Dreaming of the best European road trips for 2025 ? I’ve got you covered. There’s no better way to explore Europe’s breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and iconic cities than by hitting the open road. Over the years, I have been taking at least one epic car trip in Europe and selected some of the best European road trips that I’m sure you’ll love.
Europe truly has endless options for everyone. So, whether you’d love a beach and coastal road trip, the dramatic fjords of Norway, or the historic castles of Central Europe, this guide has the perfect road trip itinerary for every type of traveler.
Best European road trips to take in 2025
From short scenic drives to epic multi-week adventures, I’ve rounded up the best European road trips to take in 2025. This list is complete with must-see stops, insider tips, and hidden gems. Buckle up and get ready for the ultimate adventure through Europe’s most stunning roads!
But first, you need a car for an amazing European road trip.
Driving is pretty straightforward across Europe (except
Albania
and
Sicily
, where a whole different set of rules or lack of them applies). I use
Discover Cars
1. Romantic road, Germany
Let’s start the list of best European road trips with this
classic German road trip
that takes you through medieval towns, rolling vineyards, and stunning castles. From Würzburg to
Neuschwanstein Castle
I actually did this road trip on two occasions as it included many other places, but both trips took place in autumn. I cannot even explain in words how beautiful this region is with golden colours and soft sunlight. It’s just a fairytale. This is one of the best European road trips you can take.
Start in
Munich
, where you can explore
Marienplatz
Drive along the Romantic Road, stopping in Rothenburg ob der Tauber , one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, where half-timbered houses and cobbled streets transport you back in time.
Other must-visit stops include Würzburg, home to the UNESCO-listed
Würzburg Residence
, and
Dinkelsbühl
- How many days: 7-9 days
- Best time of the year: from May till November, although winter also has its charm, when you can appreciate thermal baths and spas even more and Germany has plenty amazing ones.
2. Basque Country loop, Spain & France
One of the best European road trips for food lovers and culture seekers, the Basque Country in Spain that combines world-class gastronomy, breathtaking coastlines, and historic cities.
Start in San Sebastián , famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and pintxos bars. It is the best place for amazing food. Make sure to give yourself a couple of days, at least, to enjoy it.
Then drive along the coast to Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum and a buzzing waterfront. Cross into France for a short visit to explore Biarritz , a glamorous seaside town known for its golden beaches and legendary surfing possibilities.
Head back to Spain to finish in Pamplona, where history and tradition come alive, especially if you’re visiting during the San Fermin festival (running of the bulls).
- How many days: This loop is best enjoyed over 5 to 7 days, allowing time to savor local flavors, explore charming fishing villages, and take in the breathtaking Atlantic views.
- Best time of the year: May till October as in winter the weather is wet, cold, windy and unpredictable.
3. Baltic road trip, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
A Baltic road trip is one of the best European road trips for travelers looking to explore hidden gems, medieval towns, stunning coastlines, and rich history across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. I did this trip by buses with stops, so I can only imagine this could make a really special road trip by car. This trip lets you explore Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius , three of Europe’s most charming capitals. I loved it so much, that I put it on my list of destinations to revisit.
Start in Tallinn, Estonia, where you can enjoy the fairy-tale
Old Town
Explore the
House of the Blackheads
After Riga, head to
Gauja National Park
Next, it’s time to get to
Vilnius
, Lithuania’s beautiful capital, home to the Gothic
St. Anne’s Church
If you still have time, head to Gdansk in Poland- one of my favourite cities ever!
- How many days: 7-10 days
- Best time of the year: From May till September for warmer and drier weather. June has an amazing Medieval festival in Estonia.
4. North Coast 500, Scotland
One of the best European road trip you can take at least once in your life is in Scotland. I went to university in Scotland and lived there for 10 years. To this date, and after visiting over 80 countries, I still think of Scotland as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I cannot even guess how many road trip I did in Scotland over the years. From short to long adventures, I visited most of Scotland by car. Rent a car or campervan with
Discover Cars
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is Scotland’s most legendary road trip, a 516-mile loop showcasing the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Starting and ending in Inverness, this route takes you past rugged coastlines, ancient castles, white sandy beaches, and dramatic mountain ranges. Must-visit stops include the fairy-tale Dunrobin Castle , the whisky distilleries in Wick, and the secluded beauty of Duncansby Stacks near John o’ Groats.
The drive along Loch Eriboll is breathtaking, leading to the stunning beaches of Balnakeil and Achmelvich , where you can actually see turquoise waters and white sand beaches. The winding roads of Bealach na Bà , often called Scotland’s most scenic drive, will take your breath away as you descend toward Applecross.
Eilean Donan Castle , one of Scotland’s most iconic and photographed castles, is located near the North Coast 500 route. While it’s not directly on the loop, it’s just a short detour off the NC500 near the village of Dornie, before reaching the Isle of Skye.
- How many days: While the NC500 can technically be done in 5 days, a 7 to 10-day trip is recommended to truly soak in the landscapes, enjoy local seafood, and experience Scotland’s charming villages, castles, and the beautiful wilderness at a relaxed pace.
