Seven undiscovered road trips in Europe
Escape bustling cities and explore the open road with hidden gems in Italy, Spain, Norway and more...
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We're lucky to live in a continent with so many stunning locations and cultures to experience.
But if you're looking to explore beyond the major cities such as Paris, Barcelona and Rome - we have cherrypicked some of Europe's finest hidden gems.
Road tripping is the perfect way to discover landscapes which are off the beaten track and often go under the radar.
Learn more about driving:
Covadonga and the Asturias, Spain
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With crystal-clear waters, superb beaches, hiking trails and spectacular cuisine, the Asturias have it all.
If you want to fit in some culture too, drive to the Covadonga convent in the Picos de Europa mountains.
This sanctuary is one of the most renowned historical sites in Spain, boasting memorable views of the surrounding peaks.
Salento and Valle d’Istria, Italy
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Visiting the south of Italy is a great why of experiencing the beautiful sights and excellent food, without visiting the busy cities of Milan, Rome, Florence.
Salento, in Puglia, is a remote area that still proudly champions its Greek heritage and is home to pretty towns and local cuisines.
As you hop from one village to the next, sampling homemade orecchiette and focaccia barese as you go, you’ll cruise through ochre-coloured fields and countless olive groves.
Alberobello and Locorotondo are wonderful villages, located in the Valle d’Istria, are dotted with cone-roofed houses called trulli.
Salzkammergut, Austria
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Austria is a stunning country with unspoilt nature and picture-perfect cities.
The capital, Vienna, was recently the most liveable city in the world for the third time in five years. While Salzburg is steeped in history and is on many people's bucket list, as it is the birthplace of Mozart.
But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and core tourist attractions, however, hit the roads of the peaceful Salzkammergut region.
Much of the area is remote wilderness, with open water where you can swim, fish and as well as boating experience. Visit the picture-postcard town of Hallstatt and enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery as you cruise through the carved valleys.
Velika Planina, Slovenia
Just an hour’s drive from the capital city of Ljubljana, Velika Planina is in the Slovenian Kamnik Alps.
To access the Velika Planina uplands, you’ll have to drop off your vehicle and hop on a cable car. Once you reach the top, you’ll find yourself in a beautiful valley where time seems to stand still.
That said, the drive to the car park is worth the trip on its own, as you’ll be surrounded by pristine nature and magical views at every turn.
Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, North Macedonia
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Lake Ohrid, which is on the border between North Macedonia and Albania, is one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes.
It’s somewhat of a hidden gem, with its Unesco world-heritage status and idyllic views.
Here, you can explore the town of Ohrid, one of the most ancient human settlements in Europe, which dates back to the 7th century.
In the afternoon, get back on the road and cruise through the Galičica National Park.
Then you will set off and reach Lake Prespa and its stunning villages where you can eat local cuisine and seafood dishes freshly sourced from nearby lakes.
Wine region of Brno, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic delivers everything you want from a road trip - views, nature, sumptuous cousin and if you also have a passion for wine - this is the place for you.
Start your itinerary from nearby Bratislava (Slovakia), and as you enter the Czech Republic, you’ll be welcomed by rolling vineyards and cosy chateaus.
Make sure to take pit-stops and allow your passengers to sample some of the region’s award-winning white wines.
The Troll Path, Norway
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In the western region of Norway, the Troll Path (Trollstigen) is a lengthy stretch of road that zig-zags across the Geirangerfjord region.
The steep incline and tight hairpin bends may be suited to seasoned drivers.
As you cruise drive through the mountains, you’ll be able to spot the majestic Stigfossen waterfall.