Here’s my second edition of the best road trips in Europe!
If you haven’t already, check out the best road trips in the UK and Ireland and read on for the best road trips in Western Europe and Scandanavia!
Here we will go through the best road trips in France, Italy, Norway and everywhere in between. Whether you’re on a solo adventure or doing a road trip with toddlers, there’s something here for you.
I love road tripping.
After a year travelling around Australia by car, I realised that road trip life is something that I wish to incorporate into all of my future travels.
Australia is a fantastic country for road tripping, but after consulting with some of my fellow travel bloggers I realised that there are so many fabulous road trip destinations in the world.
So, with the help of other bloggers, I’m covering them all! So without further ado, let’s check out the best road trips in Western Europe and Scandinavia.
The Best Road Trips in France
The Champagne Region
The Champagne region is a very beautiful area to explore on a day trip from Paris by car.
This is the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris, with rolling hills and stone villages with their characteristic bell towers. The Champagne Region is also one of the best wine regions in France, dotted with small and big vineyards owned by world famous Champagne brands but also by small wine growers.
The best season to visit the Champagne Region is during the autumn: the summer crowds are gone, the temperatures are nicer and those hills and trees with fall colors are just gorgeous.
Autumn is also the best time to fill up the stocks of wine, that’s why a car with a big trunk and eventually a wine suitcase for those living abroad are a good idea.
Most of the people book guided tours of the most famous wine cellars like Moët Chandon. Locals, instead, prefer to travel around and stop by the independent winemakers.
Usually, these independent brands have a small shop with a reduced but very good selection of wines and champagne and there is always the option to taste them, for free or for a small fee), sometimes with something to eat.
Prices in these local shops are cheaper than in the supermarkets or specialized wine shops in the cities, especially if you buy big quantities.
People visiting the Champagne Region on a road trip from Paris should know that the traffic in Paris is terrible and leaving the city by car can be eternal.
To avoid traffic jams and the stress of “the big city”, we recommend taking a train to Reims or Meaux and renting the car from these cities. Also, rental prices in these places will be probably less expensive than in Paris.
By Elisa from World in Paris
Provence
The Provence region is one of the most beautiful areas of France. And undoubtedly the best way to explore it is by car.
However, with so much to see and do in a relativity small area (excluding the Cote D’Azur), it can be hard to decide where to go when visiting for a week or more.
One option is to drive a loop circuit – starting and ending in the same place. Avignon makes a good starting point due to its accessibility by train, but if you’re arriving by plane, Marseille could work just as well.
From either starting point, you can take in the varying landscapes and incredible scenery on offer throughout the region.
A rough road trip itinerary could look like this, but it’s easy to adjust and adapt as per your interests and desires. Starting in Avignon, you’ll want to spend some time in the city getting acquainted with its amazing history, and its love of fine cuisine.
But be sure to also pop down to the Pont du Gard to see the highest Roman aqueduct in the world, it’s well worth the side trip!
Then head east towards L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine de Vaucluse, both built around the river Sorgue, this town & village need to be seen to be believed.
The Luberon valley has long been a place of interest and intrigue, so spend time getting to know its hilltop villages and enjoying the bucolic scenery.
Continue East to the Valensole Plateau where, if you’re visiting in early summer, you’ll be treated to the sight of endless lavender fields.
The nearby Verdon Gorge, along with its surrounding villages is worth a trip in any season. Then continue to Aix-en-Provence – an art lover’s dream, and Cassis where you can walk the famous Calanques.
Finish up your loop by popping into the Camargue for flamingos and wild horses, and then visit Les Baux de Provence and Carrières de Lumières next door, for a sensory experience like no other!
By Nadine from Le Long Weekend
The Best Road Trips in Spain
The Basque Country

The North of Spain, also known as Green Spain for it is the part of the country where it rains the most and as such has the greenest vegetation, is a perfect place for a road trip.
The best starting point would be Bilbao, one of the coolest places to visit in the Basque Country. From Bilbao, it is possible to reach many other incredible places.
Among the best ones in the Basque Country there’s the lovely city of San Sebastian, a fantastic foodie destination with anything for any taste, and any budget, not to mention a great place to surf.
Other recommended stops would be the tiny La Guardia, a walled town where to spend an afternoon walking around the narrow alleys, and the surroundings, visiting one or more of the fabulous vineyards of La Rioja. The sanctuary of Gatzelugatxe is a great stop for Game of Thrones fans.
