Best scenic drives in Europe this Autumn
Nature-loving drivers have been told the eight most stunning road trips to embark on around Europe this Autumn.
Travel experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched the most scenic drives on the continent so motorists can immerse themselves in the most colourful season of the year.
From the famously beautiful Col de la Machine, a French balcony road, to the Chiantigiana which connects Florence to Siena, these stunning roads showcase Mother Nature’s finest displays.
Roads running through some of the UK’s most beautiful locations also make the top 8, including Snake Pass located in the Peak District and the stunning Invermoriston to Dornie road in the West Highlands of Scotland.
When September comes around, the scenery surrounding these routes undergoes a remarkable transformation turning the landscape into an autumnal paradise.
Winding roads through mountain passes and isolated tree-lined drives are just some characteristics of the most stunning European routes to take this autumn.
A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “For those planning a driving holiday in Europe this Autumn we have unearthed what we think are the eight most beautiful drives the continent has to offer.
“Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season of the year, and it is also a great time to plan a road trip with the summer traffic jams a distant memory and the summer tourists now returned home.
“The UK has some of the best road trips in the world thanks to its well-maintained rural roads, making it easy to explore the transforming landscapes.
“From mountain ranges in Snowdonia, Wales, to picture-perfect islands of pine trees in Derryclare Lough, Ireland, these are the drives that will get nature lovers really excited.
“For those heading further afield, the Chiantigiana road in Italy is the perfect place to experience the changing colours of vineyards, leaves and trees.”
StressFreeCarRental.com‘s eight most scenic drives in Europe this Autumn:
- England: Snake Pass, Derbyshire
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The drive along the A57 Snakes Pass is a winding and steep one between Manchester and Sheffield, made up of moorland and forested areas between the region’s peaks. The 26-mile road is one of Britain’s most scenic because it reaches heights of 1700 feet above sea level, treating drivers to fantastic views of vast and desolate moorlands where there is an unspoilt sense of nature and remoteness. The Pass has beautiful green hills on each side and runs along the river Ashop which turns a mix of orange, red and brown as Autumn sweeps in.
- Ireland: Inagh Valley Road, Galway
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This 26 km road takes just 30 minutes to drive through but is the perfect place to stop and take a photo that will capture Ireland in all its autumnal glory. Winding around the heather-covered mountains, valleys and majestic lakes, this is one of the most special routes to take in autumn. The changing seasons famously reflect on the lakes and mountains creating a rust and bronze-hued landscape.
- Scotland: Invermoriston to Dornie
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This 43-mile stretch of road following the A887 and A87 takes drivers from Invermoriston to Dornie in the west highlands and offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Europe. From Invermoriston, drivers follow one long road through the mountains, dense fir plantations, forests and rivers. The section of road which meanders around Loch Cluanie and Loch Duich is perhaps the most picturesque part of this drive, where reflections of red-hued leaves glisten on the water.
- Wales: Snowdonia Road Trip
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As leaves transition into a comforting palette of warm hues and rolling hills tinge orange, drivers will witness breathtaking views as they embark on this Snowdonia road trip. Drivers will pass through North Wales National Park, past lakes, mountain peaks and forests. On a crisp and still Autumn morning, the lakes which lie against the mountains and orange forest reflect like a mirror. Consider using the Llangollen to Snowdonia route along the A5, which is an eastern approach to the park, and popular amongst filmmakers for its beauty. Motorists should then continue on the A5 through the park heading northwest up towards Mount Tryfan, where they’ll also pass the idyllic lake, Llyn Ogwen and stunning mountains and peaks.
- France: Col de la Machine
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The Col de la Machine route is a French Balcony road cut into the mountains with cliffs to the side, offering spectacular views if passengers feel brave enough to look down. Standing at over 3000ft above sea level in the French Alps, the 31km pass overlooks the breathtaking scenery of the woodland and wild landscapes below, and Autumn is the perfect time to witness its transformation.
- Germany: The Alpine Route
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The Deutsche Alpenstrass, also known as the German Alpine Road, is a huge 515 km drive that winds along the Austrian border from the Bodensee (Lake Constance) in the west to the Königssee in the east of Bavaria. Along the route, drivers will witness the incredible Alpine landscape which is illuminated in rich colours throughout Autumn. Along the fairytale-like route, drivers will also pass glimmering lakes, castles and traditional villages.
- Romania: Cheile Gradistei
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This road provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature along its twists and turns, passing through the Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului Mountains. It passes through mountainous terrain, burnt orange hillsides and forests, making it one of the most striking routes to witness autumn colours. There are also plenty of natural attractions along the route popular with tourists such as Piatra Craiului National Park and the Natural Reserve at Chisatoare.
- Italy: The Chiantigiana
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This road, otherwise known as SR 222, connects Florence to Siena and is full of picturesque views. From rolling hills, olive grates, vineyards and castles, it has a total length of 69 km and offers a stunning autumn drive. The landscape completely transforms with autumnal embellishments and is the perfect place to experience the changing colours of vineyards, leaves and trees.
For information on hiring a car for your Autumn drives through Europe, please visit https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/en/car-hire
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