéraire clé en main pour un road trip en Islande . Vous y trouverez un itinéraire pour découvrir Reykjavik, ainsi que pour faire le tour de l’île lors d’un road trip mémorable.

Retrouvez tous nos articles pour bien préparer votre road trip en Islande

2. Road trip en Norvège Une destination d’exception pour les amoureux de la nature

Voici encore un road trip en Europe du nord que l’on a particulièrement apprécié. Des paysages à couper le souffle et des possibilités de randonnées infinies font de la Norvège la destination nature par excellence.

Notre itinéraire conseillé pour un road trip en Norvège

Pour un premier road trip en Norvège , nous vous conseillons de découvrir le sud du pays au départ d’Oslo. Après avoir visité Oslo , longez la côte sud du pays pour aller visiter Bergen avant de revenir à votre point de départ par l’intérieur des terres. Cet itinéraire vous fera croiser le chemin de randonnées d’exceptions comme celle du Preikestolen avec sa vue majestueuse au-dessus du fjord ou encore l’incontournable randonnée de Trolltunga et sa langue rocheuses suspendue au-dessus du vide. Villages de pêcheurs , maisons colorées , fjords à n’en plu finir et glaciers se trouveront également sur votre chemin. Un must parmi les road trip d’Europe !

Road trip Norvège : Itinéraire et conseils pour un voyage inoubliable

Road trip en Norvège, combien de temps partir ?

La Norvège est un grand pays où les trajets sont assez lents. Pas d’autoroute, très peu de train et un réseau routier, bien qu’en parfait état, qui traverse souvent des zones de montagnes ou contourne d’immenses fjords. Tous ces critères poussent à être raisonnable dans ses ambitions de road trip . Pour l’itinéraire en Norvège que nous vous suggérons, un voyage de 10 jours au minimum est nécessaire. Si vous avez un peu plus de temps, il est possible d’ajouter à ce road trip la région au nord de Bergen. Pour un voyage encore plus long, de 3 semaines ou plus, n’hésitez pas à aller jusqu’à Tromso au nord du pays et à passer le cercle polaire. Ici, vous êtes en Laponie et c’est un tout autre road trip, le plus au nord de l’Europe, qui s’offre à vous.

Si vous le souhaitez, n’hésitez pas à consulter notre carnet de route pour un road trip en Norvège . Vous y découvrirez un itinéraire clé en main pour vous aider à préparer votre road trip au nord de l’Europe !

Retrouvez tous nos articles pour bien préparer votre road trip en Norvège

3. Road trip en Suède, la destination qui monte en Europe du nord

Voici notre dernière suggestion de road trip dans les pays Scandinaves d’Europe du nord. Moins touristique que l’Islande ou la Norvège, la Suède n’est pourtant pas dénuée d’intérêt. D’abord, c’est un pays où le coût de la vie est bien moins élevé que dans les pays voisins. Et ce n’est pas anecdotique lorsque l’on connait le budget d’un voyage en Islande ou celui nécessaire pour séjourner en Norvège . Un road trip en Suède , c’est également l’occasion de réaliser un voyage proche de la nature , au milieu des forêts et des lacs , le plus souvent sans le moindre touriste à l’horizon. Une excellente idée de road trip au nord de l’Europe à découvrir d’urgence avant que le pays ne devienne trop populaire.

Notre suggestion d’itinéraire pour un road trip en Suède

De la même manière que pour découvrir la Norvège, nous vous conseillons un premier road trip en Suède dans le sud du pays au départ de sa capitale. Après avoir visité Stockholm , prenez la direction du sud du pays par la côte jusqu’à l’ île d’Öland . Il est également possible de visiter durant quelques jours l’île de Gotland , plus éloignée du continent. Continuez votre road trip jusqu’à Ystad , Malmö puis entamez la route vers le nord jusqu’à Göteborg . Ne manquez pas les charmants petits villages que l’on trouve un peu partout sur la côte. Depuis Göteborg , deux possibilités. Soit reprendre la route à travers le pays pour terminer ce road trip là où il a commencé, soit poursuivre vers Oslo et profiter de ce voyage en Suède pour planifier également un road trip en Norvège .

Road trip Suède : notre itinéraire dans le sud du pays

Combien de temps prévoir pour ce road trip en Suède ?

Avec un relief moins escarpé qu’en Norvège, la Suède permet de se déplacer plus rapidement lors d’un road trip . Malgré tout, pour suivre l’itinéraire que nous recommandons ci-dessus, il faut compter au minimum une semaine . Avec un peu plus de temps, il est possible d’ajouter au programme quelque jours sur l’île de Gotland ou de profiter de ce road trip au nord de l’Europe pour visiter Oslo . 

Retrouvez tous nos articles pour bien préparer votre road trip en Suède

4. Road trip en Irlande l’un des road trip les plus verts d’Europe

Notre road trip en Irlande restera l’un des road trip l’un des plus reposants que nous ayons eu la chance de faire en Europe ! Paysages sauvages , falaises plongeant à pic au-dessus de l’océan, campagne infinie et lacs à perte de vue… C’est ce que nous avons retenu de ce superbe road trip en Europe. Si vous êtes adepte des grands espaces , des petites villes et des voyages à taille humaine , foncez découvrir l’Irlande.

Découvrir l’Irlande d’est en ouest : notre itinéraire conseillé

Commencez votre road trip en Irlande en visitant Dublin , petite capitale pleine de charme. De là, nous ne pouvons que vous recommander de traverser l’île d’est en ouest pour découvrir le comté de Clare et ses célèbres cliffs of moher puis de poursuivre votre road trip dans le Connemara . Pour compléter ce voyage, il sera également possible de passer dans le sud du pays par le comté de Cork et pourquoi pas de visiter Belfast au départ de Dublin où de nombreux train font la liaison quotidiennement. 

Road trip Irlande : Itinéraire de Dublin au Connemara

Combien de temps consacrer à un road trip en Irlande ?

Pour visiter Dublin , les comtés de Clare et du Connemara puis revenir jusqu’à la capitale, il faudra compter au minimum une petite semaine de road trip . Si vous disposez de quelques jours de plus, ajoutez à ce parcours le comté de Cork . Pour un séjour de 2 semaines , il est également possible de prévoir une visite de Belfast en Irlande du nord. 

Pour préparer votre road trip en Irlande, vous pouvez télécharger notre Carnet de route proposant un itinéraire clé en main . Étapes, activités, temps de trajet… Nous avons tout détaillé pour vous aider à organiser votre voyage !

Retrouvez tous nos articles pour bien préparer votre road trip en Irlande

5. Road trip en Andalousie, un voyage inoubliable au sud de l’Espagne

Quittons maintenant le nord du continent pour vous proposer un ro ad trip tout au sud de l’Europe . Villes à l’histoire exceptionnellement riche, mer et montagne seront au rendez-vous. Ce voyage en terre andalouse est le séjour idéal à planifier au printemps ou à la fin de l’été , et même pourquoi pas en hiver ! Beau temps et chaleur assurée !

Quel itinéraire choisir pour ne rien manquer de l’Andalousie ?

Démarrez votre road trip en Andalousie par la splendide ville de Séville , capitale de la région. Prenez ensuite la route de Cordoue connu pour son imposante mosquée cathédrale avant de filer à Grenade où vous visiterez le sublime palais de l’Alhambra . Pour un premier road trip en Andalousie , vous pouvez vous contenter de ce trio déjà très riche en découvertes ou bien prolonger encore un peu le voyage. Dans ce cas, mettez le cap vers le sud pour flâner sur les plages de Malaga ou alors, si vous êtes en quête de nature et de grands espaces, restez dans la région de Grenade et rejoignez les pentes de la Sierra Nevada . Un passage par la charmante ville de Ronda est également une belle manière de clore ce road trip parmi les plus méridionaux d’Europe.

Road trip Andalousie : Itinéraire dans le sud de l’Espagne

Road trip en Andalousie, combien de temps prévoir pour découvrir cette région du sud de l’Europe ?

Si vous vous contentez de visiter le trio Séville, Cordoue, Grenade , ce road trip en Andalousie peut être réalisé en une semaine . Les distances entre ces trois villes ne sont pas bien grandes. Si en revanche, vous souhaitez ajouter à ces découvertes la visite de la Sierra Nevada , les plages du sud de la région et un passage par Ronda , prévoyez une quinzaine de jours sur place.

Retrouvez tous nos articles pour bien préparer votre road trip en Espagne

L’Andalousie, une région bon marché au sud de l’Espagne

Au-delà du climat, de la beauté des paysages traversés, des charmantes villes visitées et de la gastronomie exceptionnelle de la région, un road trip en Andalousie présente également l’énorme avantage d’être l’un des voyages les moins chers d’Espagne . Ici, le coût de la vie est nettement inférieur à celui constaté plus au nord du pays et c’est certainement l’une des régions les moins chères d’Europe de l’ouest pour ce type de voyage ! En ce qui nous concerne, le budget pour notre road trip en Andalousie a été l’un des moins élevés de tous nos road trip en Europe .  

6. Road trip en Toscane, l’un des plus beaux voyages en Italie

Assurément l’ un de nos road trip italien préférés ! Cette région vallonnée , entourée de vignobles et de villages tous plus jolis les uns que les autres vous plaira à coup sûr. Pour nous, elle reste l’un de nos coup de cœur en Italie et se hisse parmi nos road trip d’Europe favoris ! 

Notre itinéraire conseillé pour un road trip en Toscane

La meilleure option pour démarrer un road trip en Toscane est de visiter Florence pendant quelques jours. La ville est si riche en monuments que vous ne vous y ennuierez pas ! Prenez ensuite la route vers l’ouest en direction de Pise et vous pourrez visiter la petite ville de Lucques sur votre chemin. Direction ensuite les plus beaux villages de Toscane avec des visites d’exceptions comme Volterra , San Gimignano ou encore Monteriggioni . D’ici, vous ne serez qu’à quelques kilomètres de la très jolie ville de Sienne . Avant de revenir à Florence, une jolie visite du vignoble du Chianti et de sa célèbre route SR222 est également possible.

Combien de temps à consacrer à ce road trip ?

Prévoyez au moins une semaine si vous souhaitez visiter la Toscane de Florence à Sienne en passant par Pise . Pour découvrir la région encore un peu plus, 3 ou 4 jours supplémentaires seront nécessaires pour visiter la superbe région qui se trouve autour du vignoble du Chianti . 

Quel que soit votre choix, la Toscane est une superbe idée de road trip en Europe !

7. Road trip au Portugal, un voyage à l’extrême ouest de l’Europe continentale

Encore un pays d’Europe qui se prête très bien au road trip ! Avec des paysages tous différents du nord au sud et des villes absolument superbes à visiter, un voyage itinérant à la découverte du Portugal reste l’un de nos road trip préféré en Europe .

Suggestion d’itinéraire pour un road trip au Portugal

On ne peut que vous conseiller de démarrer votre road trip au Portugal par le no rd du pays , en visitant Porto et la vallée du Douro sans oublier le parc de Peneda-Gêres . Prenez ensuite la route de la capitale du pays en ne manquant pas les nombreux points d’intérêt entre Porto et Lisbonne (Aveiro, Coimbra, Tomar, Nazaré, Obidos …). Direction ensuite l’extrême sud du Portugal pour une fin de road trip somptueuse en Algarve .

