The best driving roads in Europe
Top 10 must-drive routes for car enthusiasts: alpine passes, coastal roads, and legendary crossings.
Whether you drive a GT, a sports car, a youngtimer, or a hypercar, these roads deliver one-of-a-kind experiences: technical bends, jaw-dropping scenery, and automotive heritage. Some are open year-round; others only in summer. Here are our 10 routes every car lover should drive at least once.
Transfăgărășan
The most spectacular road in Europe according to Top Gear. 90 km of hairpins through the Carpathians, with breathtaking scenery.
Lake Bâlea, tunnels, endless panoramic views
Heads up: closed in winter and often crowded in summer. Leave early.
Stelvio Pass
The second-highest pass in Europe. 48 legendary switchbacks on the Prato side, wide and well-maintained. A bucket-list drive for any enthusiast.
48 numbered hairpins, Alpine views, coffee at the summit
Plan a stop at the top for photos. Road is often damp in the morning.
Route des Crêtes
Between Cassis and La Ciotat, perched above the Mediterranean. A string of bends with sea views, accessible all year.
Calanques, Cap Canaille (highest sea cliff in Europe), sunsets
Perfect for an afternoon/evening drive. Light traffic off-season.
Furka Pass
Legendary Swiss alpine pass, made famous by James Bond (Goldfinger). Wide, flowing road with pure alpine scenery.
Rhône Glacier, Hotel Belvédère, combo with Grimsel & Susten
Chain it with Grimsel for an exceptional loop. One-way toll section.
Great Ocean Road
Iconic coastal road between Torquay and Allansford. Cliffs, surf beaches, eucalyptus forests. A legendary road trip.
Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, surf villages
Plan 2–3 days to enjoy it. Loads of photo stops.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Toll panoramic road in the Hohe Tauern. 36 bends, tunnels, glaciers. One of the finest alpine roads.
Views of Grossglockner (Austria's highest peak), Edelweißspitze
Toll road (~€38). Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Col du Galibier
Legendary Tour de France climb. Demanding road with a lunar landscape at the summit. 360° Alpine panorama.
Henri Desgrange monument, summit tunnel, Meije views
Chain it with Lautaret and Télégraphe. Limited parking at the top.
Atlantic Road
Spectacular coastal road linking islands and islets via bridges. Modern architecture against the North Sea.
Storseisundet Bridge (the 'drunk bridge'), iconic photo spots
Short but intense. Combine with other routes in the region.
Col de Turini
Historic stage of the Monte-Carlo Rally. Tight succession of technical bends in the Nice hinterland.
Legendary rally corners, dense forest, motorsport atmosphere
Take care: narrow road with lots of motorcycles. Respect the rules.
Trollstigen
The Troll's Ladder: 11 dizzying hairpins with waterfalls and fjords. Seamlessly integrated modern architecture.
Stigfossen viewing platform, waterfalls, fjords
Narrow and sometimes congested. Leave early or late afternoon.
How to use these routes
Drive preparation
- 1.Check conditions: Weather, road status, possible closures (passes closed in winter)
- 2.Create the GPX route: Use Calimoto, Kurviger, or Google Maps to build your itinerary
- 3.Import into Drive Crew: Share the GPX with your group so everyone has the same route
- 4.Plan the stops: Gas, lunch, photos — mark POIs in the app
- 5.Safety briefing: Convoy rules, vehicle order, communication
General tips
Best time of year
Alpine passes: June to September (some closed in winter)
Coastal roads: Spring/fall to avoid crowds
Nordic roads: Summer (May to September)
Best time of day
Morning: 6–9 AM (light traffic, soft light)
Late afternoon: 5–7 PM (tourists gone)
Avoid: 11 AM – 4 PM (peak tourist traffic)
Vehicle type
Sports/GT cars: All these routes
SUVs/4x4s: Stick to wider roads
Supercars: Watch ground clearance on some passes
Budget
Tolls: Grossglockner (~€38), Stelvio (free)
Fuel: Plan for sparse stations at altitude
Accommodation: Book ahead in peak season