The 15 most beautiful beaches in the Algarve: tips for your visit

We are big fans of exploring countries on our own, and Europe offers a wealth of opportunities for unforgettable travel experiences on four wheels. From the majestic mountains of the Alps to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean – every kilometer of road holds new adventures and breathtaking views. We love the freedom, flexibility, and variety of a road trip in Europe and have quite a few countries on our list that we would like to visit individually. In the following article, we will take you into the world of the ten most beautiful tours in Europe, which will not only awaken your wanderlust but also create unforgettable memories.

1. Sardinia Road Trip
2. Portugal Road Trip
3. Albania Road Trip
4. Chalkidiki Road Trip
5. Iceland Road Trip
6. Andalusia Road Trip
7. South Tyrol Road Trip
8. Slovakia Road Trip
9. Netherlands Road Trip
10. Baltic Coast Road Trip
The Most Beautiful Road Trips in Europe – Our Conclusion

1. Sardinia Road Trip

If you want to take a road trip in Europe and beautiful beaches, a turquoise sea, and diverse nature are particularly important to you, then Sardinia in Italy could be just the right place for you. Sardinia impresses with its diverse landscapes, including stunning beaches, impressive mountain regions, and picturesque coastlines. Away from the tourist hotspots, Sardinia has many charming villages where you can experience authentic Sardinian life.

Our last tour took us around the island. We covered almost 1,700 kilometers in 16 days and were able to get to know the island from its most beautiful sides. Sardinia is not only suitable for a complete circumnavigation, but also for a shorter stay. If you only have 1 week, we recommend the northeast, north and northwest. This region offers a great mix of nature, beaches, culture and cuisine.

Information about the Sardinia round trip

Sardinia route: Olbia → Costa Smeralda → Santa Teresa Gallura → La Maddalena → Castelsardo → Porto Torres → Stintino → Alghero → Bosa → Oristano → Sinis peninsula → Isola di Sant’Antioco → Cagliari → Villasimius → Costa Rei → Cala Goloritzé → San Teodoro → Olbia | approx. 1,700 kilometers

Duration of the Sardinia round trip: 14 to 18 days (order the Sardinia travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to Sardinia: April to June & September + October (July & August = high season)

Sardinia blog posts:

Sardinia Road Trip Beach Caprera Cala Coticcio

2. Portugal Road Trip

We consider Portugal to be one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and this is not only due to the year-round pleasant temperatures, but also to the warm hospitality of the Portuguese people, the authentic cuisine, the relaxed atmosphere, and the diverse regions. From the golden beaches of the Algarve to the green valleys of the Douro and the rugged cliffs of the Costa Vicentina – every part of the country surprises with truly amazing highlights.

The journey begins in lively Porto, where you will discover the old town and the famous port wine cellars. Follow the picturesque Douro Valley with its terraced vineyards to Coimbra, a pretty student city full of culture and history. Explore the picturesque mountain village of Óbidos, stroll through the alleys of the surfing town of Eirceira, and discover the fairytale castles of Sintra.

Charming alleys, lively markets, cool cafés, and breathtaking views await you in Lisbon. The highlight is the Algarve in the south, with its sun-drenched beaches and rocky bays. Also head to Sagres, the southwesternmost tip of Portugal, which impresses with its wild coastlines, steep cliffs, and a relaxed surfer vibe. Afterwards, explore the breathtaking coastal landscape around Lagos.

Information about the Portugal tour

Portugal Route: Porto → Coimbra → Óbidos → Peniche → Ericeira → Sintra → Lisbon → Aljezur → Sagres → Lagos | approx. 850 kilometers

Duration of the Portugal tour: 10 to 14 days (order the Portugal travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to Portugal: March to June & September + October (July & August = high season)

Portugal blog posts:

3. Albania Road Trip

Our Albania road trip was unfortunately far too long ago, but we still fondly remember our time in this country. Albania is blessed with impressive natural diversity. From pristine beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts to imposing mountain landscapes, such as the Albanian Alps, the country offers breathtaking nature. Off the beaten track, there are many charming villages in Albania where you can experience authentic Albanian rural life.

Albania has long been underestimated and not really noticed, but the country is definitely worth a visit. We particularly liked the warm hospitality of the Albanians and the Albanian cuisine, which is characterized by the influences of various cultures. Compared to many other European travel destinations, Albania is also often relatively inexpensive. This makes it an attractive option for anyone who wants or needs to watch their budget a little more.

