Best routes to drive in Europe

One thing about Europe is that it’s FULL of history. Impressive monuments and beautiful architecture stand centuries tall, but the roads are equally as old and mysterious. There’s no greater pleasure in life than coasting along the best roads in Europe, windows down with the sun in your face and an impeccable playlist blasting through the speakers.

If driving through Europe is a must do on your travel bucket list, then these are our 8 favourite routes around the continent.

Why should I drive through Europe?

While you may be tempted to fly from city to city in Europe, driving offers so many more opportunities! First there’s the incredible views that you wouldn’t get to experience so high up in the air, and plenty of small towns and villages that you may not discover from so high. You’ll get to explore plenty of hidden gems and really get to know a country by engaging with the locals and their culture in smaller, more rural areas.

Driving also allows you plenty of freedom. You can take any detour you like, stop for pictures any time, and take as much time as needed.

What is the oldest road in Europe?

Via Appia, or the Appian Way, is an 800km road and the oldest and most important road built by the Roman Empire back in the 4^th century BC!

Other old and impressive roads in Europe include the sacred Minoan Road which King Minos used to travel to and communicate with the Greek God Zeus, and the iconic Napolean route which Napolean took back in 1815 to overthrow Louis the 18^th and start his conquest of Europe and the East.

Tips for driving through Europe

1. Plan your route!

Obviously there are road signs along the way, but it’s very easy to get lost of turned around by pretty views and charming villages. So make sure you plan your route ahead of time and make use of those trusty GPSs!

2. Take your time

Though you probably want to get to your final destination, slow and steady wins the race, and it’s nice to take your time so you can really explore the countries you’re travelling through. Stop off in different towns and villages, check out the local art galleries, coffee shops, bakeries, etc. You may find some new favourites along the way!

Little tip: it’s considered impolite to rush into a local coffee shop just to use the bathroom. If you need a toilet break, buy a coffee or snack beforehand – unless of course you’re at a gas station where this is totally fine.

3. Soak in the views

The best part about driving through Europe is the access to all the stunning natural sights, so you should definitely make the most of it. Pack yourself a little picnic for lunch and make a pit-stop by a national park or cliff and give yourself time to just soak in all the beauty.

Drive with Contiki!

We totally get that driving can feel like a long a tedious task, especially if it’s not something you particularly like doing. But, you shouldn’t give up all the views and benefits just because of that. Instead, travel with Contiki, where all the driving is taken care of for you by our expert Trip Drivers!

Our multi-country European trips will give you unseen glimpses into the continent and all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

What are the best routes in Europe?

1. Estrada Atlantica in Portugal

With green valleys, the smell of pine trees to one side and the breeze of the ocean on the other, the Estrada Atlantic drive is downright idyllic. Start this drive in Marinha Grande and hit up sites like Mata Nacional do Urso (Portugal’s national bear forest!), coast along Vieira and São Pedro de Moel Beach, and arrive at Óbidos.

The Atlantic Road gives you 62km of coastal roads to drive along the most beautiful cliffs that Portugal has to offer. Plus, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to stop by some of the most iconic beaches like Nazaré and São Martinho – so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit!

2. Explore Spain’s Galicia and Asturias

Taking a drive from Galicia to Asturias will give you a gorgeous view of Northern Spain. Start in Galicia where you can visit the iconic Santiago de Compostela – it really doesn’t need any introduction – and from there start your journey by making your way to Picos da Europa. You’ll be driving along the glittering coast following the Autovia del Cantábrio, A8.

Stick to the coast while you drive where you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the ocean and beaches. Towels and sunscreen tucked in the trunk, feel free to make as many pitstops as you need! I really recommend checking out Playa de Las Catedrales, one of my favourites, as well as Tapia de Casariego and Playa de Luarca. There’s plenty of charming villages to visit on the way where you can get authentic pintxos for a pick-me-up.

Cruise to Cangas de Onis where you’ll find the entrance to the jaw-dropping Picos de Europa national park. This national park is filled with rolling hills, lush mountains, turquoise lakes, and plenty of fluffy cows to admire from a distance. Don’t hesitate to take a hike along one of the many available trails!

Once you start to feel like a new person totally rejuvenated by the mountains and sea, head onto the N-625 to Covadonga – a magical place. Make sure to stop along Enol Lake and Ercina Lake for some extra gorgeous views. Finally, the drive will end in Riaño – unless you turn the car around and do it all again?

3. Following in Goethe’s steps from Italy to Austria!

Italy, oh beautiful Italy, if you’ve never driven in this country, you should reconsider your choices. It can be a little challenging to drive through Rome and Napoli, but honestly the Tuscan country sides and Amalfi coasts more than make up for it, and wouldn’t you do anything for fresh pizza, pasta, gelato, and Aperol too?

Following Goethe’s steps you’ll start your drive in Italy and make your way to Austria! You’ll use the SS12 through Trento, Bolzano, Brixen, and onto the famed Brennero Pass with mountain views on either side.

