If you are thinking about planning a road trip, then there are many destinations that would be suitable. The northern roads of Norway are remarkable, whether you travel in the depths of winter or the summer months, for example. Coast-to-coast routes in the USA and Canada both have a classic appeal to many. There again, driving across Germany, with its well-maintained autobahn roads, is often considered to be a driver’s delight. Nevertheless, the following three countries are often cited as the best places for a road trip in Europe. Find out why.
1- Portugal
According to the 2025 TUI Road Trip Contest, Portugal is the most voted-for European country of all when it comes to planning a road trip. What visitors to the country say about it from a road trip perspective is that it has some of the most remarkable coastal roads in southern Europe. This is largely due to the country’s western coast facing the might of the Atlantic Ocean which has shaped it dramatically for millennia. Car hire is well-run in the country, generally speaking, with no very long drives that are needed to get between major urban population centres. Once you’ve driven through Portugal once, you’ll probably want to return and discover some of its charming hinterland and rural beauty, too.
2 – Scotland
Like Portugal, road trips in Scotland are popular because of the country’s dramatic coastlines. The northern ring-road trip has become a big hit in recent years, with many more people visiting the lesser-known part of the country. Scotland’s west coast and islands are linked by car-carrying ferries, so getting about, especially in summer, isn’t an issue. The East Coast holds plenty of promise, too, with many laid-back fishing communities to explore. The central part of Scotland, with its breathtaking highlands, is not to be missed on any Scottish road trip, either.
3 – Italy
Italy is a great country for caravan holidays and road trip adventure but the country feels very different depending on whether you visit the north or the south. Anywhere south of Naples will usually mean road tripping through winding country roads. This lesser-populated part of the country isn’t always a big hit with road trippers which is great if you like to avoid the crowds while enjoying stunning scenery. The northern cities of Milan, Bologna and Turin hold plenty of promise, too, and are easily navigable by the north’s superior road network. If you’re planning a stop at Venice, though, park outside the city and use the train or ferry to get you back and forth. It’s a great way to break up an Italian road trip for a day or two in this unique city.
Conclusion
Whichever country you visit, the point about a road trip is to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Take your time behind the wheel, be prepared to get off the beaten track and take plenty of stops. Road trip preparation is essential, as well. Just remember to enjoy yourself, safe in the knowledge you’ve planned ahead.
