Europe’s Greatest Road Trips
A Caveman’s Guide to the Open Road
It’s been way too long since I last wrote for Cavemen Abroad. Between juggling the production of the Maltiverse and getting the all-new Cavemen Podcast off the ground, I didn’t have time to sit down and write. That being said, what better way to jump back in than by talking about something I love, epic road trips (kif jgħidu l-Maltin, titla Overland bro)!
There’s something magical about getting behind the wheel abroad and letting the road unfold before you. We are confined to small roads in Malta and endless traffic, so experiencing breathtaking views without traffic or stress is simply fantastic. If you’re itching for an adventure, here are some of Europe’s most breathtaking routes that every road lover needs to experience.
La Route Napoléon, France
Want to drive in the footsteps of an emperor or the OG Top Gear crew? This legendary route traces Napoleon’s march from the Mediterranean to the Alps, offering a perfect blend of twisting roads, jaw-dropping mountain scenery, and quaint French villages where you can stop for a croissant (or a bottle of wine, if you’ve parked for the night).
Route: Golfe-Juan → Grasse → Digne-les-Bains → Grenoble
Picos de Europa, Spain
Spain is famous for its beaches, but the real magic happens up in the Picos de Europa. This drive takes you through deep gorges, misty mountain peaks, and lush valleys so green they look straight out of a fantasy novel. If you love wild landscapes and a bit of solitude, this one’s for you.
Route: Cangas de Onís → Poncebos → Fuente Dé → Potes
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Dubbed “the best road in the world” by Top Gear, the Transfagarasan Highway is pure driving heaven. Think hairpin bends, dramatic cliffs, and a route that snakes through the Carpathian Mountains like something out of a Bond movie. Plus, it leads straight to Dracula’s turf—what more could you want?
Route: Bascov → Curtea de Argeș → Balea Lake → Cartisoara
The Azores, Portugal
Imagine a road trip through a Jurassic Park-style paradise (without people being ripped apart by giant lizards). The Azores, an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, is a dreamland of volcanic craters, winding coastal roads, and natural hot springs. The roads here are perfect for slow cruising while soaking in the surreal beauty of the islands.
Route: Ponta Delgada → Lagoa do Fogo → Furnas → Nordeste
Andøya Scenic Route, Norway
This one’s straight out of a Viking saga. Think rugged coastlines, tiny fishing villages, and a chance to spot whales right from the road. Norway knows how to do scenery, and Andøya is proof that the journey is sometimes better than the destination.
Route: Bjørnskinn → Andenes → Bleik → Risøyhamn
The P14, Montenegro
Montenegro’s P14 is an undiscovered gem for road trip lovers. This route takes you through the stunning Durmitor National Park, offering jaw-dropping views of deep canyons, towering peaks, and pristine lakes. If you’re looking for a drive that combines raw nature with a sense of adventure, this is it. You’ll get the occasional glimpse of a reindeer and the tranquility that makes you want to roll down the windows and breathe it all in.
Route: Plužine → Žabljak → Mojkovac → Berane
Kystriksveien, Norway
This isn’t just a road trip—it’s an adventure. Kystriksveien takes you along Norway’s wild coastline, where fjords meet the sea and ferries break up the journey like little breathers in between scenic overloads. It’s a slow ride, but trust me, you won’t want it to end.
Route: Steinkjer → Namsos → Brønnøysund → Bodø
Stelvio Pass, Italy
Ah, the legendary Stelvio Pass, a route so epic that Alfa Romeo had to name a car after it. If you love driving, this is your Mecca. Endless switchbacks, insane altitude, and views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Just be ready for some white-knuckle moments—this road is not for the faint of heart.
Route: Bormio → Stelvio Pass → Prato allo Stelvio
Sicily’s Great Coastal Drive
If you’re after something a little closer to home, Sicily delivers big time. Most of us have driven from Pozzallo up to Taormina, but let’s be honest—the drive isn’t all that exciting since it cuts through the most densely populated area in the country. But once you hit the northern roads, the scenery transforms into something out of a dream. Picture cruising from Taormina to Palermo, winding through Cefalù, the Nebrodi Mountains, and some of the most jaw-dropping coastal views in the Mediterranean. And the food stops along the way? Absolute gold.
Route: Taormina (stop at Castelmola just for the uphill drive and the views) → Messina → Nebrodi Mountains → Cefalù → Palermo
Time to Hit the Road
These aren’t just road trips; they’re adventures, challenges, and memories waiting to be made. You could be tackling mountain switchbacks, hugging the coastline, or chasing history through Europe’s most stunning landscapes; there’s a route here with your name on it. So, which one’s first on your list?