Road Trips in Europe: 15 Destinations for Summer 2026

A road trip in Europe offers more freedom than ever. Thanks to the wide range of direct flights, you can easily fly to your destination and pick up a rental car right at the airport. The most popular destinations for summer 2026 are Italy, France, and Croatia. Each destination has its own advantages, driving conditions, and costs. That’s why it’s worth checking in advance which route, rental car, and travel dates best suit your vacation plans.

On this page:

• Why take a road trip in Europe?

• How do you choose the right destination?

• Road Trips in Europe: 15 Destinations

• When is the best time to book for summer 2026?

• Road Trips with Kids

• Hidden costs

• Early booking vs. last-minute

• Why EasyTerra?

• Checklist: Get ready for your road trip in 7 steps

• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Take a Road Trip in Europe?

Renting a car offers four key advantages over other forms of travel:

Freedom. No fixed departure times, no waiting for trains or buses that never quite take you all the way to your destination. With your own car, you decide when to leave, where to stop, and how long to stay. This way, you combine the convenience of flying with the flexibility of having your own car.

Budget. For groups or families, splitting the cost of a rental car is often cheaper than buying multiple train or plane tickets, especially for short distances.

Flexibility. A spontaneous detour to a hilltop village, an extra night at the coast, or a scenic back road instead of the highway? With a car, you can adjust your plans along the way—something public transportation simply doesn’t offer.

More environmentally friendly. Surprisingly, a car shared by multiple travelers can have a lower carbon footprint per person than flying on short flights or driving alone, making it a smarter choice for groups looking to reduce their travel’s environmental impact.

How do you choose the right destination?

Not all destinations are equally suitable for everyone. First and foremost, your own interests and those of your travel companions matter, but so does the composition of your travel group.

Families with children

Short drives, relaxing beach vacations, and resorts with nearby pools. The Costa Brava offers easy day trips and quiet coves; the Algarve combines warm Atlantic beaches with family-friendly resorts; the Italian lakes (especially Lake Garda) offer a mix of peaceful swimming spots and leisurely drives between towns.

Couple

Road trips that focus on culture and cities, alongside stunning scenery. Tuscany combines hilltop villages with wine and art towns; Provence blends lavender fields with the glamour of the Riviera; the Dalmatian Coast combines coastal drives with walled medieval towns and ferries to the islands.

Adventure / Outdoor Life

Mountains, hiking, and dramatic landscapes. The Austrian Alps feature high mountain passes and charming villages; the Norwegian fjords offer some of Europe’s most breathtaking driving routes; Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way combines rugged cliffs with long stretches of coastline.

Budget / Student

Focused on affordability and discovering places before they get overcrowded. Slovenia offers Alpine landscapes at a fraction of the cost of Austria or Switzerland; Albania is an up-and-coming, affordable destination along the coast and in the mountains; southern Sweden (Skåne) is peaceful and much cheaper than the Norwegian fjords.

Road Trips in Europe: 15 Destinations

Tuscany from Florence, Italy | Rolling hills, wine, and Renaissance art

Highlights:

• Florence: the cradle of the Renaissance, with the Uffizi, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio, all within walking distance of each other.

• Siena: a medieval hilltop town built around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the wild Palio horse race takes place twice a year.

• Val d’Orcia: a classic Tuscan landscape with cypress-lined avenues, golden wheat fields, and hilltop villages such as Pienza and Montalcino.

Please note: Tuscany is full of beautiful, historic towns, but the centers of these towns are always ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato). Read all about these zones and how to avoid fines in our comprehensive ZTL guide.

Compare rental cars in Florence

Read our tips and route suggestions for road trips through Tuscany.

Amalfi Coast + Pompeii + Capri | Dramatic cliffs, ruins, and island glamour

Highlights:

• Pompeii: the ancient Roman city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79, featuring remarkably well-preserved streets, villas, and frescoes.

• SS163 Coastal Road: a narrow road winding along the cliffs between Sorrento and Salerno, with hairpin turns and ocean views at every bend.

• Capri: accessible by ferry, known for the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni rock formations, and the chic town of Capri.

Please note: Naples has several ZTL zones where you are not allowed to drive a rental car. Also, keep in mind that along the Amalfi Coast, restrictions apply on peak days regarding which cars are allowed to drive (the so-called odd-even license plate system). More info in our complete Amalfi guide.

