The engine hums as the open road stretches ahead, promising freedom and discovery around every bend.

The Romantic Road, Germany

The Romantic Road is Germany’s most famous driving route, winding for 350 kilometres from Wurzburg to Fussen through the heart of Bavaria. The road passes through medieval towns that look like they belong in a fairy tale, with half timbered houses, cobblestone squares, and towering church spires. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the highlight, a perfectly preserved medieval town that feels frozen in time. The route ends at Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale palace that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Each town along the way offers its own character, from the walled city of Nordlingen to the bishop’s residence at Wurzburg. The driving is easy on well maintained roads, and the route is well signposted. Allow at least a week to do the full route justice, stopping overnight in the smaller towns rather than rushing through. The Romantic Road is a journey through the storybook heart of Germany.

The Atlantic Road, Norway

The Atlantic Road in Norway is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world, connecting a series of islands with dramatic bridges and causeways. The eight kilometre stretch of road seems to skim across the ocean, with waves crashing against the roadside walls and bridges arching between rocky outcrops. The Storseisundet Bridge is the most dramatic, curving at an angle that creates an optical illusion of a road to nowhere. The landscape is raw and powerful, with the North Sea on one side and steep mountains on the other. Fishing villages along the route offer fresh seafood and cosy accommodation for overnight stops. The road is vulnerable to storms and can close in severe weather, so checking conditions before setting out is wise. Driving the Atlantic Road is an experience that combines engineering wonder with the untamed beauty of the Norwegian coast.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast drive is a bucket list road trip that tests your driving skills while rewarding you with some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Europe. The SS163 winds along cliffs high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, passing through pastel coloured villages that cling to the mountainside. The road is narrow, winding, and often crowded, but every hairpin turn reveals a view that makes the stress worthwhile. Positano is the most photographed town on the route, with its colourful houses cascading down to a pebble beach. Amalfi town offers a stunning cathedral and a lively piazza, while Ravello provides panoramic views from its hilltop gardens. The best strategy is to drive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the worst traffic. Pull over frequently at the designated viewpoints to appreciate the full scale of the coastal drama. The Amalfi Coast is a drive that lingers in your memory long after you return home.

The Ring of Kerry, Ireland

The Ring of Kerry is a 179 kilometre circular route that showcases the very best of Ireland’s southwest coast. The drive takes you past sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and serene lakes, with constant changes in light and weather that create a shifting landscape. The route passes through Killarney National Park, where you can stop to see Muckross House and the Torc Waterfall. The Skellig Islands loom on the horizon, the jagged rocks that served as a monastic settlement and later a Star Wars filming location. Traditional pubs in towns like Kenmare and Sneem offer live music and hearty Irish food to refuel after a day of driving. The road can be narrow and busy in summer, so taking it slowly and letting locals pass is the best approach. The Ring of Kerry is a celebration of Ireland’s wild, green, and welcoming character.

The Stelvio Pass, Italy

The Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps is one of the highest paved roads in Europe, reaching 2,757 metres above sea level. The road features 48 hairpin turns on the northern side alone, making it a paradise for driving enthusiasts. The views from the top are breathtaking, with glaciers, peaks, and valleys spreading out in every direction. The pass is open only from late May to October due to snow, and the driving window is weather dependent even in summer. Cyclists challenge themselves on the same switchbacks during the annual Stelvio bike event, adding another dimension to the mountain’s appeal. The summit has a small museum, a chapel, and a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with an alpine view. Driving the Stelvio requires concentration and a car with good brakes, but the sense of achievement at the top is immense. It is the ultimate European mountain driving experience.

Which European road trip would you most love to experience behind the wheel?

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