Using ratings, out of 10, from over 150,000 travellers from each corner of the globe, DiscoverCars.com gathered the creme de la creme of driving locations – based on real-life experiences with each destination.
1) Bratislava, Slovakia
The top-rated destination for a scenic drive, scoring an average of 9.3/10, is Bratislava – the capital city of Slovakia. The city is a perfect destination for travellers utilising cars to see the landmarks – from rows of picturesque dollhouse-like homes and storefronts in Bratislava’s Old Town district to the iconic Blue Church in Northeast Bratislava. Travellers by car can also enjoy views of the Danube River by taking an easy 20 minute day trip to visit the historic Devín Castle, which is just 13 km away from the centre of Bratislava.
2) Rovaniemi, Finland
Scoring an impressive 9.3/10 was the Finnish city of Rovaniemi – the capital of the province of Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus! With its city centre located just 6 km south of the Arctic Circle, between two sets of beautiful hilly landscapes – the Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara – Rovaniemi boasts a wide range of incredible views that cannot be experienced anywhere else on Earth. Furthermore, if you time it right with the weather, a night time drive could also have you enjoying the Northern Lights.
3) Victoria, Seychelles
In third place, with a rating of 9.3/10, is Victoria – the capital city of the Republic of Seychelles. The city is the business and cultural hub of Seychelles, providing excellent driving conditions on well-maintained road surfaces. There is also easy access to many of the 114 other islands that make up the archipelago, such as Mahé which is one of the biggest and most visited of the islands.
4) Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital city of Slovenia offers stunning views of the neighbouring Triassic mountain ranges, alongside Ljubljana Castle – which sits on top of the aptly named Castle Hill to the south of the city centre. For an easy road trip, venture on a 45 minute drive to the famous Lake Bled which is located 54 m from Ljubljana. Along the way, stop off at the Škofja Loka Castle and Museum, a restored 1200’s fortress to add an extra cultural element to the drive.
5) Kalamata, Greece
The beautiful Mediterranean city of Kalamata is located on the Greek Peloponnese peninsula and home to the area’s central port. One of the main tourist attractions must be experienced by car – the Old Sparta-Kalamata Highway which connects the historic cities of Sparta and Kalamata. The drive takes you through the mountains and offers exceptional views of the valley below. Approximately 35 km, the Old Sparta-Kalamata Highway is a 45 minute drive showcasing high altitude villages such as Anavryti and abandoned village Voutiani, along with an impressive view of the deep ravine of Viros Gorge.
6) Helsinki, Finland
The Finnish capital of Helsinki is a marvel for any driving traveller to enjoy. Take a day trip to the historic coastal city of Porvoo with its thriving restaurant scene which is situated 50km away from Helsinki. Alternatively, as one of the most scenic road trips in Finland, the Puumala Ridge is ideal for a longer 3 hour drive which takes in the Lietvesi Scenic Road in the Saimaa Lake district.
7) Copenhagen, Denmark
The city of Copenhagen is the cultural centre of Denmark – and home to some of the most scenic driving routes. Jump in the car and head to Odense over the sixth longest main span bridge in the world (Great Belt Bridge) to check out the real life fairytale destination of author Hans Christian Andersen’s birthplace. A two hour drive from Copenhagen, Odense is also home to the impressive Egeskov Castle, which appears to float in the middle of a lake. For the more adventurous traveller, opt for the Marguerite Route which circles the whole of Denmark (4,000km), for a full on driving holiday to see what the beautiful Nordic country has to offer.
8) Kefalonia, Greece
For travellers looking for the road trip of a lifetime, Kefalonia has much to offer – both on and off the road. The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is also home to some of the most unique natural landscapes in the world, including the Melissani underground lake located 20 metres below ground. The lake is located within the Drogarati cave and Myrtos beach – a stunning white-sand beach, located between two mountains, and is a half an hour 33km drive from Kefalonia.
9) Perth, Australia
For holidaymakers looking to experience a modern metropolis, Perth has plenty to offer – from the Perth Festival, one of Australia’s longest-running cultural events, to Perth Concert Hall. Keen road trippers can explore Perth’s stunning coastline with a 21km cruise down Sunset Coast Drive and jump out along the way to wander around the various beaches, including City Beach and sandy Trigg Beach. Finish off the perfect day out with a visit to Hillarys Boat Harbour for plenty of dining options before driving back to the city.
10) Adelaide, Australia
Completing the top 10 list of the most scenic travel destinations is the South Australian capital of Adelaide. Adelaide is no doubt a popular destination for scenic drives, likely in part due to the wide range of modern and classic architecture co-existing side by side. Some of Adelaide’s most beautiful drivable locations include the Barossa Valley and the Great Ocean Road which is a breathtaking 1,000km stretch of breathtaking coastline from Adelaide to Melbourne.
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