15 The Best Road Trips in Europe

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We all have that little dream; of embarking on a road trip with friends, family, loved ones or just all by yourself.

And when you are in Europe, the epicness of the road trip just gets a notch higher. Beautiful towns, bountiful nature and stunning skies make Europe one of the best places to go for a road trip.

The road connectivity between different countries is so good, that you can actually have breakfast in one country, lunch in another and dinner in the third.

Here’s a pick of the best road trips in Europe you should absolutely go for:

1. Loire Valley, France

PC: C Pirate/flickr.com

Drive from Paris to this scenic valley dotted with stunning chateaus, verdant vineyards and historic towns. The valley is inhabited from the Middle Paleolithic period and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

2. Atlantic Road, Norway

PC: CucombreLibre/flickr.com

This iconic road runs through an archipelago in Eide and Avery in Mre og Romsdal, Norway and comprises of eight breath-taking bridges that are not meant for light-hearted. Challenge your inner adrenaline, take this route and you’ll me amazed at its beauty.

3. Amalfi Coast, Italy

A coastline with ineffable beauty, Amalfi lies on the Sorrentine Peninsula. The winding road from Sorrento to Amalfi is one trip every nature lover should take. Dotted with vertical towns, glass lifts that can take you to the beach and deep blue, crystal clear sea; Amalfi is a pristine paradise.

4. Great St. Bernard Pass, Switzerland

PC: Wikimedia Commons

This is the third highest road-pass in Switzerland connecting Martigny to Aosta in Italy. It is the lowest pass lying between two summits of Alps, Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa. Besides being a breath-taking snow clad beauty, this is also the route taken by Napolean’s army to enter Italy.

5. Autobahn to Romantic Road, Germany

A picturesque stretch of around 350 kilometres between Würzburg and Füssen, this is a themed route lined with pretty towns and colourful structures that are quintessentially German and a delight to visit!

6. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

First graded road through Alps, this road was built at the end of World War I. The picturesque windy road is replete with valleys and mountains that will make you wonder at their charm.

7. Scotland’s Western Highlands

PC: Tatters/flickr.com

The historic region of Scotland, Highlands is also known for its incredible natural beauty. Fuel up your car and drive from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye and you’ll be mesmerized with the diverse elegance of Scotland. Castles, forests, wildlife and quaint bed & breakfasts  will make you want to come again and again!

8. Mediterranean Spain

This quirky road trip in Europe starts in Barcelona and includes stunning spots like Valencia where you can practically get drenched in the local sprakling wine, walk through the historic old town and enjoy the sun! The trip further extends to crossing the Seirra Nevada, Granada and Malaga- Many Hues in one brushstroke. 

9. Road Trip through the King's Landing, Croatia

A UNESCO world heritage site and prime location for the shooting of epic television Game of Thrones, Croatia is now one of the top unique countries in Europe frequented by visitors. This Europe road trip will not only take you to the exotic locations shot in Game of Thrones but will also delight you with its petite treasures like Cavtat, Split, Hvar and Pula. Check out the best islands in Croatia.

10. Southwest Portugal along the Coastline

With around 500 kilometres of coastline, Portugal is one of the best kept secrets of Europe. Drive through Costa Alentejana, admire its dramatic beaches and stupendous cliffs, stay in the peaceful little villages and you'll be rejuvenated!

11. Transfagarasan, Romania

Stretching for 90 kilometres, this winding, yet absolutely gorgeous road runs between Transsylvania with Muntenia. Built as a strategic military route, this road is full of scary hairpins and can put the best driver to test. The road runs through towering Alps dotted with Pine trees, adding dramatic hues to the postcard-perfect scenery.

12. Wild Atlantic way, Ireland

This is one of the best European trails ever passing through nine counties and is adorned with 1000+ attractions and 2500+ activities to make your road trip nothing short of epic! This 2500-kilometre road has a stunning coastline and you can also take short breaks and go island hopping.

13. Vildmarksvägen (Wilderness road) in Sweden

PC: Flickr.com

Nature and adventure galore, this round-trip traversing around the whole of Sweden will never fail to amaze. On this 500-kilometre road trip in Europe, you’ll be treated with striking view of untouched nature including forests, waterfalls and tranquil rivers and if you are lucky, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the wildlife that calls it a home. Adrenaline junkies can indulge in activities like canoeing, dog-sledging, mountain-biking and skiing.

14. Ring of Kerry, Ireland

PC: Wikimedia Commons

Replete with attractions and sweeping in appealing vistas, this tourist route in Ireland is a popular choice for vacationers for a summer road trip in Europe. The backdrop of verdant mountains against with deep blue waters from waterfalls, rivers and sky create a pretty picture and how! Say hi to the fauna and admire the rainbows on this 179-kilometre long road trip.

15. A drive through Vicentina Coast, Portugal

PC: Wikimedia Commons

The drive here is for the one who really belongs to the road. With very little human intervention, this drive takes you to quaint beaches, sleepy towns and breath-taking natural panorama. Stretching between Odeceixe and Burgau, this road trip takes you through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, so be prepared to enjoy beautiful sites all along. Surfers or not, this is a great place to be; but if you are a surfer, don’t forget to carry your board!

The holiday season is right around the corner, Pack your bags, grab a map and get going on any of these striking road trips across Europe!

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