- Best time of the year: From end of May till end of August when the weather is sunnier and fields green.
5. Serbia
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, driving through Serbia is one of the best European road trips to explore a country full of rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. A fascinating journey through the Balkans, combining vibrant city life, Ottoman-era history, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Serbia is definitely one of the underrated destinations in Europe . I was surprised multiple times during my road trip in Serbia.
Start in
Belgrade
, the energetic capital with incredible nightlife, where you can visit iconic sites like
Kalemegdan Fortress
A detour to
Sremski Karlovci
offers a charming, small-town vibe with
wine-tasting
-
How many days:
5-7 days. You can continue to North Macedonia and Albania from there, but you’ll need to
rent a car a couple of times
- Best time of the year: Spring to autumn
6. The Tatra mountains, Poland & Slovakia
This road trip through Central Europe’s most stunning mountain range takes you from
Krakow
to Zakopane and across to
Slovakia
, where you’ll find scenic lakes, medieval castles, and world-class hiking trails. In Krakow don’t miss
Wieliczka salt mines
For an adventure that combines stunning alpine landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor activities, a road trip through the
Tatra Mountains
From Zakopane, cross into
Slovakia
and visit the
High Tatras National Park
Along the way, you can explore Poprad , a charming Slovakian town, and end the trip in Košice , Slovakia’s second-largest city, known for its Gothic cathedral and medieval Old Town.
- How many days: 7-10 days
- Best time of the year: all year. Late spring to early autumn for amazing hikes and warmer weather; winter for snow and amazing g winter atmosphere in small-town.
7. Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast
I did this trip with my mum, but we extended it towards inland Bulgaria. From Varna to Burgas, this drive is a nice mix of historic towns, sandy beaches, and cultural landmarks. My favourite stop was
Nessebar
Start in
Varna
, Bulgaria’s maritime capital, where you can explore the
Roman Baths
,
Sea Garden
- How many days: 5-7 days
- Best time of the year: All year, but for beach go between June and September. Summer is popular but not overcrowded.
8. Swiss Alps Grand Tour, Switzerland
There’s no doubt that Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. During your visit you’ll see breathtaking views, pristine alpine lakes, and charming villages. Siss Alps Grand Tour is really one of the best European road trips.
Starting in Zurich , Switzerland’s largest city, explore its old town and picturesque lakefront before heading into the mountains. The route takes you through the iconic Grimsel Pass , with sweeping views of glaciers and valleys, and past Lake Lucerne , known for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding peaks.
A must-see stop is
Interlaken
, a paradise for outdoor activities, where you can try everything from hiking to paragliding. Continue south to the
Matterhorn
, one of the most famous mountains in the world, and the charming resort town of
Zermatt
, where you can take a scenic cogwheel train to the summit. The tour ends in
Geneva
, with its international flair, stunning lake, and the famous
Jet d’Eau
- How many days: 7-10 days
- Best time of the year: June to August. The mountain passes are open, the weather is warm, and everything is lush and green. Ideal for exploring places like Interlaken, Zermatt, and Lake Lucerne without snow blocking the roads.
9. Albanian Riviera
One of Europe’s most underrated coastal drives, the
Albanian Riviera
If you have the time, extend your road trip to the mountainous area in the north for amazing hikes and lesser crowds since it is still not so popular.
See also: Renting a car and driving in Albania in 2024: All you need to know
- How many days: 5-10, there’s a lot of stops you can make along the coast and many side trips.
- Best time of the year: All year, but further Beach May till September. July and August get quite crowded.
10. Macedonian wine route, North Macedonia
For a unique road trip that combines stunning landscapes, rich history, and world-class wines, the Macedonian Wine Route is one of the best European road trips. North Macedonia has a winemaking tradition dating back to ancient times, and this journey takes you through its most renowned vineyards and charming towns.
Start in
Skopje
(probably the most quirky capital in the world). From there, head south to the
Veles Wine Region
, home to boutique wineries offering tastings of local varieties like
Vranec
(a bold red wine unique to the Balkans). Continue to
Tikveš wine region
, the heart of Macedonian winemaking, where you can visit iconic wineries such as Tikveš Winery,
Popova Kula
Make a stop at Bitola , a historic city known for its neoclassical architecture and Heraclea Lyncestis , an ancient Roman site. End your journey at Ohrid , one of the most photographed lakesides in Europe. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can relax by the lake and enjoy a final glass of Vranec while taking in the sunset.
- How many days: 5-7 days
- Best time of the year: summer
11. The fjords, Norway
A road trip through the
Norwegian fjords
The Trollstigen Mountain Road is another must—this scenic drive is an adventure in itself. For a truly epic experience, visit Lofoten Islands if you still have some time. Best tips? Rent a car with unlimited mileage , be prepared for changing weather, and take advantage of Norway’s scenic ferries to make the most of your fjord-hopping adventure!
- How many days: 7-12
- Best time of the year: Summer for best weather and clearer skies to have perfect visibility if the landscape (although not guaranteed since the weather can be capricious).
