Inspirations ยท Road trip ยท Europe
10 European road trips tested: Scotland's NC500, Amalfi Coast, Algarve, Andalusia, Norway's fjords, Dolomites, Wild Atlantic Way, Dalmatia, Iceland Ring Road, Transfagarasan.
Europe lends itself to road trips like no other continent: spectacular coastal roads, alpine passes, fjords and volcanic deserts, all over manageable distances and a reliable road network. Here are 10 itineraries our team has driven, each with real distance, recommended duration, key stops and the best season.
We've mixed the classics (Amalfi Coast, Iceland's Ring Road) with more confidential routes (Romania's Transfagarasan, Norway's Atlantic Road). Every itinerary works in a rental car, with a special mention for those that suit a van or camper.
The order isn't a ranking: it runs from the most accessible (2h flight from Paris) to the most committed. Pick based on your season and budget.
Contents
Scotland ยท Highlands
An 830 km loop around the Highlands, starting and finishing in Inverness. Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, deserted beaches and dark lochs. Single-track in places, driving on the left. Best from May to September for the long days.
Italy ยท South
The hairpin SS163 above the sea (Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello), extended toward the trulli of Puglia (Alberobello, Lecce, Polignano a Mare). Around 450 km total. Narrow and busy on the Amalfi stretch, smoother in Salento.
Portugal ยท South
From Faro to Sagres along the ocean: ochre cliffs of Lagos and Carvoeiro, hidden beaches, Cape St Vincent. About 200 km of coast, perfect for a relaxed self-drive. Excellent roads, warm sea May to October, surf out west.
Spain ยท South
The loop of white towns and Moorish cities: Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda and the pueblos blancos. About 600 km of plains, sierras and olive groves. Fast motorways between big cities, winding back roads in the Sierra de Grazalema.
Norway ยท Fjords
The Geiranger-Trollstigen route (104 km of hairpins and waterfalls) extended by the Atlanterhavsveien (36 km over the ocean, dizzying bridges). ~200 km combined. Passes open mid-May to October.
Italy ยท Alps
From Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo via the Pordoi and Falzarego passes: ~110 km of UNESCO limestone peaks. One full driving day minimum, far more with photo stops and hikes.
Ireland ยท West coast
The world's longest waymarked coastal route: 2,600 km from Malin Head (north) to Kinsale (south). Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Ring of Kerry. The Mizen-Malin stretch takes 5 to 7 days.
Croatia ยท Dalmatia
The D8 coastal highway along the Adriatic: ~220 km from Split to Dubrovnik via the Makarska Riviera. Turquoise water on one side, mountains on the other. Detours to Hvar, Korฤula, the Krka falls.
Iceland ยท Loop
Route 1 circles the whole island: 1,322 km, fully paved. Waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, black beaches, the Jรถkulsรกrlรณn lagoon. Plan 7 to 10 days minimum to enjoy it.
Romania ยท Carpathians
The DN7C climbs the Carpathians up to 2,042 m altitude: ~90 km of hairpins, the Bรขlea glacial lake, a summit tunnel. Open July to October only (snow clearance).
| Itinerary | Distance | Duration | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC500 (Scotland) | ~830 km | 5-7 d | May-Sep |
| Amalfi + Puglia (Italy) | ~450 km | 8-10 d | May-Jun / Sep-Oct |
| Algarve (Portugal) | ~200 km | 5-7 d | May-Oct |
| Andalusia (Spain) | ~600 km | 7-10 d | Apr-Jun / Sep-Oct |
| Fjords (Norway) | ~200 km | 5-7 d | Jun-Sep |
| Dolomites (Italy) | ~110 km | 3-5 d | Jun-Sep |
| Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland) | ~2,600 km | 7-14 d | May-Sep |
| Dalmatia (Croatia) | ~220 km | 5-8 d | May-Jun / Sep |
| Ring Road (Iceland) | 1,322 km | 7-12 d | Jun-Sep |
| Transfagarasan (Romania) | ~90 km | 1-2 d | Jul-Oct |
โ
ยท