Just outside Europe’s most popular cities, you’ll find scenic drives, hilltop villages, forest trails and hidden coastal spots. With Skyscanner’s Europe road trip planner, it’s easy to swap packed itineraries for slow, spontaneous adventures.
Why explore beyond the city?
There are plenty of reasons to venture further afield:
Authentic cultural and historical finds: Small towns and rural regions often reveal traditions and stories you won’t find in the city.
Quieter, more peaceful sights: Avoid the hustle with scenic drives and attractions far from the crowds.
More immersive and budget-conscious travel: Lower costs and a slower pace help make your trip more rewarding.
Even a short road trip can bring a new perspective to your holiday. Whether it’s a day out or a weekend away, you’ll uncover hidden gems and local charm just a short drive from Europe’s biggest cities.
Made for easy planning
To take the stress out of planning, we’ve built a simple tool to help you hit the road with confidence. Just choose your starting point, decide how far you want to go, and browse our curated list of nearby spots—whether you’re after nature, food, history or peace and quiet.
Under the bonnet: how it works
We started by looking at Skyscanner search data to find the most popular European cities for car hire among UK travellers.
From there, our travel editors handpicked top destinations within easy driving distance of each city. Using live route data and mapped itineraries, we’ve done the legwork to help you make the most of your time on the road. Each trip is grouped by travel time, so you can find inspiration to suit your schedule and pace.
To estimate fuel costs, we use the latest national average petrol price per litre from trusted sources including ViaMichelin and RAC, accurate as of 23rd June 2025. We reference five popular vehicle models commonly hired by UK travellers, drawing on their official manufacturer highway fuel efficiency ratings to reflect typical open-road driving conditions.
Easy getaways from 10 European top cities by car
From sunlit coastlines to hilltop hideaways, each of these road trips offers a fresh perspective beyond the city’s edge. Whether you're in search of peaceful scenery, cultural gems, or a slower pace of life, these short drives will take you there – quickly, easily, and with plenty of charm along the way. Here are some standout gems to get you started. For even more ideas tailored to your starting point and travel time, dive into our interactive car hire tool above.
Drive from Milan
Lake Garda (Sirmione) – 2 hours
Skip the Milanese bustle for thermal baths, medieval castles, and lakeside walks in Sirmione. This charming peninsula on Lake Garda is a soothing blend of history and nature - without the tour groups.
Drive from London
Lincoln – 3 hours 45 minutes
This under-the-radar gem combines a stunning Gothic cathedral, Roman ruins, and winding medieval streets. Far from the London crowds, Lincoln rewards the journey with both charm and heritage.
Drive from Barcelona
Besalú – 1 hour 40 minutes
With its Romanesque bridge, cobbled lanes and ancient synagogue ruins, Besalú feels like stepping into another century. Quiet, authentic and photogenic, it’s a true hidden gem of Catalonia.
Drive from Istanbul
Polonezköy – 1 hour 10 minutes
Originally a Polish village, Polonezköy offers leafy forest trails, homemade jams, and a break from the city's intensity. It's a quiet countryside retreat tucked right on Istanbul’s doorstep.
Drive from Rome
Anzio – 1 hour 15 minutes
This laid-back beach town hides fascinating WWII history along its tranquil shores. A great blend of coastal relaxation and lesser-known heritage, just an hour from the Eternal City.
Budgeting for the ride
Here’s how to make your road trip as smooth as the drive itself:
Car hire – Prices can vary by season and city. Use our Ultimate Car Hire Guide to find the best deals.
Fuel or EV charging – Apps like PlugShare or ChargeMap are essential if you’re hiring an electric car. Petrol costs can add up, so budget accordingly.
Lodging and meals – Rural B&Bs, local diners, and countryside inns often offer better value and a richer travel experience.
Smart savings – Check out our full guide to driving in Europe for toll tips, driving rules, and hidden hire costs.
Road trip essentials
Pack smart, travel light, and make every mile count:
Navigation – Google Maps or Waze
Local tips – Try Roadtrippers or Yelp for food stops and attractions
Lodging – Use Skyscanner Hotels for deals on the go
Car seat rules – A map for families showing regulations around the world to keep children safe while traveling
Download our Ultimate Road Trip Playlist on Spotify for those singalong moments and soul-stirring views.
More road trip inspiration
Already ticked off these cities? Or just hungry for more ideas? These in-depth guides will take your road trip planning even further:
5 Epic Eco-Friendly Road Trips – Great if you’re going electric.
Ultimate Italy Road Trip: Five Iconic Drives – For the perfect Italian detour.
Ultimate Germany Road Trip: Five Themed Drives – Castles, countryside and culture.
Summer Foodie Road Trips – Because the best roads lead to great meals.
Best UK Road Trips – For staycations with scenic views.
