It is not a five-star hotel that makes travel really luxurious, but rather the ability to go left when the world is going right. During the years of meandering through the twists and turns of Europe, I have come to realise that the best things occur in the in-between places. Whether you are starting a European road trip from the UK or flying in to rent a car, the magic is in the journey. From the sun-kissed olive groves of Andalusia to the fullness and chillness of an Icelandic morning, I have reduced my travel to ten certain journeys. This is not a list; it will be an invitation to the Europe road trip as an art. Shall we begin?
10 Unforgettable Journeys for Your Next Europe Road Trip
1. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland: A Date With the End of the World.
Go to Donegal, and have a soul-stirring adventure. The Wild Atlantic Way is a rough, sea-sprayed masterpiece. There is a sense of driving on the extreme fringes of the world during this Europe road trip. For those crossing the Irish Sea, this is a classic Europe road trip from the UK route that never fails to inspire.
- The Highlight: Slieve League. These are among the most elevated sea cliffs in Europe, and it is a humbling experience to be on the top and have the Atlantic wind blowing around.
- Expert Tip: Don’t rush. The streets are small and twisty-turny. If you are in a hurry, you’d better take your time and have a Guinness and some traditional fiddle music in one of the local pubs.
2. Baltic Odyssey: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
The Baltics are a paradise to those who desire history in the form of a fairytale. This Eastern Europe road trip will show you three different cultures, from the baroque beauty of Vilnius down to the medieval beauty of Tallinn.
- The Sightseeing Place: the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. It is a breathtakingly beautiful pilgrimage place, with thousands of crosses narrating a history of strength and belief.
- Traveller Secrets: Have an additional night out in Riga, Latvia. The Art Nouveau is certainly one of the best architectures in the world, and the food scene is secretly turning out to be one of the best in Europe. This region is a top choice for a Europe itinerary that balances history with modern charm.
3. The West Coast of Sweden: Scandinavian Dream.
Suppose you can think of coloured fishing huts, smooth granite rocks, and the purest air you ever breathed. For anyone seeking a peaceful Europe road trip, the drive from Gothenburg up the coast to the Weather Islands is nothing but serenity. When you use your Europe road trip planner, make sure to account for the slower pace of life here.
- The Highlight: Smögen. The boardwalk that is made of wood and painted fishing boats is the typical Swedish summer picture.
- Wise Word: Spend a few hours in a boat at the deserted islands of the archipelago. They do not talk, and that is the luxury of the place.
4. The Czech Hinterlands: Beyond the spires of Prague.
Prague is where most travellers begin and end their journey, but beyond its iconic spires lies a side of the Czech Republic that many never see. Take it from someone who knows: rent a car and set out on an Eastern Europe road trip, because the country is a treasure chest of UNESCO World Heritage sites, charming towns, and the rolling green hills of Vysočina, landscapes that remain wonderfully untouched by the usual tourist trail and reveal where the real adventure truly begins.
- The Highlight: Český Krumlov. It resembles an actual gingerbread town, which is located in a loop of the Vltava River.
- The Secret: Go to Beer Spa in Pilsen. It is what it is called, hops and barley soaking, and it is the final relaxation at the end of the drive. It truly captures the essence of a countryside road trip.
5. The Highlands of Scotland: Into the Mist.
Scotland is the epitome of drama. A driving trip around the Cairngorms and to the Isle of Skye is a voyage down the myths and highlands. This remains the most accessible and stunning Europe road trip from UK for those starting on the mainland.
- The Glencore: The Highlight. The very enormity of the mountains is a breathtaking thing even on a wet day (and it will be rainy).
- Expert Tip: Watch out for honesty boxes at farm gates, where you can purchase fresh eggs or homemade jam; it is the very core of the Highlands.
6. Northern Spain: The Emerald Coast.
You need not think of the dry plainland of the south. Asturias and the Picos de Europa provide green and lush Spain, which is more Swiss-like. It is a country of cider, seafood and high-flying limestone mountains, making for a spectacular Europe road trip. If you’re extending your Spanish adventure, here’s a full guide to the best beaches in Spain to help you plan coastal stops. According to insights from the European Travel Commission, these lesser-known regional routes are becoming the gold standard for sustainable and authentic travel. Using a Europe road trip planner helps here, as the mountain weather can change your itinerary quickly.