Continuing driving, Cantabria is the next region on the map. This less visited part of Spain is home to some gems such as Gaudi’s masterpiece “El Capricho”, an incredible villa in Comillas; and of beautiful small cities such as Santillana del Mar. While there, the Altamira Caves (or rather, its perfect reproduction as the original ones are closed to the public as highly protected) are a must.
Here it is possible to admire cave paintings that are dating back to more than 16000 years ago. The region of Asturias, west of Cantabria, is famous for its beautiful coastal villages and small cities.
Llanes, Oviedo, Cudillero and Luarca are all must-sees, especially to breathe in the incredible atmosphere. The beaches in Asturias are fantastic, too.
Llanes has many, so park the car for a while and walk along the pathway to reach them all. While there, trying the local cider is a must too!
The last stop on a road trip across the North of Spain will be the stunning Galicia, with its many stunning beaches such as Playa de las Catedrales, and the lovely Santiago de Compostela, last and most important stop during the Camino de Santiago.
By Claudia from My Adventures Across the World
Gran Canaria
Andalucia
Barcelona to Valencia
The distance between Barcelona and Valencia is about 350 kilometres, easily doable on a day. However, there are many great stops along this route making a 2 or 3-day Spanish East Coast road trip a great option. Start in Barcelona and head south. During this road trip, the beautiful blue Mediterranean sea will become a familiar sight.
The first stop on this road trip is Tarragona, a historical city with several Roman remains. The 2nd-century arena faces the Mediterranean sea, making it a great photo opportunity. The medieval part of Tarragona is worth a visit as well. The next stop is Morella, which is located land inwards. Getting there involves a nice route through the mountains. Morella is an ancient walled city located on a hill-top. The view of the city from the N-232 is stunning.
The next stop on this road trip is again located at the Mediterranean sea: Peniscola. The old part of this city has been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. A must-visit for Game of Thrones fans! Peniscola is also a great place for relaxing on the beach or taking surf lessons.
The last stop before Valencia is Sagunto, like Tarragona, a city with a Roman past. In the summer, they hold concerts in the Roman Theatre, which are highly recommended! The castle, towering above the city, is worth a visit as well because of its stunning views.
This road trip ends in Valencia, where you could easily stay 2-3 days more.
By Sanne from Veni Vidi
Madrid to Salamanca
Spain is a magical place to visit and Madrid is the perfect launching point for any road trip. We took an 8-week road trip through Spain, a highlight being from Madrid to Salamanca.
Madrid is the central hub of Spain and anyone can easily take a road trip in any direction to discover amazing scenery, sights and history. This 136-mile road trip took us west of the city, with a stop to experience the Walls of Ávila and then on to Salamanca.
To start, who can go wrong with exploring Madrid? This is such an exciting city full of energy, culture, history, amazing food and plenty to do for everyone. Some must do’s are the Prado museum, a food tour, and a GoCar tour; a gps guided storytelling car, so much fun!
After leaving Madrid head west about 90 minutes to discover the medieval UNESCO listed city of Ávila. It’s difficult not to drop you jaw when you see the perfectly preserved walls from centuries ago, still surrounding the city. There are a variety of styles showing an everchanging past here. From Medieval to Roman and Moorish to Jewish and Catholic, with Cathedrals, Basilicas, synagogues and more. It is worth exploring the town and staying until dusk to see the walls at night, which are largest fully illuminated monument in the world.
Next head to Salamanca and feel transported back in time, explore a 12th century cathedral and see the views from the medieval towers next door. There is also one of the oldest universities in Spain here, founded in 1218. Walking through the cobbled streets you can’t miss spotting a stunning old building covered with hundreds of large shells, this is the Casa de las Conchas. Today it houses the Salamanca public library and an information office. Every corner you turn is full of history, culture and textures.
Of course, it’s great to walk around this amazing city, but it is also nice to sit back and absorb the culture. A favorite activity is just relaxing in Plaza Mayor and people watching right in the center of town. There is no shortage of amazing restaurants, cafes or shops to choose from.If you need to return to Madrid and have a little extra time, your road trip could be extended by stopping off to spend some time in Valladolid and Segovia on your way back. This route would make a complete loop and provide you with a nice variety of cities to add to your experiences.
