Time for some inspiration ! Find out some of the best road trips in Europe according to travel bloggers: Iceland, Scotland, Romania, Norway... There is so much to see 🙂 Where will you travel next?
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Europe road trip planning - Tips
Europe by car
- Yes it is possible to explore Europe by car
- No you can't tour Europe by car in 3 weeks... It is big! (In terms of landmass, it is a bit larger than the US)
- If you have only 2 weeks or less I would focus on 1 or 2 countries (if they are close-by) - they all have so much to offer
- I would rent a car after leaving a major city or before visiting it. Keeping a car in a European capital is useless, you will have to pay for carparks and be in traffic jams. They generally have good public transport.
Europe by car - Logarska Dolina Slovenia
Road tripping Europe - FAQs
- Can I rent a car and drive around Europe?
It is possible to rent a car and drive around Europe - However you must check two things:
- The rental agency you have chosen allows for that + you have selected the option
- And the rental agency has offices in all countries, otherwise it could get difficult if you encounter a problem
Check out the options on Rentalcars
- Best cars to road trip in Europe
A lot of European countries have great road networks. Unless you plan to go off road, classic sedan should be OK.
Most Europeans drive manual, so you will have to pay extra and book in advance to have an automatic. But it could be a good idea.
If you are going to a mountainous area, make sure you book a car with a powerful enough motor.
- Is it safe to drive through Europe?
Generally yes.
Europe drives on the right side of the road except for the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.
Check out my driving tips at the end of this article
Road Tripping Europe - Loch Maree viewpoint Scotland
About the Best road trips in Europe
Where is the best place to road trip in Europe?
Driving in Europe - here in Iceland
There is really no single answer to this question.
All the European countries have wonderful landscapes to offer and many have great road networks.
My personal favorite so far has been Iceland - because you have very few town and the landscapes along the road are always mesmerizing. But this is a very personal choice. This is why I asked other travel bloggers to share their favorites with you.
The selection of best drives in Europe in this article
The list of European road trips below is only a selection, from a few days to 2 weeks.
When I asked other bloggers for this collaboration, most of the answers were from Western Europe. But I still have some wonderful options for you in Central and Eastern Europe.
I have tried organizing them by regions, but some countries can be included in many different definitions of Western, Eastern, Northern European countries... I hope no one will get offended.
Below is a map to help you visualize:
North Europe Road Trip
#1 - Iceland Road Trip - The Ring Road
Iceland Road trip - Skogafoss
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Claire from ZigZag On Earth (this blog lol)
- Why I love this European drive -
The fjords and glacier in the South - the lava, craters and post-apocalytic landscapes in the North... To this day it is still one of my 2 favorite destinations. - How long is required -
You should plan at least 10 days to travel all around the Ring Road. Some people do it in a week but I think it would be frustrating not to be able to stop everywhere - Difficulty of the drive -
If you stay on the Ring Road, driving is quite easy. It has mostly one lane in each direction. A few bridges are one lane only.
Check out my article about planning a road trip in Iceland - Type of car required -
If you don't go crazy exploring off the main road any type of car is fine in Summer
Iceland Road trip - Myvatn pseudo-craters
- Main suggested stops -
- The famous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss on the South Coast - tall, powerful and magical. In Seljalandsfoss, you can even walk behind!
- The glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon and the icebergs floating on to the black sand beach (Diamond beach)
- The Eastern fjord for your "Walter Mitty skateboard moment"
- The area of Lake Myvatn (my favorite) with fuming lava, crazy formations, fumeroles, pseudo-craters, real craters...
See pictures of all this amazing stops on my Iceland Travel guide - Overnight recommendations -
On the South Coast, Vik is a very practical place to stop for a night - Check out accommodation options
And in the North, I recommend at least 2 nights in Lake Myvatn - I really enjoyed the Dimmuborgir Guesthouse - Check out pictures and availability
Inspired by a road trip in Iceland? Check out my eBooks to easily plan your itinerary:
8 Maps, 100+ locations, 110+ photos
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2 Maps, 30 stops, 10 detours, 70+ photos
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#2 - Norway Fjords Road trip
Fjords of Norway Road to Jostedal - Photo by Green Global Travel
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Bret Love & Mary Gabbett from Green Global Travel
- Why they love this Europe road trip -
You'll see myriad different landscapes along the fjords of Norway, from rolling hilly farmlands to larger-than-life granite mountains that seem to have been carved by the mythical Norse gods. There's water around seemingly every turn, from picturesque lakes to waterfalls right by the side of the road. It's arguably the most beautiful countryside we've ever explored, so be prepared to make lots of stops to take postcard-worthy photos. - How long is required -
If you drove the entire 421-kilometer route from Bergen to Alesund without stopping (expect to wait for ferry crossings), you could make it in approximately nine hours. But trust me, you WILL want to stop, and often, to soak in the spectacular views all along the way. We road-tripped through the Fjords of Norway for about a week, but you could easily spend as little as three days or several weeks, depending on how in-depth you want to explore. - Difficulty of the drive -
There's very little traffic along most of these roads, but you will want to take it fairly slow. In part because of the jaw-dropping scenery, and in part because the mountain route is winding and packed with switchbacks. But the roads are in excellent shape, and even those in the snow-packed Jotunheimen Mountains were clear of ice and other hazards. - Type of car required -
A 4WD drive vehicle might be helpful here, but not really necessary. We did our road trip in a compact, fuel-efficient hybrid and had no trouble.
Fjords of Norway road trip - Photo by Green Global Travel
- Main suggested stops -
1) Bryggen- This historic waterfront in Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 62 colorful wooden buildings that date back some 500+ years. Visit the Bryggen Museum to learn about the city's rich maritime history, and its role in the the Hanseatic League‘s vast trading empire.
2) The Sognefjord- This is the largest of the 1,190 fjords of Norway, and the second longest fjord in the entire world. Known as the King of the Fjords, the emerald green fjord is met by Norway’s largest glacier and its highest mountains. Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to do it justice!
3) Nigardsbreen Glacier- This gorgeous glacier is an arm of Jostedalsbreen, which is the largest glacier in all of Europe. Fishing, hiking, and kayaking are all popular activities here, but our favorite was a guided glacier climb complete with ice axes and crampons. The view from the top is truly breathtaking.
4) Urnes Stave Church (learn more) - One of Norway's oldest stave churches, Urnes was built high on a hill in Sogn og Fjordane county nearly 900 years ago. These ornate wooden churches date back to medieval times, and provide a historical link between the ancient art and architecture of the Viking Age and that of Christianity.
