Published 5th Mar. 2026
Reading time
Europe is ideal road tripping territory with its endless contrasting scenes, from long, winding stretches of empty mountain road to mile-upon-mile of golden coastline and rolling rural farmland. There is so much variety to be had in just one European road trip. Discover all of these at your own pace, with the ability to stop and explore wherever you please, and get a taste of a more nomadic lifestyle on the best European road trips we know.
A Corsican road trip stretching from Ajaccio to Calvi gives you the freedom to embrace the dramatic coastal landscapes this region offers. There’s the charming hillside town of Cargese, the tiny, tranquil village of Osani and the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Corsica National Park, which is best seen by boat to admire the caves and cliffs.
One of the real gems that this route takes in is Les Calanques de Piana – a spectacular collection of Mediterranean cliffs and columns. The series of cliffs is an almost surreal setting of weather-carved pink granite, creating strangely-shaped red figures, with many plunging into the sea and others jutting out at nearly 1,000ft high. As they are situated on Corsica’s west coast, the rock formations are at their most red – and most beautiful – at sunset. There are many places to park along the route, making for a special scenic stop on your road trip. We’d recommend parking up, putting on your hiking boots and taking a walk out over the cliffs to see the magical formations up close.
Image by Julia Nimke
Between April and October, the presence of the Midnight Sun elongates the days in Iceland, making the logistics of an Iceland road trip easier to navigate. Starting in Reykjavik, travel first through geyser-ridden Thingvellir National Park and you will have left behind the hordes by the time you see Vik’s coal-black beach. Visit Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier; cross mountain passes; photograph Iceland’s most incredible waterfall, Dettifoss; and stop off by the geothermal Lake Myvatn before reaching Husavik, Iceland’s whale-watching hub. Don’t miss a chance to head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you can explore the unique architecture of the churches scattered between basalt columns and lichen-topped lava fields.
Image by Cécile Rosenstrauch
Slovenia may not be a destination which first springs to mind when you think of European road trips. However, it deserves much more time in the limelight. With Slovenia being such a small country, the distances between its must-see landscapes are all relatively short, so the ground that can be covered in a single trip is immense. You can spend one day mooching and exploring Adriatic beach towns and the next day you could be driving the open roads of Slovenia’s most remote mountain ranges.
Visit the compact capital, Ljubljana, and then contrast this with a drive to Secovlje Salina Nature Park, which is home to vast salt pans and iconic bird spotting. Motor around the Julian Alps at your own pace, meandering through meadows and taking regular breaks from the car to hike to the most remote viewpoints. Lake Bled is an unmissable final stop on your motor marathon, where we’d recommend driving the circumference of the lake and making time to get on the water in a traditional wooden pletna.
Image by Jacob Wallwork / Kintzing
Italians are well known for their laidback lifestyle, and a road trip along the Adriatic coastline is the perfect way to embrace this languid way of life. In your hire car, drive past trulli houses, fig plantations and across rolling hills. Park up and explore Lecce’s old town and its winding cobbled streets, lined with ornate architecture, elegant limestone buildings and large piazzas. Take a break from the wheel and trade your hire car for a rustic rickshaw tour of the Salento region, sampling local olive oils, wines and tarallucci (Italian biscuits). Finally, you can’t motor around Puglia without heading inland to Matera to see the brightly painted UNESCO cave churches – an architecture and history-lover’s dream, and the perfect road trip pitstop.
Image by Lucy Laucht
A road trip gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and visit sites that might not be accessible by public transport. You can customise the itinerary to suit your preferences too. And the time spent together in the car is a great bonding experience for you and your travel companions.
The best car for road trips will depend on your destination. Some places require a sturdy 4x4, while others are better suited to a little city car. Do your research before you choose your hire car.
Laws vary between countries, but generally, you’ll need:
Yes, there are toll roads in many European countries. They work in slightly different ways depending where you are, so do your research when you plan your trip.
Wherever you decide to hit the road, you’re bound to have a memorable experience as you meander through Europe. Pack your bags, fill up the car and get ready to embark on your next adventure.
Image by Faustine Poidevin
Header Image by Daniel J. Schwarz / Unsplash
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Sumatra is one of the largest and most beautiful islands in Indonesia; it's three times the size of the UK and, unlike its neighbouring islands of Bali and Java, sees far fewer tourists. It's also one of the most biodiverse areas on earth, known for its extraordinarily rich flora, fauna and wildlife. Want the lowdown? Read on to discover our reasons why you should visit Sumatra. 1. Step into the unknown2.
7th June 2025 - Indonesia Adventure
Norway’s surreal scenery has to be seen to be believed. A land of majestic fjords, wild isles and imposing mountains, every inch of this country will take your breath away. It’s not difficult to see why it’s consistently voted as one of the world’s top travel destinations; visit Norway on holiday, and you’ll leave wanting to run away to the mountains and never return. So, why visit Norway? Read on for a list of reasons you won’t be able to argue with.
4th June 2025 - Norway Adventure
We're all for a relaxing holiday, but sometimes an active adventure is just what the doctor ordered. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a complete beginner, it’s no secret that immersing yourself in nature is a great way to unplug and destress, and a good long walk in a dreamy destination is certainly more appealing than a stroll around your local park. So, if you're sitting at your desk dreaming about your next trip, this roundup of the best hiking holidays is the perfect-pick-me-up to get you inspired.
17th January 2025 - Adventure
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
