The Bourtzi fortress in the harbour of historic Nafplio in the Peloponnese (Getty Images)
1. The Western Messinia Loop, Greece
Distance/duration: 120km/2.5 hours
When to go: autumn
This route takes in some of southern Greece’s big hitters, including the Ottoman-era Niokastro Fortress and Navarino Bay, but you’ll also pass many of the Peloponnese’s lesser-known sites. Get lucky and you’ll have the Bourtzi, a fortified sea tower built in the 1400s, entirely to yourself, while on Methoni Beach there will almost certainly be plenty of room to lay out your sun towel. Expect spectacular fortresses, quaint coastal villages and delicious seafood. Stock up on local snacks (such as dried figs) in Kalamata prior to your departure.
Start in Kalamata, known for its ancient castle. Head west along the coastal road towards Koroni, famous for its terracotta houses, before heading on to Methoni and Pilos, a historic harbour town and a great spot for lunch. We recommend Koukos Wine Restaurant for some tsipoura and grilled sea bream. Next up is the Gialova Lagoon, the fishing village of Marathopoli and the mediaeval town of Kyparissia, before you’ll cut back inland and return to Kalamata.
The Ötztal Alps that backdrop the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road straddle the border between Tyrol, Austria, and South Tyrol, Italy; horned goats enjoy the view near Moos in Passeier. Opening image: a winding, hairpin section of the road (Getty Images)
2. The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road, Austria and Italy
Distance/duration: 35km/two hours
When to go: late Summer
Italy’s Stelvio Pass and Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Road often steal the spotlight when it comes to Europe’s most legendary drives in the Alps, but the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road feels much less crowded, partly because buses and lorries are banned. Expect breathtaking views, lots of switchbacks (30, to be precise) and the chance to spot the Alps’ Big Five: golden eagles, bearded vultures, ibex, chamois and marmots.
Barring the 30 switchbacks, this route’s pretty straightforward. Start at Ötztal, a 30-minute drive from Innsbruck, before joining the road and ascending the 2,509m Timmelsjoch, before descending into the Passeiertal Valley in South Tyrol, Italy. Expect to be lured off the route by countless roadside attractions. Highlights include a former military barracks where you can learn about the construction workers who built the road and, at the summit, the Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum, where you can refuel at the Crosspoint Panorama restaurant.
The secluded cove of Archers Bay in Saint Lucy on the northern coast of Barbados (Alamy)
3. The St Lucy Loop, Barbados
Distance/duration: 30km/1.5 hours
When to go: Winter
Barbados is another place that visitors don’t associate with road trips, so it’s highly likely you’ll drive this entire route without seeing another tourist. And if you do? Simply hop in the car and escape to the next picturesque stop-off.
This looping route provides fascinating insights many visitors don’t enjoy, whether it’s the impromptu cricket games you’ll pass or the green monkeys (otherwise known as sabaeus monkeys) you may spot emerging from the island’s mahogany forests.
Start in Speightstown (where you’ll also finish) before joining the coastline-hugging Highway 1B to the Harrison Point Lighthouse to soak up the stunning ocean views. Rejoin the highway and choose your next stop-off – our favourites include the limestone bluffs at Archers Bay and the beautiful grotto known as the Animal Flower Cave. Head to the restaurant to pair local seafood with breathtaking ocean views before returning to Speightstown via inland Barbados’s goat-dotted rolling farmland.
A lifeguard stand at Ben T Davis Beach in Tampa (Alamy); the Courtney Campbell Causeway crosses Old Tampa Bay between Tampa and Clearwater (Shutterstock)
4. Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway, Florida, USA
Distance/duration: 16km/20 minutes
When to go: spring
While fans of Floridian road trips generally flock to the Overseas Highway connecting mainland Florida with Key West, this lesser-known route, across the northernmost bridge spanning Old Tampa Bay, is perfect for road trippers short on time.
Unlike the Overseas Highway, the over-water section hovers just above the ocean, so great views are guaranteed. Despite its relatively short 16km length, allow plenty of time for this one. Roadside stunners to pause at include the Ben T. Davis Beach (bonus points if you spot a dolphin or a manatee).
The beauty of a road trip that takes place almost entirely on a bridge? It’s almost impossible to go wrong. Start in Tampa before heading west to Clearwater – simple!
The Windesheimer Molen, a traditional Dutch grain windmill, near Zwolle and Windesheim (Getty Images)
5. The Salland Route, The Netherlands
Distance/duration: 130km/2.5 hours
When to go: spring
Most people don’t associate The Netherlands, which is famously flat, with epic drives – but their loss is the road tripper’s gain. Historic villages and towns such as Wapenveld, Olst and Raalte are true Dutch gems worthy of further exploration, while the farms and mills you’ll pass provide a wonderful insight into rural life.
Deventer, an 80-minute drive east of Amsterdam, is your starting point, and the clearly marked route finishes in Zwolle. The leafy town of Bussum is the perfect place to pause. Known for its leafy boulevards and village-like feel, it’s a great lunch spot. Try BLIBCO Society Coffee for hearty sandwiches and a legendary carrot cake.
