Top 15 road trips across Europe

Get inspired this summer to embark on one or more of these exciting themed driving routes in Europe.

This summer, skip the airport chaos and relish the freedom of a road trip as you discover Europe’s stunning landscapes, delectable regional cuisines, and rich local culture and history.

These scenic routes, categorized by themes such as ancient landmarks, lakes, Mediterranean islands, vineyards, and breweries, were compiled from contributors to Dinogo Planet as part of the Epic Road Trips of Europe book.

Buckle up and get ready to explore! Here are some of the finest driving adventures in Europe.

Discover Europe's finest road trips steeped in ancient history

Visit the archaeological wonders of the Peloponnese, Greece

Start: Ancient Corinth End: Nemea Distance: 395 miles (635 km)

Where history and legend intertwine, this mountainous peninsula boasts classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities, and Venetian fortresses. With stunning peaks and deep gorges leading to turquoise waters and secluded beaches, it’s a spectacular destination for a road trip.

At the northeastern tip of the peninsula lies Ancient Corinth, predominantly a Roman city, known as the home of Jason from the Argonauts, who stole the Golden Fleece. From here, embark on a route that blends historic fortified towns with beaches and some of Greece’s most captivating wineries. Visit the sanctuary of Zeus in Nemea, the hilltop site of Mycenae, and coastal Epidavros, famed for its well-preserved 4th-century BCE theater. Loop past the mountaintop Byzantine city of Mystras, Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the original games, and the stunning Lousios Gorge, home to the cliffside Prodromou Monastery.

Are you visiting Greece for the first time? Check out these essential travel tips

Experience northeast Spain with this circular route through the Costa Brava

Start: Girona End: Girona Distance: 118 miles (190 km)

Combining Greek and Roman ruins with medieval towns, the quirks of Salvador Dalí, and a wild, rugged coastline, Spain’s Costa Brava offers an intriguing and eclectic road trip destination.

Start by wandering through the hilly medieval heart of Girona, with its labyrinth of alleys and an array of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque churches. A short drive takes you to Besalú, where beautifully preserved medieval streets surround the impressive 11th-century Pont Fortificat (Fortified Bridge). Continuing east to Figueres, experience the surreal at the Teatre-Museu Dalí, a fitting homage to the renowned local Surrealist artist. Dalí spent his later years in nearby Port Lligat, close to Cadaqués, a charming whitewashed village with a lovely harbor and artistic atmosphere. Further south along the coast, you’ll find the extensive ruins of the ancient Greek city Empúries alongside its Roman successor, while inland lies Castell de Púbol, a 14th-century castle gifted by Dalí to his wife and muse, Gala.

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Explore the backcountry roads of the Croatian island of Hvar

Start: Hvar Town End: Jelsa Distance: 22 miles (35 km)

Contested by the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, Hvar has been a coveted destination for centuries. The Old Town is enclosed by medieval walls and a formidable Spanish fortress, featuring marble streets adorned with intricate Gothic and Renaissance palaces. In peak summer, Hvar attracts a lively international crowd, but during the off-season, it transforms into a magical gateway to crystal-clear waters and tranquil villages.

Make your way to Stari Grad on the northern coast, a serene town nestled in a horseshoe bay. Here, you can explore Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO Cultural Landscape with ancient stone walls and terraces of olives and grapes established by the Greeks. Venture along backcountry roads through fields of lavender and rosemary to uncover secluded beaches, hidden coves, and charming former fishing villages like Vrboska or Jelsa, along with some of Croatia’s finest wineries.

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The finest lakeside driving routes across Europe

Navigate the winding roads between Lakes Ohrid and Prespa in North Macedonia

Start: Ohrid End: Oteshevo Distance: 34 miles (55 km)

Lake Ohrid is among the oldest and deepest lakes globally, located on the border of North Macedonia and Albania. Despite its UNESCO designation and a wealth of unique species, it remains surprisingly less explored.

Start in the ancient, charming city of Ohrid, inhabited since the Neolithic era. The Grecian theater, rediscovered in the 1980s and now restored, hosts a vibrant arts festival every summer. As you travel south, you'll pass dramatic fortresses and monasteries perched above the water. Depart from Lake Ohrid along a series of switchbacks that ascend through Galičica National Park, where the highest point offers trails for breathtaking views of both lakes. Descend to the peaceful Lake Prespa in time for dinner, stopping at one of the many quaint restaurants in Oteshevo serving freshly caught fish from the lake.

Explore the scenic drive around Lake Annecy, France

Start: Annecy End: Annecy Distance: 25 miles (40 km)

Lake Annecy gained recognition through Paul Cézanne’s Le Lac d’Annecy, a post-Impressionist masterpiece that vividly depicts the landscape's beauty and intensity. However, nothing compares to experiencing that drama firsthand.

