Europe is a continent of contrasts, from the sun-kissed beaches of the Mediterranean to the mountains of the Alps, the culture and history of vibrant capitals, all the way to the windswept North.
There’s so much variety and diversity to discover and there are few better ways to explore Europe than by car. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, soak up the culture or party the night away, you can find what you’re looking for on a European road trip.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to organise your next European road trip. With cars to suit every budget and convenient pick-up points, your ultimate European adventure is only a few clicks away.
Here are 10 of the best road trips Europe has to offer:
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast has always been a playground for the fashionable, and it’s not hard to see why. This stunning coastline, combining high cliffs, with turquoise waters and vibrant hillside towns, is made for leisurely road trips. Leave the city of Naples on the iconic SS163, known as the Amalfitana, which winds its way down to Positano and the road to Amalfi. It’s narrow in places, and clings to the cliffs so requires strong nerves, but the rewards for your efforts are breathtaking.
The route takes you through enchanting stops like Sorrento, with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, and Positano, where pastel-coloured buildings cascade down the cliffs. Driving further, the historical charm of Amalfi awaits, offering a glimpse into its medieval cathedral and lively piazzas. With its breathtaking vistas and classical music festivals, Ravello crowns the journey before the road descends to Salerno, a picturesque port city.
Every bend in the road reveals new surprises, and this being Italy, there are lots of great places to stop for food and drink. This is a road trip that celebrates the good life and is best taken at a leisurely pace.
- Total Driving Distance: 70 Miles (113km)
- Driving Time: 3 to 5 Hours
The Provence Lavender Route, France
The Provence Lavender Route, also known as the “Route de la Lavande,” is a scenic road trip that winds through the picturesque landscapes of the Provence region in southeastern France. It’s typically taken during the summer months, typically from late June to early August, when the lavender fields are in full bloom. The sea of purple under clear blue skies makes this beautiful trip one of the best road trips Europe has to offer.
The route often begins in the town of Sault, considered the “lavender capital” of Provence. From Sault, roadtrippers can venture through the Plateau de Vaucluse, where vast lavender fields stretch to the horizon. The road meanders through charming villages such as Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux, set against the backdrop of the Luberon Moutans. A highlight of the route is Abbaye de Senanque, a medieval abbey surrounded by lavender fields. Along the way, visitors can discover ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and quaint Provençal villages with narrow cobblestone streets.
- Total Driving Distance: 93 Miles (150km)
- Driving Time: 6 Hours
Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria & the Basque Country, Spain
This tour around the beautiful northern regions of Spain gives road-trippers a taste of the rich diversity of Spain. Beginning in the spiritual heart of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is the destination point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. From this sacred city, the road winds through the rugged beauty of the Galician landscape, leading to leading to A Coruña, where the Tower of Hercules stands sentinel over the Atlantic coast. Venturing eastward, Oviedo is a medieval gem with a rich Asturian culinary tradition.
From here, head to Bilbao, a dynamic city famous for the Guggenheim Gallery and avant-garde architecture. A scenic route leads to Santander, nestled on the Cantabrian coast where you’ll find serene beaches and elegant gardens. Your final destination is San Sebastián, the jewel of the Basque country. Combining a rich history with coastal sophistication, stroll around the Old Town and relax on the pristine beaches of La Concha. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, San Sebastián has a rich culinary tradition that you’ll want to sample.
- Total Driving Distance: 708 Miles (1,140km)
- Driving Time: 12 Hours
The Romantic Road, Germany
The Romantic Road, or “Romantische Strasse” in German, is a picturesque and historic route that winds through the heart of Bavaria in southern Germany and is one of the best road trips Europe has to offer. In the spring and summer, the countryside is a riot of wildflowers, as this scenic route makes its way past vineyards, rolling hills and meadows.
This charming journey takes road-trippers through a fairytale landscape, charming medieval towns and cultural treasures. Beginning in Würzburg, known for its stunning Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the route leads through the Tauber Valley to the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Continuing south, the route meanders through enchanting Bavarian landscapes, passing through historic towns like Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. Along the route, you’ll encounter the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle that served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The Romantic Road concludes in the city of Füssen near the border with Austria and surrounded by the Bavarian Alps.
- Total Driving Distance: 220 Miles (350km)
- Driving Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece
Greece has a good claim of being the cradle of European civilisation, and this road trip through the Peloponnese Peninsula takes you on a journey through the centuries. Starting in Athens, the road trip winds westward along the Corinth Canal and takes in the archaeological marvels of Corinth. The journey then continues to the enchanting seaside town of Nafplio with its cobbled streets and historic fortress. Venturing further, the ancient wonders of Mycenae and Epidaurus call out to be explored.
A scenic drive southeast leads to the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia, perched on a rocky island. On the coast, you’ll find Gytheio and Kalamata, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample the world-famous olives. Discover the well-preserved ruins of Ancient Messini, unwind at the crescent-shaped Voidokilia Beach, and immerse yourself in the birthplace of the Olympic Games at Olympia. This Greek Odyssey is a road trip of truly epic proportions.
- Total Driving Distance: 645 Miles (1,040km)
- Driving Time: 14 to 16 Hours
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway is a legendary mountainous route that winds through the breathtaking landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains. Recognised as one of the world’s most spectacular roads, it was built during the Communist era as a potential troop route should the country be invaded.
