Nowadays many tourists visit holiday destinations outside of Europe because they seek something different, that they think can only be found far, far away. Think of destinations such as Thailand, Cambodia or Singapore. But do you even know all the beautiful spots we can find in Europe? Before you leave Europe and spend a lot of money on expensive tickets let’s show you some beautiful places in Europe through our South Europe road trip. There is a reason why many people out of Europe come to our continent for their holidays!
Let’s go on a South Europe road trip
We’ve prepared a road trip planner through the South of Europe that will take a month more or less, depends on how long you would like to stay in each destination. Since this will be different for everybody, we will give you some tips and the best spots of each city in order to plan your own South Europe road trip.
Lisbon – Portugal
We start our South Europe road trip in Lisbon. This beautiful city full of old and new architecture offers enough possibilities in order to not get bored. Think of the colourful streets, the rich history and the great Portuguese cuisine. For example, go cycling through the city, or visit the Oceanário de Lisboa, the second largest aquarium in the world. In the living streets of Barrio Alto you can enjoy the delicious cuisine of the city. Also Time Out Market is very recommendable. It is located in the historical market hall of Lisbon, Mercado da Ribeira, and consists of 35 stalls where you can try the best Portuguese foods.
Lastly, an UNESCO World Heritage and one of the most famous monuments of Portugal: the Torre de Belém. This impressive tower was built to guard the entrance to the port. Definitely worth your visit!
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Madrid – Spain
Our South Europe road trip will continue in Spain, specifically in Madrid: a lively city full of culture and history. We’ll start with the delicious Spanish food and drinks: the tapas and sangria. Besides that, you cannot miss the Prado, one of the most popular art museums of the world. For a sunny afternoon, you should go to the Retiro Park: the green heart of Madrid. Also, the Royal Palace of Madrid is worth the visit: the biggest palace in western Europe with a mix of baroque and neoclassical styles. Finally – and even if you don’t like soccer – a tour through the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is definitely worth a visit. Read more about Madrid in our full city guide!
Valencia – Spain
From Madrid, you can easily reach Valencia, 3 and a half hours by car more or less. Valencia is known for its oranges and delicious paella. For example, try the typical Valencian paella at Nou Racó. This restaurant is located in the Nature Reserve Albufera. Besides a great paella lunch, you can also enjoy a boat tour on the waters of Albufera. Another spot you cannot miss is Mercado Central – one of the largest indoor fresh food markets of Europe, or The City of Arts and Sciences, a cultural place with an impressive architecture. The complex consist of 6 buildings with an outdoor disco, 3D cinema, opera theatre and more…
In addition, you cannot miss a walk or a bike ride through the Turia Park. And do you want to relax? Valencia also has a beautiful sandy beach with nice beach bars!
Barcelona – Spain
We continue the route through the South of Europe with a visit to Barcelona. From Valencia it will also take you 3 and a half hours more or less. We’ll start with one of the most important places in Barcelona: Park Guell, a creation of Gaudí. It is a park full of unique architecture where the artist Gaudí lived himself for 20 years. Another masterpiece of Gaudí is La Sagrada Familia, something you also have to see – it’s like the obligation to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris. They started building this church in 1882 and they are still working on it.
Another thing you can do is a tour through the Camp Nou Stadium, the football stadium of FC Barcelona. Or a trip to the Tibidabo Amusement park. Besides that, also in Barcelona it is possible to enjoy to beach days.
Montpellier – France
From the most important cities in Spain, we’ll travel to Montpellier in France. This is a very popular city among students with a lively city centre full of bars, terraces and boutiques in its small streets. In Montpellier we’ll find the oldest botanical garden in France – Jardin des Plantes. It also has many cosy squares such as Place Saint-Anne, Place Notre Dame or Place de la Comédie.
In addition, it is also a good idea to visit the historical district of Ecusson. Here you’ll find various restaurants and bars and every street has its own speciality. Montpellier is also located only 20 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea, good idea for a mini trip!
Marseille – France
Then we continue our South Europe road trip to Marseille. It would be a shame to not visit this city, and mainly because of these reasons: it is the second biggest and oldest city of France, it has a stunning coastline, beautiful parks and an amazing port (Le Vieux-Port) to enjoy its best fish dishes. For example, try the famous bouillabaisse – fish soup. The city also has a protected nature reserve, Le parc national des Calanques, with bays with intense blue waters. Would you like to go shopping? Then you should go to Rue de la République and La Canebière. The journey from Montpellier to Marseille takes 2 hours.
