The freedom of a road trip gives you the flexibility you need for a family holiday. You can stop when the view – or the children – demands it and change plans if the weather shifts. With scenic routes with short driving distances, well-surfaced roads and plenty to see and do, these four European countries come out on top for easy and enjoyable family road trips.
France
Driving through France can be a real joy, all thanks to its excellent infrastructure and the countryside scenery. Autoroutes connect major regions smoothly, while quieter D-roads can lead you through vineyards, sunflower fields and small market towns. If you arrive via Eurotunnel or a ferry to Calais, you can reach the Loire Valley in a few hours and base yourself near one of the celebrated châteaux.
In the Dordogne, you can choose to split your days between exploring medieval towns like Sarlat-la- Canéda, where traffic runs low due to the narrow lanes or canoeing.
You can also unwind from your journey at a well-maintained campsite or gîtes that often include pools, which can give everyone in the family the space to unwind after spending long hours on the road. Plan your driving around long lunches and local market days so journeys feel like part of the experience rather than a race between destinations.
Italy
Italy is a real treat when you exit towards the countryside away from all the historic cities.
In Tuscany, you can wind past cypress trees and hilltop towns separating vast vineyards and open fields, all against a backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains. You can even enjoy some gelato along your way in places where the children can run safely in traffic-light piazzas.
If you fancy seeing some of the stunning views, head north to reach the Italian lakes in the shadow of the Dolomites. Lake Garda is highly recommended for families who want to balance cultural visits with a bit of adventure on the side for activities like paddleboarding or swimming. Many lakeside towns restrict central traffic, so you can park up and explore on foot.
Spain
Spain’s modern road network makes road trips straightforward. You can cover long drives on smooth highways and enjoy awe-inspiring views on mountain roads that deliver drama without relentless hairpins that can leave passengers of all ages woozy.
Fancy a beach escape? The Costa Brava is great for families, and the short hops between beaches will keep any restless children content. You’ll find plenty of informal seaside restaurants where staff welcome kids even at later dining hours. In Andalusia, white-washed towns such as Ronda sit within easy reach of one another, so you can explore historical sites in the cooler mornings and retreat to a villa pool during the afternoon heat.
Norway
Norway asks you to embrace distance, yet it pays you back with scenery that keeps everyone happily gazing out of the window. Driving along the Atlantic Ocean Road, you go over low bridges that seem to skim the sea! Ferry crossings in the fjords break up longer days and give children the chance to play games.
Around the fjords near Bergen with its UNESCO-listed wharf, you can combine short hikes and boat trips with daily drives, ensuring no one gets bored and encouraging restful nights of sleep. Well-equipped campsites offer cabins if the weather turns. Even in the mountains, roads are in excellent condition, but you need to factor in the long tunnels at reduced speeds and frequent photo stops.
Practical preparation tips
Family road trips can be daunting. Quite apart from the driving and navigation, you need to ensure there’ll be plenty to do each day to entertain people of all ages. Before you commit to a location, thoroughly research the things to do and plan a loose itinerary, building in time for rest and relaxation too.
Where possible, travel in a convoy of cars for greater comfort, especially if you’re going with a larger multi-gen group. You can protect vehicles under one multi-car insurance policy for ease if the owners live at the same address. Check that your insurance offers the right level of cover for a European driving holiday. Ensure you have at least two people who could drive each car, to prevent people doing long days which could lead to tiredness and dangerous decisions.
You’ll also benefit from downloading offline maps, so you have something to refer to when a signal fails. Make sure to keep a folder with you, that is filled with physical copies of any important documents, such as passports, booking confirmations and breakdown details. You should also consider packing a small cooler box for any picnic stops, so that the whole family will be stocked with refreshments along the way, which will be needed if you’re travelling in the hot summer.
