Europe was made for driving. Where else can you cross international borders, scale mountain passes, trace dramatic coastlines, and park beside medieval villages — all within a weekend? Unlike the vast, highway-dominated road trips of North America, European drives pack extraordinary variety into short distances. You can leave a major city on Friday afternoon and return Sunday night having experienced some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth.
This guide covers ten of Europe's most scenic drives that are perfectly suited for a weekend getaway. For each route, you'll find practical details on distance, drive time, the best vehicle to use, where to stay overnight, and the ideal season to go.
1. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Route: Sorrento to Salerno (via Positano and Amalfi) Distance: 69 km (43 miles) Drive time: 2-3 hours (without stops — but you'll stop constantly) Best car: Small hatchback (Fiat 500 or VW Polo) — the road is narrow Best season: April-May or September-October (summer is gridlocked)
The Drive
The SS163 Amalfitana is arguably the most famous coastal road in the world, and it lives up to every photograph. Carved into sheer limestone cliffs hundreds of feet above the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, this ribbon of asphalt twists through tunnels, past lemon groves, and around blind corners where oncoming buses seem impossibly large.
Must-Stop Points
- Positano — Pastel-colored houses cascading down to a pebble beach. Park at the top (€5/hour) and walk down — every step reveals a new angle.
- Praiano — A quieter alternative to Positano with equally stunning views. The beach at Marina di Praia is a hidden gem.
- Amalfi — The coast's namesake town, dominated by its 9th-century cathedral. Wander the narrow lanes and stop for limoncello gelato.
- Ravello — A hilltop detour above Amalfi with two magnificent gardens: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. The "Terrace of Infinity" at Cimbrone is one of Italy's most famous viewpoints.
Where to Stay
Praiano — Quieter and cheaper than Positano. The Hotel Onda Verde (€120-180/night) has balconies overlooking the sea. For budget travelers, agriturismos (farm stays) in the hills above the coast start at €60/night.
2. The Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Route: Killarney circular loop via Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Killorglin Distance: 179 km (111 miles) Drive time: 3.5-4 hours (without stops) Best car: Any — roads are good quality. A compact SUV adds comfort on narrow sections. Best season: May-September (Ireland's driest months — but pack a rain jacket regardless)
The Drive
The Ring of Kerry loops around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, tracing a route of wild Atlantic coastline, emerald-green mountains, and villages so perfectly Irish they almost seem staged. Drive counter-clockwise to stay on the coastal side and avoid tour buses (which are required to go clockwise).
Must-Stop Points
- Ladies' View — A viewpoint above the Killarney Lakes that was a favorite of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting.
- Moll's Gap — A dramatic mountain pass between Kenmare and Killarney with panoramic views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
- Staigue Fort — A 2,500-year-old stone ring fort dramatically set against a mountain backdrop. Free to visit, and you'll likely have it to yourself.
- Skellig Ring — A detour off the main Ring of Kerry road to the cliffs overlooking Skellig Michael — the island monastery that doubled as Luke Skywalker's hideout in Star Wars.
- Valentia Island — Connected by bridge, this island offers the Geokaun Mountain viewpoint (€5) with views across the Kerry coastline.
Where to Stay
Kenmare — A charming foodie town. Brook Lane Hotel (€120-160/night). Budget: Kenmare Failte Hostel (€25-35/night).
3. Trollstigen, Norway
Route: Åndalsnes to Geiranger (via Trollstigen and Eagle Road) Distance: 106 km (66 miles) Drive time: 2.5-3 hours Best car: Standard sedan is fine — the road is well-maintained despite its drama Best season: June-August only (the road is closed due to snow from October to May)
The Drive
Trollstigen ("The Troll's Ladder") is Norway's most famous mountain road: eleven hairpin bends climbing 858 meters through a valley flanked by waterfalls and 1,600-meter peaks. It's engineering audacity at its finest, with a newly built viewing platform at the summit that juts out over the void.