5) Jotunheimen Mountains - Leaving Urnes, you'll take the Sognefjellet National Tourist Route to Stryn, which takes you along the highest mountain pass in northern Europe. It takes four hours straight through, but we recommend taking a picnic lunch and making a full day of it to spend time exploring the glacial ice and snow-capped peaks of the Jotunheimen Mountains. This was our favorite part of the entire road trip. - Overnight recommendations -
We did several overnight stops along the way, including stays at the Gulen Dive Resort, the 380-year-old Walaker Hotell (oldest hotel in Norway), the Olden Fjordhotel, and the historic Visnes Hotel in Stryn
#3 - Ireland Road Trip - Causeway coastal road
Giants Causeway Ireland - Photo by Passport & Piano
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Fiona from Passport and Piano
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
The Antrim Coast is one of the most spectacular coastline drives in Europe. Along the route from Belfast to Derry ~Londonderry you'll pass by quaint fishing villages, imposing castles, rugged landscape and some beautiful beaches. - How long is required -
The drive is approximately 160 miles, but to see everything along the way, I would allow 5 days. - Difficulty of the drive -
It is, however, quite narrow in parts with a lot of twists and bends and although the national speed limit (60mph) is allowed at times, it's better to take your time and enjoy the splendid vistas along the way. - Type of car required -
No particular vehicle is required to drive the route as the coastal road is sealed all the way.
The best time to drive this coastal route is in either May or September as the summer months are densely populated with tourists. This means annoying coaches that block the road, traffic jams and too many people at the attractions on route.
Rathlin island Ireland - Photo by Passport & Piano
- Suggested itinerary / Overnight suggestions -
Day 1 - Belfast
AM - Belfast is now a vibrant cosmopolitan city, and it's come along way since its troubled past. Make sure you check out Titanic Belfast and the shipyard where The Titanic was built.
PM - Leave Belfast on the A2 and head for the Gobbins where you can enjoy a 2.5KM guided cliff top walk across some amazing suspension bridges and tunnels.
Stay - Spend the night in a guest house in Larne.
Day 2 - Larne to Ballycastle
Continuing along the A2, you'll pass Glenarm castle which is well worth looking around or if your a game of thrones fan you could drive until you reach the Cushendun Caves.
Cushendun village is one of the 9 Glens of Antrim. These small but beautiful villages are well worth a short detour to drive through. The route is signposted, and you'll find plenty of tea shops to have lunch at, in any of the glens.
In the afternoon you can either continue along the A2 up to Torr head where you get a splendid view of the Scottish coastline or take the inland route and visit the dark hedges, another game of thrones attraction.
Spend the next 2 nights at Ballycastle - check out accommodation options
Day 3 - Ratlin Island
Take the ferry across to Ratlin Island, it's a beautiful spot and one of the lesser known landmarks of Ireland. There's plenty of walking to enjoy on the island, and the wildlife is spectacular.
Day 4 - Ballycastle to Bushmills
Drive from Ballycastle to Bushmills. This is one of my favourite stretches along this route. If you have time stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and test your nerves walking across the Clift top bridge. A few miles further along the road is Giants Causeway, and a stop here is a most. Its a Unesco Heritage site and the rock formations are spectacular.
Spend the night either in a cottage, there are some beautiful ones around Whitepark Bay. The beach here is stunning and if you can spare the time its an enjoyable walk to Giants Causeway from here.
Day 5 - Bushmills to Derry~Londonderry
You could explore Bushmills Brewery before continuing along the final section of this drive to Derry~Londonderry. You'll pass through Portstewart and Portrush, both of which are great seaside towns and worth an ice cream stop.
#4 - Ireland Road Trip - South & Ring of Kerry
Gap of Dunloe Ireland - Photo by Passport and Adventures
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Cath from Passports and Adventures
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
If you want to see the best of Ireland in 8 days, then head for the west coast. Starting in Galway, drive south until you reach Cork, stopping multiple times along the way for cliffs and castles. - How long is required -
This is a 7-nights/8-days trip in which you can explore some of the best Ireland has to offer. - Difficulty of the drive / Type of car required
To do this trip, you’ll need to hire a car. Roads are fairly good, and you’ll be using some motorways, so a medium sized hire car would suffice. Make sure to have change for tolls on the motorways and remember that you drive on the left in Ireland.
Bunratty Castle Ireland - Photo by Passport and Adventures
- Main suggested stops / Itinerary
In 8 days, you can fly into Dublin and head west for Galway City.
1&2) Galway city for two nights. Spend one day exploring the city and the seaside area of Salthill. At a push, you could explore Connemara as well. I’d recommend staying in the city to avail of lots of restaurants and pubs to soak up the atmosphere after a day of exploration.
3) After leaving Galway in the morning, drive south to the Cliffs of Moher, a must for your list of things to do in Ireland. You’ll need to allow several hours to enjoy walks along the cliffs, get your photographs and spend some time in the Visitor’s Centre. From there, drive to Limerick and stay in the city or book into the hotel associated with your next stop, Bunratty Castle Hotel.
4&5&6) After a good night’s sleep, spend the day exploring Bunratty Castle and Folk Park before stopping at Adare Desmond Castle on your way to Killarney. Book into one of the many hotels or guesthouses for three nights so that you can spend one day exploring the beautiful town of Dingle and one day exploring the Ring of Kerry. In Dingle, watch out for the local dolphin Fungi, or take a boat trip out to try spot him. Along the Ring of Kerry, I highly recommend you try visit Lady’s View where you’ll get some stunning views across the Killarney National Park. And don’t miss the Gap of Dunloe. Some of the Ring of Kerry forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way, as does the roads to the Cliffs of Moher.
7) After checking out of your Killarney accommodation, drive east to Cork where your last visit will be to Blarney Castle and Gardens. You’ll need a full day to explore the castle and grounds, so check into a hotel in Cork and spend your afternoon exploring Cobh or Kinsale. In Cobh you’ll find a Titanic Museum as it was the last stop the ship made before heading out into the Atlantic Ocean.
8) After a good night’s rest, head to Blarney Castle early and make your way to the top of the castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Then spend the rest of your day enjoying the stunning gardens before hitting the road and heading back to Dublin. - Overnight recommendations -
Check out the best rated accommodations in Galway
Check out the best rated accommodations in Killarney
Western Europe Road Trips
#5 - Scotland Road Trip - Edinburgh to Skye
Glencoe Valley Scotland
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Claire from ZigZag On Earth (this blog again lol)
- Why I loves this Europe road trip -
The landscapes along this road include some of the best regions in Scotland with lochs, valleys, castles and leads to the jewel that is the Isle of Skye. - How long is required -
Technically the road from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye can be driven in a day. However I recommend:
2 days in Edinburgh
4 days for the drive
and 4 days on the Isle of Skye
Check out my article to help you plan a road trip in Scotland - Difficulty of the drive -
The road is in great condition all the way to Skye. Easy drive with one lane in each direction - Type of car required -
Classic sedan is sufficient
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland
- Main suggested stops -
- Stirling castle as you leave Edinburgh - even if you don't visit it, stop by the town to see it perched on the hill
- The Trossachs National Park around Loch Lomond
- The valley of Glencoe (and if you have the the detour in Glen Etive) - so many places to stop for magnificent views!
