Pack your bags, choose a playlist and hit the road to see the best places in Europe. We offer the most exciting options, from coastal routes that allow you to feel the fresh sea wind, to epic trips across the country.
The Road of Flowers, the Netherlands
Length: 40 km
It is difficult to find a more colorful route than the Bloemen Route, the “road of flowers” in the west of the Netherlands, running through fields of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other flowers. Start in Haarlem (19 km from Amsterdam) and admire the floral arrangements in paintings by Dutch masters at the Frans Hals Museum, one of the best small galleries in the country. From here, head to Lisse to visit the Keukenhof Flower Park, a 70—acre site with indoor and outdoor displays created by talented Dutch flower growers from more than seven million bulbs. And take the time to explore the 17th century castle opposite. In Leiden, visit the 16th century Botanical garden and don’t miss the mill tower and the De Valk Museum. Your trip will end in Nadlwijk, where you can take a tour of the huge flower auction. The best time to visit is April or May, when the flowers have already fully bloomed, and we recommend going on a weekday to avoid weekend traffic jams.
Black Forest, Germany
Length: 60 km
The Black Forest with its half—timbered houses and dark tree-covered hills is one of the most picturesque places in Germany. It was here that the Brothers Grimm drew inspiration for their fairy tales. You can see it in all its glory by driving along the Black Forest Hochstrasse, a high-rise section of the highway between Freudenstadt and Baden-Baden. This panoramic route is a wide and smooth road, which is convenient to drive along. The highest point of the route is on the Hornisgrinde Mountain, and there are many green parking lots where you can stop to admire the views of the valleys and endless forests of this region from above. The last leg of the road to Baden-Baden is the most winding and runs deep into the forest. Raise a toast to your arrival and go to recuperate in the thermal waters of this 19th century resort town.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Length: 70 km
The Amalfi Coast stretches between Sorrento and Salerno in southwestern Italy, along which one of the most romantic routes in the world is laid. Medieval villages in pastel colors cling to the hillsides against the backdrop of a Mediterranean landscape with green mountains, lemon groves and high cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best explored in a classic Italian car with the top down. The roads are winding, narrow and difficult in places, but the views are simply amazing. Move from east to west to admire the best sea views. We recommend booking overnight stops in Ravello, where Wagner, D. G. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf found their inspiration, charming Positano with its postcard views and Amalfi itself with sun-drenched squares and cozy beaches.
Troll Ladder, Norway
Length: 105 km
This challenging route in western Norway leads up the steep mountainside in the Easterdal Valley and has at least 11 sharp turns. This “troll trail” is usually open only from mid-May to October, and at the height of the season up to 2,500 cars a day overcome its steep ascents. Set off as early as possible to get ahead of the tour buses and drive slowly while admiring the pictures of fjords, waterfalls and lakes. The largest observation deck rises 200 meters above the road, and there is a tourist information center at the top where you can stop and have a cup of Norwegian coffee with waffles.
Icelandic Ring Road (Route 1)
Length: 1336 km
It’s hard to find anything more exciting than the amazing routes around Iceland. Where can you see active volcanoes, geothermal springs, fields of frozen lava, thundering waterfalls and breathtaking fjords in just one trip? And that’s without taking into account the magic of the northern lights. Route 1 goes around the island and connects most of the country’s settlements. You will need from 7 to 10 days for the entire route. The main attractions are the Rijkjadalur or “Valley of Smoke”, where you can swim in a hot river, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, Skogafoss, the stunning glacial lagoon Jekulsaurloun and the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajekull. During the summer months, keep a close eye on the flocks of sheep that cross the roads freely, and note that with the onset of winter, some sections of Road 1 may be closed.
Atlantic Highway, England
Length: 124 km
The Atlantic Highway in the south-west of England is a coastal route that connects two of the most beautiful regions of the country, Devon and Cornwall. This is a calm rather than stressful route with gentle descents and smooth turns, passing by picturesque fishing villages, Celtic ruins and secluded beaches. Start your journey in Barnstaple, a thriving commercial town that has historical attractions such as a Norman mound and a 13th-century bridge, and then head towards Buda to relax on one of the beaches of this resort town, where you can also surf. Moving further south, you will come to the village of Tintagel, where King Arthur was born, according to legend. Explore the ruins of his castle on a fragment of the cape, which can only be reached by a footbridge. End your trip in Newquay, a vibrant cliff-top town with bars, clubs and shops where you can buy everything for surfing.
Marseille to Monaco, French Riviera
Length: 298 km
Imagine yourself as Grace Kelly and Cary Grant and go on a trip along the French Riviera in a car with the top down. This classic coastal route runs through luxurious resorts, hilltop towns and winding mountain roads. If you are limited in time, you can manage to visit the most interesting places (Saint Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo) over the weekend, but to see the Cote d’Azur in all its glory, it is better to allocate at least a week. Start in Marseille, a vibrant city with thriving art and a bustling harbor, and follow the coast to Saint Tropez to relax on Pampelonne Beach and go further tanned and prettier. Take a walk along the famous Croisette and be sure to leave time to explore the cultural and historical treasures of Nice. Between Nice and Monaco, you will follow the 500-meter-high scenic Grand Corniche road, built by Napoleon. And lift the top of your car already in Monaco to take a ride on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.
Transfagaras Highway, Romania
Length: 90 km
This incredible mountain road in central Romania will make you feel like a real racer. The Transfegarash highway passes through the Fagarash mountain range in the Southern Carpathians and follows the Argesh River. The steep bends of the road serpentine make the route difficult, but the views from the height (the highest point is 2,042 meters) are simply amazing. This road, built in the 1970s as a military route to cross the mountains in the event of a Soviet invasion, is usually open only from June to October. Along the way you will meet many picturesque sights, including the ruins of Poenari Castle, where Vlad Tepes once lived, and glacial Lake Balea.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Length: 193 km
The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular tourist routes in Europe, and for good reason. This scenic route in the south-west of Ireland, passing through wild Atlantic beaches, rocky mountains and charming fishing villages, allows you to experience the charm of the Emerald Isle. Leave Killarney early and turn right so as not to trail behind a string of tourist buses. Stop at the Lady’s View observation deck to admire the beauty of Killarney National Park from above, and then move on to Kenmare, a charming town with houses of all colors of the rainbow and traditional pubs. Explore the cromlech of the prehistoric An Steg fort and continue along the route to the village of Portmagi, which offers stunning views of the rocky island of Skellig Michael, where there was once a monastic settlement. Make sure to take the time to visit Rossbeich Beach (a popular surfing spot) before heading back to Killarney and ending your trip with a tour of Ross Castle.