Always wanted to do an iconic road trip? Well, now you’ll know which routes are actually worth driving. We have the lowdown on the very best road trips in Europe, using data by Moneybarn.
The final results are based on a number of factors of what makes for a great road trip, from the price of petrol to National Parks and points of interest along the route.
Road trips have been a great way to explore the world since the early 1900s, with certain routes becoming iconic vacations for seeing landmarks, visiting cities, and simply enjoying the open road.
The Best Road Trips in Europe
1. The Atlantic Highway – England
This scenic road trip traverses the iconic counties of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall on the South West Peninsula of England.
2. Nordic Coastline – Sweden
This beautiful coastal route includes many famous landmarks, such as Torghatten, De Syv Søstre (The Seven Sisters mountain range), Svartisen glacier and Saltstraumen (world’s strongest whirlpools).
3. Basque Circuit – Spain/France
The Basque Circuit is easily one of the most beautiful road trips in Europe. You start in Bilbao, driving through Pamplona and then the hairpin mountain roads of the Pyrenees in France.
4. Slovenian Lakes – Slovenia
This peaceful road trip is the best way to see Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, among others. The landscape is dotted with numerous lakes, both natural and man-made.
5. Through The Picos de Europa – Spain
The Picos de Europa are a mountain range extending for about 20 km. The complete mountain circuit route takes 5½ hours non-stop – to enjoy and explore properly allow several hours more than this.
6. The Baltics: Estonia to Lithuania – Estonia/Lithuania/Lativa
This road trip through the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is a great way to see highlights such as Riga Bay, Tallinn’s Old Town and river valleys.
7. Swiss Alps – Switzerland
There’s many routes you can take through the Swiss Alps, but the most famous of the mountain passes in the European Alps is the Great St. Bernard Pass. You’ll drive high into the mountains to 2,469 meters.
Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]
