Italy’s seaside routes

Amalfi’s coastal road is one of the most famous in Italy. For a quieter but equally beautiful alternative, drive down the tranquil Cilento road. Start in Agropoli and head south to admire exquisite views, as you pass ancient Greek monuments and sleepy fishing villages. To enjoy a thrilling ride, hop on the ferry to Sardinia and explore its western coastline from Alghero to Bosa. Here, golden eagles are often seen overhead, and the coast is lined with secret coves and deserted sandy beaches.

Italy's scenery

Lombardy is home to Alpine mountain ranges and pristine lakes, while Lecco on Lake Como showcases the pinnacle of this region’s beauty. Head to Tuscany is you’re looking for stunning landscapes and medieval cities. You can also venture along roads lined with Cypress trees in the neighbouring region of Umbria. Add a stop at Siena before driving on to Val d’Orcia, surrounded by Tuscan landscapes. Don’t forget to go down the backroads of the Valle d’Itria in Puglia, with its conical trulli houses and citrus groves.

Spain's coastal routes

Start your tour of Spain’s Mediterranean seaboard in Barcelona, home to La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas and the unique architecture of Gaudí. Then drive down to Valencia, continue south towards Granada, and return to the coast in Malaga. Take in the mesmerising landscape of Gibraltar before travelling west to Cadiz.

Stop in peaceful fishing villages along the way to try authentic Spanish paella. Or explore Spain’s northern coast from Bilbao to A Coruña, with a road that hugs the rugged coastline.

Spain's endless beauty

Wander away from the coast to see a whole new side of Spain. Fly into Madrid, hire a car and roam around the Castile and León Loop. It leads you from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Segovia, through the heart of the country including Salamanca, Zamora and Castile and León, before finishing in Pedraza.

For a deep dive into the culture of southern Spain, stop in Andalucia and relax on picturesque beaches. Its mountain hideaways will take you from Malaga and to the inland cities of Seville and Cordoba.

Top tips for a road trip

Plan wisely to pack more into your road trip. Choose a route with plenty of stops along the way for a richer, more authentic experience. Mix famous spots like Barcelona or Rome with smaller towns and villages. Check the toll systems for both Spain and Italy before you travel, and make sure you have all your documents.

Use offline maps just in case you lose your signal in the mountains, and bring cash as well as credit cards, as some rural shops may not take cards.