Europe · Itineraries
7 scenic Europe road trips for a family
Seven scenic road trips in Europe that suit a family are the Maloja Pass in Switzerland, Tre Cime di Lavaredo in Italy, Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast, the Scottish Highlands, the Algarve and the Dolomites. All are real roads you can drive, mostly best in late spring or early autumn. Pick one region and give it three to five days.
Day by day
- 1
Every one is real, starting with the Maloja Pass
Some of Europe's best scenery looks edited, but these are all drivable. The Maloja Pass in Switzerland links the Upper Engadin lakes, near St Moritz, with the Bregaglia valley and Italy. The Engadin side is a gentle climb past lakes, and the descent has tight hairpins and views down the valley. It is open most of the year and suits a base around Sils or Silvaplana. Switzerland requires a motorway vignette for the main highways, so check before you cross.
- 2
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Tre Cime are three huge limestone towers in the Dolomites in northern Italy. A toll road climbs from Lake Misurina to a car park and mountain hut at about 2,300 metres, and a flat loop path circles the peaks. Families can walk part of the loop, since the full route takes several hours, and children do well with short sections and a hut stop. The road is open roughly from early summer to autumn and fills by mid-morning, so arrive early. Mountain weather turns fast.
- 3
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is a chain of terraced lakes joined by waterfalls and boardwalks, set in forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It lies roughly between Zagreb and Zadar, so it breaks up the drive. Buy tickets online, since summer entry can be limited, and go early or late to avoid peak crowds. Swimming is not allowed. Boardwalks are flat enough for many strollers, though some sections have steps. Spring has the most water and autumn has colour.
- 4
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast road clings to cliffs south of Naples, with villages stacked above the sea. It is also the hardest drive on the list: narrow, winding, full of buses and slow in summer. Many families leave the car at a hotel and use ferries and buses between towns instead. Traffic restrictions can apply in peak season, so check local rules. Go in May, June or September, start early and book parking ahead if you stay in a village.
- 5
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands offer lochs, mountains and long empty roads, from Glen Coe to the Isle of Skye and the North Coast 500 loop from Inverness. Many roads are single track with passing places, so drive slowly, pull in to let others pass and allow double the time a map suggests. Midges are biting insects that are bad in summer, so bring repellent. Weather changes quickly, so pack waterproofs. May and June have the best mix of long days and fewer midges.
- 6
Algarve
The Algarve in southern Portugal has a coast of golden cliffs, sea caves and sandy coves, with a drive that suits younger children because distances are short. Lagos, Carvoeiro and the Ponta da Piedade area are good bases, and boat or kayak trips to sea caves such as Benagil run in calm weather. Spring and autumn are warm and quieter than summer. Some beaches need steps down cliffs, so check access with a stroller. Many main roads are toll motorways.
- 7
The Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range in north-east Italy, and the Great Dolomites Road from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo is the classic drive, crossing high passes with views of pale rock towers. Alpe di Siusi, a large high meadow, is easy for children, with a lift from the valley and flat paths. Passes can be closed by snow outside summer, and traffic is heavy in July and August. Late June and September are the quietest months.
Plan it
- Best time
- Late May to June and September suit most of these. Alpine passes are usually open from about June to October. The Algarve and Amalfi are good in spring and autumn.
- How long
- Plan three to five days for one region. Two weeks lets you combine two nearby drives, such as the Dolomites and Tre Cime.
- Getting around
- A rental car is the point. Book early for summer, check one-way and cross-border fees and keep in mind that Scotland drives on the left. Many mountain roads and tunnels charge tolls.
Good to know
- Mountain weather changes quickly. Check the forecast and pass status each morning.
- Start early. The best viewpoints and car parks fill by mid-morning in summer.
- Narrow roads call for a smaller car, so rent compact rather than a large SUV.
Frequently asked
Which European road trip is best for families? +
The Algarve and the Dolomites are the easiest. The Algarve has short distances and beaches, and the Dolomites have meadows and lifts for children. The Amalfi Coast and Highlands need more patience on the road.
When do the Dolomites passes open? +
Most high passes are open from about June to October, depending on snow. Some close in winter or have chain rules. Check local road status before you drive, especially in spring and autumn.
Is the Amalfi Coast drive difficult? +
Yes. The road is narrow, winding and crowded, especially in summer. Many families avoid driving it by using ferries and buses. If you drive, go early in the day and in shoulder season.
Can you rent a car in one country and drive to another? +
Usually yes, but ask about cross-border fees and paperwork. One-way rentals across borders cost more. Check tolls and vignettes in Switzerland, Austria and elsewhere before you set out.