A leisurely day is all it takes to circle the lake, alongside shimmering blue waters with the snow-capped Alps in the backdrop. Begin in Annecy, soaking in the charm of the Old Town and its bustling markets before embarking on your journey. Don’t miss the stunning Château Menthon, which offers guided tours throughout the summer. Stop for lunch in Talloires, boasting a variety of restaurants and lovely swimming spots. If you're still up for it, hike one of the many trails that ascend to the peaks surrounding the lake. Conclude your day back in Annecy with a sunset drink at the Hotel Belvédère, enjoying panoramic views across the water.

Prefer not to drive? Consider biking around Lake Annecy instead

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Finnish Lakeland

Start: Varkaus End: Anttola Distance: 86 miles (138 km)

With a quarter of the Finnish Lakeland covered in water, this region boasts over 55,000 lakes, making it the largest lake district in Europe. Driving through this area blurs the lines between road and water. From Varkaus, it’s just under an hour to the Järvisydän spa, where a variety of relaxation options await. But it's not just about unwinding; this picturesque landscape offers plenty of chances for swimming, canoeing, fishing, and boat excursions, while winter brings opportunities for skating and snowshoeing. Finland’s 'Right to Roam' allows camping almost anywhere, though delightful hotels are also tempting. The Ollinmäki Wine Farm, near Anttola, features charming villas, delicious food, homemade wine, and nearby lakes perfect for a refreshing dip at the end of your journey.

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Explore the best scenic drives across Mediterranean islands

Take in the breathtaking views of Gozo's northern coastline

Start: Ramla Bay End: Dwejra Distance: 10 miles (16 km)

Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, yet its scenic beauty easily rivals that of Malta itself. A drive along Gozo’s northern coast reveals one of the least developed areas of the country. Begin your adventure with a swim at Ramla Bay, a spacious and mostly untouched beach that shouldn’t be confused with the resort of the same name on the main island. After enjoying the distinctive orange sand, take a coastal drive through the charming harbor of Marsalforn, then continue past surreal seaside salt pans. The road becomes gravelly as it winds around the inlet of Wied il-Għasri, but if you persevere along the clifftops, you’ll reach Wied il-Mielaħ, a natural sea arch that has taken the place of the famous Azure Window, which collapsed in 2017. The site of the former arch remains a perfect ending for your trip, offering stunning sunset views by the Dwejra Inland Sea.

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Climb Mount Pantokrator in Corfu, Greece

Start: Pyrgi End: Pyrgi Distance: 41 miles (66 km)

Mount Pantokrator stands as the tallest peak in Corfu at 2,972 feet (906 meters), and a drive around its base offers stunning mountain and coastal vistas as you navigate the island's northeastern corner. Begin your adventure in Pyrgi village and head north in a clockwise direction to tackle the climb early on. The road winds through olive groves, passing the villages of Spartylas and Strinylas. You can then take a side road leading up to Pantokrator’s summit (a car that can maneuver easily is helpful) where you’ll find a quaint yet ornate monastery beneath a rather unappealing communications mast. Afterward, descend to the coastal resort town of Acharavi, then follow the road as it meanders around verdant bays and picturesque villages like Kalami, with views of Albania just a couple of miles away across the water.

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Take a scenic drive around the Italian island of Lipari

Start: Lipari Town End: San Salvatore Distance: 17 miles (28 km)

Lipari, the central island of the Aeolian Islands, offers stunning views of its volcanic neighbors as you traverse the main road that circles it. Accessible by car ferries and speedy hydrofoils from Sicily, your journey begins on a palm-lined route along a bay dotted with yachts. As you pass the shingle beach at Canneto, gaze towards the islands of Panarea and the constantly smoking Stromboli, partially hidden behind it.

Continuing past the pumice quarries at the island's northeast, the twin peaks of Salina come into view, followed by the more distant Filicudi and Alicudi, unless summer haze obscures them. As you round the southwest corner, Vulcano emerges on the horizon. While visible from the main road, conclude your drive with a stop at the viewpoint near the Geophysical Observatory in San Salvatore, located at the southern tip of Lipari.

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Explore the best driving routes through Europe’s wine regions

Savor a drink in the picturesque Douro Valley of Portugal

Start: Porto End: Miranda do Douro Distance: 222 miles (358 km)

Portugal has kept this gem hidden for ages, but wine lovers are finally discovering the enchanting allure and exceptional wines of the Douro Valley. Recognized as the world’s oldest designated wine region (since 1756), it boasts breathtaking views with endless stretches of winding, terraced vineyards climbing steeply from the Douro River.