Find a rental car in Naples

Lake Garda, Lake Como + the Dolomites | Alpine lakes meet rugged mountain peaks

Highlights:

• Lake Como: glamorous lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna, with villas, gardens, and mountains rising straight out of the water.

• Lake Garda: Italy’s largest lake, surrounded by lemon groves in the south and dramatic cliffs in the north near Riva del Garda.

• The Dolomites: The Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Seceda offer some of Europe’s most photographed mountain landscapes.

Please note: Driving around the lakes is incredibly beautiful, but the roads along the shores are very narrow, and you’ll have to share them with other cars, motorcyclists, and cyclists. Additionally, many of the charming towns have strict restricted-traffic zones (ZTL); be sure to park your rental car outside the historic centers.

Check out the selection of rental cars in Milan

We have a detailed blog post about a road trip along the lakes of Northern Italy.

Costa Brava + Barcelona, Spain | Rugged coves and Catalan culture

Highlights:

• Cadaqués: a whitewashed fishing village that inspired Salvador Dalí, with his nearby home in Portlligat, which is open to visitors.

• Costa Brava coves: hidden beaches such as Cala Pola and Aiguablava, accessible via picturesque coastal roads.

• Barcelona: Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, plus the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter.

Please note: The mountain road to Cadaqués is very narrow, with hairpin turns and steep drops. It’s perfectly manageable in a small car, but drive carefully and keep your eyes on the road. Be sure to prepare well by familiarizing yourself with Spanish traffic rules.

Compare rental cars in Barcelona

Tips for 15 road trips around Barcelona in a rental car.

Andalusia, Spain | Moorish palaces and flamenco

Highlights:

• Alhambra (Granada): a richly decorated Moorish palace and fortress overlooking the city; be sure to order your tickets online well in advance.

• Mezquita (Córdoba): a massive mosque, inside which a cathedral has been built, famous for its forest of red-and-white-striped arches.

• Seville: the birthplace of flamenco, the Plaza de España, and a cathedral housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Note: On country roads and secondary roads, watch out for slow-moving tractors, cyclists, and stray animals. Also, be aware of high concrete speed bumps.

Reserve a rental car in Málaga

Read all about the ultimate road trip through enchanting Andalusia.

Normandy + Brittany, France | History of D-Day and the tidal islands

Highlights:

• D-Day beaches: Omaha, Utah, and the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer offer a sobering glimpse into World War II.

• Mont Saint-Michel: an abbey on a tidal island that appears to float on the water at high tide.

• Côte de Granit Rose: Pastel-colored rock formations on the northern coast of Brittany around Ploumanac’h and Perros-Guirec.

Please note: The most picturesque routes follow small departmental roads (D-roads) that wind through villages and along cliffs, but these roads are often very narrow.

Compare available rental cars in Rennes

Did you know that Rennes and Brest in Brittany are accessible by the TGV high-speed train? Combine the TGV with a rental car!

Provence + Côte d'Azur, France | Lavender Fields and Riviera Glamour

Highlights:

• Luberon villages: perched on hilltops, such as Gordes and Roussillon, surrounded by lavender fields (most beautiful in July).

• Gorges du Verdon: a turquoise river gorge often called the Grand Canyon of Europe, with spectacular roads along the cliffs.

• Côte d’Azur: the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, Monaco’s casino district, and the hilltop village of Èze.

Note: French drivers aren’t ones to dawdle and expect you to be decisive as well. Know what another driver means when they flash their headlights briefly; it means, “Let me go first.”

Find the perfect rental car in Nice

Rented a car in Nice? Read our tips for a trip along the Côte d’Azur.

Black Forest, Germany | Dense forests and fairy-tale villages

Highlights:

• Triberg: home to Germany’s highest waterfalls and the spiritual capital of cuckoo clock making.

• Schwarzwaldhochstraße (Black Forest High Road): a picturesque mountain route with sweeping views of forests and valleys.

• Titisesee: a glacial lake surrounded by forest, popular for a relaxing stop featuring boat rides and Black Forest cake.

Please note: Mountain passes such as the B500 (Schwarzwaldhochstraße) are characterized by sharp curves, steep inclines, and sudden reductions in visibility due to low-hanging clouds.

Compare rental cars in Germany

Austrian Alps | Mountain Passes and Picturesque Villages

Highlights:

• Hallstatt: a picturesque village on a fjord-like lake, surrounded by steep mountains.

• Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße: Austria’s highest paved mountain pass, with views of glaciers near Franz-Josefs-Höhe.

• Salzburg: Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for *The Sound of Music*, featuring a fortress overlooking the old town.

Please note: In addition to the mandatory toll sticker (which comes standard on rental cars), you’ll need to pay for access to some popular tourist routes. This isn’t officially a toll, but rather an entrance fee, which can be quite high in some cases.

Book a rental car in Austria

Comprehensive tips for a trip through the Austrian Alps.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia | Walled Cities and Island Ferries

Highlights:

• Split: Diocletian’s Palace is a Roman palace complex that still stands today, seamlessly integrated into the modern city.

• Hvar and Korčula: islands with lavender fields, vineyards, and old towns in the Venetian style, accessible by ferry.

• Dubrovnik: a perfectly preserved medieval walled city, with walls you can walk along to enjoy a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea.

Please note: You can take your rental car from the mainland on the ferry to some of the islands, but there are no car ferries between the islands.

View rental cars in Split

For more information about the Dalmatian coastal road and the islands, check out our blog on the 5 most beautiful routes from Split.

Norwegian Fjords | Impressive Fjords and Mountain Roads

Highlights:

• Geirangerfjord: one of Norway’s most iconic fjords, with waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.

• Trollstigen: a winding mountain road with eleven hairpin turns leading to a spectacular viewpoint.

• Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Road): a series of spectacular bridges connecting small islands.

Please note: Many roads in Norway have tolls, but the system is fully automated. The rental company will settle the charges with you when you return the rental car. You can calculate the tolls for your route online.

Rent a Car in Norway

Read more about a road trip along the Norwegian fjords.

Småland + Skåne, Sweden | Glassworks, history, and coastal charm

Highlights:

• Glasriket (Crystal Kingdom) in Småland: a collection of glassworks, including the historic Kosta Boda, that are open for guided tours.

• Lund: This city is a treasure trove of medieval architecture and has a rich history with roots dating back to the Viking Age.

• Kullaberg: a nature reserve with dramatic cliffs and coastal hiking trails on the Kullen Peninsula.

Please note: In Sweden, it is mandatory to always drive with daytime running lights or low beams on, even during the day. Obey the speed limit, especially where it is 30 or 50 kilometers per hour, as enforcement is strict.

Compare rental cars in Sweden

Turn your road trip into an unforgettable journey of discovery through the most beautiful parts of southern Sweden.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland | Cliffs, coastline, and Celtic culture

Highlights:

• Cliffs of Moher: steep cliffs 200 meters high overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, one of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions.

• Ring of Kerry: a scenic drive through mountains, past lakes, and along coastal villages on the Iveragh Peninsula.

• Connemara: wild moorland and mountainous terrain, featuring the Sky Road near Clifden, which offers stunning views of the ocean.

Please note: In Ireland, traffic drives on the left. You’ll find that you get used to this very quickly, especially if you follow our tips on driving on the left.

Choose from available rental cars in Dublin

We have a detailed blog post about the Wild Atlantic Way in 7 days.

Bled + Triglav + Ljubljana, Slovenia | Alpine lake and fairytale capital

Highlights:

• Lake Bled: a turquoise Alpine lake with a small church on an island, best viewed from Bled Castle.

• Triglav: Slovenia’s only national park, featuring the Soča Valley and Triglav, the country’s highest mountain.

• Ljubljana: a compact, walkable capital with an old town along the river and a castle on a hilltop.

Note: Rent a car with sufficient engine power, as most of Slovenia is mountainous. This also means that the roads are often narrow and winding, so drive carefully.

Compare rental cars in Ljubljana

In addition to the highlights mentioned above, Slovenia has much more to offer: the 14 most beautiful destinations from Ljubljana.

Algarve, Portugal | Golden cliffs and hidden beaches

Highlights:

• Praia da Marinha: dramatic orange cliffs and the Benagil sea cave, accessible by boat or kayak.

• Lagos: a historic, walled city offering access to some of the Algarve’s most beautiful coastal walks (Ponta da Piedade).

• Sagres: located at the southwestern tip of Europe, with rugged cliffs and a fort linked to the era of Portuguese exploration.

Please note: In Portugal, all rental cars are required to have an electronic toll device (Via Verde), but in the Algarve there is only one toll road: the A2 to Lisbon. The A22 through the Algarve has been toll-free since January 1, 2025.

