There is a specific kind of freedom that only a steering wheel and an open horizon can provide. While trains in Europe are efficient, they often bypass the hidden valleys, the tiny family-run vineyards, and the dramatic mountain passes that define the continent’s true character.
In 2026, road tripping remains the gold standard for travelers who want to dictate their own pace. From the mist-covered highlands of the north to the sun-drenched coasts of the south, here are the five best European road trips you should experience this year.
1. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Stretching over 2,500 kilometers along Ireland’s rugged west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. It is a journey through deep blue swells, jagged cliffs, and vibrant Gaelic culture.
- Key Highlights: The soaring Cliffs of Moher, the lunar-like landscape of The Burren, and the remote beauty of the Skellig Islands.
- Why Drive It in 2026: With a renewed focus on sustainable “slow travel,” the small villages along this route—like Dingle and Clifden—offer authentic hospitality and farm-to-table dining that larger cities often lack.
- The Experience: Expect narrow, winding roads where sheep often have the right of way. It is a drive that demands you roll down the windows and breathe in the salt air.
2. The Romantic Road, Germany
If you have ever wanted to drive through a storybook, Germany’s Romantische Straße is your destination. This route winds through Bavaria, connecting a series of perfectly preserved medieval towns and fairy-tale castles.
- Key Highlights: The walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
- Why Drive It in 2026: Bavaria has invested heavily in infrastructure for electric vehicles, making this one of the most eco-friendly road trips in Europe. You can now traverse the heart of German history with a minimal carbon footprint.
- The Experience: The road is smooth and framed by rolling vineyards and the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Alps. It is the ultimate trip for couples and history buffs.
3. The North Coast 500, Scotland
Often referred to as Scotland’s version of Route 66, the NC500 is a 516-mile loop that starts and ends in Inverness. It showcases the absolute best of the Scottish Highlands: white sand beaches that look tropical (until you touch the water), mysterious lochs, and crumbling ruins.
- Key Highlights: The Bealach na Bà mountain pass (not for the faint of heart), the pink sands of Achmelvich Beach, and the majestic Dunrobin Castle.
- Why Drive It in 2026: The route has become a global icon, but the local “off-season” (late spring or early autumn) offers a serene, crowd-free experience that feels like having the edge of the world all to yourself.
- The Experience: It is a raw, visceral drive. The weather can change five times in an hour, but the sight of a red deer standing against a backdrop of purple heather makes every mile worth it.
4. The Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
Located in the Campania region of Italy, the SS163 is arguably the most beautiful—and nerve-wracking—road in the world. Carved into the side of cliffs that drop straight into the Tyrrhenian Sea, this route connects the pastel-colored gems of the Amalfi Coast.
- Key Highlights: The vertical village of Positano, the historic cathedrals of Amalfi, and the mountain-top gardens of Ravello.
- Why Drive It in 2026: New traffic management systems implemented in recent years have made the drive more manageable, limiting the number of large tour buses and allowing car travelers more space to enjoy the views.
- The Experience: This is a drive for the senses. You will smell the scent of lemons in the air and hear the sound of the waves below. It is glamorous, cinematic, and quintessentially Italian.
5. The Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
Once described by Top Gear as the “best road in the world,” the Transfăgărășan crosses the Southern Carpathian Mountains. It is a masterpiece of engineering, featuring more tunnels and viaducts than any other road in Romania.
- Key Highlights: Bâlea Lake, a glacier lake at the summit, and Poenari Castle, the real-life fortress once inhabited by Vlad the Impaler.
- Why Drive It in 2026: Romania has emerged as a top-tier destination for adventurous travelers looking for high-quality experiences at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
- The Experience: This is a driver’s road. It is packed with hairpin turns and steep descents that provide an adrenaline rush matched only by the staggering mountain panoramas.
Conclusion
Whether you crave the dramatic cliffs of Scotland and Ireland or the refined elegance of Italy and Germany, Europe’s road trips offer a level of intimacy with the land that no other form of travel can match. The year 2026 is the perfect time to grab a map, rent a car, and discover the stories that exist between the famous landmarks.
A road trip is not just about the destination; it is about the unexpected stops, the local conversations, and the freedom to follow whichever road looks the most interesting.