Information about the Albania round trip

Albania route: Tirana → Berat → Gjirokastër → Ksamil → Vlorë → Durrës → Shkodra → Lake Koman → Valbona National Park → Krujë → Tirana | approx. 1,200 kilometers

Duration of the Albania tour: 7 to 10 days (order the Albania travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to Albania: May to June & September, October (July & August = high season)

Albania blog posts:

Gjirokastra-Albania-Sights-Old Town-View

4. Chalkidiki Road Trip

In June 2023, we finally had the opportunity to go on a private discovery tour. A Chalkidiki road trip had been on our list for a long time, as we wanted to explore Greece beyond the well-known islands. Chalkidiki, a region in northern Greece, is an extremely popular holiday destination and is located southeast of the city of Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea. From Mediterranean forests to olive groves to crystal-clear waters, Chalkidiki’s diverse landscape truly surprised us.

The Chalkidiki region is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, rich history, and unique geographical shape. The peninsula is divided into three “fingers,” as they are often called, running from west to east: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. Each peninsula has its own unique character, and it was incredibly fun exploring these three peninsulas on our own. If you want to explore Greece beyond Rhodes, Corfu, and the like, Chalkidiki could be the perfect spot for you.

Information about the Chalkidiki tour

Chalkidiki route: Thessaloniki → Kassandra → Sithonia → Athos → Thessaloniki | approx. 600 kilometers

Duration of the Chalkidiki round trip: 7 to 10 days (order the Chalkidiki travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to Chalkidiki: April to October (July & August = high season)

Chalkidiki blog posts:

Chalkidiki round trip – The most beautiful highlights on Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos

5. Iceland Road Trip

A round trip around Iceland is certainly one of the most beautiful road trips in Europe. Iceland is known for its breathtaking and diverse landscapes, including volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches, and much more. By car, you can explore these natural wonders at your own pace and stop whenever you like. Enjoy the solitude and vastness of nature, experience the giants of the sea up close, and be enchanted by the magical Northern Lights.

We traveled around the island for 15 days (first two weeks of September) and explored the island’s many amazing highlights. We covered around 2,300 kilometers in a rental car and stayed overnight in a small tent at various campsites along the way. This made our round trip a huge adventure, as we were constantly exposed to the changeable weather. Our conclusion: we would definitely do it again!

Information about the Iceland round trip

Iceland route: Reykjavik → Golden Circle → Snæfellsnes Peninsula → Vatnsnes Peninsula → Siglufjörður → Myvatn → Seyðisfjörður → Vestrahorn → Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon → Vik → Westman Islands → Reykjanes Peninsula → Reykjavik | approx. 2,300 kilometers

Duration of the Iceland round trip: 15 to 18 days (order the Iceland travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to Iceland: Beginning of June to mid-September (end of June – mid-August = high season)

Iceland blog posts:

6. Andalusia Road Trip

You can also take a whole host of adventurous road trips in Spain. In our opinion, one of the most beautiful regions is Andalusia, located in the very south. The landscapes there vary from the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol. The white villages nestled in the hills of Andalusia are characteristic of the region. The narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and flower-filled balconies give these villages a wonderfully charming and picturesque character.

Andalusia is rich in historic cities that have been influenced by various cultures, including the Moors, Romans, and Christians. Cities such as Seville, Granada, and Córdoba are home to impressive architectural masterpieces, including the Alhambra, Seville Cathedral, and the Mezquita. During an Andalusia road trip you have the opportunity to explore not only the many beautiful cities and white villages, but also the many great beaches, the natural parks and the delicious Andalusian cuisine.

Information about the Andalusia round trip

Andalusia route: Seville → Cadiz → Jerez de la Frontera → Tarifa → Gibraltar → Ronda → Marbella → Malaga → Nerja → Granada → Cordoba → Seville | approx. 910 kilometers

Duration of the Andalusia tour: 7 to 10 days (order the Andalusia travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to Andalusia: May to October (July & August = high season)

Andalusia blog posts:

7. South Tyrol Road Trip

South Tyrol impresses with majestic Alpine panoramas, rugged mountain peaks, emerald-green mountain lakes, and verdant valleys. The view of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly captivating and offers numerous photo opportunities. The region is also dotted with picturesque villages and historic towns that combine medieval architecture with modern charm. Bolzano, Merano, and Bressanone are just a few examples of places worth seeing that you can explore during your round trip.

The region is also a paradise for outdoor activities. From hikes in the Dolomites to bike tours along the Adige River and winter sports in the ski resorts – South Tyrol offers a wide variety of activities all year round. And relaxation is also guaranteed. In the numerous thermal baths and wellness hotels in South Tyrol, you can really unwind. We have only done this round trip in winter so far and are still raving about it today.