Book a rental car in Faro

Drive a rental car to the best beaches, surf spots, and the mountainous interior: tips for trips through the Algarve.

When’s the best time to book for summer 2026?

For summer 2026, the sweet spot is about 6 to 10 weeks before your pickup date. During that window, you’ll find the best balance between price and availability.

If you’re planning a trip to the Italian or Greek islands (Sardinia, Sicily, Crete, or Corfu), book earlier: 10 to 14 weeks in advance. The number of rental cars on these islands is limited, so popular cars (and good prices) sell out faster than on the mainland.

Read all about the best time to book for June.

Which car class for each destination?

The right car class depends heavily on where you’re going and who you’re traveling with. The table below provides a quick overview.

A road trip through Europe with kids requires a little extra preparation. These five tips will set you up for success.

1. Book child seats in advance, not at the counter.
This is cheaper, and you’ll be sure a seat is available upon arrival.

2. Bring a tablet with offline movies and a pair of headphones.
Indispensable for longer stretches of the trip, especially without Wi-Fi along the way.

3. Plan a rest stop every 2 hours.
Getting out for a bit, stretching your legs, and having a snack keeps everyone in good spirits.

4. Check the air conditioning for southern destinations.
In high temperatures, this isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for a comfortable ride.

5. Keep a first-aid kit and an allergy card in the local language.
This comes in handy during a doctor’s visit or if something goes wrong with food or medication while on the road.

Hidden Costs

Isn’t it wonderful to prepare for a road trip in Europe? That also includes estimating costs, but it’s easy to overlook certain things. Keep the following costs in mind when planning your budget.

Toll Roads

In many countries (including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia), tolls are charged on highways. The amount of the toll varies greatly by country. Decide which routes you want to take and whether you’ll need to use toll roads to get there. Incidentally, in many countries you can often take an alternative route that’s toll-free, though it may be slower. How tolls are collected also varies by country; read more about this in our guide: How do you pay for toll roads in a rental car?

Insurance and Deductible

When booking a rental car, opt to waive your deductible. It will cost you a few euros more, but you won’t face any unpleasant costs if the car happens to get a scratch. Want a completely worry-free driving vacation in Europe? Then rent a car with EasyTerra’s Worry-Free label, because your deductible will be fully covered.

ZTL Zones in Italy

In the historic centers of Italian cities, you might accidentally end up in a so-called ZTL zone. Only residents and delivery vehicles are allowed to drive there. If you accidentally drive your rental car into one, you can expect a hefty fine. Avoid this by reading our comprehensive guide to ZTL zones in Italy beforehand.

Youth Surcharge

You’re young and eager to explore—perhaps on a road trip through Europe. Unfortunately, car rental companies often charge extra fees if you’re under 25. Please note: these age restrictions are imposed by the rental company, not by us. You can see how much the surcharge is in the price overview. Also keep in mind that many rental companies require you to have held your driver’s license for at least 1 or 2 years.

Early Booking vs. Last-Minute

Some people insist, come what may, that it’s best to book a rental car at the last minute, because prices are supposed to drop then. However, we advise against this, as there’s a high chance you won’t be able to find a rental car that fits your travel plans.

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of booking early versus booking last minute:

Why EasyTerra?

With EasyTerra, you can compare all car rental companies at your destination in a single search. No hassle with different websites: choose your travel dates, adjust the filters to what’s important to you, and book the best deal right away.

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You’ll never pay more than if you booked directly with the rental company.

All-inclusive rates
Airport surcharges, insurance, and any fees for one-way rentals or a youth surcharge are immediately visible.

Reviews by Pickup Counter
No general brand reviews, but specific experiences with the counters at each destination.

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Questions about renting a car, your reservation, or damage claims? We’re here to help.

We’ll help you find the best deal for your road trip in Europe: comparing rental cars isn’t just about price.

Checklist: Get Ready for Your Road Trip in 7 Steps

Take your time when booking a rental car. If you prepare well, you’ll pay less, avoid surprises at the counter, and drive off without any hassle. Follow this checklist, and you’ll be all set for a carefree road trip in Europe.

1. Set your destination and dates

Decide where you’ll pick up and drop off the car, and at what times.

