Road trips have always been one of our favourite ways to explore the world. Over time, and after many journeys, we’ve realised that a car is not just a means of transportation it’s a true travel companion. The freedom it gives you is priceless: no fixed schedules, no rushing to catch the last train or flight, just the possibility of stopping whenever and wherever you feel like it. And often, it’s during those spontaneous stops that you discover the most authentic places, the ones untouched by mass tourism.
What excites us most is the chance to reach hidden corners, remote villages, wild landscapes, and stretches of untouched nature that would otherwise be almost impossible to see. Of course, driving on the “other” side of the road in some countries can seem intimidating at first. But nowadays, with automatic cars and a bit of confidence, that challenge quickly turns into an opportunity a new way of experiencing travel.
There are destinations, too, that seem made for road trips: endless horizons, scenic roads that stretch as far as the eye can see, and routes filled with stops worth savoring slowly. On these journeys, the road itself becomes part of the adventure, sometimes just as important as the destination.
In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite road trip routes around the world: a personal list of unforgettable itineraries, filled with practical advice, inspiration, and tips to help you plan your own adventure. Whether it’s your very first time hitting the road or just another chapter in your travel story, we hope this guide inspires you to pack your bags, turn the key, and set off toward the unexpected.
Best Road Trips for 2025
1. Atlantic Road – Norway
The Atlantic Road in Norway is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Stretching over 8.3 km, it connects small islands via a series of twisting bridges that rise dramatically over the turbulent Norwegian Sea. This route offers breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, and plenty of opportunities to spot seabirds, seals, and even whales. Best experienced during calm weather for photography, or during stormy days for the dramatic power of the waves crashing beneath the bridges. A perfect mix of adventure, nature, and epic scenery.
2. Transfăgărășan Road trips – Romania
The Transfăgărășan Road in Romania is often called one of the most spectacular road trips in the world — and for good reason. It slices dramatically through the Făgăraș Mountains, the highest peaks of the Carpathians, offering an unforgettable mix of hairpin bends, wild landscapes, and cultural stops.
3. Scotland – Kintyre 66
The Kintyre 66 is a scenic circular route around Scotland’s Kintyre Peninsula, offering rugged coastlines, quiet beaches, and charming fishing villages. Along the way, you can explore local whisky distilleries, spot seals and seabirds, and enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic. Less crowded than Scotland’s more famous routes, this road trip feels wild, remote, and authentically Scottish , perfect for travellers seeking peace, nature, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
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4.The Pyrenees – Spain/France road trips
The Pyrenees straddling Spain and France offer a breathtaking road trip through rugged mountains, deep valleys, and charming villages. This route combines dramatic scenery with opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and discovering remote cultural gems. Unlike the Alps, the Pyrenees remain relatively quiet, letting travelers enjoy the raw beauty of the landscape at their own pace. Perfect for those who love winding mountain roads, autumn foliage, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
5. Causeway Coastal Route – Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is a stunning road trips along dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and charming villages. Highlights include the iconic Giant’s Causeway, hidden coves, and ancient castles scattered along the coast. Less crowded than many European coastal drives, this route offers the perfect mix of rugged scenery, history, and authentic local culture. Ideal for travelers seeking scenic stops, wildlife spotting, and a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path road trip experience.
6.Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen) – Sweden
The Wilderness Road, or Vildmarksvägen, in northern Sweden is a spectacular route through Lapland’s wild landscapes. Winding through mountains, forests, and remote valleys, it offers breathtaking views, reindeer sightings, and peaceful solitude. Travelers can explore hidden waterfalls, small Sámi villages, and serene lakes along the way. Far from the crowds, this road trip is perfect for those seeking raw nature, adventure, and the quiet beauty of Scandinavia off the beaten path.
7. Utah Scenic Byway 12 – USA road trips
Utah Scenic Byway 12 is a breathtaking drive through the heart of southern Utah’s red rock country. Winding through canyons, plateaus, and desert landscapes, the route passes iconic spots like Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park. With dramatic cliffs, star-filled skies at night, and almost endless photo opportunities, this road trip is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of the American West.
8. Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos – Andalusia, Spain
The Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos in Andalusia is a charming road trip through picturesque whitewashed villages perched on hillsides. Winding roads connect towns filled with narrow cobbled streets, traditional Andalusian architecture, and local tapas bars. Along the way, you’ll discover rolling olive groves, stunning viewpoints, and authentic Spanish culture away from the tourist crowds. This route is perfect for travelers seeking slow-paced exploration, scenic drives, and hidden gems in southern Spain.
9. The Pamir Highway – Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan
The Pamir Highway is one of the world’s most legendary road trips, stretching across the high mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Known as the “Roof of the World,” this route offers jaw-dropping landscapes of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and remote valleys. Travelers can encounter nomadic villages, winding mountain passes, and vast stretches of untouched wilderness. Perfect for adventure seekers, the Pamir Highway delivers a raw, off-the-beaten-path experience unlike any other, combining natural beauty, cultural encounters, and a sense of true exploration.
10. Carretera Austral – Chile
The Carretera Austral in southern Chile is a spectacular road trip through Patagonia’s wildest landscapes. Stretching over 1,200 km, it winds past glaciers, turquoise lakes, dense forests, and remote fjords. Travelers can discover hidden waterfalls, quaint villages, and untouched nature, often with very few other tourists around. This route is perfect for adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, dramatic scenery, and the feeling of truly getting lost in one of the most pristine regions on Earth.
Final Thoughts
Road trips have a unique way of turning a journey into an adventure. In 2025, the best destinations aren’t just about ticking off famous landmarks, they’re about discovering landscapes that take your breath away, wildlife that reminds you of the world’s raw beauty, and hidden corners where you feel truly free. From the remote fjords of Norway to the wild mountains of Romania, from sun-kissed coastal drives in Spain to the vast, untamed roads of Patagonia, these routes prove that the road itself can be as magical as the destination.
Whether you’re chasing autumn colours, alpine vistas, coastal serenity, or wild adventures, planning your trip with a flexible, road-trip mindset lets you uncover experiences you wouldn’t find on a plane or train. Pack your sense of curiosity, your camera, and your spirit for adventure, the open road in 2025 is ready to show you some of the most unforgettable journeys of your life.
Check it out also: Autumn 2025 : a guide to best Destinations in Europe