- I recommend taking the time to also tour Loch Leven with high summits all around
- The road to Skye via Glen Shiel
See pictures of all this amazing stops on my Scotland Travel guide - Overnight recommendations -
I would definitively spend a night around Glencoe - Check out the accommodation options
And also around the Trossachs
Inspired by a road trip in Scotland? Check out my eBooks to easily plan your itinerary:
#6 - Scotland Road Trip - 500 North Coast
View from Scotland North 500 - Photo by Funky Ellas Travel
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Nicola from Funky Ellas Travel
- Why the blogger loves this Europe drive -
Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a spectacular circular route around the top of the country, beginning and ending in the city of Inverness. - How long is required -
The road trip is 516 miles long and it’s possible to complete it in 2-3 days but I’d highly recommend doing it over 7-10 days to give you a good chance of seeing all the beautiful sites. - Difficulty of the drive -
As the road is so far north I wouldn’t advise doing it in winter incase the roads get blocked by snow but any other time of the year is perfect. Some of the route is single track s familiarise yourself with the rules of this type of road before you travel. - Type of car required -
No specific requirement
Smoo cave, Scotland North 500 - Photo by Funky Ellas Travel
- Main suggested stops -
- Look up the famous Bealach na Bà section too, it’s hairy-scary and you have to be confident in your ability to tackle it. That said, you’ll be glad you managed these roads and you’ll reap the rewards with view after view of absolutely outstanding scenery.
- The stunning little village of Applecross is utterly peaceful and has views over to the often snow capped mountains on the Isle of Skye.
- A little further up the west coast you’ll find probably the most beautiful beach in mainland Scotland, Alchmelvich Beach. The pure white sand and clear turquoise water will remind you of the beaches of the Caribbean. The jurassic landscape and mountain vistas as you drive north from here will blow your mind.
- The most northernly point in mainland Britain, Dunnet Head, is a short hike from the car park and the cliffs are filled with numerous types of seabirds and a short drive east will take you to the Smoo Cave, a large sea cave you can take a boat inside. This is a unforgettable road trip that shows Scotland off beautifully. - Overnight recommendations -
Her accommodation recommendations for the North 500 road include:
The Caledonian Hotel in Ullapool - Check out photos and availability
The Dunnet B+B Escapes overlooking Dunnet Head - Check out photos and availability
The Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness - Check out photos and availability
#7 - France Road Trip - Alsace Wine Road
Alsace wine road France - Photo by World in Paris
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Elisa from World in Paris
- Why she loves it -
The Alsace Wine Route, in Grand Est French region, is one of the coolest areas in France to explore on a road trip. The route offers cute Alsatian towns, picturesque hikes through the vineyards good gastronomy, and of course lots of wine tasting! Alsace is one of the cooler wine growing regions in France, with wines of Alsace mostly being sparkling sweet wines, dry whites and rose whites. On your way, we recommend tasting the best wine of the region including Riesling and Gewürztraminer varietal - How long is required -
There’s so much to see and do that we recommend at least 3 days for this Alsace Wine Routes. - Difficulty of the drive -
The drive is easy - Type of car required -
You don’t need any special car for this road trip
Colmar, France - Photo by World in Paris
- Main suggested stops -
Strasbourg, Alsace's capital, is the best starting point for this Alsace Wine Route and we recommend spending at least one day to see the city's main sights before taking the car. Paris, located 550Km northwest from the first Alsatian towns, is also a possible starting point but the ride from Paris to the first Alsatian towns is much longer.
Along the route, you can admire the stunning green foothills of the Vosges mountains and the various Alsace vineyards. The cutest villages to visit in Alsace are Colmar, Kaysersberg, Mittelbergheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr. The first two are very popular with tourists, especially on the weekends, so going off the beaten path exploring lesser known towns may be a good idea to avoid the crowds.
Apart from the city /town sightseeing, we found very cool to combine wine tasting with small hikes around the vineyards as the best small wine producers tend to be far from the touristy sights. You can find many hike proposals in Tourism Alsace's website, just be aware that the access to some hikes may be closed during the harvest time.
- Overnight recommendations -
Check out the best rated accommodations in Strasbourg
#8 - France Road Trip - Pays Cathare
Châteaux de Lastours, France - Photo by France Bucket List
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Norbert from France Bucket List
- Why he loves this Europe drive -
This Cathar Country Road Trip, in Southern France, combines history, legends, interesting sites, and amazing landscapes.
The Catharism was a dualist religion which flourished in the Languedoc during the XII and XIV centuries. It combined a tradition of itinerant preachers in the forests with a very ascetic quality and rejected the Roman Catholic and the entire church structure. The Cathars had the support of many lords of the former regions of Occitanie and Midi Pyrenees, that’s why the Catholic Church started to consider the Catharism dangerous. The Catholic Church declared the Cathars heretics and called a crusade to destroy them (1209 -1226). - How long is required -
We recommend spending at least 3 days visiting the area but there’s so much to see and do that you could easily travel for two weeks and think that it was not enough time. - Difficulty of the drive -
The drive around the Cathar Country is not difficult - Type of car required -
We just rented the most basic car for the road trip. However, you may want to have a good motor and check your breaks, especially if you are interested in visiting the citadels. We suggest doing this road trip during the Spring or in Autumn. Summer sees the crowds while in Winter some roads to the citadels may be closed.
Minerve, France - Photo by France Bucket List
- Main suggested stops -
Two good starting points for your road trip exploring the Cathar Country are the cities of Carcassonne and Narbonne, both with an interesting Cathar past. You can also decide to use these cities as a base camp and just do day trips by car. The most interesting sites include the picturesque towns of Minerve, Béziers, or Mirepoix and vertigo castles and citadels such as Château de Montségur, Château de Peyrepertuse or Châteaux de Lastours, located at the top of rocky spurs with amazing views over the surrounding valleys and mountains. - Overnight recommendations -
Check out the best rated accommodations in Carcassonne
and Check out the best rated accommodations in Narbonne
Southern Europe Road Trips
#9 - Portugal Road Trip - Central - 10-day road trip through the Silver Coast and Coimbra
Coimbra, Portugal - Photo by Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Julie from Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
The landscape varies from the rich fertile agricultural lands between Lisbon and Obidos, the rocky coast and beaches of the Silver Coast, a limestone-rich mountain range and the forested mountains near Coimbra.
This route incorporates some of my favourite small towns in Central Portugal as well as pretty villages, the historical city of Coimbra and gorgeous countryside. I love how quickly the scenery changes from urban to farmland to coast and mountains – there’s no monotony here. The wealth of UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural activities in this relatively small area is also impressive. - How long is required -
10-day road trip through the Silver Coast and Coimbra - Difficulty of the drive -
The longest distances are usually on motorways which, partly because they are toll roads, are not very busy. Some of the destinations require driving on smaller back roads with hairpin bends. You’ll need to download driving routes onto a navigation system before setting off as road signs and GPS signals are not 100% reliable in some places. - Type of car required -
You can do this in pretty much any small vehicle, up to a minivan size.
