The Best European Destinations for Family Driving Adventures

If you want to take your family on a European getaway, the best way to do it is on a driving holiday! Driving around Europe is an experience you will never forget. It has some of the world’s most scenic roads, from the coastal roads of Scotland to the picturesque countryside of France. If you need inspiration for your driving getaway, here are the best European destinations for family driving adventures.

The Argyll Coastal Route – Scotland

Scotland is home to stunning natural landscapes, and the best way to admire these is to go on a road trip. As one of the world’s best destinations for a driving holiday, Scotland has many scenic routes that take you around the country, where you can marvel at its stunning scenery. One of Scotland’s popular driving routes is the Argyll Coastal Route, which takes you on a scenic journey across various Scotland’s magnificent shorelines. At more than 200 km long, the route follows many lochs and coastal roads between Fort William and Loch Lomond. 

Taking you through an incredible journey across vast lochs, the Argyll Coastal Route is also a great way to immerse yourself in Scottish culture. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the country’s rich culture and history, discover epic wildlife, and experience Scotland’s warm hospitality. 

When driving the Argyll Coastal Route, your journey begins in Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most popular lochs. You’ll then head towards Inveraray and Loch Fyne, Kilmartin Glen, Oban and The Isles, and Glencoe, before reaching your final destination, Ben Nevis & Fort William. If you have plenty of time, you can break down the route to ensure you soak up all the incredible scenery and make the most of your journey.

The Westfjords – Iceland

Families looking for a self-drive trip should go to Iceland, head off-the-beaten-path and explore this stunning country. You will find incredible scenery and a diverse landscape of vast glaciers, stunning waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and spectacular ice caves. Indeed, driving through Iceland is an adventure you’ll never forget, especially if you’re heading through the Westfjords Peninsula, in Iceland’s north-western region.

The Westfjords Peninsula is a world away from the bustling capital of Reykjavik and Iceland’s popular spots like the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon. You can spend the entire day exploring the peninsula and may not see other people – that’s how remote the area is! And due to its remoteness, driving through the Westfjords can be challenging, so preparation is a must. 

There are various ways to get to the Westfjords. One way is to take the ferry from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which takes around 2.5 hours to get to the Westfjords. It’s also possible to drive from Reykjavik to the Westfjords via the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s a long drive and a bit challenging, especially if you’ve got little kids. While most people would explore the southern part of the peninsula, the northern part is much smoother and easier to drive through.

Tuscany – Italy

When driving through Italy with your family, consider Tuscany especially if you’re looking to stay in picturesque villas. The stunning region has various scenic roads taking you through breathtaking panoramas and picture-perfect vistas. Exploring Tuscany in a car gives you the freedom to explore wherever you please. Also, many areas in Tuscany are not accessible through public transportation. 

The Chiantigiana Road from Florence to Siena is one of the most scenic drives in Tuscany and a great way to discover the picturesque countryside. Starting in Greve in Chianti, you’ll drive to Panzano through a winding road passing along beautiful vineyards and olive groves. You’ll also pass by ancient castles and lovely farmhouses dotting the countryside. At the end of your journey, visit some local wineries to taste delectable wines produced in the region. 

Start early in the morning to get the most out of your driving adventure. You can also drive late afternoon to catch the magnificent sunset view with the stunning vineyards in the background.

Provence – France 

When visiting France, choosing to self-drive in Provence is the perfect option for the whole family. Famous for its diverse landscapes of rolling vineyards and the Southern Alps, Provence is flanked by Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. For a hassle-free and enjoyable driving adventure, consider diving through Provence on a self-drive tour, a more authentic way of discovering the region.

The best place to start your road trip is in Marseille, one of France’s oldest cities and home to historical sites like the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, a Romanesque-Byzantine church. From Marseille, drive for 30 min to reach Aix-en-Provence. Dubbed the “City of Counts” since it used to be the home of the Counts of Provence, the picturesque city is home to several impressive aristocratic palaces. 

From Aix, head to the Luberon Region, famous for its stunning orchards, countryside vineyards, and postcard-perfect hilltop villages. After spending a day discovering the Luberon Region, make your way to Les Baux de Provence & Saint Rémy de Provence. From Saint Rémy, travel to Arles before reaching your final destination, the lovely city of Avignon, which lies in the heart of the Provence region.

Durbuy – Belgium

Lying in the eastern part of Belgium, Durbuy is one of the world’s smallest towns, yet it offers many fascinating sights you can discover on a road trip. It’s oozing with medieval charm and surrounded by pine-clad hills, making it a perfect destination for a scenic driving adventure.

Start your journey in Brussels. The drive to Durbuy should take around 1.5 hours. Spend some time exploring the Old Town of Durbuy. Wander along its pretty cobblestone streets, admire the timber-frame houses, and stop at the local cafes and restaurants for a break. Surrounded by rolling green hills, Durbuy boasts a topiary park and a tourist train, perfect for families with kids.

From Durbuy, you can drive for a further 30 min to reach Wallonia, home to the Villers Abbey, an ancient Cistercian abbey built in 1146. Around the 13th century, it became one of Europe’s most revered abbeys and a fascinating place to visit.