While Europe is undoubtedly known for its scenery, most tourists imagine leisurely train rides as they travel from country to country within a single day. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 10 percent of Americans travel abroad every year, and Europe is the most popular destination outside Mexico and Canada. It may not offer as many wide open spaces as those countries, but it does offer road trip opportunities you might never have heard of. From mountains and valleys to vineyard-laden hillsides and miniscule villages, there is plenty to see on the continent. If you’re most comfortable behind the wheel, driving can give you a chance to see much more of Europe than trains or planes allow. Here are five popular and scenic routes that make for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast is one of the most famous and picturesque spots in Italy, known for its breathtaking scenery and narrow, winding roads. While many tourists choose riding a bus or even hiring a driver, there’s no reason you can’t maneuver the route on your own. It starts in Sorrento, and you drive south past villas and majestic views of the Mediterranean to the town of Amalfi, which offers famous spots like the Cloister of Paradise and the Paper Museum. The nearby 13th century villa, Villa Rufolo, has amazing gardens, gorgeous views, and even live music. It’s located in the town of Ravello, which has earned its reputation as one of the most scenic small towns in Southern italy. Your journey will end in the very south at Salerno, a beautiful port city. Most Italians recommend driving the coast in April or October, before peak tourist season, where you can take three or four days to really explore.
Scottish Highlands
No matter which route you choose to explore Scotland, you’ll never be at a loss for scenery. The spectacular countryside is rich with locks, mountains, and castles, but don’t be surprised if it takes you days just to travel a few hundred miles. If you begin in Glasgow and head north, you’ll find yourself at Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. To the west, you can reach Loch Shiel, which is not only a beautiful sight to behold but also the location of a famous 12th century battle. Next, you can drive over the bridge to the Isle of Skye, Scotland’s second-largest island filled with minuscule towns and the romantic Dunvegan Castle. While it does rain a lot in Scotland, the country is known for having beautiful weather in the spring and summer, and there are plenty of great months to drive, as long as you have the right car insurance and some experience with unconventional roads.
Boulogne to Calais, France
If you start in Boulogne, you’ll find that city itself has plenty to offer – elegant city squares, amazing restaurants, and Europe’s largest aquarium, just to begin with. From there, you can drive along the coast to Le Touquet, a popular town for holiday homes full of 1920s shops and winding boulevards. Next, you can drive along the rive Canche, long thought to be one of France’s most scenic routes, to small towns Hesdin and Ardres, which offer medieval churches and wonderful ocean views. From there to Calais, you can see all the way to England, and Calais has plenty of outdoor markets and cheap wine, as well as a beautiful renaissance-style town hall. For even more of an adventure, drive your car onto the Eurotunnel shuttle and find yourself in England in a little over 30 minutes. The tunnel joins Calais with Folkestone in Kent, which is a lovely beach town with an amusement park and plenty of historical sights of its own.
Basque Country, Spain
If you start at the port of Bilbao, you have plenty of choices for motorways – the city is three hours from Madrid and six from Barcelona. But many tourists and adventurers prefer to go south and experience a classic Basque route, heading southeast to Pamplona, where the famous running of the bulls happens in July. From there, a drive through the Pyrenees will officially put you in France, with all the amazing scenery that comes along with it. You will end up in Biarritz, a French Riviera seaside town with a casino and the famous Hotel du Palais, where British and Spanish monarchs have come to stay. You can visit the 24 aquariums at the Museum of the Sea, or even better, the Museum of Chocolate. On the loop back to Bilbao, you can visit other glamorous Riviera towns like San Sebastian and smaller fishing villages that pepper the breathtaking coastline.
Driving in these countries can be strange if you’re not used to it, but it’s often worth it to avoid being at the mercy of train schedules or flight delays. Set your own pace as you explore the many sights Europe has to offer, and get behind the wheel to make your once-in-a-lifetime holiday uniquely your own.
Author: Amy Thomson blogs for Monkey Car Insurance. Going on a road trip in Europe soon? Check out her other articles at Twitter @VroomVroomAmy.