Looking to hire a car and go on a classic drive in Europe? With so many places to choose from you’ll be spoiled for choice. It’s time to grab the keys from your Aston Martin and head out on one of the best drives in Europe.
Furkastrasse, Switzerland
If you ever wanted to relive a James Bond moment then Switzerland has a classic route. Goldfinger showed the Furka Pass at its best as it twists and turns from San Bernardino, Stelvio and Bernina to Pontresina near St Moritz. The mountain views are breath-taking and the roads are a feat of Swiss engineering. You’ll probably not want to go as fast as the Bond journey but take time to absorb the fabulous scenery.
SS163 from Salerno to Positano, Italy
Southern Italy is renowned for its magnificent coastline and driving on the narrow roads that hug the cliff edge are not for the faint hearted. If you want views of the azure coastline and villages clinging to the hillsides then the SS163 from Salerno to Positano is for you. With picturesque places like Amalfi and the promise of a leisurely lunch on the way you’ll enjoy every moment of one of the best drives that Italy has to offer.
Col De La Bonnette, France
The Alpes Maritimes in France have some of the best driving routes in Europe and at 2807m the Col De La Bonnette is the highest. As you drive this route the bends get more challenging and thrilling with a steep 5 km descent on the other side. The views are just amazing from the steering wheel and you’ll never want the drive to end. It is a superb way to experience mountain driving in France.
The Gateway to the Highlands, Scotland
Dramatic scenery is the order of the day on a drive along the A82 from Glasgow to Crianlarich. The road runs parallel to Loch Lomond and heads up through picturesque villages and mountain roads. It is a beautiful drive through the Trossachs and along roads packed with sheep, meaning you’ll have a leisurely drive. This is a beautiful introduction to Scotland and is full of lovely mountain and lakeside views.
Athens to Delphi, Greece
Greece is full of legends and the Distomou Iteas is a fabulous way to travel between Athens and Delphi. This road goes along the coast and is a detour from the express routes but the drive is one of the finest in Southern Europe. After exploring the ancient sights in Athens head for the coast road where there are dramatic cliffs, scenic views, and idyllic villages. The ski resort of Kalavryta is en route and just one of many beautiful places to stop along the way. It is definitely a road to take slowly simply because of the scenes to enjoy as you drive.
Hahntennjoch Pass, Austria
The Hahntennjoch route feels very special as you start out with its tall mountain peaks. It quickly progresses into a series of twists and turns through the mountains with spectacular scenery across the Voralberg in Austria. There are some breath-taking switchback turns on this road and the descent is fun as well as really scenic. For one of Europe’s most memorable driving routes this rates very highly.
Atlanterhavsveien, Norway
Norway has some magnificent roads and one of the best routes to travel is the Atlanterhavsveien. Connecting the towns of Eide and Averøy with part of the RV 64 national road this route was only constructed in 1989 but is jaw dropping. This Atlantic Road is 8km long with 8 bridges and is a wonderful way to see the fjords in Norway. On a windy day in rough weather it is a challenging drive. Don’t miss the Storseisundet Bridge which curves around in a surprising way. Part of the route looks as though the mountains are rising from the sea; making a splendid view on this unique road.
Europe is full of amazing driving routes and there are some to suit most abilities. Take your time and plan the route, and you’ll have the time of your life on the open road. Which road will you take when travelling in Europe?