5 of the best road trip destinations in Europe
If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like the idea of staying in one place when you’re on holiday; if the idea of lying around a pool for day on end gives you itchy feet, then perhaps you’d prefer to experience the thrill and freedom of an unforgettable road trip.
There’s nothing better than hitting the open road and seeing where it takes you. You can discover places you’ve never heard of before, stop wherever and whenever you want fancy and see much more of a destination than you would on a standard holiday. There are so many incredible routes to explore around the world. In the meantime, here are five of the best road trip destinations in Europe.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
We’ve all seen the photos featuring the pastel coloured buildings and dramatic scenery of the Amalfi Coast. It’s a 50km stretch of rugged coastline, home to steep cliffs and exceptional views. Fly to Naples and pick up your rental car before hitting the road and exploring all the charming and beautiful towns, poised precariously on the coastal rocks. Be sure to stop off at Positano for the ultimate photo opportunity.
Route 1, Iceland
Otherwise known as the Iceland Ring Road, Route 1 will take you on an all-encompassing tour of this breathtaking island country. Drive amongst snow-capped mountains, across vast lava fields and alongside glistening glacial lakes. You’ll explore the Golden Circle, as well as witnessing exploding geysers, cascading waterfalls, stunning fjords and black sand beaches. Don’t forget to allow time for a spot of whale watching while you’re there too.
Dubrovnik to Pula, Croatia
With its terracotta rooftop towns, its lush green landscapes and its glistening blue waters, dotted with thousands of pretty islands, the Croatian coastline has got to be one of the most stunning in the world. The beauty of the Dalmatian Coast from the ancient city of Dubrovnik to Split will simply take your breath away. Have your passport with a passport photo based on mentioned rules at the ready as you pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina en-route. But why stop at Split when you can continue all the way up to the beautiful city of Pula and see all the best bits of this magnificent country? Add this onto your road trip plans to see more of the country.
Trollstigen, Norway
Famous for being one of the most scenic road trips in all of Europe, it’d be a crime for us not to include Trollstigen in our list. Known as the Troll Route, this famous mountain pass through Norway’s Rauma region features the type of roads you’re likely to see in a luxurious car advert. Pass by looming mountains and thunderous waterfalls on this effortlessly beautiful winding road, carefully manoeuvring eleven hairpin bends as you go. There are plenty of viewing platforms en-route, so be sure to pull over and appreciate the liberating sense of isolation and accomplishment that you’ll no doubt feel.
The coastal road, Portugal
This one may not be a specific route as such, but it can easily be turned into an unforgettable adventure. The coast of Portugal is dramatic and stunning in equal measure. With its perfect blend of tight corners and straight stretches the N222 that passes through the picturesque Douro Valley has been named the best driving road in the world. Add to that all the quaint fishing villages and golden cliffs of the Algarve coast and Cape St. Vincent (once thought to be “the end of the world”), and you know you’re in for the drive of a lifetime.