- The Gem: The Cares River Trail. It is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Europe, cut out of the side of a ravine.
- Insider Advice: Try to stay in a Parador; these are posh hotels usually in an old monastery or castle. One that is a personal favourite is the Parador in Gijón.
7. Adriatic Highway, Croatia: Makarska to Pula.
The Dalmatian coast road is an art of the seashore. This road trip, Europe enthusiasts rave about offers the turquoise glitter of the Adriatic on one hand and the pure whiteness of the karst mountains on the other.
- The Sightseeing: Plitvice Lakes National Park. Yes, it is a well-known place, but the impression of those waterfalls falling down in the real world is a spiritual one.
- Travel Tip: Get out at Omiš. It is the adventure capital of Croatia, and this is where you can zip-line or go canyoneering if you need to get off the steering wheel. This route connects some of the continent’s most historic cities.
8. Sicily: A Mediterranean Mosaic
Sicily is a world unto itself. Circumnavigating this island is a sensory overload of smoking volcanoes, ancient Greek temples, and the best pasta alla norma you’ll ever taste on a Europe road trip. It is widely considered one of the best Europe road trips for food lovers.
- The Highlight: Mount Etna. Driving up the winding roads of Europe’s most active volcano feels like entering a lunar landscape.
- Expert Tip: Visit the island of Favignana. You’ll have to leave the car for a day and hire a bicycle, but the crystal-clear coves are worth every pedal stroke. It is the ultimate Europe adventure.
If your Italian road trip continues north, you might also love our guide to the things to do in Sicily for deeper inspiration.
9. Andalusia, Sunny Southern Spain: The Moorish Heart.
It is your dream Europe: whitewashed villages on cliffs, the smell of orange blossoms, and the ghostly chord of the flamenco guitars. If you are looking for the best Europe road trips to soak up the sun, this is your destination for Europe travel.
- The Sightseeing: The Alhambra in Granada. It is merely one of the prettiest buildings that has ever been built by human hands.
- TripHack: Ronda likes to drive all the way through the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages), and it is magic, but you have to have very sharp, narrow streets. You have a friend here; it is a small car!
10. The Ring Road: The Ultimate Pilgrimage to Iceland.
When it comes to a Europe road trip that will change you, the Ring Road of Iceland is it. It is 1,332 kilometers in its unfiltered nature. For this journey, a robust Europe road trip planner is essential to track fuel stops and weather. It is a road trip Europe provides that feels like visiting another planet and is the gold standard for Europe driving.
- The Best: Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Even seeing icebergs sailing towards the sea in the sun set is something you will not forget in your life.
- Pro Tip: Travel during shoulder season (May or September). You will spend more days in the sun than in the winter, fewer days than in the summer, and have the possibility of observing the Northern Lights in case of luck.
A Note from an Expert
It is not where one goes but what they can discover on the way. When you are planning your next Europe road trip in the foggy mountains of Scotland or on the sunlit beaches of Sicily, do not forget to look up. Switch off the radio now and then. Allow the scenery to speak to you. And with Low Cost Vibes, you can make the journey just as rewarding as the destination, without stretching your budget.
The highway is clear, my dearest travellers. Where shall we go first?
FAQs about the Europe Road Trip
Trying to have the shoulder seasons (May or September) to have long light days and fewer people around and an opportunity to view the Northern Lights.
No, a small car is essential. The white villages (Pueblos Blancos), such as Ronda, possess unbelievably narrow and winding streets that make it hard to manoeuvre in bigger cars.
Yes. In cases with big attractions such as the Alhambra in Granada or the major attractions in the Czech Hinterlands, it is highly advisable to book that many weeks (even months) in advance.
Prepare to encounter rainy weather and narrow roads. You should always look at the farm gates for local produce at Honesty Boxes, and you can always look forward to sheep crossing the road.
Absolutely. A Baltic Odyssey is the journey into the history of fairytale mediaeval (Tallinn) and gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture (Riga).
