When the Journey Is the Point

There are roads, and then there are roads — the kind that transform a drive into an experience you'll recount for years. Europe is home to some of the world's most celebrated driving routes: sweeping alpine passes, coastal corniche roads, and legendary circuits that have shaped motoring history.

Pair these routes with a genuinely capable luxury or performance vehicle and you have the ingredients for a transcendent automotive adventure. Here are the routes that belong on every enthusiast's list.

1. The Stelvio Pass, Italian Alps

Few roads on earth are as immediately recognisable to car enthusiasts as the Passo dello Stelvio. Rising to 2,758 metres at its summit and featuring 48 numbered hairpin bends on its eastern ascent, the Stelvio is the definitive high-alpine driving challenge.

Best experienced in: A rear-wheel-drive grand tourer or sports car. The Stelvio rewards precision — braking points, apex selection, and smooth throttle application matter enormously here.

Practical notes: The pass is typically open from late May to October. Early mornings offer the best driving conditions before tourist traffic builds. The town of Bormio at the base offers exceptional accommodation and dining.

2. The French Riviera — Grande Corniche

Between Nice and Monaco, three coastal roads climb progressively higher above the Mediterranean. The Grande Corniche — the highest of the three — offers the most dramatic scenery and, historically, the most storied automotive heritage (Hitchcock filmed scenes from To Catch a Thief here).

Best experienced in: An open-top grand tourer or convertible. The Aston Martin DB12 Volante or a Ferrari Portofino M are spiritually perfect here. The route is about elegance and scenery, not speed.

Practical notes: Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer brings significant tourist congestion. Monaco is the natural destination — park and explore the principality before returning.

3. The Black Forest High Road, Germany (Schwarzwald-Hochstraße)

Running approximately 60 kilometres through Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest High Road (B500) winds through dense pine forests, past hilltop hotels, and across viewpoints offering panoramas into France's Alsace region. It lacks the drama of an alpine pass but offers flowing, well-surfaced sweepers that reward a comfortable, confident pace.

Best experienced in: A luxury sport saloon or executive estate — a Porsche Panamera, Mercedes AMG E63, or BMW M5. Roads that reward sustained pace rather than hairpin artistry.

Practical notes: The route is driveable year-round, though snow is possible at higher elevations in winter. Baden-Baden at the southern end is a world-class spa destination — an excellent overnight stop.

4. The Ring of Kerry, Ireland

Ireland's Ring of Kerry circuit covers approximately 179 kilometres through some of Europe's most untouched Atlantic coastal scenery. Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, stone-walled lanes, and views toward the Skellig Islands create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the continent.

Best experienced in: A comfortable luxury SUV or grand tourer. The roads vary in quality — a capable, comfortable vehicle handles the occasional rough section with ease while letting you absorb the scenery.

Practical notes: Drive anti-clockwise to avoid coaches. Allow a full day. The village of Kenmare is an excellent base — outstanding restaurants and accommodation abound.

5. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Austria's highest paved mountain road climbs to the Edelweißspitze at 2,571 metres, offering views of the Grossglockner — Austria's highest peak — and the Pasterze glacier. The 48-kilometre route features well-maintained switchbacks, observation points, and an atmosphere of genuine high-altitude adventure.

Best experienced in: Almost anything that inspires confidence. The road is well-surfaced and approachable, making it accessible for those earlier in their alpine driving experience.

Practical notes: There is a toll to use the road. The route is open seasonally — typically May through November. Allow several hours; the stopping points are worth every minute.

Planning Your European Driving Tour

A few practical considerations for the serious automotive traveller:

  • Vehicle choice: Consider renting locally rather than driving your own vehicle across borders — insurance, breakdown recovery, and logistics are simpler.
  • Route planning tools: Porsche, Ferrari, and Bentley all produce curated driving experience programmes in Europe — worth exploring if you want a guided approach.
  • Accommodation: Budget accordingly. The finest roads in Europe are often flanked by the finest hotels — Arlberg Hospiz, Brenners Park-Hotel, and Château de la Chèvre d'Or are legendary stopping points.
  • Season: Late May to early June, and September, offer the ideal balance of open passes, mild temperatures, and manageable tourist volumes.

The Road Less Rushed

The finest driving routes in Europe cannot be rushed. They reward presence, attention, and a willingness to stop, look, and absorb. A great road in a great vehicle, on a clear morning with no agenda but the horizon — that is the automotive lifestyle at its absolute best.