12. Golden Circle & South Coast, Iceland
A classic Icelandic road trip covering geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and black sand beaches should definitely be on the list of best European road trips. It’s one of the bucket list things to do.
Start in
Reykjavik
, Iceland’s vibrant capital, and pick up your rental car from
Discover Cars
From there, head south along the coast to see
Seljalandsfoss
Further along the route, visit the
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- How many days: 5-12 days if you continue further than the Golden Circle and southern coast. You can get the full itinerary here .
-
Best time of the year:
all year depending on interest. Summer is great for hiking and green fields, warmer weather, and
whale and puffins watching
13. Florence to Nice, Italy and France
For a road trip that consists of stunning coastlines, vineyards, and charming cities, the Florence to Nice route is one of the best European road trips if you love culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Start in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where you can explore
Michelangelo’s David
Visit all attractions of Florence before picking up your
rental car
From there, head to Genoa, an underrated gem with grand palaces, a historic old town, and one of Italy’s best food scenes. Continue along the Ligurian coast, making a stop in Portofino, the iconic luxury seaside town, perfect for a relaxed stroll and espresso by the marina. Cross into France and arrive in Menton, the “Pearl of France,” known for its pastel buildings and citrus groves.
Finally, end your trip in Nice, where you can unwind on the
Promenade des Anglais
- How many days: 10-12 days
- Best time of the year: Shoulder season: April till July and September to October, otherwise it becomes extremely crowded and also hot.
14. Galicia & Asturias road trip, Spain – a hidden gem in northern Spain
If you fancy one of the best European road trips filled with beautiful coastlines, untouched nature, and incredible seafood, a journey through Galicia and Asturias is a must. It is also such an underrated part of Spain among foreigners, who usually choose the warmer beach areas.
Start in
Santiago de Compostela
, the historic heart of Galicia and the final stop of the
Camino de Santiago
Heading east into
Asturias
, explore
Oviedo
(I loved this cute town), a city famous for its cider culture and well-preserved medieval architecture. If you have some time for hiking, you shouldn’t miss the
Picos de Europa National Park
Along the coast, visit Gijón for its lively seaside atmosphere and Cudillero , one of Spain’s most beautiful fishing villages.
- How many days: 8- 10 days or more if you add hiking trips.
- Best time of the year: May to September for drier and warmer weather .
15. Poland from Krakow to Wroclaw
This is another road trip that starts in Krakow, the old capital of Poland, but this time towards the west. If you are seeking one of the best European road trips packed with history, culture, and stunning medieval architecture, a drive from Kraków to Wrocław is an unforgettable experience.
Start in Kraków, Poland’s cultural capital, where you can explore the
Wawel Castle
Just outside the city, a visit to the
Wieliczka Salt Mine
and
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
Before reaching Wrocław, detour to
Ksiaz Castle
, a fairy-tale fortress perched on a hill. Arriving in Wrocław, you’ll be captivated by its colorful
Market Square
, the stunning Gothic architecture of
Ostrów Tumski
- How many days: You can do this trip in 3 to 5 days. It is a great addition to the Tatras trip from Krakow. I would recommend combining it.
- Best time of the year: Spring to autumn
See also:
- Epic 3-week central Europe road trip Itinerary: must-see destinations & tips
- 10 days in Iceland: ultimate itinerary for Iceland road trip in summer
- How to spend 2 days in Bratislava: a perfect itinerary for the capital of Slovakia (spring to autumn)
- Renting a car and driving in Albania in 2024: All you need to know
- From Tuskany to Cannes in two weeks. A guide for a perfect road trip in France and Italy.
- Highlights of a road trip through Galicia, Spain.
Top tips for planning the best European road trips in 2025
Planning the best European road trips requires careful preparation to make the journey smooth and stress-free. I’m sharing with you some of the best tips to keep in mind when planning your European road trip.
-
Renting a car is the first big step—make sure to book early with a reliable provider like
Discover Cars
- Book an insurance for your car, but make sure to read the small print of what it’s covered, so you avoid unpleasant surprises like the one I had .
- Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle to save on costs as petrol in Europe is quite expensive, and if you’re exploring mountainous areas or rural roads, consider an SUV for better handling .
- Always check border crossing policies if you’re driving through multiple countries, as some rentals have restrictions. Plan your route ahead but stay flexible – some of the best discoveries happen off the beaten path!
- Make use of apps like Google Maps for navigation. Have a local internet to avoid high bills. Now you can easily preorder an eSim, which is comfortable and usually cheaper, for example: drimsim , Yesim ,
- Don’t forget to pack an international driver’s permit (IDP) if required.
-
Make sure to have a travel insurance. I mostly use
World Nomads
(especially if planning more active travels that include, for example, trekking),
EKTA
(I like them due to ease of understanding terms and conditions and I use it for my mum), or
Visitors Coverage
-
Lastly,
book accommodations in advance
Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Road Trips Cards from the World and cannot be used without permission.
Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips
-
Booking.com
- Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
- Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
-
Get Your Guide
- World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
- Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
-
Klook
- Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
-
Trip Advisor
- Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Did you like the post? Pin it for later:
Comments are closed.