Nice – France
From Marseille we will travel to Nice. Tourists that are on a Europe road trip, they often use Nice as a quick stop. However, many don’t know that this city has so much more to offer and it is perfect for a city break. First of all, it has a kilometre-long pebble beach. Besides that, it has a charming city centre which is called Vieux Nice. Climbing Fort Colline du Chateau gives you an amazing panoramic view of the city and the bay.
Also the food in Nice is delicious, like the ice cream of Fernoccio Glacier that has more than 100 different flavours! Or have dinner at Le Chantecler, located in Hotel Negresco. This restaurant with two Michelin stars has views of the see and every menu is perfectly combined with a different kind of wine.
Genoa – Italy
Our next destination during our South Europe road trip is Genoa, in Italy. The travel from Nice to Genoa is approximately 3 hours by car. You will immediately discover that Genoa is less touristy than the other cities. The advantage is that everything is cheaper. It is a large port city, so less suitable as beach resort. But do not worry, because half an hour by bus or train you will find a great beach resort.
A part of the historical centre of Genoa is declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. Discover all of the sights by taking a walk here. It is also a good idea to take the Funicolare cable car up, from where you’ll have a beautiful view of the city and the harbour. In addition, the huge aquarium in the Old Port is recommended.
Florence – Italy
About 3 hours later we will arrive in Florence – the real art and culture city. Think of the many art treasures: Tuscany, Il Duomo and Galleria Degli Uffizi. The best way to discover the city is by bike. In all the sights we’ll find a touch of art. For example, the Giardino di Boboli, a beautiful garden in combination with arts and nature. Or the romantic Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge of Florence which was spared during the Second World War.
Florence also has many churches and cathedrals that are a must see. Think of the Duomo, or Santa Maria del Fiore, or Santa Croce. Finally, it is certainly a must to visit Galleria degli Uffizi. The most important museum for Renaissance painting.
Bologna – Italy
Our South Europe road trip will continue with a visit to the city of Bologna. It is 1 and a half hours from Florence. Bologna is a typical student city and because of its young inhabitants, there is a lively atmosphere in the centre. One of the most famous sights is the Torre Degli Asinelli. These towers have a height of almost 100 metres and the best thing, you can climb them.
In the Quadrilatero district you’ll find the typical Italian stores with the best products – with also a fish market in the morning. Besides that, the city has many beautiful parks. Giardini Margherita is the biggest one, full of large ponds, a playground and romantics paths. Speaking about romantic, stroll through San Michele in Bosco. A beautiful place to watch the sunset together.
Venice – Italy
After two hours we will arrive in the Italian City of Love. Right, not Paris but Venice. Romantic moments on the canals, walking hand in hand on the famous San Marco square… A fairy tale! However, Venice is also a great city to discover with your family and friends. The best thing to do is, of course, a tour in a gondola on the canals of Venice.
The San Marco square is something you should have seen without a doubt. Besides that, Murano is a place also recommendable to visit – five islands where the famous venetian glass is made. You must also have seen the Doge Palace, which was the home of the rulers of Venice, and the Canal Grande, the most important street in Venice. Along the Canal Grande you will see a stunning overview of Venetian architecture.
Pula – Croatia
We have arrived on the last destination of our South Europe road trip. After a travel of 3 hours by car, we will arrive in Pula – a city full of history. The number 1 spot in Pula is the Amphitheatre. It was designed to organise gladiatorial competitions. Now it is used for local concerts and it became a famous attraction for tourists. Besides the Amphitheater, Pula has many museums and cathedrals. There is also a star night attraction every evening – an impressive light show designed by Dean Skira. The iconic cranes of the old shipyard are illuminated in 16,000 different colour schemes that come alive every evening for 15 minutes four times per hour. Finally, Pula has a number of beautiful natural beaches. The two most beautiful beaches are Ambrela and Havajsko. Both known for their beautiful, clear blue colour.
What we definitely recommend is a day to go to the Plitvice Lakes. From Pula it is 3 hours away but definitely worth it! It is a magical place that just looks like a fairy tale. It is a nature park full of enchanting waterfalls and emerald-green lakes.