Must-Stop Points
- Trollstigen Visitor Centre — The modernist glass-and-steel platform at the summit offers vertigo-inducing views down the switchbacks. Free entry.
- Stigfossen Waterfall — The 320-meter waterfall plunges beside the road as you climb. A walking path leads to a bridge directly over the cascade.
- Eagle Road (Ørneveien) — After Trollstigen, this road descends in dramatic switchbacks toward the Geirangerfjord. The views of the fjord below are jaw-dropping.
- Geiranger — The UNESCO-listed fjord village at the end. Take the free viewpoint road to Flydalsjuvet for the classic postcard shot.
Where to Stay
Geiranger — Hotel Union Geiranger (NOK 1,500-2,200/night, ~$140-200). Budget: Geiranger Camping offers cabins from NOK 600/night (~$55).
4. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
Route: Curtea de Argeș to Sibiu (via Bâlea Lake) Distance: 151 km (94 miles) Drive time: 4-5 hours (many switchbacks) Best car: Compact SUV recommended — the surface varies Best season: Late June to October (closed in winter)
The Drive
Jeremy Clarkson called the Transfăgărășan "the best road in the world" on Top Gear, and it's easy to see why. Built by dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu in the 1970s as a military road through the Carpathian Mountains, it climbs to 2,042 meters through dense forests, past glacial lakes, and over a summit that feels like the roof of Europe.
Must-Stop Points
- Vidraru Dam — A 166-meter-high arch dam with a viewing platform. The turquoise reservoir stretches into the mountains.
- Bâlea Waterfall — A short hike from the road to a thundering cascade.
- Bâlea Lake — The glacial lake at the summit, accessible by cable car or road. In winter, an ice hotel is built here.
- Poienari Fortress — The real Dracula's castle (Vlad the Impaler's fortress), accessible via 1,480 stone steps. Far more atmospheric than the tourist-oriented Bran Castle.
Where to Stay
Sibiu — One of Romania's most beautiful cities. The Council Hotel (€80-120/night). Budget: Old Town Hostel (€15-25/night). The old town square alone is worth the visit.
5. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
Route: Bruck an der Glocknerstraße to Heiligenblut Distance: 48 km (30 miles) Drive time: 1.5-2 hours Best car: Any — the road is extremely well-maintained Best season: May-October (toll road, €41.50 per car in 2026)
The Drive
Austria's most famous panoramic road climbs to 2,504 meters at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewing point, offering face-to-face views of the Grossglockner — Austria's highest peak at 3,798 meters — and the Pasterze Glacier. The road has 36 hairpin turns, and every single one offers a better view than the last.
Must-Stop Points
- Fuscher Törl — A pass at 2,428 meters with a memorial and expansive views across the Hohe Tauern range.
- Edelweißspitze — The highest accessible point on the road (2,571 meters), reached via a short spur road. On clear days, you can see 37 peaks over 3,000 meters.
- Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe — The main viewing platform directly overlooking the Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier. A museum, restaurant, and marmot-spotting opportunities await.
- Heiligenblut — The picturesque village at the southern end, with a Gothic church spire set against the Grossglockner. One of Austria's most photographed scenes.
Where to Stay
Heiligenblut — Chalet Hotel Senger (€90-140/night) with mountain views. Budget: Guesthouses (Pensionen) from €50/night.
6. The Scottish Highlands — North Coast 500
Route: Inverness circular loop (the full NC500 is 516 miles — for a weekend, focus on the western coast) Weekend segment: Inverness to Ullapool to Durness (return via A9) Distance: ~350 km (220 miles) for the weekend version Drive time: 5-6 hours total driving Best car: Compact SUV — single-track roads with passing places require confident driving Best season: May-September (long daylight hours; midges are worst in July)
The Drive
Scotland's answer to Route 66 loops around the dramatic northern coastline. The western section between Ullapool and Durness is the most spectacular — raw, empty landscapes of moorland, sea lochs, and mountains that haven't changed in millennia.
Must-Stop Points
- Corrieshalloch Gorge — A 60-meter-deep box canyon with a Victorian suspension bridge spanning the Falls of Measach.
