Top Road Trips in Europe: Scenic Routes & Travel Tips for the Ultimate Drive

Best Road Trips in Europe: Scenic Routes and Tips

Truly, you just can’t compare a road trip to flying or taking the train. When you’re driving a car, you’re not limited to a schedule. You simply move at your pace. Maybe you decide to stop to take a picture, have a coffee in a town where you didn’t plan to be, or just follow the road to see where it takes you. Such kind of freedom is hard to find. And in Europe, it is just the right thing. Everything is comparatively near, but the landscape changes rapidly. Just a moment ago, you were driving through vineyards, and now you’re on a mountain pass or a coastal road. It’s a cocktail of all the things, and that is the reason it is so good.

At ezee Visa, we’ve helped a lot of travelers from the UAE plan their trips, and a good number of them end up asking: What’s the best way to see Europe? Honestly, if you’ve got the time and the right visa, a road trip is hard to beat.

Let’s look at some of the best drives in Europe-as well as a few things worth knowing before you hit the road.

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Those cliffside roads you see in travel photos with the bright blue water below? That’s the Amalfi Coast. The drive from Sorrento to Salerno isn’t long- less than 60 km, but every few minutes, there’s another amazing view. It really does feel like something out of a movie.

Things to know:

Roads are narrow, and locals drive like experts. Take it slow, rent a small car, and be patient.
If you're staying overnight, Positano and Ravello are stunning but book in advance-they fill up fast.
Parking is limited and expensive. Try to find accommodation that includes parking.

Visa side note: Italy is part of the Schengen Zone, so if you’ve got that visa, you’re good.

2. Germany’s Romantic Road

It is a dream come true to any person who has a passion in fairytale-type castles, cozy villages and the nostalgic European feeling. Real landmarks of Bavaria are presented along the Romantic Road that stretches between Wuerzburg and Fussen. You will have a feeling that you are actually driving into a tale.

What you’ll see:

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - like a town from a storybook.
Neuschwanstein Castle - it’s the real inspiration behind Disney’s castle.
Wine villages, rolling hills, and historic squares.

Driving tip: German roads are perfect and autobahns have a reputation of being fast but remember to stay in the right lane unless you are passing. Also, of course, follow the speed limit if there is any.

3. Iceland’s Ring Road

Not your typical European backdrop-think glaciers, black sand beaches, and hot springs. The Ring Road is the highway that goes around the island and covers all the major places.

Stops worth planning for:

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls
The eerie lava fields near Mývatn

A heads-up: Even in summer, weather flips fast. Pack waterproofs and layers. And fuel up often-gas stations can be far apart.

4. France’s Route des Grandes Alpes

This one’s for mountain lovers. Beginning near Lake Geneva and finishing at the Mediterranean, this route takes you through high alpine passes, ski towns, and some jaw-dropping scenery.

Look out for:

Col de l’Iseran – one of the highest roads in Europe.
Chamonix – gateway to Mont Blanc.
French cheese and fresh baguettes at every stop.

Plan for summer: Some passes close during winter and spring. Best time to go is late June to September.

5. Scotland’s North Coast 500

North Coast 500 is the great road trip in Scotland. It is a route that will cover roughly 500 miles through the Highlands that features some of the following; cliffs, castles, peaceful roadways. It promises a lot of sheep, not many people and lovely scenery.

Highlights include:

Durness Beach – unexpectedly tropical-looking.
Smoo Cave – part sea cave, part waterfall.
Bealach na Bà – a steep, dramatic mountain road.

Tip: Drive clockwise for easier passing and better views of the coastline on your side.

6. Spain’s Andalusia Region

Andalusia has a very warm feeling in Southern Spain. You can start off in Seville, and work your way through Córdoba before ending up in Granada. This road will take you past olive fields, and sleepy little towns that seem stuck in time. You may even spot or hear some flamenco along the way!

Take a detour to:

Ronda - a city split in two by a massive gorge.
The Pueblos Blancos - whitewashed villages in the mountains.
Alhambra in Granada - worth a full day at least.

Driving feels relaxed: Roads are smooth, and signage is easy to follow-even if you don’t speak Spanish.

A Few Travel Tips That’ll Make Things Easier

Visa Comes First- Before planning any route, check where your Schengen Visa allows you to go. It covers most of Europe, but places like the UK, Ireland, and a few Eastern European countries aren’t included. If your trip spans more than one visa zone, apply accordingly.

You Might Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)- Your UAE license works in some places, but others will ask for an IDP. It’s easy to get and good to have-especially when renting a car.

Not All Roads Are Free- Toll systems vary. Some countries use physical toll booths, while others (like Austria or Switzerland) need a vignette sticker on your windshield. These are sold at border gas stations-don’t skip them.

GPS Is Great, But Don’t Rely on It Alone- Google Maps won’t always save you in remote spots. A paper map or offline map app is worth downloading before the trip.

Stay Flexible- Don’t lock yourself into some minute-by-minute schedule. The magic’s in those weird detours- the “Hey, that sign looks cool, let’s check it out” moments. Leave some wiggle room. You never know when you’ll stumble across the world’s best roadside bakery or some tiny village festival you never even Googled.

Quick Note from ezee Visa

We’re not here to sell you a dream-we just help you get the paperwork sorted so you can live it. A great road trip doesn’t start with a full tank of gas. It starts with the right visa.

Whether it’s a Schengen visa for that scenic drive through France and Germany, or a separate visa for the UK or Ireland, our team at ezee Visa handles the process from start to finish. That way, you spend less time decoding embassy rules and more time deciding whether to start your playlist with Coldplay or Queen.

Got a European road trip in mind? Let’s get the visa part sorted.

Reach out to us at ezee Visa-we’ll handle the paperwork so you can focus on planning the trip that you’ll remember for years to come.