Obidos, Portugal - Photo by Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal
- Main suggested stops -
For an ideal itinerary she recommends:
- Buddha Eden Gardens and winery for incredible sculptures
- Medieval Óbidos for old world charm
- Peniche fishing village for rock formations and beaches
- Alcobaça for the UNESCO World Heritage Monastery
- Coimbra for UNESCO World Heritage University, fado and Roman ruins
- Bussaco National Forest for a beautiful Neo-Manueline palace and pretty Carmelite convent
- Schist villages in the Lousã Mountains
- Tomar for the UNESCO World Heritage Convent of Christ, former headquarters of the Knights Templar - Overnight recommendations -
Óbidos (3 nights) - Check out the best rated accommodations in Obidos
Coimbra (5 nights) - Check out the best rated accommodations in Coimbra
Tomar (1 night) - Check out the best rated accommodations in Tomar
Inspired by a road trip in Portugal? Check out my eBooks to easily plan your itinerary:
#10 - Portugal Road Trip - Algarve From Lagos to Faro
Ponta da Piedade, Portugal - Photo by Kevmrc
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Nesrine from Kevmrc Photography
- Why he loves this Europe drive -
If you are wondering where to go this summer, I strongly recommend to go on a road trip on the amazing Algarve region in Portugal. This area runs along the Atlantic coast in the very south of Portugal and has amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s definitely the best place to enjoy rocky beaches, warm weather (around 30°/86°F in summer!) and relax.
I really enjoyed visiting Algarve because of its amazing cliffs and unique beaches. Of course, it’s better to go on vacation in Algarve in summer so you can swim, but you can also visit on spring or autumn : weather is still pretty nice and you can also hike. - How long is required -
The best beaches and places to see in the region are located between the cities of Lagos and Faro. It only takes 1 hour to drive from Lagos to Faro, but there are so much things to do that you could spend a whole week. - Difficulty of the drive -
Most of the roads in this area are easy to drive and you can enjoy typical mediterranean landscapes while driving. Except the N125 : both locals and tourists choose to take the N125 to avoid the A22 toll road, but this one is quite dangerous. - Type of car required -
Most beaches are accessible by car, but some paths are muddy and rocky. Prefer a 4WD car or park a bit further from the beach.
Hidden beach in Portugal - Photo by Kevmrc
- Main suggested stops -
Here are my top 5 spots you definitely shouldn’t miss in Algarve : - 1. Ponta Da Piedade : very close to Lagos, you’ll find incredible rock formations and caves you can visit by foot at low tide.
2. Tres Irmaos Beach : this place is called « the beach of the 3 brothers » because of the 3 massive rocks you can find on the beach.
3. Benagil Caves : it’s definitely the most famous place in Algarve because of its huge and wonderful cave you can only reach by the sea.
4. Albandeira Beach : you can find everything in this beach : a nice sandy beach, a cool view and a natural arch.
5. Faro : enough of beaches? Explore Faro, the capital of Algarve where you can discover pretty architecture.
If you want more spots to visit in the Algarve, click here to see the 36 best spots in Algarve! - Overnight recommendations -
Algarve is a nice place to sleep in a camper from beaches to beaches.
If you prefer hotels and Airbnbs, you should try Faro or Lagos so you can enjoy the beach during the daylight, and experience the city’s nightlife.
Check out the best rated accommodations in Faro
Check out the best rated accommodations in Lagos
#11 - Spain Road Trip - South
Place in Southern Spain - Photo by Wander-Lush
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Emily Lush from Wander-Lush
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
Southern Spain, particularly the Andalusia region, is one of the most visually striking and culturally intriguing parts of the country. Driving is a great way to immerse yourself in the area’s different and varied landscapes – this route offers a good mix of cities, beaches and mountains. What I love most about this part of Spain is the Moorish influence, evidenced in everything from the architecture to the food. - How long is required -
10-12 days (add an extra day for trekking in the Sierra Nevada) - Difficulty of the drive -
Easy. Highways in Southern Spain are well-maintained. Take extra care when driving in the cities and on the narrow roads around Sierra Nevada. - Type of car required -
There are no specific requirements for this route as its all along bitumen roads. I did the drive in a regular sedan.
Village in Southern Spain - Photo by Wander-Lush
- Main suggested stops -
Valencia: To experience the best of Spain’s third-largest city, hire a bicycle and cycle the Jardi del Turia – a ‘green belt’ that stretches from the riverside Cabecera Park to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia’s most iconic building. Celebrate the finish line with a plate of paella (Valencia is thought to be the place where the iconic dish was invented).
Granada: Home to the one and only Alhambra, a 13th-century palace and fortress complex that boasts some of the most impressive Moorish architecture in all of Spain.
Sierra Nevada: The ideal city break, Sierra Nevada National Park is a rugged landscape just outside Granada. Don’t miss the ‘White Villages’, a set of mountainous communities that can be visited either by driving or hiking up the park’s highest peak.
Cordoba: Cordoba is a delightful small city and home to the distinctive Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral that typifies Andalusia fusion of Moorish and Christian influences.
Costa del Sol: Malaga is the gateway to some of Southern Spain’s finest white sand beaches along the celebrated Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), a stretch of sand that runs from Torremolinos to Estepona.
Seville: Southern Spain’s cultural capital, highlights of Seville include the Alcazar complex and the impressive Plaza de Espana. Seville is also known for its hip cafes, Flamenco bars, and boutique shopping.
Learn more on her Spanish road trip article - Overnight recommendations -
- The Jardín Botánico Boutique Hotel in Valencia is a great place to kick-start your Southern Spain road trip. It’s located close to the park and the city’s biggest marketplace, Mercat Central - Checkout photos and availability
- Lanjaron, a mineral water spa town at the foot of the mountains south of Granada, is an ideal base for visiting the Sierra Nevada. Northern Costa del Sol beaches are a short drive away, and the Alhambra can be visited as a day trip from here - Check out the best rated accommodations
- North along the coast from the Costa del Sol, Cartagena is a historic port city with an incredible Roman amphitheatre. It’s less touristy than other places along the coast, and a good place to stop for a few nights if you’re looking for affordable accommodation - Check out the best rated accommodations
- End your Southern Spain road trip with a few nights in Seville. El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique in the historic Barrio de Santa Cruz is housed in a converted 16th-century manor house - Checkout photos and availability
#12 - Italy Road Trip - Northern Italy's Lake District
Lake Tenno, Italy - Photo by My Path In The World
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Or from My Path In The World
- Why he loves this Europe drive -
This road trip provides you with the ultimate combo of landscapes - lakes, mountains, and colorful towns and villages. - How long is required -
7 days, but could be extended in a few days. - Difficulty of the drive -
Medium. The roads around the lakes are very winding and require you to drive slowly and carefully. - Type of car required -
No special requirements.
Malcesine, Italy - Photo by My Path In The World
- Main suggested stops -
1. Lake Tenno: A mesmerizing turquoise lake located near the northern coast of Lake Garda.
2. Malcesine: The most colorful town on Lake Garda. Apart from all the charming alleys, you can visit its fortress and take a cable car to the mountain of Monte Baldo.
3. Sirmione: A lovely resort town on the southern coast of Lake Garda. Both the Scaligera Fortress and the Roman ruins of Grottoes of Catullus are must-sees, but you can also relax on the beach or engage with watersports activities.