The true essence lies in the Alto Douro (Upper Douro), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey begins at the impressive port lodges in Porto, gradually making its way east toward the Spanish border. Along the way, you'll encounter historic wine estates like Quinta Nova and Quinta do Crasto. Don’t miss stopping at the Casal de Loivos viewpoint, where the stunning vistas over the vineyards resemble a picturesque postcard. Plan for five days to a week to fully appreciate this drive.

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Take a moment for wine tasting amidst the vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland

Start: Lausanne End: Château de Chillon Distance: 25 miles (40 km)

A perfect day trip from Geneva, this delightful drive showcases the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lavaux vineyards, which rise dramatically from Lake Geneva's northern shores in a series of breathtaking stone-walled terraces. Starting along Rte 9 in the charming city of Lausanne, the route passes picturesque lakeside towns like Vevey before heading southeast to Montreux, renowned for its summer jazz festival, and the stunning Château de Chillon, a remarkable 13th-century fortress celebrated in Lord Byron’s poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon'. Artists William Turner and Gustave Courbet also captured this castle on canvas. In the vineyards, stop at a cave to sample exquisite Chasselas white wines—crisp, mineral-rich, and often crafted on a small scale. Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz offers a journey through the region’s 300 wines with informative tastings.

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Drive along this iconic route through Chianti country in Italy

Start: Florence End: Siena Distance: 44 miles (71 km)

Toscana is truly at its finest on this classic SR222 route through Chianti country. Connecting two historic cities, the road winds gently through lush landscapes dotted with cypress trees, olive groves, and vineyards. After immersing yourself in the art and architecture of Florence, head south towards Siena, known for its stunning cathedral and 12th-century Piazza del Campo. Along the way, discover charming hill towns where life revolves around the town square, marked by the ringing of the campanile. Visit enotecas (wine shops) for tastings of the area's renowned red wines, including Chianti Classico, a delightful sangiovese blend. While the road is accessible year-round, it’s particularly picturesque in late spring when poppies and wildflowers bloom.

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Top driving routes in Europe for beer enthusiasts

Explore the German beer route

Start: Cologne End: Düsseldorf Distance: 1130 miles (1818km)

Beer has been a cherished tradition in Germany for over three thousand years, integral to its culture with numerous regional varieties. Begin your journey with a light, straw-colored kölsch beneath the iconic Cologne Cathedral, then travel southeast to Bamberg, known for its unique rauchbiers made from smoked malt. Further south, Munich is renowned for its golden Helles lagers and the lively Oktoberfest beer festival. To the north, the historic city of Leipzig offers the traditional gose, a tart beer infused with salt and coriander, while Berlin boasts its refreshing Berliner Weisse beers, often enhanced with fruity syrups. Finally, head southwest through Hanover and Saxony to reach Düsseldorf, the epicenter of rich, copper-colored altbiers—translated as 'old beer,' representing one of Germany’s oldest brewing styles.

Eager to keep exploring? Check out these other fantastic driving routes in Germany

Discover breweries crafting Trappist beers in Belgium

Start: Westmalle End: Vleteren Distance: 347 miles (558km)

Discover Belgium through the rich flavors of Trappist beers, crafted by monks long before the rise of modern craft brewing. Start your journey northeast of Antwerp at Café Trappisten, where Westmalle beers are paired with cheeses produced by monks from the nearby Westmalle Abbey. Continue south to Brussels, where local cafés serve Rochefort beers alongside delicious venison from the Ardennes. From there, it's a short 50-mile (80km) drive further south to Orval, renowned for its bottle-conditioned beer, a favorite among craft brewers worldwide.

Head northwest for a quick drive into France and visit Scourmont Abbey, home of Chimay. At the Poteaupré Inn within the Espace Chimay visitor center, savor the Chimay 150, a special brew created in 2012 to mark the brewery's 150th anniversary. Then, take a two-hour drive north to Vleteren, where you can conclude your journey with outstanding beers from Westvleteren.

Planning to spend more time in Belgium? Check out the top places to explore

Savor the brews of southeast Ireland

Start: Dublin End: Cork Distance: 236 miles (380km)

Experience the best of Ireland with a journey connecting two iconic breweries: Guinness in Dublin and Murphy’s in Cork. Start by exploring the historic St James’s Gate brewery, then head south for a refreshing Wildfire red ale at Wicklow Wolf Brewery. Next, make the quick 20-minute drive along the Irish Sea to Wicklow Brewery, where you can enjoy a Sunday roast at Mickey Finn’s pub. Continue through picturesque farmland to YellowBelly Beer in County Wexford, known for its unique sours and farmhouse ales. Don't miss the Gallow’s Hill barley wine at Dungarvan Brewing Company, perfect for chilly days. Wrap up your hoppy adventure with a pint of Murphy’s stout at the Shandon Arms in Cork.

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