Marvel as the landscape changes before your very eyes when you enter the Austrian Tyrol region. Get your cameras at the ready (but not if you’re the driver!) and prepare to photograph many waterfalls and lakes, paradisiacal vineyards, and the dream-like Dolomite Mountains.

As you’re driving instead of flying, now is the perfect opportunity to make a pit-stop at the small Italian and Austrian towns which dot the way and enjoy many local treats and coffees. The architecture and main squares will make it seem like you’re living in a little fairytale.

4. Gotthard Tunnel Pass

An impressive route that you won’t want to miss if you’re considering conquering all the best routes in Europe is one of our favourite mountain roads in the continent: Gotthard Pass.

You’ll get to soak in some pretty perfect Italian and Swiss views. Italy and Switzerland are both stunners as we know, but your perception of these gems will change while you’re literally winding down the road surrounded by mountains and valleys of the deepest green ever. In winter, the pass is closed due to heavy snow fall and storms, but come early spring the roads open again and if the weather is right you may still get to make a snow angel on one of your pit-stops!

This is how to road trip through Europe.

5. Laerdal Tunnel through Norway

For those that know the best routes in Europe, it may come as no surprise that Norway is making this list, specifically the route through Laerdal Tunnel.

You may think that road tripping through Europe just to spend it in a tunnel is a bit of a waste, but trust us when we say you will be awed by Laerdal Tunnel. Connecting Laerdal and Aurland, the tunnel is 24.5km long and the show inside is nothing short of beautiful. Built straight into the rock, there are colourful lights that illuminate the way, reflecting against the rock like Norway’s common auroras, and there are many roundabouts in the tunnel (yes) which are decorated just as beautifully as well.

Driving through the Laerdal Tunnel is a really unique experience. Once out, you can take the ferry at Fodnes Port and cruise along the deep fjords to make your way over to the picturesque town of Fossbergom where you can pack a picnic and check out waterfalls and rapids.

Snake around the Geirangerfjord afterwards for awe-inspiring views. Did you know that Norway’s fjords are where director Denis Villeneuve filmed scenes of Caladan in the most recent Dune movies? You’ll be able to tick a few filming locations off your bucket list while exploring the ‘King of the Fjords’.

6. The Romantic Road of Germany

Wine, rivers, rich history, and fortresses and castles… What a combination! That’s what makes Germany’s Romantic Road truly special. In fact, the route isn’t just one road, it’s actually 400km of roads which connect 29 German towns and cities between Würzburg and Füssen.

‘Fairytale’ is the best word to use to describe the locations you’ll be passing on your drive. There’s around 50 cities and towns included on this route, so you’ve got more than plenty to choose from when deciding where to take driving and snack breaks!

Each is unique, picturesque, and incredibly rich in culture and history in their own way, but these are a few of my favourites:

• Dinkelsbühl: the city saved by the children.
• Landsberg am Lech: The history along the river.
• Nördlingen: In a meteor crater.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The jewel of the route.

7. The wine and history route through France

If you want to dive deep into some of France’s most recent history, and enjoy some local beverages, then this is the best route in Europe for you.

Start in Normandy where you can discover France’s most historical beaches including Gold Beach, Utah Beach, Juno Beach, and the famous Omaha Beach where D-Day troupes ascended during World War II. If you’re interested in the history of France’s tumultuous monarchy, keep an eye on the road for many old castles and manor houses as well – you can visit a lot of these if you’re so inclined.

Next, head down the coast and make your way down to the Mont-Saint-Michel a very famous fortress and monastery located on an island just off the shore! You can only get to this island during low tide when the ocean is out as the road is inaccessible during high tide, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly for this super unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After that, drive inland towards the absolutely jaw-dropping Château Chambord where you can feel like a king or a queen strolling along the impeccable grounds. You’ll spend the night in Orleans, where your degustation of French wines can begin with real Chardonnay.

The medieval city of Reims will be next on your drive and here you can enjoy real Champagne straight from the region and gawk at the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral in the city. Lastly, head to beautiful Chantilly for a taste of real Chantilly cream – sweet, fluffy, and pristinely white, yum! – and make your way to Paris for a stroll of the city of romance.

Sound amazing but don’t want to do all the driving yourself? No worries, check out our France in a Week trip instead!

8. Les Trois Corniches

Nice to Monte Carlo, a road trip through the French Riviera… what a dream! The drive between these glitzy cities is called Les Trois Corniches, and it’s a must for anyone wanting to explore all the best routes in Europe.

Just 50m above the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll be cruising along with a warm and salty breeze, snaking around cliffs and getting the best view of this area in France.

Some notable sights along the way are Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, aka the ‘Billionaires Peninsula’, idyllic Villefranche-Sur-Mer, quaint Èze, and many more.

The route is split between the Lower Corniche, the Moyenne Corniche, and the Grand Corniche, so you can take your pick depending on the specific pit-stops you’d like to make any how long you’d like to drive. But no matter which route you choose, you’re starting and end points will be absolutely stunning and magical and you won’t regret the trip at all.