Almost one full year into the global lockdowns, travellers are so ready to get back out and explore. It’s going to take a bit more patience though before it’s safe. While we’re waiting, there are other things we can do to help satiate that restless travel bug.
As Europe begins to emerge from the winter months, the spring and summer months are the perfect time to escape and explore somewhere new. For the ultimate adventure, discover the best of Europe’s charming small towns, storybook seaside settings, and vivid spring landscapes on an epic road trip. Sit back and enjoy the scenery, whether your journey takes you along Italy’s dramatic coast or past crater lakes in the Azores.
South of France
The South of France is one of Europe’s best destinations in the warm months of the year, offering beautiful backdrops of romantic hilltop villages, sunny seaside towns, and dazzling beaches. Start your trip by exploring the art, culture, and history of Nice, then make your way to the medieval village of Eze and the charming town of Grasse, which is world-renowned as the perfume capital of the world. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Antibes, discover the glitz and glamour of Cannes, or admire luxury yachts in Saint Tropez. For a dose of culture, end your trip by exploring the renowned museums in Aix-en-Provence.
Italy – Amalfi Coast
Italy has all the ingredients for a classic road trip, boasting a picture-perfect coastline, amazing local cuisine, and Mediterranean weather year-round. See the country’s beauty on full display with a trip to Southern Italy, where you can hop from town to town to experience jaw-dropping views along the famous Amalfi Coast. Hugging the cliffs of the Tyrrhenian Sea, you’ll be captivated by the incredible scenery as you navigate the curvy, coastal roads that connect the Sorrento peninsula to Salerno. For dramatic coastline views, make sure to add the cliffside village of Positano to your itinerary.
Scotland – Angus Coastal Route
The Spring and Summer months are the perfect season to rent a car in Scotland, as the days are warmer and longer, giving you more time to marvel at its spectacular coastline. A classic road trip is the Angus Coastal Route, which follows the country’s east coast. Linking the cities of Dundee and Aberdeen, it boasts access to charming towns, beautiful nature reserves, and the picturesque countryside. Along with incredible views of the Grampian Mountains and the sparkling North Sea, this itinerary has pit stops at top-rated attractions such as V&A Dundee, Arbroath Abbey, House of Dun, and the medieval Dunnottar Castle.
The Azores, Portugal
Sitting 1,500 kilometres west of Lisbon, the Azores is a group of remote islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. The climate on Sao Miguel island is pleasant in the spring and summer, ideal for exploring its lush, natural wonders. Start your trip in the capital city of Ponta Delgada, then drive to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno for postcard-worthy views of the lakes of Sete Cidades. Add a waterfall swim at Caldeira Velha to your route for a relaxing break, then soak in the thermal pools at Parque Terra Nostra before visiting Gorreana, one of the only tea plantations in Europe.