4. Varenna: A beautiful fishing village sitting on Lake Como.
5. The Borromean Islands: An archipelago in Lake Maggiore owned by a noble Italian family.
Learn more on his North Italy road trip article - Overnight recommendations -
- Lake Garda: Tremosine Sul Garda - Check out the best rated accommodations
- Lake Como: Dorio or any other village close to the town of Varenna - Check out the best rated accommodations
- Lake Maggiore: Stresa - Check out the best rated accommodations
#13 - Italy Road Trip - Sorento to Salerno (Amalfi Coast)
Amalfi Coast Italy - Photo by Untold Morsels
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Katy from Untold Morsels
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
One of Italy’s iconic drives is along the the most spectacular Amalfi Coast road from Sorrento to Salerno. The road winds its way around cliffs overlooking the crystal blue Tyrrhenian Sea. Make sure your camera is fully charged because there are photo opportunities around every corner. Lemon and olive groves cling to the cliff edges as they have for centuries and you pass through picturesque towns and fishing villages where time seems to have stood still. These are the best places to stop for a seafood lunch before continuing on your journey. - How long is required -
3 days. Although the distance is not especially long, the 90 kilometer road is very windy and narrow and the pace is slow. There are many places that you will want to stop at along the way - Difficulty of the drive -
This drive is recommended for experienced and confident drivers as the roads are very narrow, and go along cliff edges. You also need to be aware of hairpin bends, scooters and the famous Italian drivers. In the summer months, traffic can force these roads to a snail’s pace. - Type of car required -
a convertible! A small car is best as parking can be a challenge.
Positano, Italy - Photo by Untold Morsels
- Main suggested stops -
Nerano - a small beach town with views of Capri known for its lemon sorbet and sea caves
Sant’Agata sui due Golfi - village in the hills above Sorrento with views of Mount Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast
Positano - picturesque town where colourful buildings seem to almost tumble into the sea
Fiordo di Fuore - From this beautiful fjord inlet you can watch cliff jumpers dive into the sea from a bridge 21 meters above
Amalfi - medieval town with a labyrinth of cobbled streets and an impressive cathedral
Ravello - historic villas and incredible views of the Amalfi coastline
Minori - small fishing village renowned for delicious seafood and pasta dishes
Cetara - picturesque fishing village known for fresh tuna and local delicacy - Colatura di Alici (anchovy syrup)
Vietri sul Mare - colourful town known for the production of majolica tiles for which this region is famous - Overnight recommendations -
Praiano - quiet town perched on a cliff with wonderful restaurants and small rocky beaches - Check out the best rated accommodations
Maiori - larger town with a wide sandy beach perfect for a refreshing afternoon swim before dinner - Check out the best rated accommodations
Central European Road Trips
#14 - Germany Road Trip - South (Munich to Trier)
Stuttgard, Germany - Photo by The Eluside Family
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Diana from The Elusive Family
- Why she loves this European road trip -
A road trip from Munich to Trier is a must do when visiting southern Germany, as its charm and beauty astounds tourists and locals alike. Southern Germany is a mix of cities, countryside, villages off the beaten road and drives to castles up steep hills and villages. - How long is required -
7-10 days. Total driving distance is 500 kilometers. - Difficulty of the drive -
Easy. On Germany’s modern autobahns. - Type of car required -
Any cars
Wiesbaden, Germany - Photo by The Eluside Family
- Main suggested stops -
Munich
Munich’s Marienplatz is a central square that is worth a visit, as well as Nymphenburg Palace and Munich Residenz. Spending a day at the botanical gardens is worth the time when visiting the city.
Stuttgart
The city located in a deep valley is best known for the headquarters of Mercedes Benz. Must sees include visiting the Mercedes Benz Museum as well as the Porsche Museum. The world’s first television tower is in Stuttgart and provides a remarkable vantage point of Stuttgart and the Stadtbibliothek has an amazing interior that can’t be missed.
Heidelberg
This picturesque village has one of Germany’s most unique and well-known attractions, Heidelberg Castle. The ruins are located on a hilltop and overlooking the Neckar River, another worthwhile thing to do when visiting the city.
Wiesbaden
Located in the Rhine Valley and sitting on the Rhine River, Wiesbaden’s Kurpark, Neroberg and Marktkirche showcase the city and everything it has to offer.
Trier
Germany’s oldest city, has numerous Roman influences and point of interest including the Porta Negra, the house of Karl Marx and the ruins of the Roman baths. - Overnight recommendations -
Munich - Sofitel Hotel Munich Bayer - check out photos and latest prices
Stuttgart - Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin - check out photos and latest prices
Wiesbaden - Hotel Naussauer Hof
Heidelberg - Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre - check out photos and latest prices
Trier - Hotel Villa Hugel Trier
#15 - Switzerland Road Trip
Furkapass, Switzerland - Photo by Holidays to Europe
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Carolyn from Holidays to Europe
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
One of the best road trips I have done in Europe is a circular drive in Switzerland from Lucerne to Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz before returning to Lucerne. - How long is required -
The entire road trip can be completed in three days but I recommend spending at least one full day (preferably more) in both Zermatt and Lauterbrunnen. - Difficulty of the drive -
Some twisting mountain roads but in good conditions - Type of car required -
We drove a regular two-wheel drive car (Volkswagen Golf) for our road trip and it handled the road conditions without any problems.
Lake Lungern, Switzerland - Photo by Holidays to Europe
- Main suggested stops -
- On day 1, we set off from Lucerne, travelling via Andermatt and the Furka Pass high alpine road. The road is an attraction in its own right with stunning scenery and snow capped mountains as far as the eye can see.
Our route then took us alongside the river Rhone to Visp where we started our ascent towards Zermatt.
The majority of the driving today was relatively easy but the Furka Pass, which climbs as high as 2,429 metres above sea level, includes many switchback corners and is not a road an apprehensive driver should tackle. In foggy conditions it could be quite treacherous. The Pass is closed over winter.
Today’s drive took about five hours (including a lunch stop and a couple of photo stops).
The town of Zermatt is dominated by the imposing Matterhorn. A cogwheel train and cable cars make it possible to get even closer to Switzerland’s most famous mountain.
- The second leg of our scenic Swiss road trip took us from Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland.
We retraced our path back to Visp and then drove on to Goppenstein where we loaded our car onto a special train for the 11-kilometre ride through the Lotschberg tunnel. It was quite a strange feeling sitting in a car and going through a dark tunnel on the back of a train but the trip only took about ten minutes.
The train emerged from the tunnel at Kandersteg where we rejoined the road, making our way past lush pastures to Faulensee on Lake Thun. The lake is dotted with numerous attractive towns, offering plenty of choice for a lakeside lunch stop. It’s worth taking the time to walk alongside the turquoise waters of the lake or perhaps enjoy a lake cruise.
From Faulensee it was an easy drive past Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, our final destination for the day.
The Lauterbrunnen valley is home to 72 waterfalls and it also sits at the foot of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. Mountain excursions are amongst the most popular things to do in the village.
Driving conditions today were easy and transporting our vehicle on the car train was a unique experience. The entire journey took about four hours, including a leisurely lunch stop and waiting time to load our car onto the train.
- On our return drive to Lucerne we decided to make the most of the scenic route by making numerous stops along the way.
