The continent is sprinkled with winding coastal roads, Alpine highways and chic boulevards that are just crying out to be driven with the top down…
The Black Forest, Germany
Germany’s best known holiday region, the Black Forest is a good 200 kilometres long and 60 kilometres wide. A weekend is enough to whiz through comfortably, taking in stunning scenery, but with so much to do en route – from thermal bathing and skiing to sampling the region’s exquisite gateau – you’d be well advised to take a week or longer. The Black Forest High Road is one of the most scenic routes, stretching from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt (B500) via stunning pinewoods. Around 60,000 private rooms dotted around the region mean you’ll never be short of a watering hole and a bed for the night. More.
Southern Austria
Southern Austria’s Grossglockner Road (pictured, top) is the granddaddy of all modern Alpine highways. Just 47-miles long, the road (open throughout summer only) begins just south of Salzburg near Zell am See, and skirts through fairytale countryside with waterfalls and wooded valleys around every corner. More.
The French Riviera, France
A combination of fine weather, sparkling blue seas and mountain backdrops interspersed with chic towns make the Cote d’Azur one of the most superb drive-thrus in the world. Take in Cannes flashy harbour and smart beaches, Frejus’ Roman remains, Marseilles cosmopolitan centre and thriving nightlife and Monte Carlo’s castle. Stretch your car legs with a stroll down shopping promenades or with a host of watersports; arrange your trip around the Cannes Film Festival if glitz is your thing. More.
Madeira, Portugal
It’s possible to drive right around the island of Madeira in just one day, but be prepared for twisting, turning coastal roads. Start at the capital, Funchal, and head anti-clockwise. The road tunnels through cliffs, skirts the ocean and actually passes right through a waterfall! Unless you’re brave it might be worth putting the hood up for the latter… More.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Hailed as the most spectacular road in Europe, the century-old Amalfi Drive winds for 45 miles along sheer rock cliffs; a three-foot wall the only thing separating the road from a precipitous drop to the sea. The daylong driveway can be picked up just south of Sorrento. Stop off at Positano, the jewel of the coastline, or hop on a ferry over to nearby Capri for lunch. More.
For more great drives around the globe, check out 4Car road trips .
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