Visiter le Portugal : road trip de Porto jusqu’au sud du Portugal

Road trip au Portugal, quelle durée prévoir ?

Pour prévoir un ro ad trip du nord au sud du Portugal , une durée minimum de 15 jours est nécessaire. En revanche, si vous disposez de moins de temps pour votre road trip au Portugal, il est tout à fait possible de ne réaliser qu’une partie du voyage. De Lisbonne à l’Algarve par exemple ou de Porto à Lisbonne . Ainsi, une semaine à 10 jours seront suffisants.

Retrouvez tous nos articles pour bien préparer votre road trip au Portugal

8. Road trip en Sicile, un voyage entre Europe et Afrique

Après la Toscane , la Sicile est le deuxième road trip italien de ce top 10 des road trip en Europe . La plus grande île de méditerranée ne pouvait pas ne pas avoir sa place dans cette sélection. Des paysages à couper le souffle, une mer partout superbe, un volcan fascinant, une richesse culturelle hors du commun et une gastronomie comme on les aime !

Le meilleur itinéraire pour un road trip en Sicile

Votre road trip en Sicile commencera très certainement par la visite de Palerme . Après avoir découvert la capitale de l’île, prenez la direction de Trapani en ne manquant pas de visiter le site archéologique de Segeste , la réserve naturelle du Zingaro et le charmant village de Scopello en chemin. Depuis Trapani , une excursion sur au moins l’une des îles Égades est fortement recommandée, la plus proche du continent étant la sublime île de Favignana . Poursuivez votre itinéraire en Sicile vers le sud en découvrant les villes de Marsala et de Mazara del Vallo avant de rouler vers la superbe région d’ Agrigente . Ici, vous découvrirez l’impressionnante vallée des temples et la superbe Scala del Turchi non loin. Regagnez ensuite la côte nord de l’île pour une belle visite de la charmante ville de Cefalu avant de regagner la région de Palerme.

Visiter la Sicile en une semaine : notre itinéraire

Combien de temps prévoir pour découvrir la Sicile ?

Pour réaliser ce road trip, une semaine en Sicile est un minimum, 10 jours étant l’idéal. Si vous disposez de plus de temps sur place, n’hésitez pas à explorer la partie est de l’île . Catane bien sûr mais également Noto, Syracuse, l’Etna et la superbe ville de Taormina . Si vous disposez de plus de temps encore, une excursion dans les îles Éolienne avec le Stromboli en toile de fond finiront de vous réjouir.

Retrouvez tous nos articles pour bien préparer votre road trip en Sicile

9. Le Péloponnèse, l’un des road trip les plus authentiques de Grèce

Ce road trip dans le Péloponnèse a été notre premier road trip en Grèce ! Et on a adoré ! Cette grande région, au sud d’Athènes est bien moins moderne et bien plus rurale que le reste du pays. C’est d’ailleurs ce qui en fait tout son charme. Une idée de road trip en Europe, moins connue et moins populaire que les autres destinations présentées, mais que nous vous recommandons chaudement. 

Proposition d’itinéraire pour découvrir le Péloponnèse

Au départ d’ Athènes , rejoignez le Péloponnèse par Corinthe et son célèbre canal avant de prendre la direction de Nauplie . Prenez ensuite le temps de découvrir les 3 pies au sud de la région. Ne manquez pas la superbe ville de Monemvasia , la sublime région du Magne ainsi que la province de Mécénie parmi les plus rurales du pays. Une visite du site archéologique d’ Olympie fait également partie des incontournables.

Un road trip dans le Péloponnèse, ça prend combien de temps ?

La région est vaste et les autoroutes se font rares. Prévoyez alors au moins 10 jours pour réaliser l’itinéraire du road trip proposé ci-dessus. Si vous disposez d’un peu plus de temps, n’hésitez pas à passer au moins 3 jours à Athènes ainsi qu’à visiter le site archéologique de Delphes au pied du mont Parnasse. De quoi vous forger de très jolis souvenirs ! 

10. Road trip en Crète, toute une île à découvrir

Dixième et dernière idée de road trip en Europe : un road trip à la découverte de la Crète . Bien différente de la région du Péloponnèse que nous vous recommandons également de visiter lors d’un voyage itinérant, la Crète possède sa propre identité et ressemble finalement assez peu au reste du pays. Mention spéciale pour sa gastronomie parmi les meilleures d’Europe !

Notre itinéraire pour découvrir l’une des plus grandes îles d’Europe

Il y a de fortes chances que vous débutiez vôtre road trip en Crète à l’aéroport d’ Héraklion . D’ici, récupérez un véhicule et faites route vers Rethymnon plus à ouest. Prenez ensuite le temps de découvrir la superbe ville de la Canée et sa région. De très jolies randonnées dans les spectaculaires gorges de Samaria sont également possibles. N’oubliez pas non plus de découvrir les plus jolies plages de Crète comme celle de Balos Beach ou encore la plage rose d’ Elafonisi .

Durée idéale pour un road trip en Crète

Pour suivre ce road trip à l’ouest de la Crète , une semaine sur place est idéale. Avec un peu plus de temps, il est possible d’envisager de faire le tour de l’île et d’avoir ainsi une vision bien plus globale de la province. Si vous avez la chance de rester en Crète plus de 2 semaines, pourquoi ne pas profiter d’être ici pour prendre un ferry depuis le port d’Heraklion en direction la mythique île de Santorin ?

Retrouvez tous nos articles pour bien préparer votre road trip en Crète

DES QUESTIONS SUR NOS 10 IDÉES DE ROAD TRIP EN EUROPE ?

Si vous avez aimé cet article, ou s’il vous a été utile, vous pouvez également nous laisser un petit mot en commentaire ou nous le signaler en lui attribuant 5 étoiles ! Cela nous fait toujours très plaisir.

Votre site est très bien fait . Je désire faire un road trip en Andalousie. D autres road trips m’intéresseraient par la suite , j’y reviendrai. Merci pour vos bons conseils

Bonjour Dominique,

Merci pour votre message 🙂 Vous faites un excellent choix en partant en road trip en Andalousie ! Il s’agit d’une de nos régions préférées d’Espagne ! Au plaisir de vous aider dans la préparation de prochains voyages également ! Marie

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Salut, moi c'est Marie !

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Conseils voyages

Comment préparer un tour d’Europe en voiture ?

Tout ce que vous devez savoir pour organiser au mieux votre tour d'europe en voiture.

Si vous envisagez de faire un voyage à travers l’Europe en voiture, alors je vous recommande fortement de bien préparer cette expérience. En dehors du budget relatif au carburant, s’informer sur le code de la route des pays traversés et les diverses réglementations sont à prendre en compte !

Pour organiser ce road trip sur les routes européennes, vous devez créer un itinéraire pertinent et stratégique pour ne pas perdre de temps. Bien que l’expérience soit excitante et enthousiasmante, je vous confie chaudement la lecture de ce guide pour éviter les mauvaises surprises et les imprévus.

Organiser un road trip à travers l’Europe en voiture !

Partir à la découverte de l’Europe, pays par pays, est une fabuleuse aventure. Elle l’est d’autant plus en voiture pour visiter un maximum de lieux en toute autonomie. Oui, je sens déjà le parfum de la liberté frôler vos narines, mais avant de pouvoir en profiter, conservez les pieds bien sur Terre !

Ce n’est pas un projet à prendre à la légère et cela ne s’improvise pas. Il convient d’accorder plusieurs mois de préparation et d’organisation pour effectuer ce road trip en toute sécurité et dans le meilleur des conforts. Dès lors, un certain nombre d’aspects sont à étudier avant le grand départ, en analysant toutes les possibilités et en anticipant les potentiels inconvénients et circonstances.

#1 Vérifier l’état de santé de votre véhicule

Peu importe le modèle de votre voiture, il est inconcevable de se lancer dans un road trip sans faire le point sur tous les aspects techniques et mécaniques. Emmenez votre véhicule chez un garagiste pour réaliser un contrôle technique et réalisez des diagnostics complets.

Si tout est en parfait état et si aucun risque n'est à prévoir, alors vous pouvez partir sereinement. A contrario, écoutez les conseils du professionnel et procédez aux réparations. Il vaut mieux prévenir que guérir et si des doutes persistent, tournez-vous vers la location de voiture pour être rassuré.

#2 Bien choisir le modèle de votre véhicule

Si vous conduisez une citadine, je ne peux pas vous forcer à louer une voiture. Cependant, organisez bien votre itinéraire et les lieux que vous souhaitez traverser. Certaines routes ne sont pas favorables à une conduite agréable et douce, donc mettez toutes les chances de votre côté avant de partir !

Pour celles et ceux qui veulent réserver une voiture de location, je vous recommande fortement de choisir une berline. Elles sont spacieuses, ce qui est un avantage pour les familles. Peu importe la durée de votre road trip en Europe, il est important de voyager dans les meilleures conditions.

#3 Upgrader son assurance auto : un indispensable

Pour partir en toute sécurité avec l’esprit tranquille, n’oubliez pas l’assurance auto. C’est le meilleur moyen d’appréhender les imprévus tels qu’une panne, un accident ou un vol. Avec une bonne assurance et des garanties complètes, vous n’aurez aucun frais à prévoir lors de votre voyage.

Dès lors, je vous conseille de contacter votre assurance pour étudier les offres. Partagez votre projet avec votre interlocuteur pour qu’il puisse vous orienter vers le meilleur pack possible. Ou bien, comparez les formules directement en ligne. Idéalement, il est préférable de se tourner vers un assureur proposant un large choix de packs auto et pour ça, je vous conseille Groupama et son assurance auto !

#4 Préparer le meilleur itinéraire possible

Bien que la voiture soit un vrai gain de liberté, restez organisé et préparé. L’itinéraire est l’élément central de votre voyage et il aura également une grande influence sur votre budget. Dès lors, dressez la liste des villes que vous voulez visiter, dans un ordre pertinent pour ne pas perdre de temps, vous pouvez par exemple prévoir de passer l'un de vos week-ends en amoureux en France ou bien faire en sorte d'aller visiter certains des plus beaux châteaux du monde en famille !

Naturellement, vous pourrez estimer la durée de votre tour d’Europe. Mais pas que, définir un itinéraire clair et cohérent peut vous faire économiser de l’argent. Bien entendu, accordez-vous un peu de souplesse et de flexibilité si vous souhaitez accorder plus de temps dans certains pays.

#5 Définir un budget pour votre road trip

La question de l’argent est fondamentale dans un tel projet. Pour cela, il faut prendre en compte le carburant, les péages d’autoroutes, l’hébergement, la nourriture et les activités. Ce sont des dépenses récurrentes qu’il faut budgétiser en priorité.

Ajouté à cela, renseignez-vous sur les diverses réglementations routières et le code de la route pour éviter les sanctions financières qui peuvent alourdir le portefeuille. Il faut également penser aux équipements, certains pays imposent des mesures strictes et non négociables à ce propos.

Pour les voitures de location, privilégiez un kilométrage illimité pour éviter les suppléments. Au mieux, sélectionnez un véhicule à moteur diesel pour faire des économies sur le carburant. D’ailleurs, il est toujours recommandé d’opter pour ce type de motorisation en cas de longs trajets !