Instead of taking the motorway from Interlaken to Brienz, we took the smaller lakeside road to the pretty village of Isetwald on Lake Brienz. Then it was on to Brienz where we strolled along the lakeside promenade and explored the local shops, many of which sell handmade wooden products.
From Brienz, the main road winds up over the Brunig Pass, a twisty mountain road that offers fabulous views at every turn. Be sure to stop at the lookout point at the top where you have incredible views of Lake Lungern below.
Heading back towards Lucerne we passed both Lake Lungern and Lake Sarnen and alpine meadows dotted with wooden chalets and grazing cows. As lovely as Lucerne is, we were sad to leave the Swiss countryside behind.
Today’s drive was easy, although the traffic was reasonably heavy on the Brunig Pass. The route could be covered in around 90 minutes without stops but I encourage to enjoy the stunning scenery with plenty of stops along the way. - Overnight recommendations -
- Zermatt is a car-free town so all vehicles must be parked at Tasch. Shuttle trains and taxis transport passengers between Tasch and Zermatt - Check out the best rated accommodations
- Lauterbrunnen - Check out the best rated accommodations
#16 - Slovenia Road Trip - From Kobarid to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Lake Bled, Slovenia - Photo by Adventure and Sunshine
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Rachel Rodda from Adventure and Sunshine
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
This Slovenia road trip is great for outdoor lovers. Hugging Triglav National Park, it is memorable for jagged peaks, the crystal-clear Soca River and pretty lakes. Small towns, wilderness and outdoor activities are what define this road trip. - How long is required -
The route is best enjoyed over 7-10 days. - Difficulty of the drive -
The roads through this part of the country are paved but tend to be narrow and one lane in each direction. The drive up and over the Vrsic Pass is narrow and steep but can be done in a large campervan. - Type of car required -
There are no specific car requirements, but a campervan is the ideal vehicle to explore this part of the country.
Soca Valley, Slovenia - Photo by Adventure and Sunshine
- Main suggested stops -
From your base in Kobarid, the 1-hour return walk through Tolmin Gorge is a must. Hidden away behind the small town of Tolmin, the narrow gorge is over one kilometre long and up to 60 metres deep. The trail runs alongside the turquoise river that runs through the gorge.
Another essential place to explore while in Kobarid is Slap Kozjak. A short half hour easy walk alongside the spectacular Soca River, it ends at a pretty waterfall where you can swim at the base of the falls.
The second stop along the route is the Soca Valley. Kamp Soca is a good place to base yourself for a few days. Relax and enjoy swimming in the nearby river and take the time to walk a section of the spectacular 25km Soca Trail. For adventure enthusiasts you are spoilt for choice, with rafting, mountain biking, kayaking all possible nearby.
Driving over the Vrsic Pass to reach Lake Bled is a memorable experience on this route. The pass has 50 hairpin bends and crosses the Julian Alps at over 1600 metres. It is a stunning drive, but best done early or out of season as it is a very popular daytrip from nearby Krjanska Gora and Lake Bled.
When you reach Lake Bled there are so many things to do. Apart from taking a boat out to Bled Island, or visiting the nearby Vintgar Gorge, we suggest taking the 6km bike ride or walk around the lake. Stop in town to try the famous bled cream cake and ensure you allow time to hike to the Mala Osojnica lookout located behind the campground for impressive views of the lake and Bled Castle.
For the final stop at Lake Bohinj, relax and enjoy a slower pace. Have a picnic or rent a kayak by the lake. For hikers, we recommend a drive to the nearby ski fields of Soriska Planina where several hikes start with great views across to the Julian Alps and Mt Triglav. - Overnight recommendations -
If you are traveling by motorhome or camping, our favourite campgrounds for overnight stops include:
- Kamp Koren, Kobarid
- Kamp Soca, Soca Valley
- Camping Bled, Lake Bled
- Camp Danica, Lake Bohinj
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#17 - Prague to Vienna to Regensburg
Vienna - Photo by Your Travel Spark
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Jaclyn from Your Travel Spark
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
Europe is not a large continent, and it's so easy to drive from place to place within a few hours. When visiting Prague, we had a few extra days and decided to research locations within 3-4 hours where we could spend the night. We decided to spend one night in Vienna, Austria and one night in Regensburg, Germany. - How long is required -
To get to Vienna from Prague, you will take E50 from Prague to E461. The trip is only 333 km and takes a little over three hours. - Difficulty of the drive -
The roads in both the Czech Republic and Austria are well taken care of, and the highway was in great shape. - Type of car required -
We rented a passenger sedan and had no problems getting from one place to the next.
Vienna palace - Photo by Your Travel Spark
- Main suggested stops -
In Vienna, we did a lot. My favorites were the Wiener Riesenrad (Vienna Ferris Wheel), Schönbrunn Palace, and climbing to the top of St. Stephen's Cathedral.
To get from Vienna to Regensburg, you will take a number of different roads, including A1 out of Vienna and Bundesautobahn 3 into Regensburg. The trip took around four hours. The Autobahn in itself is an amazing experience and worth the trip.
Regensburg had fewer specific historical sites Vienna, so we just walked around and explored the city. There are a number of beer gardens with authentic German beer.
Although there are no outstanding landmarks along the roads we traveled, the trip itself was truly amazing — to see the beautiful scenery in both countries on your drive. Traveling from country to country means you need to find a local store whenever you enter a new country to get your passport stamped.
Vienna is an amazing city in itself, and one day was far too short. Driving into town was beautiful and I wish we could have stayed longer. It is my favorite city I have ever visited and the only city I have been to that I am planning to re-visit. Regensburg is completely different than both Vienna and Prague, in that it is a small town with an intact "old town" that dates back to the Roman times. One day in Regensburg was plenty of time to visit the Roman Ruins and explore the town.
One our way back to Prague from Regensburg, we took Bundesautobahn 93 to E50 in the Czech Republic. The drive is less than three hours, but we stopped in Pilsen, Czech Republic along the way. The town is famous for being the inventor of pilsner beer. The Pilsner Urquell Factory is in town and you can even take a tour. If you have some extra time, take a walk around downtown and make sure to visit the Great Synagogue. - Overnight recommendations -
Check out the best rated accommodations in Vienna
Check out the best rated accommodations in Regensburg
Check out the best rated accommodations in Prague
Eastern Europe Road Trips
#18 - Baltic Countries road trip
Cathedral in Vilnius - Photo by Lazy Travel Blog
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Karolina from Lazy Travel Blog
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
The Baltic countries road trip begins in Warsaw, Poland and ends in Tallinn, passing through the cities of Druskininkai, Vilnius, Jurmala, Riga, and Tallinn. With so many quaint towns to see on the way to each destination, having the freedom to stop and explore an area whenever you want makes it worth the drive. - How long is required -
A long journey with a distance of around 1,170 kilometers that can be done in 14 hours and 15 minutes, you can easily finish the journey in less than a week. Bear in mind, however, that sometimes it is not the destination but the journey itself that will make your road trip worth taking, so it is best to set aside around 2 to 3 weeks to have the leeway to explore each area to the fullest. - Difficulty of the drive -
What’s great about this Baltic journey is that it is easy to do. It does not require a special vehicle as the roads are generally flat in the Baltic region with the exception of a few hills that you may encounter along the way. - Type of car required -
Any
Tallinn - Photo by Lazy Travel Blog
- Main suggested stops / Itinerary
Begin the journey in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, which deserves at least a day of exploring before heading off to your next destination. Walk through the Old Town to admire the architecture, especially the King Sigismund Waza Column and the Royal Castle Square. If you have more time to spare, go through the Royal Route that begins with the famous buildings, Nowy Świat and Aleje Ujazdowskie, followed by important churches, monuments, and historical buildings, including the Holy Cross Church where Chopin's heart is buried.