Information about the South Tyrol round trip

South Tyrol route: Merano → Bolzano → Carezza → Seiser Alm → Puez-Geisler Nature Park → Lago di Braies → Lake Toblach → Tre Cime di Lavaredo | approx. 450 kilometers

Duration of the South Tyrol round trip: 7 to 10 days (order the South Tyrol travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to South Tyrol: June to September + December to March

South Tyrol blog posts:

8. Slovakia Road Trip

A few years ago, we took the train to Bratislava and started our Slovakia Road Trip there. The country isn’t necessarily on your radar, but it boasts magnificent landscapes, imposing mountain ranges, charming mountain villages, idyllic mountain lakes, and numerous national parks. While in summer you can enjoy varied hikes, in winter you can take adventurous descents down the mountain on snow-covered slopes. Slovakia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, whatever the season.

Slovakia also has a rich history, which is evident in its historic cities such as Bratislava, Košice and Banská Štiavnica. Historic castles, palaces and charming old towns bear witness to the country’s rich cultural past. Slovak folk art is vibrant and diverse. In the countryside and in small villages you can discover handmade products such as ceramics, wood carvings and intricately embroidered textiles. Intrigued? Then go!

Information about the Slovakia round trip

Slovakia route: Bratislava → Little Tatras National Park → Low Tatras National Park → Štrbské Pleso mountain lake → Slovak Paradise → Košice → Dobšina Ice Cave → Banská Štiavnica → Bratislava | approx. 1000 kilometers

Duration of the Slovakia round trip: 7 to 10 days (order the Slovakia travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to Slovakia: June to September (July & August = high season)

Slovakia blog posts:

Slovakia-Round Trip-Bratislava-Costs-Food

9. Netherlands Road Trip

The Netherlands is home to some of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are characterized by their historic architecture, charming canals, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. The famous canals characterize the cityscape of many Dutch cities. Be sure to take a boat trip on the canals and experience the cities in this unique way. The traditional windmills are also a characteristic feature of the Dutch landscape. Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a particularly picturesque place to admire these historic structures.

Did you know that Dutch cuisine has more to offer than just cheese and stroopwafel? Be sure to try local specialties like bitterballen, poffertjes, and fresh herring. The diverse culinary scene reflects the country’s cultural diversity. The Dutch North Sea coast and the Wadden Islands offer impressive natural scenery. The islands of Texel, Terschelling, and Ameland are popular destinations for nature lovers and beach vacationers. We can only recommend a Netherlands road trip to you, because the country has sooooo much to offer.

Information about the Netherlands round trip

Netherlands route: Rotterdam → The Hague → Scheveningen → Leiden → Haarlem → Zanse Schanse → Volendam → Harlingen → Groningen → Utrecht → Amsterdam → Rotterdam | approx. 610 kilometers

Duration of the Netherlands round trip: 7 to 14 days (order the Netherlands travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to the Netherlands: June to September (July & August = high season)

Netherlands blog posts:

10. Baltic Sea Coast Road Trip

We love our state and, above all, we love our sun-drenched Baltic Sea coast. There’s so much to experience here, and you don’t even have to travel far. Most of the highlights can be reached within 1 to 2 hours by car. A road trip along the Baltic Sea coast in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern promises a varied journey through a region that entices with impressive Hanseatic cities, picturesque islands, stunningly beautiful beaches, lush coastal landscapes, and maritime activities.

Take boat trips, sailing tours, or hop on a ferry to the islands. The Baltic Sea offers optimal conditions for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The coast is also lined with picturesque lighthouses, which are not only important for navigation, but are also popular photo motifs. The lighthouse at Kap Arkona on Rügen, the lighthouse on the west beach and the lighthouse in Warnemünde are just three examples.

Information about the Baltic Sea round trip

Baltic Sea route: Schwerin → Wismar → Island of Poel → Kühlungsborn → Warnemünde → Rostock → Fischland-Darß-Zingst → Stralsund → Island of Hiddensee → Island of Rügen | approx. 300 kilometers

Duration of the Baltic Sea tour: 5 to 10 days (order the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania travel guide here*)

Best time to travel to the Baltic Sea: June to September (July & August = high season)

Baltic Sea blog posts:

Bicycle Tour-Fischland-Darsser-Lighthouse-Weststrand

The most beautiful road trips in Europe – Our conclusion

As you can see, you can take varied road trips in Europe. With so many countries to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. On the numerous roads and highways, you can experience a journey full of adventure, culture, and nature. From the picturesque coastal roads in Portugal to the majestic Alpine roads in Switzerland or Austria, there are countless ways to discover the beauty and diversity of Europe on four wheels. No matter which country or region you choose, we wish you an unforgettable trip.