#5 Réserver vos hébergements en avance

Sans aucun doute, lancez-vous dans la recherche de logements et réservez toutes les nuits à l’avance pour anticiper le voyage. Pour chaque ville traversée, réalisez vos réservations pour ne pas perdre de temps dans la recherche d’un endroit où dormir au moment venu, c’est mieux !

Pour faire des économies, privilégiez les auberges de jeunesse, les Bed & Breakfast ainsi que les petits établissements d’entrée de gamme. Ces hébergements proposent des tarifs intéressants allant de 15 à 30 euros la nuit, et c’est plus avantageux si vous voyagez à deux !

#6 Préparer tous les documents d’identité et justificatifs

En restant à l’intérieur des frontières européennes, vous n’avez pas besoin de visa pour vous déplacer à travers le continent. Toutefois, il est préférable de disposer d’une carte d’identité à jour ainsi que d’un passeport d’une validité d’au moins 3 mois.

Mais pas que, emportez tous les documents tels des attestations d’assurance et toutes les pièces que vous jugerez utiles. Evidemment, faites des photocopies pour des raisons de sécurité et si possible, il vaut mieux posséder une version anglais en cas de contrôle ou d’imprévus lors du voyage.

#7 Road trip en Europe et Covid-19

Cela n’est pas une surprise, informez-vous sur la situation sanitaire de chaque pays. Certains territoires filtrent le passage des frontières et vous pourrez être refusé d’accès. En règle générale, la voie terrestre est moins soumise aux restrictions mais il vaut mieux anticiper toute éventualité !

Les voyages ? Une passion ! Depuis 2013 (déjà !) je partage mes aventures sur ce blog voyage et je vous donne des conseils pour préparer vos prochaines escapades en Europe et un peu partout dans le monde !

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Europe Travel by Car: How to Plan Your Europe Road Trip in 2023

Looking for a guide on how to plan your Europe travel by car? Our ultimate guide provides essential tips, must-visit destinations, and cross-border regulations for your travel needs.

Europe is a continent that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a place that is best explored at your own pace, with the freedom to stop whenever you want to take in the breathtaking views and landmarks along the way. And what better way to do that than by planning a road trip across Europe?

Europe travel by car allows you to experience the charm of small towns, countryside landscapes, and other hidden gems often missed when traveling via public transport or plane. One of the key advantages of embarking on a Europe road trip is the ability to see more than one country during your travels.

You can explore different cultures and cuisines while driving from one country to another. The continent has an excellent network of roads and highways connecting major cities and smaller towns and villages.

With good planning and organization, you can cover several countries in a single trip or spend more time exploring one particular region in depth. Moreover, Europe travel by car offers flexibility in terms of timing – you can decide when to start your journey or make stops along the route without being bound by transportation schedules.

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Table of Contents

A Guide on How to Plan Your Europe Travel by Car

The unparalleled joy of self-driving vacations in Europe cannot be overstated. The freedom of the open road, the ability to stop and explore at will, and the chance to take in breathtaking scenery are all key reasons why Europe travel by car is an experience unlike any other.

For adventurers who yearn for a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of this fascinating continent, a road trip across Europe is a must. Key advantages of exploring Europe by car include giving travelers complete control over their itinerary.

You can choose your own pace, make impromptu stops, and even change your route as you go along. Road trips in Europe also allow travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture at their own leisurely pace; whether it’s sampling regional wines or indulging in local cuisine, there’s no better way to get a true sense of European life than by hitting the open road.

And with so many picturesque towns and hidden gems scattered throughout the continent, something new and exciting is always waiting to be discovered on a Europe road trip. Of course, planning a successful European road trip requires careful preparation.

One of the most critical aspects is thorough route planning. This means considering factors such as distance, driving hours per day (and taking breaks!), and ensuring you have time for stops at top European sights and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Choosing the right vehicle for your adventure is important; do you want to rent or bring your own? Will you need something fuel-efficient or with all-wheel drive?

Getting proper documentation sorted out beforehand is also crucial – remember insurance! With so many things to consider before embarking on an epic tour across Europe by car, it’s essential to plan carefully but leave some room for spontaneity, too — after all, isn’t that what makes travel fun?

The unparalleled joy of self-driving vacations in Europe

The unparalleled joy of self-driving vacations in Europe is something that every traveler needs to experience at least once in their lifetime. There’s just something special about hitting the open road and exploring the stunning scenery, quaint villages, and vibrant cities that make up this incredible continent. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Europe travel by car has become increasingly popular over the years.

One of the biggest advantages of embarking on a Europe road trip is its freedom and flexibility. Unlike other modes of transportation, you can decide where you go, how long you stay there, and what route you take.

This allows you to fully immerse yourself in each destination without feeling rushed or constrained by schedules or tour groups. Plus, with so many hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations waiting to be discovered all across Europe, having your own set of wheels gives you access to places that might otherwise be difficult (if possible) to reach via public transportation or walking tours.

Another major perk of Europe travel by car is the sense of adventure it provides. Whether navigating winding mountain roads or cruising along scenic coastal highways, every turn can bring a new surprise or breathtaking view.

Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about reaching a destination after tackling a challenging drive – it feels like an accomplishment in its own right! So if you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience Europe, consider hitting the road on your next vacation – who knows what amazing sights (and memories) await!

Key advantages of exploring Europe by car

Exploring Europe by car is one of the most exhilarating experiences a traveler can undertake. There are several key advantages to a road trip in Europe, including the freedom to travel at your own pace, the ability to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the flexibility to adjust your itinerary. With some planning, a European road trip can be an unforgettable adventure.

One of the biggest advantages of traveling by car in Europe is the freedom it allows. Unlike train or bus travel, driving gives you complete control over your schedule and allows you to stop and explore at your leisure.

Whether you want to detour through the picturesque countryside or spend an extra day in a charming small town, having your own vehicle means you can do so without worrying about missing connections or adhering to strict schedules. Additionally, European road trips offer unparalleled flexibility when deciding how long you want to stay in each destination; if you fall in love with a particular place along the way, there’s no need to rush off before you’re ready.

Another advantage of exploring Europe by car is that it allows visitors access to some truly exceptional destinations that might be challenging (or even possible) to reach via public transportation. From tiny hilltop villages in Tuscany and hidden beaches on Croatia’s coast, driving gives travelers access to hidden gems that other tourists may never see.

Not only does this make for a more immersive travel experience, but it also means that visitors have opportunities for unique and unforgettable experiences they might not otherwise get. And if adventure is what you seek – exploring remote roads across rugged mountain ranges or winding coastal highways – there’s no better way than taking an epic road trip across Europe.

Essential Tips for Planning a European Road Trip

Planning a European road trip requires careful preparation to maximize your adventure. Before starting your journey, consider the best times of year to visit Europe and key factors like distance, driving hours, and stopovers.

Best times of the year for a road trip across Europe

The best times of the year for a road trip across Europe vary depending on your preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for mild weather and fewer crowds, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal. The landscapes are lush and colorful during these seasons, creating great photo opportunities.

The roads are less congested so you can enjoy your Europe road trip more leisurely. However, if you prefer long days of sunshine and warm temperatures that allow you to swim in the sea or visit outdoor attractions such as parks or beaches, then summer (June to August) is your best bet.

This is also peak season for European tourism, so expect higher prices and larger crowds on popular routes. Conversely, if you’re on a budget or want to avoid touristy areas altogether, winter (December to February) can be a good option — as long as you don’t mind driving in snow or rain.

Some regions may also have limited opening hours during this time of year due to weather conditions. Ultimately, the best time of year for a road trip in Europe depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.

Do you prioritize comfortable weather or empty roads? Are there any cultural festivals or events that interest you?

Plan around those factors while being open-minded enough to adapt your itinerary. Remember: flexibility is key when it comes to road trips across Europe!

The importance of thorough route planning

A Europe road trip can be the ultimate adventure for travelers looking to experience the continent’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. To make the most of your journey, thorough route planning is essential.

1. Considering factors such as distance, driving hours, and stopovers

When planning a road trip through Europe, several factors must be considered. The first and most essential factor is the distance between your starting point and destination.

While it may be tempting to cover as many countries as possible in one trip, realistically, you must account for driving hours before making any concrete plans. In Europe, the roads are generally excellent, but traffic can be unpredictable.

Plan your route carefully to avoid traffic jams and other delays that could hinder your journey. Depending on how long you plan to travel each day, consider scheduling stopovers to rest or explore some of the beautiful towns in Europe.

This will help break up the long drives and make them more enjoyable for everyone involved in the trip. These small towns offer a glimpse into local culture; they have cafes with delicious food and drinks, cozy accommodations with comfortable beds, and breathtaking views of European landscapes.

Another aspect that you might overlook when planning a road trip in Europe is the duration of driving hours each day. Long drives can be tiresome for everyone involved; therefore, scheduling enough time for breaks during those days when you’re planning to drive long distances is crucial.

When driving around Europe by car, it’s best to aim for no more than four hours of driving per day for everyone’s safety and comfort level. All in all, when considering factors such as distance, driving hours, and stopovers during a European road trip, ensure that you strike a balance between exploring new places while still enjoying yourself without feeling stressed out or exhausted from extended periods on the road each day of your adventure through this fascinating continent!

2. Inclusion of top European sights and off-the-beaten-path destinations

When planning your road trip through Europe, you’ll want to include both the must-see destinations and some off-the-beaten-path gems. Of course, the top European sights are popular for a reason – stunning architecture, rich history, and breathtaking views.

But feel free to venture away from the tourist crowds and discover some of Europe’s hidden treasures. Among the top European sights that should be on every road trip itinerary are Paris ‘ Eiffel Tower, Rome’s Colosseum, Barcelona’s Park Güell, London’s Big Ben and the Tower Bridge, and Amsterdam’s canals.

These iconic landmarks offer a glimpse into Europe’s rich cultural heritage and are to be noticed. However, it is important to manage your time wisely to fit in other lesser-known destinations along your route.

Some off-the-beaten-path destinations worth considering include:

• Romania’s painted monasteries in Bucovina or visiting the Carpathian Mountains for some hiking.
• Slovenia’s Lake Bled and its surrounding Julian Alps provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as rafting.
• Liechtenstein’s quaint villages with their charming castles.
• Croatia’s stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park.
• Portugal’s Algarve region is famous for its beaches and seafood cuisine.
• Iceland’s famous Route 1 road trip offers vistas of glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking opportunities.

These unique locations offer a different perspective on Europe travel by car – one that is less crowded with tourists but no less impressive.

Choosing the right vehicle for the journey

Choosing the right vehicle is crucial to planning a road trip in Europe. When deciding between rental and personal vehicles, assess the pros and cons of each option.

1. Car rental versus bringing your vehicle

When planning a Europe road trip, one of the first decisions is renting or bringing your vehicle. Both options have pros and cons, so carefully consider what will work best for you. If you rent a car, you can access various vehicles depending on your needs.

Rental companies typically offer cars in all sizes and models, from compact cars for solo travelers or couples with little luggage to larger SUVs or minivans for families or groups traveling with more gear. Additionally, rental cars come equipped with necessities such as insurance and GPS navigation systems.

