Europe is the perfect destination for a road trip and one of the ultimate travel adventures. There is no shortage of epic destinations to explore, from the sunny coast of Portugal and romantic routes in Germany to charming villages in Spain. Best of all, driving in Europe offers you the freedom to explore the continent’s most beautiful landscapes while steering clear of the crowds.
These diverse countries represent some of the best places to hit the road in Europe, from our fifth most-recommended destination to the coveted No. 1 spot. Discover what makes them so special with our recommended road trip itinerary ideas that highlight top routes and memorable day trips.
#5 Sweden
Sweden is a large country with incredible scenery, from the rolling green countryside to the Arctic Circle and rocky coastline. You’ll find low traffic and air pollution, as well as high-quality roads. For a classic Sweden road trip, start your journey in Stockholm and make your way south to Söderåsen National Park via the Dalsland region, the Koster Islands and Gothenburg. If you’re a real water lover, plan a trip to Sweden’s largest lake, Lake Vänern. This scenic route starts in Trollhättan and Vänersborg and loops around the lake counterclockwise up to Karlstad. Along the way, stop at charming villages and sandy beaches and enjoy sailing, swimming, and kayaking adventures.
#4 Germany
Known for its famous autobahns and high quality of roads, Germany is an excellent destination for road trippers. You’re in for a real treat along the Romantic Road, which starts in Füssen and continues to Wurzburg. You’ll pass some of Europe’s most charming villages, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Augsburg, Landsberg, and Nördlingen. Wine lovers can also follow one of the country’s oldest routes into the heart of the Palatinate region’s vine-planted hills. You’ll explore Germany’s largest wine-growing area on this 96-kilometre route, which starts in Schweigen-Rechtenbach and ends in Bockenheim an der Weinstraße.
#3 Luxembourg
One of the best countries when it comes to prices, Luxembourg consistently ranks high in affordability in regards to car hires, fuel costs, and parking fees. As one of Europe’s smallest countries, most road trip itineraries in Luxembourg can be done on a weekend getaway. Despite its size, it’s an interesting place for a road trip. Start in Luxembourg City, then hike through the lush landscapes in Mullerthal before enjoying an overnight in Beaufort. Wrap up your trip with a visit to one of the most beautiful romanesque-gothic castles of Europe, the historic Vianden Castle. Afterwards, spend a day strolling Vianden’s picturesque cobblestone streets.
#2 Spain
Spain has all the elements for a memorable road trip getaway, offering incredible weather, low air pollution, and budget-friendly car hire prices. The country has a wealth of diverse destinations to explore, from cool cities like Barcelona and Madrid to historical sites such as the Alhambra. Road trip the Catalonia region through Tossa de Mar, Palamos, Rosas, Cadaques, and back to Barcelona via Girona and you’ll experience a mix of captivating cities and seaside vistas. You can also explore Southern Spain on an Andalucia road trip from Malaga to Cordoba, stopping to see the iconic Alhambra palace and enjoy tapas and flamenco in Seville.
#1 Portugal
Portugal is our top pick for a road trip destination, as its year-round sunshine, affordability, low pollution, and quality of roads make it impossible to beat. This small country has got it all – sun, surf, castles, and charming cities. The close distance between the southern region (Algarve) and popular destinations in the north makes it easy to explore in a short amount of time. Start your journey in Lisbon, then head south to stroll the postcard-worthy beaches in Lagos or see the southwestern tip of Portugal in Sagres. Or drive north to sample world-famous port wine in Porto. From here, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley.