By Heidi and Alan from Wagoners AbroadThe Best Road Trips in Portugal
Alentjo
Portugal Coastline
Portugal is the perfect country for a road trip because the highway driving is easy. The main areas to cover are Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Small towns make for charming stops along the way. Please allow at least even days for your Portugal road trip, there are so many lovely places to visit.
Since it can be cost prohibitive to do a one-way car rental, start and end the trip in Lisbon. Lisbon, itself is worth spending at least a day or two. Take the tram and explore the Alfama neighborhood. Venture out to Belem to try the famous Nata pastry and see Jeronimos Monastery. While in Lisbon, it’s easy to do a day trip to Sintra to see what used to be the summer getaway for the royal family.
Driving from Lisbon to Porto, you can stop in Obidos, Nazare, and/or Coimbra. Obidos is an adorable medieval city – be sure to do the city wall walk. Nazare is a beach town known for its huge waves. Coimbra has a university and the famous baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina.
In Porto, explore the old town and then go to Gaia for some port tasting. If time allows, do a day trip to the Douro Valley, Portugal’s most famous wine region. Then, head south to the Algarve. On the way, stop in the town of Fatima, which became a pilgrimage site after several apparitions 100 years ago. In the Algarve, visit some of the beautiful beaches and take a boat trip to see the caves. Finally, head back to Lisbon.
By Anisa from Two Traveling TexansThe Best Road Trips in Italy
Rome to Florence
A road trip is the perfect way to experience Italy. After spending several days at least in Rome learning to cook pasta, admiring the art, soaking up the ruins and visiting the Vatican, head to Ciampino Airport to pick up a rental car (don’t even THINK about driving in Rome!).
First stop is Villa D’Este in nearby Tivoli where you can spend several hours wandering through the tiers of gardens and beautiful fountains. A hidden gem visited by very few tourists, is Rocca Calascio. Drive to the top of the mountain then hike a short distance around the top of the hill for an unexpected and stunning view of a tiny one-room Romanesque monastery and the well-preserved ruins of a castle.
Have a picnic and enjoy the incredible views of the L’Aquila hills. Head back down the hill and drive to Spoleto. It’s worth spending several hours (or days) exploring this picturesque medieval hill town with a dramatic aqueduct on the edge of town. Continue on through the bucolic rolling hills of Montefalco. Be sure to stop off at one of the many wineries for a wine tasting. Next up – Assisi.
Park at the top of town and wander down, ending at the famous Franciscan monastery, il Sacro Convento. Continue on to Perugia. This is one of the best towns in all of Italy for the passeggiata (the Italian tradition of an evening stroll), and the views over the surrounding countryside are breathtaking.
Don’t miss Sienna and its famous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. The black and white cathedral is stunning – go the top for great views over Sienna and down to the marble floor of the cathedral far below. This trip leaves the very best till last and you will need to leave several days for the statues, the art, the architecture, the views, and the gelato in Florence.
By James from Travel CollectingTuscany
Tuscany. A mecca for wine-lovers, haven for art admirers, and a foode’s paradise. But visiting Tuscany, a region that encompasses nearly 8900 square miles in north-central Italy, properly, requires a car. Which makes it the perfect place for a roadtrip.
Your Tuscany itinerary should start in Florence, Tuscany’s capital city and home of the Italian Renaissance. You can see Michelangelo’s famous David, climb to the top of the iconic Duomo, and watch as sunset illuminates the many-colored Ponte Vecchio.
From Florence, head to the countryside, where Medieval villages and vineyards abound. North and east of Florence is the gorgeous town of Barga, nestled among peaks in the Apuane Alps. Not far is Pisa, which has far more to explore than just the leaning tower!
Just south of Florence is San Gimignano, famous for its skyline with its fourteen towers. Then there’s beautiful, bustling city of Siena. The star here is the cathedral, which is possibly the most ornate in all of Italy (and that’s saying something!)
Keep driving south until you reach Tuscany’s famed Val d’Orcia region. This area, with its vibrantly green hillsides and picturesque villas surrounded by cypress trees, has been the inspiration for movies and many famous works of art. Make time to visit the town of Montalcino (birthplace of Brunello wine) and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards (like Solaria). Montepulciano, located high on a hill overlooking the area, is a town that should not be missed either.
Tuscany is filled with so much to explore, and because there’s no public transportation, a road trip is the best way to experience this lovely piece of Italy!