However, renting a car can be expensive and additional fees can add up quickly, especially if you plan on crossing borders between countries during your Europe travel by car. Make sure you fully understand the rental agreement before signing any contracts.

On the other hand, bringing your vehicle can save money on rentals and give you more flexibility in selecting your route. This option is particularly appealing if you already own an appropriate, comfortable vehicle for long-distance drives.

Plus, having a familiar car can make navigating unfamiliar territory easier and less stressful during Europe road trips. However, driving long distances can cause wear and tear on the vehicle, which may require repairs.

Additionally, certain regulations, such as emissions standards, may prevent non-European vehicles from entering some European cities or countries. Be sure to research these regulations before planning your journey through Europe by car.

2. Selecting the right size, fuel efficiency, and comfort level

When planning your Europe road trip, selecting the right size, fuel efficiency, and comfort level for your vehicle is essential. The size of your car will depend on how many people you are traveling with and what kind of luggage you have.

It’s best to rent a car that is just the right size. You want a car that comfortably fits everyone and their luggage without feeling cramped or uncomfortable.

Additionally, smaller cars are more fuel-efficient than larger ones, saving you gas money during European road trips. Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider when renting or bringing your car for an extended Europe travel by car journey.

Most rental companies offer cars with good gas mileage, but it’s always wise to double-check before signing on the dotted line. Furthermore, consider choosing a diesel-powered vehicle as they tend to have better fuel economy than gasoline-powered vehicles, which can help keep costs down if you drive long distances throughout your trip.

Comfort level should also be considered when selecting a European road trip vehicle. Consider how much time you’ll spend in the car each day and what amenities are important during those long drives.

Features like air conditioning, comfortable seats, and Bluetooth connectivity are all things that can make a big difference in making your road trips in Europe more enjoyable and less stressful. Pack some pillows or neck rests for added comfort during those extended journeys!

Preparing for long drives

Preparing for a long drive is crucial for a road trip in Europe. Adequate rest is important before hitting the road.

1. Adequate rest

One of the most important things to consider when planning your Europe road trip is ensuring enough rest. Driving for long hours can be exhausting, especially if you’re visiting multiple destinations in a short amount of time. While trying to cram as much sightseeing as possible into your itinerary is tempting, taking breaks and giving yourself time to unwind is crucial.

Invest enough time for rest stops and overnight stays when planning your road trip. It’s a good idea to plan out your driving routes carefully so that you can stop at interesting places along the way, such as scenic viewpoints or charming towns.

Avoid driving for more than 4-5 hours per day, and aim to arrive at your destination with plenty of time before sunset. This will allow you to explore each place and truly appreciate what makes it unique.

Another important aspect of getting enough rest on a Europe road trip is choosing comfortable accommodations. While it may be tempting to save money by staying in budget-friendly hotels or hostels, remember that getting a good night’s sleep is key to enjoying your travels.

Consider splurging on cozy bed-and-breakfasts or charming guesthouses with comfy beds and plush linens. This will ensure you feel rested and refreshed each day during your Europe travel by car and help create lasting memories of your journey across this fascinating continent.

2. Smartphone apps and navigation systems for seamless travel

One of the most critical aspects of planning road trips in Europe is ensuring that your navigation system is up-to-date and efficient. Whether you plan on using an app on your smartphone or a dedicated GPS device, having reliable directions can make or break your journey. Numerous options exist, from free apps like Google Maps to paid services like TomTom.

Google Maps is an excellent option for those who prefer to travel light and avoid carrying multiple devices. It offers real-time traffic updates, so you can reroute if needed, and has a wealth of information about restaurants, gas stations, and attractions.

You can also download maps in advance to use offline if you don’t have access to data while traveling. On the other hand, TomTom is designed specifically for driving and offers more advanced routing options than most mobile apps.

It also has voice-guided turn-by-turn directions that work even in areas with limited or no data coverage. When choosing which navigation system to use for your Europe road trip, consider cost, ease of use, the accuracy of maps and directions provided, and any extra features that may be important to you (e.g., traffic updates).

3. Ensuring proper vehicle documentation and insurance coverage

Before starting your Europe road trip, you must ensure proper vehicle documentation and insurance coverage. This can be especially important if you’re renting a car rather than bringing your vehicle. Check with the rental company to see what documentation they require for the car, such as a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

It’s also crucial to understand the rental agreement fully, including any restrictions or fees for cross-border travel. Regarding insurance coverage, you’ll want to ensure adequate protection in case of an accident or theft.

Most rental companies offer basic insurance coverage as part of the rental agreement, but more is needed, depending on your needs. Consider purchasing additional coverage, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft protection, for added peace of mind during your Europe travel by car.

If you’re bringing your vehicle from home, ensuring all your documentation is up-to-date and valid for international travel is important. This includes valid driver’s licenses, registration documents, and proof of insurance covering international travel.

Check with your auto insurance provider before leaving home to verify that you have adequate coverage for European road trips. With proper vehicle documentation and insurance coverage, you can relax and enjoy Europe’s stunning scenery on your road trip adventure!

Advice on traveling with children and pets

Traveling with children and pets is an exciting way to create unforgettable memories on your Europe road trip. However, planning and making the necessary arrangements is essential to ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey for all. Here are some tips for traveling with children and pets on a Europe travel by car:

When traveling with kids, plan your itinerary accordingly. Make frequent stops along the way, as it can be challenging for young children to sit in a car for long periods.

Pack plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment options like books, games, or tablets to keep them occupied. Also, consider investing in a backseat organizer or tray table to hold items such as drinks, toys, or coloring supplies within reach.

Proper preparation is key for pets traveling with you on your Europe travel by car adventure. Prioritize their safety by securing them in a pet carrier or harness that attaches to the seat belt during transit.

Bring their bowls to ensure they can access fresh water and food during the trip. Additionally, stop frequently so they can take bathroom breaks and stretch their legs—remember to clean up after them each time.

Traveling with children and pets requires extra planning but can be incredibly rewarding. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to bond with loved ones while exploring new sights during European road trips!

Must-Visit European Destinations by Car

One of the best things about Europe travel by car is the ability to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations often missed by traditional tourists.

Scenic European Road Trips

You’ll be spoiled for choice if you dream of scenic European road trips. Europe’s enchanting landscapes, from the rugged coasts of Croatia to the vineyards of France’s Alsace region, provide picturesque backdrops that are perfect for a road trip. Here are some of our top picks for scenic European road trips that will take your breath away.

1. The Coastal Gems of Croatia: From Zagreb to Dubrovnik

The scenic coastal road trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is a must-do for anyone exploring Croatia by car. This picturesque route spans over 600 kilometers of beautiful coastline and stunning landscapes that will take your breath away.

The journey starts from the capital city of Zagreb, where you can visit the famous St. Mark’s Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and other charming spots before hitting the road. Traveling south towards Dubrovnik, you’ll be treated to some of Europe’s most beautiful coastal views.

One of the highlights of this road trip is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a collection of 16 turquoise-colored lakes that cascade into each other through a series of waterfalls and cascades.

Walking along wooden footbridges and trails, you’ll feel like you’re in an enchanted forest straight out of a fairy tale. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as this park can get crowded during peak season.

Along with Plitvice Lakes National Park, there are several charming towns worth stopping at, such as Split, Zadar , and Ston, where visitors can experience more than just natural beauty but also soak in Croatia’s rich culture and history. Overall, this road trip provides an unforgettable experience for lovers of nature and architecture on their Europe travel-by-car adventure.

The stunning coastal views and ancient architecture make it a must on any Europe road trip itinerary. So pack your bags, grab your camera, rent a car, or bring your vehicle – get ready for an amazing adventure through one of Europe’s most beautiful countries!

2. Navigating the Picture-Perfect Villages of Cotswolds, England

You must mention the Cotswolds in England to talk about Europe travel by car. This region boasts some of the most picturesque villages in the world, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone going on a Europe road trip.

Driving through the Cotswolds, you will be amazed by the scenic views of thatched-roof cottages, rolling hills, and historic market towns. One notable village in the Cotswolds is Bourton-on-the-Water.

This quaint village is often called “the Venice of the Cotswolds” due to its lovely low bridges that cross over River Windrush. Visitors can stroll along its idyllic streets, take a boat ride down River Windrush, or visit one of its many tea rooms for some classic English scones and tea.

Another village worth visiting is Bibury, which was once described as “the most beautiful village in England” by William Morris. Here, you can explore Arlington Row – a cluster of 14th-century weavers’ cottages preserved over time.

One thing to note while exploring the Cotswolds on your Europe road trip is that some roads are narrow and winding – typical of English country lanes – so it’s important to take caution while driving. However, these roads allow drivers to experience quintessential British countryside driving firsthand!

3. Italian Romance: Tuscany’s Sun-Kissed Tuscan Roads

When planning your Europe road trip, no itinerary is complete without a stop in Tuscany. The region’s sun-kissed Tuscan roads are a quintessential part of any Italian road trip and offer an unbeatable combination of stunning scenery, delicious food, and rich culture.

From the rolling hills of Chianti to charming hilltop towns such as San Gimignano and Montepulciano, driving in Tuscany is an unforgettable experience. One must-visit spot along Tuscany’s sun-kissed Tuscan roads is the medieval city of Siena.

This enchanting town is home to some of the best-preserved architecture in Italy and has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The main square, or Piazza del Campo, hosts the famous Palio horse race yearly and is a must-see attraction in Siena.

Drive through the heart of town before stopping at one of its many cafes for an authentic Italian coffee experience. Take time to explore Siena’s narrow winding streets lined with boutique shops selling local goods like olive oils and wines from vineyards across Tuscany while enjoying Italian culinary delights such as tagliatelle al ragù or bistecca alla Fiorentina along with your favorite glass of Chianti wine!

4. Chasing Waterfalls and Fjords in Norway: The Atlantic Ocean Road

If you want to make your Europe travel by car even more spectacular, Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road is a must-visit destination. This stunning 8.3 km road is built on an archipelago of small islands, bridges, and causeways, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding fjords.

One of the highlights of this route is the Storseisundet Bridge, which curves dramatically over the water and gives the impression that you’re driving straight into the sea. It’s an unforgettable sight that’s sure to leave you awestruck.

As you drive along this road, stop at one of the many viewpoints to fully appreciate all its beauty. Be prepared for sudden weather changes as well – it can go from sunny skies to foggy conditions in minutes here!

So watch your surroundings as you experience one of Europe’s most iconic road trips. But it’s not just about scenic views – plenty of outdoor activities and adventures are in store for Europe travel by car enthusiasts.

Take a hike at one of Norway’s national parks nearby or go fishing and kayaking in the fjords. You might even spot some seals or whales if you’re lucky!

If traveling during winter, snowmobiling across snow-covered trails with stunning mountain views is popular among tourists visiting Norway during winter months; however, be aware that conditions can be harsh and dangerous at times due to strong winds and heavy snowfall. All said and done, if breathtaking natural beauty coupled with thrilling adventures is what you seek on your next Europe travel by-car adventure, Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road should be on your bucket list!

5. Fairy Tale Castles and Vineyards in Germany’s Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is the quintessential Europe road trip, showcasing the very best of Bavaria. This route spans 350 kilometers from Würzburg to Füssen and passes through picturesque towns, scenic routes, and amazing landscapes. This is a must-visit location if you are looking for a fairytale experience on your Europe travel by car.