- Ullapool — A whitewashed fishing village on the shores of Loch Broom. Outstanding seafood and a vibrant arts scene.
- Stac Pollaidh — A short but spectacular mountain hike (2-3 hours round trip) with views across Inverpolly's lochan-dotted landscape.
- Smoo Cave, Durness — A massive coastal cave with a waterfall inside. Free to visit, with guided inner cave tours for £6.
- Bealach na Bà (Applecross Pass) — The steepest road in the UK, climbing to 626 meters with Alpine-grade switchbacks. Not for nervous drivers.
Where to Stay
Ullapool — The Ceilidh Place (£100-150/night) — a hotel, bookshop, and live music venue in one. Budget: SYHA Ullapool hostel (£22-30/night).
7. The Algarve Coast, Portugal
Route: Lagos to Tavira (via coastal roads) Distance: 130 km (81 miles) Drive time: 2-2.5 hours Best car: Any — roads are excellent Best season: March-May or September-November (summer is hot and crowded)
The Drive
Portugal's southern coast trades dramatic altitude for dramatic geology: golden sandstone cliffs, sea caves, hidden coves, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The drive along the N125 and coastal diversions reveals a different Algarve from the resort-heavy image — traditional fishing villages, cork oak forests, and seafood restaurants where the catch arrives daily.
Must-Stop Points
- Ponta da Piedade, Lagos — Stunning sea stacks and grottos accessible by boat or clifftop path. One of the Algarve's most photographed spots.
- Benagil Sea Cave — Accessible only by kayak, SUP, or boat tour (~€25). The cathedral-like cave with a skylight is Portugal's natural wonder.
- Albufeira Old Town — Skip the strip and head to the atmospheric old town with its whitewashed lanes and clifftop viewpoints.
- Faro Ria Formosa Natural Park — A lagoon ecosystem with flamingos, salt marshes, and barrier islands. Boat tours from Faro harbor (~€30).
- Tavira — Often called the prettiest town in the Algarve, with Roman bridges, Moorish castle ruins, and excellent restaurants.
Where to Stay
Lagos — Cascade Wellness Resort (€120-180/night). Budget: Rising Cock Party Hostel has calmed down and offers private rooms from €35/night.
8. The Swiss Grand Tour of Switzerland
Route: Full circuit is 1,643 km — for a weekend, drive the alpine highlights Weekend segment: Lucerne to Interlaken to Grindelwald to Furka Pass to Andermatt Distance: ~200 km (124 miles) Drive time: 4-5 hours Best car: Any — Swiss roads are impeccable Best season: June-September (mountain passes close in winter)
The Drive
Switzerland doesn't do ugly. The Grand Tour is a curated driving route that links the country's greatest hits, but for a weekend, concentrate on the Bernese Oberland and central Alpine passes — a concentrated dose of the world's most dramatic mountain scenery.
Must-Stop Points
- Brünig Pass — The scenic crossing from Lucerne to the Bernese Oberland, passing through Meiringen (the home of meringue — and where Sherlock Holmes "died").
- Interlaken — Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this is the adventure capital of Switzerland. Even if you're just passing through, the views of the Jungfrau are extraordinary.
- Grindelwald — A picture-perfect Alpine village beneath the Eiger's north face. The First Cliff Walk (CHF 33) juts out 2,168 meters above the valley.
- Grimsel Pass — A stark, lunar landscape of dams and reservoirs at 2,164 meters.
- Furka Pass — The road where James Bond drove his Aston Martin in Goldfinger. The views of the Rhône Glacier are haunting — the glacier has retreated dramatically in recent decades.
Where to Stay
Grindelwald — Hotel Kirchbühl (CHF 180-280/night, ~$200-310). Budget: Mountain Hostel (CHF 40-55/night).