The next day, make your way to Druskininkai, the southernmost town of Lituania which is set by the Nemunas river surrounded by pine forests. 4 to 5 hours from the city of Warsaw, spend a night or 2 here, to explore the city and see the neo-gothic church of the Virgin Mary of the Scapular and the Ciurlionis museum. You can also include a spa day in your itinerary to relieve your sore muscles. You can also opt to breakdown the journey a bit by exploring Tykocin, a charming village filled with synagogues, and Augustow, which is known for its picturesque canal.
2 to 3 hours away from Druskininkai on the scenic A4 road, which is lined with forests and monasteries, is the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, which is worth staying in for a day or two. Within the city, two of the famous attractions are the Gate of Dawn and the Gediminas Tower, but the small book shops and antique shops at the artists' wall could be interesting for traveling hipsters. Another place of interest is the small town of Trakai, the former residence of several Lithuanian grand dukes, which can be reached as a day trip from Vilnius.
The next stop is Jurmala, which is 329 kilometers from Vilnius on the A2. Latvia's famous seaside town, Jurmala has a lot to more to offer than its stunning beaches. An exploration of the city and a visit to its sanatorium buildings and the open-air museum will help you piece together its fascinating history. From here, you can head straight to Riga, which is 35 minutes, or the stay the night.
Although Riga has a lot of popular attractions like the Liberty Quarter, Jugendstil Buildings, and the Swedish Quarter, it is worth staying here for a few days to see the areas around it, like the Hill of Crosses near the city of Siauliai and the baroque Rundale Palace which stands 15 kilometres from the Lithuanian and Latvian border.
Four hours away is the stunning coastal city of Tallinn in Estonia. Places of interest here are the Old Town, Toompea Hill, and the homes of the merchants of the Hanseatic League. Around Tallinn, a day trip its largest island, Sareema, is highly recommended. Take a walk around its meteorite crater and be fascinated by the legends that locals tell about it. You can also head to the medieval castle of Kuressaare Town but remember to get a guide as you might end up getting lost in it. - Overnight recommendations -
Check out the best rated accommodations in Warsaw
Check out the best rated accommodations in Riga
Check out the best rated accommodations in Tallinn
#19 - Montenegro Road Trip
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro - Photo by Moon & Honey Travel
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Sabrina Brett from Moon & Honey Travel
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
This Montenegro road trip takes you around the whole country, starting and ending in Podgorica. - How long is required -
You’ll need 10-14 days to complete this road trip, which totals 780 km and about 18 hours of driving time. - Difficulty of the drive -
Roads are generally in good shape, though at times very narrow. The only exception is the terribly maintained road to Bajrovica Katun in Prokletije National Park. - Type of car required -
For the road to Bajrovica Katun in Prokletije National Park, it is only advisable with a high-ground-clearance vehicle.
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro - Photo by Moon & Honey Travel
- Main suggested stops -
The first half of the trip takes you to the mountainous regions of Komovi, Prokletije National Park and Durmitor National Park. Durmitor is a fantastic destination for hiking. I recommend hiking to Bobotov Kuv, the highest peak in the park, Skrka Lakes valley and Planinica. The second half of the itinerary takes you to Montenegro’s celebrated coastline, with stops in Kotor, Budva, and Ulcinj. The Budva Riviera is famous for its crystal clear waters and picturesque beaches. If you can, avoid coming here in high season (July and August), as Montenegro’s coast gets very crowded. Before heading back to the capital, spend at least one day in the countryside surrounding Lake Skadar. Taste the region’s delicious wines and enjoy the photogenic view from Pavlova Strana Viewpoint. - Overnight recommendations -
For a 10-day Montenegro Road Trip, I recommend staying:
- 2 nights in Grebaje Valley (Prokletije National Park)
- 2 nights in Žabljak (Durmitor National Park) - check out the best rated accommodations
- 2 nights in Kotor (Bay of Kotor) - check out the best rated accommodations
- 2 nights in/near Budva - check out the best rated accommodations
- 1 night in Ulcin - check out the best rated accommodations
- and 1 night in Virpazar (Lake Skadar) - check out the best rated accommodations
#20 - Croatia Road Trip
Dubrovnik, Croatia - Photos by Travel, books and food
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Soumya from Travel, Books and Food
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
Last summer, I drove around Croatia for 7 days and it definitely was a trip to remember since it was my first time driving solo for such a long duration. Overall, driving in Croatia gave me the flexibility to see more places on my own. I am definitely going back so that I can visit some of the places I missed last time. - How long is required -
7 days is definitely not enough to drive around Croatia but that is all the time I had at that time. Since it was summer, it meant that I had more number of hours every day to drive. - Difficulty of the drive -
It is relatively easy to drive in Croatia. The only hindrance was that people drive on the right compared to the left that I am used to. It is advised to keep your headlights on even in the day in most countries in Eastern Europe. The roads were extremely good throughout and even in two-lane highways, I did not face any issues while driving. Most roads are toll roads and you will end up paying a considerable amount of money at the toll booths. Some of the toll booths are unmanned and hence ensure to keep a credit card ready for such toll booths. - Type of car required -
I had a manual car and I wish I had opted for an automatic one instead. Since I kept looking in the wrong side for the gear stick. My preference is always small cars anywhere in Europe since the parking spaces are so tiny compared to the rest of the world.
I did not rent a car for the first two days in Dubrovnik. Parking can be a problem here and most places are accessible by public transportation.
Plitvice, Croatia - Photos by Travel, books and food
- Main suggested stops -
Start in Dubrovnik (spent 2 days without the car in Dubrovnik prior to that) and then proceeded to Split for a few days.
From there, drive to Zadar and your next stop was the Plitvice Lakes.
After spending a night in Zadar and Plitvice, You can head to Zagreb.
From there, you can day trips from Zagreb to Pula, Rovinj and Hum before dropping the car back at Zagreb airport.
The road from Dubrovnik to Split is along the Adriatic sea initially and it is a gorgeous road to drive along. Interestingly, you will have to pass via Neum which is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina and hence you will have to pass through security checks. I spent a few days in Split while I went island hopping around there. Plitvice is a must visit and don't forget to go see the sea organ at Zadar on the way.