One of the highlights of this route is the Neuschwanstein Castle in Hohenschwangau. This castle has inspired many Disney movies, and its architecture will awaken you.

Another stunning stop on your Europe road trip is Würzburg’s Residenz Palace, which was built in the baroque style in 1744 by Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn. The palace has 360 rooms and beautiful gardens as perfect picnic spots.

Additionally, you’ll find vineyards lining the hillsides along this route which produce famous German wines such as Riesling or Müller-Thurgau. Take a break from driving to sample local wines at one of their vineyards, or visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where they offer an excellent wine-tasting experience and medieval charm.

Pro tip:  When visiting Germany’s Romantic Road during your Europe travel by car, drive through it slowly so you can take in all its beauty at a leisurely pace. You’ll also get to interact with locals who are always eager to share their stories about their town’s history and culture with visitors on road trips in Europe!

Lesser-Known European Treasures

Looking for some lesser-known European destinations to explore on your next Europe road trip? Look no further! Here are some hidden gems that you absolutely can’t miss.

1. Traversing the Transfagarasan Road in Romania

Traversing the Transfagarasan Road in Romania is a dream come true for many lovers of Europe who travel by car. This 56-mile-long road is perched high in the Carpathian Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The twisting and turning road was built as a military route in the 1970s, but today it’s considered one of the most beautiful roads in Europe.

The journey along Transfagarasan Road starts at either Cartisoara or Curtea de Arges, accessible from Romania’s capital, Bucharest . Once you’ve started driving, you’ll soon find yourself immersed in nature, with rolling hills on one side and steep drops on the other.

You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls cascading down mountainsides and alpine meadows brimming with wildflowers. There are various lookout points along the way where you can pause to take stunning photos or soak up the beauty around you.

Plenty of hiking trails will take you further into nature if you’re feeling adventurous. But be warned – this road requires good driving skills due to its winding nature and frequent hairpin turns!

2. Exploring Spain’s Wild North: Costa de la Muerte

Regarding European road trips, Spain may not be the first country to come to mind. However, exploring Spain’s wild north is worth considering if you want a less touristy and more authentic experience.

One of the hidden gems of this region is Costa de la Muerte, which translates to “Coast of Death.” Don’t let the name fool you, though – this coastal route boasts stunning views and historic towns that are well worth a visit. Located in the province of A Coruña in Galicia, Costa de la Muerte stretches about 200 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean.

Driving along this scenic route will take you through quaint fishing villages like Muxía and Fisterra (Finisterre in Spanish), which ancient Romans believed to be the end of the world. You can also explore charming towns like Camariñas, where traditional lace-making is still practiced today.

One of the most memorable sights on this Europe road trip is the impressive lighthouse at Cape Finisterre, which marks the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Standing atop its cliffs at sunset is an experience you will remember sometime soon!

3. Discovering Ireland’s Ancient East on the Boyne Valley Drive

The Boyne Valley Drive is a must-visit destination for anyone embarking on a road trip in Ireland. Follow the 225 km route, starting from Dublin and heading north to the rural hinterlands of Meath and Louth counties.

The drive will take you through breathtaking landscapes encapsulating Ireland’s rich heritage, including ancient ruins, prehistoric tombs, monasteries, and castles. One of the highlights of this beautiful drive is the Newgrange passage tomb which dates back to 3200 BC. This impressive site is older than both Stonehenge and Egypt’s pyramids!

As you approach Newgrange, you’ll be greeted by an imposing grass-covered mound that houses underground chambers. Book a guided tour well in advance during your visit, as it can get busy during the peak season.

Your guide will take you through the narrow passageway leading into the heart of Newgrange, where you’ll marvel at its impressive structure while learning about its fascinating history. The site also features an informative visitor center that details the intricacies of Neolithic life in Ireland.

Another road trip highlight is Trim Castle – one of Ireland’s most impressive medieval fortresses in County Meath. This imposing castle was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173 and served as a strategic stronghold during numerous battles throughout Irish history.

Upon arrival at Trim Castle, stop by its visitor center and pick up an audio guide for context on its tumultuous past before embarking on your self-guided tour. You’ll stroll around its grounds while exploring its many towers, walls, and fortifications that offer stunning views across much of County Meath.

4. Unlocking the Secrets of Switzerland’s Klausen Pass

The Klausen Pass in Switzerland is a hidden gem that should be on every intrepid traveler’s Europe road trip itinerary. With its winding roads, stunning vistas, and awe-inspiring mountain views, the Klausen Pass is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to experience the best of what Switzerland offers.

Driving along the Klausen Pass is like driving through an Alpine postcard. The road snakes through a mountainous landscape filled with towering peaks, lush green valleys, and sparkling lakes.

Along the way, you’ll pass charming Swiss villages straight out of a storybook. Some notable stops on this stretch include the town of Linthal and Lake Klöntal.

Be sure to take plenty of breaks to soak in the stunning scenery and snap some photos along the way! One of the highlights of driving along Klausen Pass is witnessing hairpin turns as you snake your way up and across mountains.

It’s not for faint-hearted drivers; however, it’s worth it for those who love an adventurous drive while on their Europe travel by car journey! The road surface is excellent but narrow at certain points where two cars can barely pass each other (and sometimes not at all).

There are plenty of lookout points where you can stop to catch your breath or have a picnic lunch while admiring the jaw-dropping views. This destination might be an off-the-beaten path, but it’s worth every effort to get there because it offers an unforgettable Europe road trip experience.

5. Savoring French Gastronomy and Nature in Alsace’s Wine Route

If you enjoy French cuisine and wine, a visit to Alsace’s Wine Route is a must-do during your Europe road trip. Located in eastern France, the region boasts more than 170 km of beautiful vineyards that produce some of the world’s most renowned white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.

The route begins in Marlenheim and winds through picturesque villages such as Obernai, Ribeauville, and Colmar. In addition to tasting delicious wines at local cellars and vineyards along the way, you can also indulge in plenty of traditional Alsatian dishes such as tarte flambée (a thin-crust pizza-like dish with onions, cream, and bacon), choucroute (a hearty plate of sauerkraut with various types of meat) and backoff (a slow-cooked casserole with lamb, beef, and potatoes).

The charming towns on the route are dotted with cozy restaurants serving up these local specialties alongside glasses of crisp white wines – perfect for taking a break from driving during your Europe travel by car adventure. Make sure to save some room for dessert, too – try kugelhopf (an almond cake) or Bretzel d’Alsace (soft pretzels coated in coarse salt).

Navigating Cross-Border Rules and Regulations

Navigating Cross-Border Rules and Regulations If you plan to take your car on a European road trip, it’s important to understand the cross-border rules and regulations of driving through multiple countries.

Understanding European rental car agreements and restrictions

Understanding European Rental Car Agreements and Restrictions When planning your Europe road trip, knowing what you’re getting into with rental car agreements and restrictions is essential.

First, choose a reputable rental car company that offers transparent agreements without hidden fees. Before signing, you should read the entire contract to understand the terms and conditions, including the rental period, pickup and drop-off locations, fuel policy, insurance coverage, and mileage limits.

Many rental car companies have age restrictions for drivers. In most European countries, the minimum age for renting a car is 21-25 years old.

Some companies may charge additional fees for younger drivers or require them to hold a valid driver’s license for at least two years. Also, if there are multiple drivers in your group, ensure that each person is listed in the agreement to avoid any issues if you get stopped by police or involved in an accident.

Additionally, be aware of any cross-border restrictions when traveling between countries during your Europe travel by car. Some rental car companies may not allow their vehicles to cross specific borders or charge extra fees.

It’s best to check beforehand to plan your route accordingly and avoid any surprises along the way. With adequate preparation and research into rental agreements and restrictions across Europe, travel by car can be an enjoyable, stress-free experience!

Cross-border fees and insurance coverage

Cross-border fees and insurance coverage are important for planning a Europe road trip. When renting a car, many companies impose restrictions on which countries the vehicle can be driven to and what fees apply when crossing borders. Some rental companies might not allow their vehicles to be driven to certain countries, while others will charge an additional fee for the privilege.

Before embarking on your road trip in Europe, it is crucial to read carefully through the rental agreement and consult with the rental company about any cross-border requirements. Another important consideration is ensuring that you have adequate insurance coverage in case of an accident or damage to the vehicle.

Most rental companies offer basic insurance coverage as part of their package, but this may only cover some things. Additional protection can be purchased during booking or pickup time, including collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft protection (TP).

However, it is important to carefully read through all additional coverage options, as some items, like personal liability, may already be included in your regular travel insurance policies. You must also understand what documentation is required regarding proof of insurance when driving across borders in Europe.

Necessary driving permits, including the International Driving Permit (IDP)

When planning a Europe road trip, having the necessary driving permits for each country you plan to visit is essential. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that validates your driver’s license and allows you to drive in over 150 countries worldwide legally.

In Europe, an IDP, along with your original driver’s license from your home country, is often required by law. It’s important to note that the IDP does not replace your driver’s license but rather complements it.

To obtain an IDP, you must contact the authorized organization in your home country that issues them. In most cases, this is the automobile association or club.

You must provide proof of identity and residency and two passport-sized photos. There is also usually a small fee for processing the application.

Once issued, an IDP typically lasts one year from the issue date. It’s important to check if an IDP is required in each country you plan to visit during your Europe travel by car adventure before departing on your road trip.

Some countries may also require additional permits or paperwork, such as proof of insurance or vehicle registration documents. It’s always better to be prepared beforehand than face unnecessary complications or fines on the road!

Adhering to local traffic laws and speed limits

Driving laws and speed limits vary depending on the country you visit in Europe, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules before starting your road trip. Most European countries have similar traffic laws, but there are some differences to be aware of.

For instance, driving on the right side of the road is standard in most European countries, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland, where drivers operate on the left. You must also pay attention to speed limits, which can change frequently in certain areas.

Lower speed limits are enforced in some cities, like Paris and Barcelona . Therefore it’s important to watch for any posted speed limit signs or check beforehand what a particular area’s speed limit is.

Also, many European roads have automated cameras installed to monitor drivers’ speeds and issue fines automatically if you exceed the limit. This means that staying within the legal driving norms while on your Europe road trip will help you avoid getting into trouble with local police or receiving hefty fines that could ruin your travel budget.

Tips for handling road tolls and transportation fees

Handling road tolls and transportation fees can be a hassle on a Europe road trip. However, you can save time and money with some preparation and knowledge.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the different fees you might encounter while driving in Europe. Firstly, it’s important to know that different countries have different systems of charging tolls.

For example, you might come across toll booths and electronic tags that automatically charge your account in France. In Italy , there are often tickets issued at the entrance that must be paid upon exit.

Do your research before entering a country to know what to expect and plan accordingly. Also, remember that some areas may require permits or special passes for certain vehicles, such as buses or campervans.

Another tip is to use technology to your advantage. Many GPS systems have features that alert drivers when they’re approaching a toll plaza or even provide alternate routes to avoid them altogether.

Furthermore, apps like TollGuru or Toll Collect (depending on the country) allow you to calculate your journey’s cost and plan accordingly. Keep track of your expenses by keeping receipts and noting any charges incurred during your drive.

