10 Most Scenic Drives in Europe for a Luxury Car
2 September 2025 · 8 min read
From the Stelvio Pass to the French Riviera Corniches and the Dolomites' Sellaronda, the ten most scenic drives in Europe to enjoy in a luxury car, with the best season and car for each route.
The Alpine classics
Europe's most scenic drives begin in the Alps. The Stelvio Pass in Italy, with 48 hairpins on its eastern climb, tops almost every list, while the Dolomites' Sellaronda loops the Pordoi, Sella, Gardena and Campolongo passes through UNESCO peaks. In Switzerland, the Furka and Grimsel passes and the run up to St. Moritz add high-altitude drama.
These roads suit a balanced grand tourer such as the Ferrari Roma Spyder or a Lamborghini Huracán. The season runs from June to September, when the passes are clear of snow. An open top makes the soaring rock walls and glaciers part of the drive itself.
Coastal and Riviera routes
Along the coast, the three Corniches between Nice and Monaco are unmissable, with the Moyenne Corniche threading through the village of Èze. Italy answers with the Amalfi Coast SS163 from Sorrento to Vietri, and the lakeside roads of Como and Garda past historic villas. Each is slower, tighter driving where style matters more than speed.
A convertible like the Ferrari Portofino is ideal for these seaside drives. From Cannes to Saint-Tropez and on towards the Italian border, the Riviera links beaches, ports and hilltop towns in a single elegant ribbon of tarmac, best enjoyed outside the busy midday hours.
Tuscany, the lakes and where to start
Inland, Tuscany's Chiantigiana SR222 between Florence and Siena is the gentlest of the great drives, all flowing curves through vineyards. Combined with the Val d'Orcia it makes a perfect two-day loop for a Porsche 911 or a Ferrari Portofino, with cantina stops and hilltop towns along the way.
Rial Rent delivers luxury cars across Italy and the French Riviera, from Milan, Florence and Naples to Nice and Monaco. For multi-country road trips we arrange dedicated mileage, cross-border paperwork, hotels and a concierge so each scenic drive starts exactly where it should.
FAQ
What is the most scenic drive in Europe? The Stelvio Pass is the classic choice, though the Dolomites' Sellaronda and the French Riviera Corniches are equally celebrated.
What car suits an Alpine road trip best? A balanced convertible like the Ferrari Roma Spyder or a Lamborghini Huracán handles the passes with ease.
Can Rial Rent arrange a multi-country trip? Yes, we handle cross-border paperwork, dedicated mileage and hotels for road trips across Italy and the Riviera.
