Updated January 202610 min readBest Car Hire

Europe is one of the world's great road trip destinations — incredible variety, excellent road infrastructure, and the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye. Here are five routes that deserve a place on every driver's bucket list.

1. The Amalfi Coast, Italy 🇮🇹

Distance: ~50km · Best time: May–June, September–October

The SS163 — the Amalfi Drive — winds along dramatic sea cliffs between Sorrento and Salerno, passing through Positano and Ravello. The views are extraordinary; the road is narrow and requires confident driving. Hire a small car, leave early to beat the tour buses, and build in plenty of stops. Flying into Naples makes the most sense for this route.

Car hire tip: Book a compact or small hatchback — the road is very narrow in places. Avoid driving in July–August if possible; a May or September trip is far more relaxed.

2. The Scottish Highlands, UK 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Distance: 500km+ · Best time: May–September

The North Coast 500 is Scotland's answer to Route 66 — a circular route around the northern Highlands taking in Inverness, Torridon, Durness and John o'Groats. Think dramatic glens, remote beaches, Highland cattle and whisky distilleries around every corner. Fly into Inverness or Edinburgh and hire there.

Car hire tip: Allow at least 5–7 days to do it justice. A SUV or estate is useful for gravel tracks to hidden beaches. Roads can be single-track — take it slow.

3. The Black Forest to Bavaria, Germany 🇩🇪

Distance: ~450km · Best time: June–October

Start in Freiburg, wind through Black Forest villages to Lake Constance, cross into Bavaria and finish in Munich. This route combines fairy-tale scenery, lakeside stops, Neuschwanstein Castle and — if your timing is right — Oktoberfest. The Romantic Road section is particularly beautiful in autumn.

Car hire tip: Germany has unrestricted motorway sections but the Romantic Road is best savoured slowly. Hire from Munich or Frankfurt for the best rates.

4. The Portuguese Coast 🇵🇹

Distance: ~600km · Best time: April–June, September

Drive the Atlantic coast from Porto south through the Silver Coast (Costa de Prata) to Lisbon, then continue to the Algarve. Portugal has excellent roads, some of Europe's most affordable car hire rates, outstanding seafood at every stop and a remarkable variety of landscapes in a compact country.

Car hire tip: Portugal car hire is among the best-value in Europe. A one-way hire from Porto to Faro makes the most of a linear coastal route.

5. The French Riviera to Provence 🇫🇷

Distance: ~250km · Best time: May–June, September

Start in Nice, drive the Grande Corniche above Monaco, continue west through the Luberon villages of Gordes and Les Baux-de-Provence, and finish in Aix-en-Provence or Marseille. Lavender fields (in flower June–July), hilltop villages, exceptional food and wine. Hire from Nice Airport for the easiest start.

Car hire tip: France car hire tip: note that some old city centres have restricted zones (ZCR). Check signage and avoid driving into pedestrian areas — fines are significant.

Ready to plan your road trip?

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