This way, when it comes time to settle up at the end of your Europe travel by-car adventure, you’ll have all the information needed for accurate accounting. These tips make handling road tolls and transportation fees easy on your next European road trip!

So, why should you plan a Europe travel by car?

As we end our ultimate guide to Europe travel by car, it’s worth reflecting on the importance of good planning. Careful preparation can make all the difference, whether embarking on a weeks-long road trip or just a weekend getaway. Spending extra time mapping out your route, researching destinations and attractions, and ensuring that you have all the necessary documentation can help ensure smooth sailing (or driving!) throughout your trip.

Of course, one of the most important aspects of planning a successful Europe road trip is maintaining an open mind. While it’s wise to have some basic plans ahead of time – such as a rough itinerary and lodging reservations – it’s also important to remain flexible and adaptable.

After all, some of the most memorable experiences can happen when you least expect them! So while it’s okay to have a general idea of where you want to go and what you want to see while on your road trips in Europe, feel free to stray from your planned path if something piques your interest.

Who knows? You may discover hidden gems that are even more amazing than what was on your original itinerary!

Plan your trip to Europe: Monthly breakdown

• Europe in January
• Europe in February
• Europe in March
• Europe in April
• Europe in May
• Europe in June
• Europe in July
• Europe in August
• Europe in September
• Europe in October
• Europe in November
• Europe in December

Plan your trip to Europe by season

• Winter in Europe: Top 21 Winter Destinations in Europe
• Spring in Europe: Top 15 Spring Destinations in Europe
• Summer in Europe: Top 14 Best Summer Destinations in Europe
• Autumn in Europe: Top 15 Fall Destinations in Europe

Europe by Experience

• Northern Lights Holiday: Top 10 Destinations to Spot Aurora Borealis
• Where to See the Midnight Sun: Top 8 Places Where the Sun Never Sets
• 25 Beautiful Castles in Europe That Would Inspire Your Wanderlust
• 30 BEST Fairytale like Towns in Europe (That Will Tickle Your Wanderlust)
• Top 20 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit for Budget Travelers
• Top 10 BEST Destinations for New Year’s Eve in Europe
• Christmas in Europe: Top 15 MAGICAL Ideas for Christmas
• 26+ Best National Parks in Europe You Must Check Out!
• Top 25 Best European Foods You Must Try!
• Top 15 Best Road Trips in Europe
• 30 BEST Places to Visit in Europe
• 26 Most Romantic Destinations in Europe
• Top 10 Party Destinations in Europe to Experience

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Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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Where to Go on a Winter Road Trip in Europe: 13 Winter-approved Itinerary Ideas

Winter might not be everyone’s top choice for a driving holiday in Europe – but driving in the off-season is a great strategy for beating the crowds and taking advantage of low car rental prices.

An abundance of festive events, winter sports and other special experiences on offer makes winter the perfect time to explore parts of Europe by road.

Whether you’re searching for a chilled escape in the winter sunshine or a full ice-and-snow immersion, this list of the best winter road trip routes in Europe has something for you. Discover Christmas markets, fairytale villages and castles, frozen waterfalls, truffle-hunting, winter hiking and skiing, and more!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Quick tips for planning a winter road trip in Europe

Make sure your car is winter-ready. Winter tires or snow tires are mandatory in some European countries (including Romania, Germany and Norway), and it’s a good idea to have tires with a deep tread regardless. If you’re travelling with your own car, make sure you know how to properly fit your tires in advance. If you’re renting a car , most agents include a winter set in the price.

Account for shorter days when planning your itinerary. Daylight hours are obviously more limited in winter, and you’ll want to avoid driving at night whenever possible. This means you’ll need to do a bit more pre-planning to make sure you get your timing right. You should also add 20-30% more time onto each travel leg to account for driving at slower speeds.

Avoid driving in snow and ice. Some major roads and highways are gritted overnight and by morning, they can be icy and slippery. Wherever possible, try to start your drive in the mid-morning or early afternoon after the roads have had a chance to warm up a bit.

Always check weather conditions before you set out. It’s no fun driving through a snowstorm or battling icy rain – in fact, it can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have a lot of winter driving experience. Research the best local channels for checking the weather and stay abreast of changes to avoid getting caught out.

Know when to leave the car behind. Remember, you don’t always have to drive. If there’s a place you want to visit but don’t feel comfortable driving yourself (such as a mountain region), you can always leave your car somewhere safe and take the train instead .

Hiring a car in winter in Europe

One of the best things about hiring a car in winter is lower prices. You’ll also find that many destinations have a greater availability of vehicles in winter.

For destinations in the Balkans including Montenegro , Bulgaria and Greece plus Spain, Portugal and Iceland, I recommend using Local Rent to find a car. This platform offers budget-friendly cars from local agents with lots of perks.

→ Check rates for your destination on Local Rent

For other destinations around Europe, I recommend using Discover Cars to search and compare rates from international car hire companies.

→ Compare prices for your destination on Discover Cars

13 epic winter road trips in Europe

Transylvania winter road trip for ethereal castles & winter sports.

When it comes to dreamy winter destinations in Europe, it doesn’t get much better than Transylvania. Make no mistake, Romania is cold in winter – but if you can brave the chilly conditions, you’ll be treated to vistas of the snowy Carpathian Mountains, romantic cities , ethereally beautiful hilltop castles and fortified churches, winter hiking opportunities, and even skiing.

December is an ideal month to drive in Romania. The famously windy Transfagarasan Highway is closed from November due to snow, but you’ll find all major highways are accessible. Remember to ensure your car is winter-ready and always check conditions before you set out. For ease, it’s best to stick to the centre of the country and avoid the high mountains. Allow yourself 7-10 days to explore.

Before hitting the road, give yourself a couple of nights in the capital to experience Bucharest in winter . Enjoy the quiet streets, indulge in life-affirming Romanian food, and warm up with a day at Therme, Europe’s largest spa.

Make a loop around Transylvania, first visiting Brasov and Sinaia Castle. If winter sports are your thing, there are 14 km of ski and snowboard runs at Poiana Brasov in the hills above the city. Continue to the fortified towns of Sibiu, Alba Iulia and Sighisoara , each with its own beautiful town square that is lit up with Christmas decorations and markets throughout December.

Be sure to include a few of Romania’s iconic medieval fortresses on your itinerary too, including the must-see Bran Castle.

Driving the Iceland Ring Road in Winter for Frozen Waterfalls & the Northern Lights

One of the best winter road trips in Europe can be found in Iceland on the Ring Road from Reykjavik to Hofn. Although you can drive around the entire island on the Ring Road, the northern part of this drive can be unsafe in the winter. For this reason, it is recommended that you stick to the southern half.

You will likely start your trip from the Reykjavik area. There are many neat things to see and do in the capital including Hallgrímskirkja, The Sun Voyager, and Harpa Concert Hall. In winter, you must your accommodation in Reykjavik wisely, being sure to stay somewhere central.

After leaving the city and heading south on Route 1, the next major stop you will come to is Vik, Iceland. If time allows, plan to spend 1-2 days in this area.

A few of the best things to do near Vik, Iceland include Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey, the DC3 plane wreck, and Yoda cave. This is also an excellent location to view the Northern Lights.

Continuing towards Hofn, you will find several lovely stops including Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, and Vatnajökull National Park. There are also countless incredible waterfalls along this route. If the weather allows, consider stopping for a few hikes along the way. The views are hard to beat!

Driving in Iceland is relatively stress-free compared to many other countries. The traffic outside of the major cities is very light, and you will often have long stretches of the road to yourself – especially in winter.

Always be aware of the weather. Keep an eye on any storms brewing in the area, and be aware that during high winds, it can be unsafe to drive at all. Have a backup plan in mind in case the weather impacts your travels.

By Janae from Adventures With TuckNae

Winter Road Trip from Bergen for Colourful Houses & Norwegian Fjords

A fantastic winter road trip for those used to driving in snow is the fjords of Western Norway. The fjords are heavily visited in the summer months, but few embark on the journey between November and March. This is a great time to hit the roads and see the scenery for yourself!

There are a few factors to consider when visiting Western Norway in winter. The first is that winter tires are mandatory when driving. If you are bringing your own car, they must be on as soon as you cross into Norway. If you’re renting a car, they will already have them ready to go. Secondly, daylight hours are far shorter in winter than in summer, so you should be prepared for nighttime driving or staying overnight on the road.

An ideal starting point for your winter adventure is Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. The city is milder than other Norwegian cities in the winter, and if you’re there in December, you will have a chance to check out the world’s largest gingerbread village at Pepperkakebyen! Be sure to also eat some pinnekjøtt, fiskesuppe, and raspeballer when visiting Bergen during the colder months.

From Bergen, you have plenty of options for road trips, but the most beautiful one will take you to Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord. Some of the best stops along the way are Voss (Norway’s adventure sports’ capital), Stalheim (for the famous hotel as well as one of the curviest roads in Europe called Stalheimskleiva), Gudvangen (home of Viking Valley), and finally Flåm. If you venture a little further, you can check out the famous Stegastein viewpoint.

This road trip would only take 2 hours and 45 minutes during the summer months, but will likely take around 4 hours or more in the winter. There are also plenty of waterfalls and attractions along the way that you’ll likely want to stop at. Flåm has a few accommodation options, and the Fretheim Hotel is a historic Norwegian hotel with affordable prices during the winter.

The great thing about using Bergen as a base for a road trip is that you can find at least four different (and extremely diverse!) routes to drive.

By Megan from Megan Starr

Alsace Winter Road Trip for Europe’s Best Christmas Markets & Fairytale French Villages

This road trip takes you through the historical region of Alsace in eastern France. While wine country is stunning at any time of the year, it is perfect for winter since Alsace does Christmas like no other region in France.

Featuring some of the most picturesque, fairytale-like villages and exquisite Christmas markets, this itinerary is perfect for every Christmas lover and anyone interested in culture and history.

The Alsace region is not too big, so this itinerary can be a long weekend road trip.

Start your journey with one day in Strasbourg , the self-proclaimed capital of Christmas. Grab some mulled wine to keep you warm and start exploring the city! Admire the impressive Strasbourg Cathedral, stroll the cobblestone streets of La Petite France, and browse the Christmas Market on Kleber Square.

On your second day, you will drive along the oldest wine road in France, the Alsace Wine Route. Your first stop will be Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, the best preserved medieval castle in Alsace.

Alsace villages along the route are as fairytale-like as it gets – they inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast , after all. Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé feel untouched and sparkle in the winter light.

Next up is Colmar, where Cobblestone streets and half-timbered, colourful houses look magical when decorated for Christmas.

Finally, if you want to spend a day in nature, make a detour to Lac Blanc. The lake is stunning, and you can see it from the road. This is a fantastic place for hiking or winter sports such as skiing and sledging, if you happen to catch a snowy day!

By Natali from She’s Abroad Again

Winter Road Trip on Portugal’s Silver Coast for Palaces & Cities

The Portugal Silver Coast is one of the best winter road trips in Europe. This 400 km scenic route runs from Lisbon to Porto and is dotted with charming towns and villages. While the entire trip is only a 4-hour drive, take at least a few days to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

Start your trip by checking into one of Lisbon’s best boutique hotels then explore the city, seeing famous sites such as Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Tram 28 up to Alfama, the LX factory shops and restaurants and festive Christmas markets like Wonderland Lisboa and Campo Pequeno.