Another must visit spot is Hum in the Istria region which is considered to be the smallest town in the world by population. Many places in the Istria region like Pula are famous for their Italian influence. - Overnight recommendations -
Stay near the Plitvice lakes so that you can avoid the crowds and go hiking before they come in the morning - Check out the accommodations near the Plitvice Lakes.
#21 - Romania Road Trip - from Sibiu to Bucharest via Transfagarasan
Transfagarasan, Romania - Photo by The World is my Playground
- Europe Road Trip Suggested by - Ioana from The World is my Playground
- Why she loves this Europe drive -
The drive is very interesting and varied, both in terms of difficulty, and scenery. From Sibiu, you’ll have a nice view of various mountain tops as you make your way towards Transfagarasan.
Transfagarasan was built by blowing up portions of mountains to make space for a road (for military purposes). As such, it hugs the mountains and zig-zags through the valleys and makes for a very picturesque drive. - How long is required -
The road trip can be done in 5 to 8 days, depending on how long you wish to spend at each stop or how leisurely you’re driving. - Difficulty of the drive -
Transfagarasan is known as one of the most interesting roads in the world, but it is also very difficult to drive mainly because it bends itself through the mountains.
In addition, roads in Romania are made up of two lanes -- one lane going in each direction. Take precautions when passing, especially on the mountain roads with incoming traffic. - Type of car required -
I did the road trip in a sedan and it was fine. However, I would consider getting a 4WD next time. The roads are spectacular, but difficult, and having extra horsepower and stability doesn’t hurt. - Tip: the majority of the rental cars in Romania have a manual transmission. If you can only drive automatic, or wish to avoid driving a manual car, you must book your rental well in advance. The few that exist sell out fast, especially towards the summer season.
In July and August, you may want to give yourself more time to complete the trip (and be more relaxed). A lot of Romanians take vacation in August and travel around the country. Traffic congestion is at an all-time high, and often at a standstill during the day, and it can take significantly longer to drive via the Transfagarasan. If this is the only time you have, plan your trip so all the driving can be done as early as possible in the morning. You’ll save hours each day!
Transfagarasan is open from end to end starting at the end of June and until October, assuming the weather holds up.
Balea lake - Photo by The World is my Playground
- Main suggested stops -
Sibiu – Sibiu is one of Romania’s most picturesque cities and a great start for this road trip. The old historic town is impressive and much bigger than I imagined. I loved exploring the old cobblestone streets surrounded by the old citadel walls. There’s plenty to do here beside hitting all the bars and awesome restaurants – don’t miss Liar’s Bridge and Potters Tower!
Castelul de Lut, Valea Zanelor – Worth a short detour and a coffee stop, Castelul de Lut looks like it belongs in fairy tales. You won’t need more than an hour to explore and take some pictures, but you’ll be happy you came.
Transfagarasan – The Transfagarasan is in itself a tourist attraction, and a great one at that, with lots of opportunities for panoramic views and pictures. The road from end to end can be done in 3 hours (assuming there’s no traffic), but it can easily take a whole day with stops along the way. Keep an eye out for small gravel parking lots on the side of the road whenever there’s a great view nearby, it’s a great way to sporadically stop and take in the scenery.
Cascada Balea – This breathtaking waterfall can be seen from the car/side of the road, or from a gondola that travels between Balea Lake and the base of the valley. There’s a restaurant at the bottom that has delicious food and is a great lunch spot.
If you go during August, it may take 2-3 hours for you to make the trip by gondola. If you stay overnight at Balea Glacial Lake, you’ll have priority boarding on the gondola both ways and it’s worth the trip down as the view over the Transfagarasan curves is incredible.
Balea Glacial Lake – The most scenic point on Transfagarasan, Balea Lake is nestled at the top of the mountain and is the meeting point between the two roads coming up from either side. It’s a great base for various hiking routes up the mountain and for seeing Cascada Balea.
Vidraru Dam – Another stop along the Transfagarasan, Vidraru Dam is quite impressive. This can be done in a few hours on the way to your next hotel. Aim to get here earlier in the day, as it’s a very popular stopover and it can get busy. Time permitting, take a boat tour around the lake.
Cetatea Poenari – Known as another one of Dracula’s castles, Cetatea Poenari is perched on top of a hill. The only way to hike up is on a guided group hike that only happens once or twice a day, depending on the season. The hike is straight up 1,480 steps and can take up to a few hours. Check their schedule before going and have cash handy to pay at the top. You’ll get rewarded with wonderful views over the surrounding mountains once you finish the trek. This was one of my favorite stops.
Curtea de Arges – One of the most important areas in Romania, Curtea de Arges is the resting place for Romania’s royal family. Visit the monastery and the surrounding churches and be amazed by the incredible architectural details. I couldn’t believe the beauty in this place!
Bucharest – Romania’s capital is known as “Little Paris” for a reason. Complete with its own Arc de Triumph, the city is worth a couple of days of exploration. Check out the Palace of Parliament building (and tour inside, time permitting), the second biggest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon. The old town is filled with Instagram-worthy gems, such as the picturesque book store (Carturesti Carusel) and the umbrella-filled underpass (Pasajul Victoria).
- Overnight recommendations -
Sibiu – A great start to this road trip. While Sibiu is a fairly large Romanian city, only the old town is touristy. It’s pedestrian only, so you’ll need to park outside the walls, or leave your car at the hotel - Check out the best rated accommodations
Cartisoara – there’s not much (or anything to see) in Cartisoara, but it’s a good stopover between Sibiu and Transfagarasan so you can get ready for a big drive the next day. Leave early in the morning to make the most of your drive to Balea Lake
Balea Lake – There aren’t many accommodation options (due to space issues), so this must be booked well in advance. It’s a great place to spend a night (or two!) and enjoy the area once everyone else leaves. I recommend two nights, so you can have a full day here to enjoy the surrounding area and relax. Don’t miss the sunset over the Northern part of Transfagarasan! - Check out the best rated accommodations
Curtea de Arges (or Corbeni) – A beautiful drive hugging mountains and crisscrossing valleys once you leave Balea Lake. A lot of choices of accommodation options in this area, you can’t go wrong staying anywhere between the Corbeni and Curtea de Arges, depending on the itinerary you plan - Check out the best rated accommodations
Bucharest – Spend at least two nights at the end of the trip in Bucharest and get to know Romania’s beautiful capital city. Stay close to the old town to be close to everything, including all the parks, hop-on-hop-off bus, and major parks - Check out the best rated accommodations
Driving in Europe - Tips
- Driving is on the right - except in the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus
- Seatbelt is mandatory for all
- Unless indicated by traffic lights, cars on a roundabout have right-of-way
- Unless indicated by a specific sign, you CANNOT turn right on a red light
- Make sure you respect speed limits - they vary between countries
- The legal blood-alcohol limit varies from country to country - it is mostly between 0 and 0.5mg/ml
- Most country require reflective vest and triangle in car - they can have extra requirements (e.g. Germany requires a first aid kit and France a breathalyser...) If you rend a car in one country and head to another, make sure you have what's needed.
- Tolls and expressways - There are many different rules and process across the European countries (passes, tollgates, tolls on motorways, tolls in cities...) - Make sure you check what you need before leaving
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