The road snakes its through verdant valleys, glacial lakes, and towering mountains, linking together the regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. Beginning near the town of Curtea de Arges, the Transfagarasan Highway climbs the picturesque Fagaras Mountains, taking roadtrippers on a journey through some of Eastern Europe’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Situated at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, Balea Lake is one of the highlights of the journey. Stop and take a cable car ride to enjoy a better view. From here the route descends to the southern side of the Carpathians, near the village of Cartisoara. Throughout the journey, you’ll pass ancient monasteries, dense forests and Poienari Castle, once associated with Vlad the Impaler.
With its dramatic hairpin turns, this journey into the heart of Romania is not for the faint of heart.
- Total Driving Distance: 56 Miles (90km)
- Driving Time: 2 to 3 Hours
The Atlantic Coast, Portugal
Some of the finest beaches in Europe are to be found along the Portuguese coast, and this surf-kissed coastal adventure showcases some of the best. If the US has California, Europe has Portugal, where stunning golden sand is washed by rolling Atlantic breakers.
Beginning in the capital city of Lisbon, head westward to the sun-kissed beaches of Cascais before moving northward to the enchanting town of Sintra, with its fairytale palaces amidst lush tree-lined hills. Sinuous roads weave westwards to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe, providing panoramic views of the rugged Atlantic coastline. Continuing your exploration the road leads to the coastal gems of Nazaré and Peniche. Further inland, Óbidos has well-preserved walls and narrow streets. The road winds through cultural treasures like Alcobaça and Batalha before your journey culminates in Porto where the Douro River meets the Atlantic.
This coastal odyssey combines beautiful beaches and coastlines with the rich history and culture of this fascinating country.
- Total Driving Distance: 435 Miles (700km)
- Driving Time: 7 to 9 Hours
Scandinavian Explorer, Denmark & Sweden
Scandinavia repeatedly tops the charts when it comes to quality of life, and this road trip linking the capital of Denmark and Sweden showcases some of the highlights of the Nordic region.
Begin your journey in the Danish capital, Copenhagen. This laid-back northern city is great to explore, combining historic palaces, cobbled streets, and modern architecture. From Copenhagen, travel north to Helsingør, home to the famous Kronborg Castle, immortalised as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Now it’s time to cross one of Europe’s greatest engineering feats, the magnificent Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden.
Once you’ve crossed the border head first to Malmö, a city known for its modern design, diverse culinary scene, and the Turning Torso skyscraper. By way of contrast, Lund is a medieval University town with a beautiful cathedral and a lively collegiate atmosphere. Continuing northwards, you reach Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city. The route from here cuts through the heart of rural Sweden on the way to Stockholm, past miles of deep forests and picturesque lakes. Stockholm is one of northern Europe’s gems spread across 14 islands. Explore the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), visit the Vasa Museum to see a 17th-century warship, and wander through the trendy neighbourhoods of Södermalm.
- Total Driving Distance: 621 Miles (1,500km)
- Driving Time: 18 Hours
Classic Normandy, France
Normandy is northern France at its most beautiful and compelling. This relatively small region contains a tapestry of history, charming villages, bustling old towns and breathtaking coastal scenes. Starting in the historic city of Rouen, with its stunning cathedral and medieval architecture, head northwest to the harbour town of Honfleur. With its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses framing the old port, this is classic maritime Normandy. Continuing along the coastal route you reach the dramatic chalk cliffs of Étretat
Heading west, Bayeux is a Medieval gem, and home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest of England. From here, it’s a short drive to Omaha Beach, one of the D-Day Locations during World War II. Heading southwest toward the border with Brittany, you reach the iconic silhouette of Mont St-Michel, a medieval abbey perched on a rocky island. The return journey to Rouen takes you through bucolic Norman countryside, past orchards, rolling fields, meadows and woods. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and sample the local cider and watch the world go by.
- Total Driving Distance: 457 Miles (735km)
- Driving Time: 9 Hours
The Italian Lakes, Italy
The Italian Lakes have long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers from across Europe. The combination of tranquil blue waters, sleepy fishing villages, upmarket lakeside resorts and a mountainous backdrop make it one of the continent’s most enchanting landscapes. Starting your journey in perpetually fashionable Milan, drive north to Lake Como, the jewel of the region. The elegant town of Bellagio, known for its cobbled streets and beautiful villas demands exploration.
Heading east you reach Lake Garda, Italy’s largest leaked. This historic town of Sirmione has a medieval castle and thermal bath, Malcesine and Lazise have a laid-back holiday atmosphere. Continuing on you reach Lake Maggiore, where the charming lakeside town of Stresa provides a perfect base for further exploration. As you continue your exploration of the lakes, discover Lake Orta and the intimate town of Orta San Giulio. Take a scenic drive along the lakeside roads, pausing to savour local cuisine, and perhaps visit Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Southern Europe, before looping back to Milan.
- Total Driving Distance: 335 Miles (540km)
- Driving Time: 9 Hours
Time To Begin Your Grand European Adventure?
Europe is a continent of contrasts with landscapes, languages and cultures shifting with every few hundred miles you travel. With a great road network and plenty of places to stay and explore, it’s ideal territory for a road trip.
If our top ten best road trips Europe has to offer have whetted your appetite for a grand European adventure, then Cheaper Than Cars can help turn your dreams into reality.
We make it easy to find the right car for your European road trip adventure. With affordable prices and convenient pick-ups, you can start planning your European road trip today!