As you start your road trip, spend a half day in the castle filled hilltop town of Sintra visiting Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors. Then drive 30 minutes to the charming white washed village of Ericeira, where you can wander the cobblestone streets, enjoy a delicious meal and admire the stunning coastline.

Nearby, the historic walled town of Obidos is transformed into the cutest Christmas village complete with a ferris wheel, concerts, ice skating, and more. A true highlight of the silver coast are the massive winter waves Nazaré, made famous by the 100-Foot Wave Documentary.

Finally make your way to the stunning city of Porto, Portugal . Do your holiday shopping, sample Port wine, take a cruise on the Douro River and soak in the magic of Portugal .

By Jenifer from The Evolista

Southern Spain Winter Road Trip for Sunshine & White Villages

If you’re looking for a place to escape the chill this winter, Southern Spain’s mild temperatures and blue-sky days make it an ideal road trip destination. It might be too brisk for the beaches, but there is no shortage of other things to do in Spain in the colder months, especially if you have the freedom to explore with your own car .

A convenient plan is to make a loop from Madrid, starting with a day in historic Toledo before heading to coastal Andalusia. See the late-blooming orange trees and bask in the winter sunshine in Valencia before making your way down the coast to historic Cartagena, an often overlooked port town with incredible Roman ruins. There are dozens of sweet towns and fishing villages where you can stop along the way.

The culture-packed cities of Cordoba, Granada (for the Alhambra) and finally Seville are all worthwhile winter destinations. For something adventurous, take an optional detour into the Las Alpujarras for mountain scenery and to visit the White Villages.

While you could easily spend a month or more in Southern Spain, a week is a fair amount of time for driving in winter.

Winter Road Trip on the Peloponnese Peninsula for Archaeological Sites Sans Summer Crowds

If you’re looking for a road trip to forget that it’s winter in Europe, look no further than Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula . The Peloponnese forms the southern tip of mainland Greece. Its location on the Mediterranean leads to mild, pleasant, and often sunny winters. With average high temperatures ranging from about 15-18 degrees Celsius (59-65 F) along the coast, a winter dip in the sea along the Peloponnese coast is not unusual.

The Peloponnese is known for having beautiful beaches and stunning mountains, but the main draw here – especially in winter – is the archaeological sites. The peninsula is home to some of the most famous historical sites on the planet, including Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Messene, Mystras, Sparta, Acrocorinth, and let’s include Delphi too since it’s easy to hit on a road trip even though it’s on the other side of the Gulf of Corinth. In the winter these amazing sites are practically empty due to the lack of other tourists and they’re also half-price to enter (until the end of March).

On top of these archaeological sites, there are endless beautiful coastal villages to explore, such as Limeni and the ridiculously charming medieval city of Monemvasia.

The downside of road tripping around the Peloponnese in the winter is that many restaurants will be closed and of course the daylight hours are limited. But should you make the road trip around the Peloponnese in the off-season, you will be rewarded with endless beauty nearly all to yourself.

By Chris from Around the World With Me

Tip: Find more Greece road trip ideas here .

Crete Winter Road Trip for Ancient Villages, Quiet Fishing Harbours & Hiking Trails

Winter is the perfect time to head to the Greek islands, hire a car, and set off on a Crete road trip of between 1-2 weeks. The temperature sits between 19C/66F degrees in November to 14C/57F degrees in March, and the 5 million tourists who arrive by plane each summer are nowhere to be seen!

Crete is a large island, and a road trip makes sense as there are several major towns to see but the other main sites are scattered around the countryside. These include Minoan ruins, tombs and cemeteries and excellent hiking trails alongside beaches, through ancient villages, and along the bottom of gorges.

The second most visited site in Greece is Knossos Palace where the legendary Minotaur was trapped below the Palace in Daedalus’ labyrinth. It’s a large outdoor site that is uncrowded. In winter you can spend time ambling around without the sun beating down on you.

The main towns of Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno are also worth a few days. Their old harbours have waterfront cafes and tavernas that stay open during the winter months and there are phenomenal museums to visit such as the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The Venetian harbour and old town of Chania is a must to explore and hiking the Samaria Gorge is an unforgettable experience.

By Monique from Trip Anthropologist

Isle of Skye Winter Road Trip for Highland History & Dark Sky Discoveries

Famous for its rugged coastline, unparalleled vistas, abundance of wildlife and intriguing Highland history, the Isle of Skye is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. From chasing waterfalls to distillery tours , there is an abundance of things to do on the Isle of Skye .

In winter, snow lingers in the higher mountains, making the landscapes beautiful and moody. It is much less crowded than in the peak season. The island is home to nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites in Britain, making it one of the best places in Scotland for stargazing in winter. You can even spot the Northern Lights here.

Start your road trip from Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands and allow at least 3-4 days to explore the main sights of Skye.

One of the must-visit attractions in Skye is the picturesque Fairy Pools, a web of small waterfalls renowned for their clear turquoise blue waters against the backdrop of the majestic Cuillin Mountains.

Take a look inside the 800-year-old Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the ancestral house of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod. Visit the colourful houses of Portree, the largest town on the island. Portree has many restaurants, cafes and hotels and serves as a great base to explore Skye.

By Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road

Want to extend your Scotland road trip? Check out this 14 day North Coast 500 itinerary for more ideas.

Winter Road Trip Along the Causeway Coast for Moody Landscapes & Wild Beaches

Northern Ireland is a relatively small country with lots of close-knit tourist attractions, which makes it ideal for a road trip. The main attraction, however, is the Causeway Coastal Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Antrim coast dotted with quaint coastal villages, cliffside castles, sandy beaches, and plenty of untamed coastal beauty.

Some of the more famous attractions on the Causeway Coast include the iconic basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge, and the Bushmills Distillery. But there are many more lesser-known stops including the Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, and the Dark Hedges.

Summer months are by far the busiest time on the coastal route. Locals know the best time to explore is during winter when the crowded coaches are nowhere to be seen, and the weather and coastal landscapes are wild and rugged. Winter is the perfect time to admire scenery that inspired the Game of Thrones franchise, with various filming locations across the Causeway Coast and elsewhere in Northern Ireland.

The best bits of this road trip can be covered in a weekend, although 4-5 days are recommended with more time for other attractions on the coast, including Rathlin Island.

Also consider a second, newer driving trail in Northern Ireland, the Mourne Coastal Route, which starts in Bangor-by-the-Sea in County Down.

By Allan from It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor

Switzerland Winter Road Trip for Glassy Lakes & the Snow-capped Matterhorn Mountain

For a stunning Swiss road trip through snow-capped mountains and ice cold lakes, consider driving between the beautiful cities of Basel and Lugano in Switzerland. Taking the quieter roads and avoiding the main highway is best to see the landscape and local villages. Be sure to have safe winter tires and pack plenty of warm clothes for all the pretty pit stops you will make!

Starting in the city of Basel, commence your drive towards the Regional Nature Park Thal, then to the UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch and Lake Lungern. This section of road is absolutely stunning, with snow-topped mountain ranges and gorgeous winding roads. Take your time to enjoy and stop at every viewpoint.

For the next part of the route, head south towards Murmeltierpark Grimselpass and Pizzo Gallina. This section allows you to pass through the canton of Bern, via Valais to the final Ticino canton. For photographers and nature lovers, Valais canton is the place to be in winter, so if you have time, stay a few nights in the area for more local explorations.

For the last section, you have to join the A2 highway, simply since it’s the only way to finish the journey down to Lugano. Lugano in winter does not always have snow, but it’s still magical and very festive with a local Christmas market. Find a grotto restaurant and end your road trip with some delicious local Swiss food and wines.

By Zoe from Together In Switzerland

Snowy Drive on Germany’s Romantic Road for Bavarian Winter Beauty

The Romantic Road in Germany is a 285-mile (459-kilometre) route in Bavaria, South Germany. This road trip starts in the north in Würzburg and ends in the south near the Austrian border in Füssen.

Known for scenic landscapes and fairytale towns, a snowy drive in these parts is all the more special. Some of the most iconic and authentic Christmas markets happen to be in these regions of Germany , and the towns along the Romantic Road host the most unforgettable festivities . Most are held every day from 10am until late in December.

Start your winter drive on the Romantic Road in the baroque wine city of Würzburg before continuing to the cute and vivid Christmas town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Other highlights along the route include the medieval towns of Feuchtwangen, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, and Augsburg. The last stop in Füssen completes the journey with a visit to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle.

The Romantic Road is perfect for those looking for snow-covered landscapes, medieval towns and Christmas cheer. It can take anywhere between 3 and 10 days to drive, depending on the chosen stops.

By Paul from Paulmarina

Malta Road Trip for Winter Sunshine & Christmas Cheer

If you are one that prefers the sun to snow, the best winter road trip is Malta . With great weather, amazing views and super easy roads to navigate, this European gem is a fantastic option. 

No matter if you are visiting Malta for one day or one month, you will have plenty of amazing places to see by road. For those wanting to see the best of Malta, it’s recommended to visit for 5-7 days. This is a great route for driving in Winter as you will have brighter days and no winter conditions hindering your trip.

To make the most of your Winter road trip in Malta, fly into Malta international airport and start your journey from there. This will save you money on airport transfers and allow you to start seeing the amazing Maltese views straightaway. 

For those travellers who want to see amazing views, Malta is full of them. So have your camera at the ready when you visit. The best views to see by car are Għadira Bay, Mnajdra and the salt pans. 

Malta is a very religious country so you will find lots of wonderful things to do during the build up to Christmas. To get yourself in the festive spirit, stop by Valletta for a candle lit service. 

By Lowri from Many Other Roads

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• Voyager en Europe en voiture : préparer son road trip à travers l’Europe
• TRANSPORTS : comment se déplacer en Europe?

Voyager en Europe en voiture, c’est toujours une expérience excitante qui suppose selon le projet de road trip un minimum de préparation. Quelles sont les bases du code de la route dans les pays traversés? Quels sont les équipements utiles ou imposés par la réglementation? Quel est le coût approximatif des autoroutes? Comment construire un itinéraire pertinent pour optimiser le séjour? Voici quelques conseils pratiques pour préparer son roard trip à travers l’Europe…

Comment préparer son road trip en voiture à travers l’Europe?

L’été n’étant pas fini et la hors saison approchant à grands pas, il est encore temps d’organiser un petit voyage en Europe. Mais qui dit organisation de dernière minute ne signifie pas partir à l’aventure sans s’assurer confort et sécurité ! Comment bien voyager en Europe en voiture? Le parfum de liberté qui vous enivre déjà ne doit nullement vous empêcher quelques précautions préalables. Car un voyage en voiture, seul, en couple ou en famille, peut rapidement tourner à la catastrophe si certains aspects n’ont pas été anticipés. La rédaction vous a donc réservé un petit guide à suivre pour vous faciliter la tâche.

