Europe’s prettiest road trip is ‘spectacular’, says expert
A road trip is a great way to escape luggage limits and airport queues and can be the perfect way to explore the continent. The expert driving team at AA Publishing have shared Europe’s five prettiest road trips.
Prettiest road trips (AA Publishing)
- Loire Valley, France
- Picos de Europa, Spain
- Tuscany, Italy
- Costa Vicentina, Portugal
- Ardennes, Belgium
Loire Valley, France
France’s Loire Valley took the top spot and is renowned for its idyllic villages, food markets and fairytale castles.
An AA spokesperson said: “A drive through the Loire Valley takes in the spectacular grand chateaux the region is famed for, plus the pretty villages, rolling hills and rich landscapes that make up its renowned beauty.”
The team recommend starting a road trip in pretty Tours before crossing the River Cher to visit the Chateau de Chenonceau and the Chateau Royal d’Amboise.
France’s Loire Valley is known as the land of goats’ cheese so tourists should make sure to sample some while on their road trip.
Picos de Europa, Spain
Spain’s beaches might get most of the attention from tourists, but the mountainous Picos de Europa region is an incredible hidden gem.
The spokesperson said: “Providing breathtaking views, this isn’t a journey for the fainthearted but the landscape is truly spectacular.”
The team suggested kicking off the journey in Potes to ride the Fuente De cable car before stopping at mountain villages such as Sotres and Tresviso.
Each village is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy dinner and explore some of the region’s unique architecture.
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Tuscany, Italy
A road trip in Tuscany is perfect for culture vultures and wine lovers who want to experience some of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes.
AA suggests road trippers kick off their journey in Florence and visit Michelangelo’s famous David before hitting the road.
Tourists should include the Val d’Orcia countryside in their route to see the region’s incredible cypress trees.
The spokesperson added: “As well as the stunning views, don’t forget to stop and try some of the region’s spectacular cuisines, including Tuscany’s famed Chianti wine of course.”
Costa Vicentina, Portugal
Portugal’s rugged Atlantic coastline provides plenty of breathtaking scenery for a memorable road trip.
The spokesperson said this trip was ideal for British tourists who “love the raw beauty of the natural world”.
AA recommends exploring the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina and seeing the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse.
Tourists can stop at a local restaurant in a fishing village to enjoy a delicious meal of fresh fish or seafood.
Vicentina
Ardennes, Belgium
Belgium is often overlooked for a summer holiday, but the country is the perfect spot for an exciting road trip.
Highlights of the Ardennes region include forests, waterfalls, mountains and medieval architecture.
The spokesperson said: “Durbuy and La Roche-en-Ardenne are two locations to add to your list, and, for fans of military history, there are several World War II museums and important sights related to the Battle of the Bulge.”
Tourists should make sure their car has a UK sticker clearly displayed if they are driving in the EU.
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