Well, let me tell you about another one that makes my heart beat faster than on the German autobahn — the best road trips in Europe. There is something magical about throwing travel essentials into a backpack, throwing caution to the wind, and letting the road itself decide where you’ll rest your head that night. Europe in summer? Even better. Windows down, music up, and the smell of fresh mountain air, salty coastal breeze, or wildflowers — it’s all waiting for you.

Now, if you’re itching for a European road trip itinerary that’ll have your camera roll begging for mercy, stick around. I’m about to spill the beans on my personal picks for the most scenic travel routes Europe has to offer. Ready? Buckle up.

Best Road Trips in Europe: 7 Must-Drive Routes

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy — The Original Showstopper

Let’s get this obvious gem out of the way first. The Amalfi Coast is hands down one of the best road trips in Europe. I don’t care how many times people post it on Instagram — nothing compares to actually doing those tight cliff-hugging roads. 

Start in Sorrento, weave through Positano (a stop for gelato is a must), and carry on to Amalfi and Ravello. Pro tip? Go early in the day before the buses clog up the hairpin turns. And if you’re feeling fancy, rent a vintage Fiat 500 — trust me, you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own Italian movie.

2. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland — Raw, Rugged, Unfiltered

Looking for the best road trips in Europe with a side of wild adventure? Say hello to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This beast stretches 2,500 km along the rugged west coast — from Donegal in the north all the way down to County Cork. You’ll see windswept cliffs, hidden beaches, surf towns, and enough sheep to last a lifetime.

The beauty of this one is in the spontaneity. One minute you’re standing at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, the next you’re having a pint with locals in a tiny pub in Dingle. And don’t even get me started on the sunsets — they’re something else entirely.

3. Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road, Norway — Nature’s Rollercoaster

Scenic travel routes Europe? Norway practically invented the term. Trollstigen is indeed an artfully engineered serpentine mountain pass, with hairpin bends, waterfalls, and plunging views that cause a grand birth of turbulence in the very pit of your belly. This, combined with the Atlantic Road a set of bridges that zigzag and leap from island to island — makes for one of the greatest drives in Europe for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike.

Summer is also one of the best time periods around here. Smooth road, with no snow, eternal daylight (hello, midnight sun!!), and twinkling fjords-a Disney movie in the making! Bring along the much-needed snacks, good music, and an extra SD card. You’ll need it.

4. Route des Grandes Alpes, France — High Altitude Heaven

Calling all mountain lovers — the Route des Grandes Alpes is the mother of all Alpine drives. This masterpiece takes you from Lake Geneva to the French Riviera, carving through iconic mountain passes like Col du Galibier and Col d’Izoard.

Of course, it’s going to be the most noticeable when we talk about the best road trips across Europe. Expect all switchbacks, snow-capped peaks, flower-strewn valleys, and delightful little Alpine villages that appear to have just come out of a snow globe. July is kind of perfect; roads are open, wildflowers abound, and warm chalets stand prepared with melted cheese waiting for the evening after a day’s drive.

5. The Romantic Road, Germany — Fairytales on Wheels

If you want a European road trip itinerary that feels straight out of a storybook, hit Germany’s Romantic Road. It’s one of the best road trips in Europe if you love castles, half-timbered houses, and medieval towns.

Start in Würzburg and snake your way down to Füssen — home to Neuschwanstein Castle (yep, the Disney one). Make pit stops in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (it’s absurdly pretty) and Augsburg. Grab pretzels, snap photos, and pretend you’re royalty for a few days. You won’t regret it.

6. The Basque Coast, Spain — Pintxos and Coastal Bliss

Spain doesn’t always get enough credit for road trips, but the Basque Coast is criminally underrated. From Bilbao to San Sebastián, this stretch is a delicious blend of dramatic cliffs, surf beaches, and food so good you’ll wonder why you ever ate anywhere else.

One of the best road trips in Europe for foodies, no contest. Roll into seaside towns, snack on pintxos, sip local cider, and take detours to hidden coves. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize San Juan de Gaztelugatxe — that dramatic island hermitage is worth the tiny hike.

7. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania — Top Gear’s Favorite

When Jeremy Clarkson calls something “the best road in the world,” you pay attention. Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway is pure driving joy — 90 km of twists, tunnels, and hairpins cutting through the Carpathian Mountains.

It’s hands-down one of the best road trips in Europe for adrenaline junkies. Just check the weather — it’s only open from late June to October. Add Bran Castle (Dracula’s crib) to your European road trip itinerary for extra gothic points.

So, Which One Will It Be?

Not that they complete the list of places you want to be. They are truly about those things between points: singing out loud in the car. Missing a turn and discovering a hidden cafe. Laughing with strangers. Watching the sun dip behind a mountain you can’t even pronounce.

If you ask me, the best road trips in Europe are the ones that don’t go perfectly. The flat tire in the Alps, the unexpected downpour in Ireland, the local who invites you in for tea when you’re hopelessly lost — that’s the good stuff.

The advice then is to plan your European road trip itinerary but make sure there’s space for magic. Among the European scenic travel routes that these lands could hide in plain sight-pack small, recruit good company (or fly solo if that’s the vibe), and just let the road do its thing.

One Last Thing Before You Go

Summer won’t wait forever. If you’re dreaming of epic drives and unforgettable views, this is your sign. The best road trips in Europe are calling — and trust me, they’re even better than you imagine.

Got questions? Want more insider tips for Europe summer road trips? Drop me a line — I’ll gladly talk your ear off. Now get out there, hit the road, and write your own story. The best road trips in Europe aren’t going to drive themselves.