By Maggie from Pink Caddy TravelogueThe Amalfi Coast
Sicily
The Best Road Trips in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Romantic Road
Switzerland
Austria
The Best Road Trips in the Nordic Countries
South Iceland
South Iceland is home to some breathtaking nature, which makes it one of the best road trip destinations in Europe. There are countless incredible sights to see in South Iceland, and a road trip is the best way to take them all in.
The ideal place to start is the famous Golden Circle. This route takes in a number of the most impressive attractions in Iceland. One of the most popular stops on this route is Gulfoss – the largest volume falls in Europe. Another amazing spot to visit is the Geysir geothermal area – where it’s possible to see water erupt up to 30 metres high from Stokkur geyser every few minutes.
Although there is a lot more to see on the golden circle, South Iceland has plenty of other stops for a great road trip. The southern coast leads past more of Iceland’s famous waterfalls, firstly Seljalandsfoss and then Skogafoss. Both are essential stops for a road trip along the coast, with Seljalandsfoss being particularly unique as it’s possible to climb behind the waterfall itself for a different perspective.
The next stop is Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which is a truly impressive sight. It’s possible to hike on the glacier with a guide, although the view alone is worth stopping for. Continuing on, the road leads to the small village of Vik. The attraction here isReynisfjara beach – a black sand beach with crashing waves and towering basalt rock columns rising skywards.
One final stop that shouldn’t be missed on a road trip of South Iceland is Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. This magnificent canyon was formed over 9,000 years ago and provides incredible viewpoints of some of the most dramatic landscape of the region.
With incredible diversity in terms of attractions, it’s hard to find a better road trip destination in Europe.
By Sam and Natalia from Something of FreedomFjords of Norway
The Lofoten Islands – Norway
Midtjylland – Denmark
Aarhus is the most popular place in this area, it is a city next to the sea. It has its own Old Town which is full of history, an open-air botanical garden, a Tivoli to explore, and building with very interesting shapes and designs. A big public library is right on the seaside which gives a beautiful view.
If you get tired of driving, you can hop on a bike and explore the city, hitting up bars, cute little cafes, and try danish delicacies and cakes. Not far from Aarhus is a town called Silkerborg, which is about 45-minute drive. It is famous for its lakes with beautiful and quite scenery.
In the summer, you can get on a kayak boat and row around the lake which is actually pretty big. Himmelbjerget or the Heaven Mountain is also just a drive away, it is the highest point in Denmark which is as silly as it sounds standing 147 m. You can get to the top of a tower to get a good view of Midtjylland.
Road tripping here is pretty good, the road is well-paved, the speed limit is up to 130 kmph. While there are plenty of gas stations and convenience store to stop by and grab a snack. You can also just pack a picnic basket, as you travel on the roads, you will constantly see picnic signs and how to get there.
By Mary from A Mary Road
The Faroe Islands
I have taken so many road trips throughout my life and in various countries, but there is still something so grand and remarkable about a road trip through the Faroe Islands.
The Faroes are a group of eighteen islands in the North Atlantic that contain landscapes so mesmerizing that you won’t feel like you’re on the same planet.
I have been fortunate enough to have gone on a road trip through the Faroe Islands more than once and the views and scenery are still so spectacular and it is a trip I could do every year and not tire of it. Renting a car is pretty easy in the Faroes but you can always drive yours over from mainland Europe via the ferry that leaves from Denmark to the Islands.
While driving there is not for the faint-hearted, it truly is an adventure. There are many one lane tunnels, steep cliffs, and wooly and curious creatures roaming the roads.
On the other hand, road tripping through the Faroe Islands offers you a chance to stop whenever you want to take in the sights, smell the clean air, and photograph the dramatic scenery. Many travellers take the same route through the Faroe Islands hitting up Vagar, Streymoy, Eysturoy, and Kalsoy.
However, every island has something magnificent to offer travellers.
My friend and I recently headed to the southernmost island of Suduroy and were blown away by the scenery and landscapes that I highly encourage everyone to take the ferry (with their car, of course) to Suduroy.
The northern islands are also not quite as touristy as some of the main ones allowing for a fun and adventurous road trip. If you’re looking for the most incredible road trip in the world, look no further than the Faroe Islands.
It will change your life.
By Megan from Megan Starr
Where’s your favourite Europe road trip? Let me know in the comments!
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What a fantastic post. Done many of these and more in our 2.5 years if full time travel although can’t wait to add Scandinavia to our discoveries.