2. Compare prices on EasyTerra

EasyTerra is committed to complete transparency, so you can easily compare rental car prices with us—all prices are all-inclusive, meaning no hidden fees will suddenly pop up at checkout.

3. Choose a car class based on the number of passengers and luggage

Count the number of travelers and suitcases, and choose the car class that fits your needs—a “compact” car with four adults and four large suitcases is almost always too cramped.

4. Choose insurance

A rental car booked through EasyTerra comes standard with three types of insurance (damage, theft, and liability), but it may be wise to choose supplemental insurance with comprehensive coverage. Insurance policies have a deductible, but for a rental car with the Worry-Free label, that’s covered.

5. Note the deposit requirement and check your credit card

When you pick up the car, the rental company will place a hold of €500 to €2,500 on your credit card as a security deposit, so check your credit limit in advance to avoid any surprises.

6. Download local apps

Before you leave, download maps of the area where you’ll be driving onto your smartphone so you won’t have to rely on cell service while you’re there. Also install any toll or parking apps specific to the country.

7. Take photos of the exterior and fuel level upon pickup

When picking up the rental car, walk around the vehicle with your phone and document every scratch and dent, and check that any pre-existing damage is noted on the rental agreement. Also take a photo of the fuel gauge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best destination for a road trip in Europe?

That depends mainly on who you are and who you’re traveling with. Are you traveling with your family? Then the Costa Brava, Lake Garda, and the Algarve are favorites: short driving distances and plenty of beach fun along the way. Couples and road trippers tend to prefer Tuscany, Provence, or the Dalmatian Coast. And do you love adventure? Then the Norwegian fjords or the Austrian Alps beckon.

2. How much will a road trip in Europe cost in 2026?

For a one-week fly-and-drive trip in Southern Europe in June, expect to pay an average of €1,100–1,500 per person. This includes the flight, a compact rental car, and accommodations.

3. Do I need a credit card to rent a car?

Yes, and that’s not just a general recommendation. With all providers you book through EasyTerra, the primary driver must present a credit card in their own name at pickup, as the security deposit (€700–2,500) will be held on that card. They do not accept debit or prepaid cards. So be sure to check your credit card limit well before departure, and make sure international transactions aren’t accidentally blocked.

4. Which car rental company is best for a European road trip?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Major international chains like Hertz, Avis, and Sixt score well on service, while budget brands such as Budget and Enterprise often offer better value. Want that little bit of extra local knowledge? Then a local rental company is the way to go.

5. Which European countries require a highway vignette?

You’ll need a vignette in Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria. Good news: if you rent a car with a local license plate, it usually already has one, but be sure to check when you pick it up. France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal have a different system and use toll roads where you pay at each toll booth. Parking rules are also sometimes a little different than what you’re used to. Read all about parking in Europe.

6. Do I have to drive on the left in Ireland?

Yes, in our list above, Ireland is the only country where you drive on the left. Driving on the left is also the norm in the United Kingdom, Cyprus, and Malta. Feel free to give yourself a day to get used to it. An automatic transmission helps ease the mental strain a bit. Wondering how to get used to driving on the left as quickly as possible? Read our comprehensive guide.

7. When is the best month for a road trip in Europe?

May and September are the smartest choices: nice weather, quiet roads, and prices 20–30% lower than in July and August. June already offers a summery atmosphere but still has relatively good availability. August, on the other hand, is both expensive and crowded.

8. Can I take my rental car to another country?

You certainly can, but always specify which countries you’ll be visiting when you book, so your rental car is also insured in those other countries. Most providers charge a surcharge when you cross the border, averaging between €50 and €150 per border crossing. Are you traveling outside the EU, for example to North Macedonia, Albania, or Bosnia? If so, keep in mind that you’ll usually need separate approval.

9. What’s the cheapest car vacation destination in Europe?

Want to stick to a tight budget? Then consider Portugal (Algarve), inland Spain, Slovenia, or Poland. Rental car prices are lowest on average there (€32–45/day for a compact car), and toll and fuel costs are also kept to a minimum. Combine this with affordable accommodations, and your fly-and-drive vacation will stay well under €1,000 per person per week.

10. Can I take a one-way trip with a rental car?

Yes, this is called one-way car rental, but expect to pay a surcharge. If you’re staying within a single country (for example, from Málaga to Alicante), the surcharges are usually reasonable. Please note: smaller rental companies often don’t offer this option at all. Book early, as availability for one-way rentals is limited during peak season.