9. The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Route: Belfast to Derry/Londonderry Distance: 195 km (121 miles) Drive time: 3-4 hours Best car: Any standard vehicle Best season: May-September
The Drive
Northern Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route is one of the UK's finest driving roads. It hugs the Antrim coast between Belfast and Derry, passing dramatic cliffs, lush glens, medieval castles, and the legendary Giant's Causeway — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Must-Stop Points
- Carrickfergus Castle — A Norman castle dating to 1177, sitting right on Belfast Lough.
- The Gobbins Cliff Path — A dramatic walkway bolted to the cliff face over the sea. Guided tours only (£15/person), booking essential.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — A 20-meter rope bridge connecting the mainland to a tiny island, 30 meters above the crashing waves. £9.50/person; book online.
- Giant's Causeway — The star of the route. The 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns are free to walk on — you only pay if you want the visitor centre experience (£15).
- Dunluce Castle — A ruined medieval castle perched on a cliff edge. Its dramatic position inspired Castle Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
- Mussenden Temple — A tiny circular library perched on a 120-foot cliff above Downhill Beach. One of Ireland's most dramatic sights.
Where to Stay
Bushmills — Home of the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. The Bushmills Inn (£130-180/night). Budget: Airbnbs from £40/night.
10. The Volcanic Roads of Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Route: Arrecife circular loop via Timanfaya, La Geria, Famara Distance: ~120 km (75 miles) Drive time: 2-3 hours Best car: Any — but a convertible transforms the experience Best season: Year-round (Lanzarote averages 24°C/75°F all year)
The Drive
Lanzarote looks like Mars with a coastline. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve's volcanic landscape — shaped by eruptions in the 1730s — creates one of Europe's most otherworldly driving experiences. The island's most famous resident, artist César Manrique, embedded art installations into the volcanic landscape, blurring the line between nature and culture.
Must-Stop Points
- Timanfaya National Park — Drive through a landscape of black lava fields and fire-red volcanic cones. A guided bus tour (included in the €12 entry) drives through areas where ground temperatures reach 600°C just meters below the surface.
- La Geria Wine Region — Vines planted in hollowed-out volcanic craters, protected by semi-circular stone walls. Several bodegas offer free tastings — try the Malvasía Volcánica white wine.
- Jameos del Agua — César Manrique transformed a lava tube into an underground concert hall and garden. The albino crabs in the underground lagoon are unique to Lanzarote.
- Mirador del Río — Manrique's clifftop viewpoint (€5), 479 meters above the sea, looking out toward the island of La Graciosa.
- Famara Beach — A dramatic 6-km beach beneath 600-meter cliffs, popular with surfers. The adjacent village of Caleta de Famara is refreshingly undeveloped.
Where to Stay
Costa Teguise or Caleta de Famara — Lanzarote Retreats offers eco-villas from €100/night. Budget: Surf hostels in Famara from €20/night.
Practical Tips for European Road Trips
Driving Essentials
- International Driving Permit — Required in Italy, Austria, and some Eastern European countries. Get one from your national automobile association before you go ($20).
- Vignettes and Toll Stickers — Austria and Switzerland require prepaid motorway stickers (Austria: €9.90 for 10 days; Switzerland: CHF 40 for the year). Buy them at border gas stations.
- Right-hand traffic — All continental European countries drive on the right. The UK and Ireland drive on the left.
- Speed limits — Vary significantly. Germany's Autobahn has no speed limit in some sections, while Iceland limits to 90 km/h. Know before you go.
- Fuel — Diesel is generally cheaper than petrol in Europe. Rental cars default to manual transmission — request automatic early if needed (and expect to pay 20-30% more).
Booking Tips
- Rent locally — Companies like Sixt, Europcar, and local agencies often beat international prices. Use Discover Cars or AutoEurope to compare.
- Book accommodation along the route — Mountain passes and coastal roads mean limited options. Book at least your Saturday night in advance during peak season.
- Download offline maps — Mountain passes and rural areas often have no mobile signal. Download your entire route in Google Maps or Maps.me before departure.
Every one of these drives proves that the journey truly is the destination. Pick a weekend, rent a car, and go — Europe's greatest scenery is waiting just around the next bend.
