Seven beautiful European road trips for your next adventure
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Europe offers numerous scenic drives with diverse landscapes, from challenging mountain passes to coastal views.
- Notable routes include Sweden's High Coast, Italy's Amalfi Coast, Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, Germany's Romantic Road, France's Route Napolรฉon, and Mallorca's Sa Calobra road.
- These routes cater to various preferences, promising breathtaking scenery and memorable travel experiences.
Europe is a treasure trove for road trip enthusiasts, boasting a variety of stunning routes that wind through breathtaking landscapes. From the rugged heights of Scandinavia to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, these drives offer unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking scenic beauty and adventure.
In Sweden, the High Coast offers a dramatic mix of mountains, valleys, and picturesque fishing villages along its "Turistvรคgen" (Tourist Road). This UNESCO World Heritage site provides iconic views, including the High Coast Bridge and the popular Skuleberget mountain.
Italy's Amalfi Coast, known as "Nastro Azzurro" (Blue Ribbon), is frequently cited as one of the world's most beautiful drives. The SS163 route meanders between Amalfi and Sorrento, passing through charming towns like Positano and navigating coastal tunnels with spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way stretches for 2,600 kilometers along the country's west coast, showcasing dramatic cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher and offering chances to spot dolphins from the Fanad Peninsula.
Germany's "Romantische Strasse" (Romantic Road) travels through Bavaria and Baden-Wรผrttemberg, connecting Wรผrzburg to Fรผssen. This 350-kilometer route, established in the 1950s to boost tourism, winds through quaint villages, vineyards, and medieval town centers.
France's Route Napolรฉon follows the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, traversing the French Riviera through Provence and into the Alps. The 320-kilometer route is part of the national road RN85.
Finally, the Carretera de Sa Calobra on Mallorca, Spain, presents a thrilling drive with sharp turns and spectacular mountain views in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This approximately 12-kilometer road is also a popular destination for cyclists.
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.