Voyager en Europe en voiture : les aspects techniques

Si vous-même jugez que votre véhicule est trop vieux ou en trop mauvais état pour assurer un long voyage sans danger, il est peut-être même temps d’en changer. L’investissement en vaut sûrement la peine quand la sécurité est de mise. Il existe même aujourd’hui des sites spécialisés dans la vente de voiture tels que Vendezvotrevoiture.fr qui vous offre une estimation gratuite de votre véhicule et le moyen de la vendre en toute sécurité. L’achat d’une voiture d’occasion s’avère aussi très facile avec la multitude de plateformes web prévues à cet effet. Mais n’oubliez pas de vous assurer de l’état de celle-ci avant toute transaction : tout doit être impeccable avant de prendre la route !

L’équipement essentiel pour voyager en Europe en voiture

Voyager en Europe en voiture et sillonner les divers pays nécessite aussi une certaine préparation en termes de bagages et de matériel. Ainsi, cela va de soi d’emporter dans votre attirail une caisse à outils primaire – cric, clé à roue en croix, lampe de poche, etc. – ainsi que les inévitables gilets jaunes et triangle de sécurité. Il est aussi important de penser à la qualité de votre roue de secours.

En matière de documents, rien de bien contraignant n’est à prévoir tant que vous ne dépassez pas les frontières de l’espace Schengen. Pour ce qui est de vos papiers d’identité, les pays membres de l’Union Européenne n’exigent qu’une simple carte d’identité en cours de validité ou bénéficiant d’une extension automatique de 5 ans.

Hors UE, pensez à vous munir de votre passeport disposant d’une validité d’au moins 3 mois. Dans tous les cas, aucun visa ne vous sera demandé tant que vous ne franchissez pas les limites de l’Europe. Pour votre véhicule, rien de compliqué non plus : votre carte grise faisant mention des pays où vous êtes autorisés à transiter (vérifier au dos que les pays ne sont pas cochés) et votre permis de conduire feront amplement l’affaire, toujours au sein de l’espace Schengen. Bien que certains pays indiquent l’obligation d’un permis international, il est possible de voyager en Europe en voiture avec un permis de conduire national.

Préparer son itinéraire en Europe

Voyager en Europe en voiture, c’est justement gagner en souplesse dans les déplacements. Trop prévoir son itinéraire de voyage lors d’un road trip pourrait bien briser tout sentiment de liberté. Mais y penser un minimum s’avère aussi être d’un grand secours. En effet, connaitre à l’avance les pays que vous souhaitez traverser vous aidera à prévoir un budget car les prix des autoroutes et de l’essence varient d’une région à l’autre : l’autoroute est gratuite en Belgique et Allemagne par exemple (du moins jusqu’à 2016, date à laquelle le pays pourrait imposer une vignette), alors qu’elle peut atteindre des sommes assez conséquentes en France.

Certains pays tels que la Hongrie, la République Tchèque, l’Autriche ou la Slovénie demandent aux conducteurs de se fournir d’une vignette pour rouler sur leurs autoroutes et parfois les voies rapides, avec la possibilité d’acheter une vignette pour une semaine ou un mois (les prix varient entre 10€ et 15€ pour une semaine). En Suisse, la vignette autoroutière suisse est imposée pour une année et coûte 40 francs suisses.

Prévoir un itinéraire c’est aussi se renseigner sur les différentes réglementation en termes de limites de vitesse par exemple, ou de toutes autres règles du code de la route. Même si ces règles ne varient que très peu d’une région à l’autre, il est toujours important d’en connaître un minimum avant de s’aventurer sur les routes !

Véritable moment de liberté et d’aventure en solitaire ou en famille, voyager en Europe en voiture est expérience particulière, qui restera gravée dans vos mémoires pour longtemps. Alors profitez-en pour visiter les coins que vous rêviez de voir depuis longtemps en suivant notre guide voyage sur l’Europe !

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3 commentaires sur “Voyager en Europe en voiture : préparer son road trip à travers l’Europe”

Je pars en road trip en décembre pour environ 4 mois. Je vais visiter la Turquie, le Grèce et l’Italie. J’ai acheté un pantalon imperméable et une veste imperméable (il risque de pas mal pleuvoir durant cette période). Mon sac à dos de 15L, que je prévois pour les visites, n’est pas imperméable. D’après vous il vaut mieux que j’achète un poncho pour le protéger ou une housse de pluie suffit?

Merci d’avance pour vos retours ! 🙂 Laurine

Nous partons pour un tour du monde en juillet que nous ferons à bord d’un 4×4 équipé d’une cellule amovible (de notre fabrication). Ce tour du monde est un projet ambitieux qui nous tient à cœur car il revêt un caractère tout particulier. Séropositive depuis 30 ans, je pars avec mon fils, 20 ans, trisomique 21 et mon fils aîné, 25 ans pour nous soutenir dans les moments difficiles… Nous espérons pouvoir changer le regard sur les personnes vivant avec le VIH ainsi que la trisomie 21. Ce tour du monde sera donc le tour du monde de la tolérance …

Nous démarrons bien sûr de France, pour nous rendre en : suisse – Italie – Autriche – hongrie – croatie – bosnie herzegovine – montenegro – abanie – grece – turquie jusqu’en Iran. Ensuite ce sera l’inde, le népal la birmanie, le laos, la thaïlande, la malaisie, singapour, chine. Ensuite les amériques, l’afrique et retour au bercail.

Auriez vous des conseils concernant la traversée de l’EUrope ?

Tour d’Europe en famille en voiture pendant 4 semaines?

Bonjour , je suis nouveau sur votre blog . Ma petite famille et moi même commençons a préparer notre tour d’Europe en voiture .Pour une première fois nous aimerons descendre sur l’Espagne /Portugal ou l’Italie , nous avons 4 semaines de congés et un budget de 4500 euro . Nous aimerons faire un voyage nature avec quelques grandes villes. merci d’avance pour vos conseils

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20 of the best road trips in Europe

Posted: April 2, 2024 | Last updated: April 2, 2024

Europe is a continent best known for amazing public transportation. Seriously, the rail network and bus connections over there put the US to shame. However, this limits your trip, as not every site or adorable town or viewpoint is located conveniently on the train line or near a bus stop. So, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best road trips around Europe.

Romantic Road, Germany

This route weaves through two southern provinces, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg,  and follows an old Roman road. You’ll enjoy stunning views in the Bavarian Alps, storybook castles like Neuschwanstein, and medieval towns like Rothenburg de Tauber.

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Alsace Wine Route, France

One of the original wine routes in France, Alsace is ideal throughout the year. You’ll stop at numerous wineries between Mulhouse and Strasbourg. Additionally, many other fairytale villages, such as Colmar and Riquewihr, are included.

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Istria Peninsula, Croatia

Istria is one of the few parts of Croatia that can still be considered a true hidden gem, as the masses have yet to descend. The beaches, wineries, hilltop towns, and olive oil producers are best visited via car. Base yourself in Pula or Rovinj and take day trips!

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The Northwest Coast, France

Brittany and Normandy are some of the most underrated coastal regions in Europe. White sand beaches and turquoise waters await, with none of the crowds of the south. Start in Rennes and head west to Dinan, Saint-Malo, and Dinard. Then head north to Cancale and before stopping at the straight-from-Disney Mont St Michel. End your trip at the D-Day beaches.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

This 1,600-mile route would be ambitious to complete on a single trip. It stretches from Kinsale in the south along the west coast all the way to Malin Head. Most people complete one or two sections at a time.

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Southern Albania

Thanks to electric blue waters and stunning cliffs, Albania has blown up on social media in recent years. And all those stunning beaches you see on Instagram? They’re located in the southern part of the country. So rent a car in Tirana and head to Vlorë, then continue south with stops in Dhërmi, Himarë, Sarandë, and Ksamil.

Dalmatia Coast & Montenegrin Coast, Croatia/Montenegro

Travelers flock to southern Croatia for a reason: it’s amazing. Rent a car in Split or Dubrovnik, take a ferry to an island, check out Zadar and Cavat, and then head to Montenegro. Must-sees in this country include Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Budva.

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The Amalfi Coast, Italy

It would be almost criminal to leave Italy’s most iconic stretch of coast off this list. And it’s best explored by car if you can stomach the narrow roads and occasional street cliffside drop-offs. Start in Salerno and head to the town of Amalfi before heading to Ravello, Positano, and Sorrento.

Villages de Caractère Drôme/Ardèche, France

These two neighboring regions in central-southern France are home to many “Villages de Caractère” (basically an official title designating them as cute), castles, wineries, and hikes. Rent a car in Valence or Montélimar, then head west to Aubenas, the entry point for the Regional Ardche Park. Return to the Drôme via Vallon Pont d’Arc and make sure to hike among the natural arches. Then check out Alba (Roman ruins), Grignan, and Nyons.

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Benelux, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

These three small Western European countries are best covered in a vehicle. Fly into Amsterdam and pick up a car. Explore the Netherlands before continuing south to Belgium and ending in Luxembourg.

Northern Lakes, Italy

Start in Milan and hit up all the major lakes in northern Italy, from glamorous Lake Como to less pretentious but still lovely Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, plus plenty of other small ones. You’ll delight in the Italian mountain scenery!

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West Coast, Sweden

Sweden’s west coast is a beautiful part of the country, with amazing cities such as Malmo and Gothenburg. However, plenty of smaller towns, beaches, and lakes await you in this epic part of the country.

Cotswold, UK

This storybook part of the United Kingdom is full of adorable thatched cottages, scenic walking routes, and villages plucked from a Miss Marple episode. The towns are best explored with a car but can also be walked between if you’re keen on some hiking!

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Ring Road, Iceland

The Ring Road is a well-trodden (or, in this case, driven) tourist route for a reason. You’ll hit up all the best sites in the country: cascading waterfalls, glacier beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Just be prepared to share the roads with lots of other tourists!

Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

This mountain route through the Carpathian Mountains is breathtaking at every turn. Just be mindful of the speed limit, as you’ll need to go slow at many points due to curves and landscape preservation.

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Basque Country, Spain and France

This unique part of both countries is perfect for those looking for something different. Begin in Bilbao and drive north with stops in San Sebastian, the Pyrenees Mountains, and Bordeaux. As a bonus, plenty of amazing wine is available to sample along the way (once you’ve finished driving for the day, of course.)

Atlantic Road, Norway

This beautiful drive along the Atlantic Ocean in Norway is great if you’re not looking for a major road trip. It’s only a few miles long but crosses bridges with the ocean on either side and has amazing views of fjords and mountains.

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The Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

Greece is often thought of as a sea-oriented trip, thanks to the ease of island-hopping via ferry. However, if you want to explore the mainland, a car is the easiest way to get around, especially the historic Peloponnese Peninsula. Home to Nafplio, Sparta, and numerous ancient sites, it’s the ideal place for a road trip.

European Alps, Austria, Switzerland, and France

This route is ideal for mountain lovers, whether you want to complete it in the winter and ski along the way or wait until summer to hike your way through it. Start in Vienna and grab a rental car, then head west to Salzburg, Austria’s gateway to the Alps. Continue to Innsbruck before crossing into Switzerland and, finally, France.

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Wine Country to the Med, Slovenia

Slovenia is a great country for a road trip as it is compact but diverse in its small area. Start in Maribor in the east before heading west to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Spend a few days hiking in Triglav Nation Park before turning south to Piran on the coast. Then return to the capital, Ljubljana, to end your trip!

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