Scenic drive is often seen as the trip of a lifetime. Providing an opportunity to travel to a new destination and experience new cultures and cuisines. Road trips come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From a cross country adventure to scenic drives around a previously-untraveled city.
Whether you’re looking for a global experience, or simply want to take in some new sights. Picking the right destination is crucial to creating incredible memories to last a lifetime. However, with so many incredible destinations around the world, it can feel overwhelming when you’re planning your trip.
That’s why, here at DiscoverCars.com, we’ve done the legwork to curate this ranking of the best global destinations for the ultimate scenic driving experience.
Using ratings, out of 10, from over 150,000 travelers from each corner of the globe. We have gathered the creme de la creme of driving locations – based on real-life experiences with each destination.
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So, let’s take a look at the top 10 best destinations for a driving holiday:
Victoria, Seychelles – Scenic drive
In third place, with a rating of 9.3/10, is Victoria – the capital city of the Republic of Seychelles. This tropical paradise also placed third in our 2022 ranking, retaining its status as a favorite destination among tourists. Located on the northeastern side of Mahé Island, Victoria is the archipelago’s largest city. Provides beautiful views of crystal-clear waters and pristine white beaches.
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. With Seychelles International Airport located not far from the city.
Whether you choose to hop from island to island, or fully take in what Mahé has to offer. There is plenty to enjoy. From a bustling fishing harbor to many of the city’s colonial-era homes, offering fantastic photo opportunities
Kalamata, Greece – Scenic drive
In fifth place, with a rating of 9.1/10, is the beautiful Mediterranean city of Kalamata – located on the Peloponnese peninsula. The city is the Peloponnese region’s capital city, home to the area’s central port. Kalamata has much to offer travelers looking for a scenic drive. Including dramatic mountain landscapes, bustling fishing boats, and picturesque cobblestone streets.
Kalamata is home to some beautiful architecture, including the vibrant yellow Archaeological Museum of Messenia. Wherein visitors can view some of the region’s most significant archaeological discoveries. Many of the buildings feature the classic Greek terracotta roofs. Such as the Agios Ioannis (St. John) church, with its pastel peach exterior.
Greece is known for its rich and extensive history and mythology. So it’s no surprise that Kalamata is home to some fantastic ancient sites. Including the Bassae Temple of Apollo Epicurius where just an hour away from the city center by car, and the Ancient Messene city ruins – found just 16 miles outside of the city.
Helsinki, Finland – Scenic drive
Coming in sixth place, with an impressive score of 9/10, is the Finnish capital of Helsinki. This city is the country’s center for culture, politics, education, research, and finance – and is also the most populated urban area in Finland. Together with neighboring cities Espoo, Vantaa, and Kauniainen, Helsinki forms the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area.
Helsinki is a marvel for any driving traveler to enjoy, regarded by many global institutions as one of the best cities of all time. The city offers views of some unique architecture, including buildings in the neoclassical style – such as the Senate Square. Other notable buildings include the extravagant Hotel Kämp, Helsinki’s most luxurious hotel.
The city is also home to the National Museum of Finland, which displays a collection dating back to prehistoric times. There is a wide range of art galleries to be found throughout the city, and accommodation is easily accessible and readily available for travelers who need five minutes away from the steering wheel. It’s no surprise that this Finnish capital ranked so highly with tourists.
Kefalonia, Greece
In eighth place is the city-island of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands – the city achieved an average rating of 8.9/10. Fans of nature will fall in love with this island’s rich hilly landscapes and beautiful beaches. Kefalonia is one of the most mountainous islands in the Ionian archipelago, home to Mount Ainos, the island’s highest peak at 1,628 m.
The island is home to an extensive National Park, which contains several species of indigenous flora – including the Greek fir. Native fauna can also be found in and around the National Park, including the Loggerhead Turtle and Mediterranean Monk Seal. The European Pine Marten is also known to inhabit the island and can be found residing in trees around Kefalonia.
Kefalonia is also home to some of the most unique natural landscapes in the world, including the Melissani underground lake – a lake located within a cave, the Drogarati cave, and Myrtos beach – a stunning white-sand beach, located between two mountains. For travelers looking for the road trip of a lifetime, Kefalonia has much to offer – both on and off the road.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Scoring an impressive 9.3/10 was the Finnish city of Rovaniemi – the capital of the province of Lapland. With its city center 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.
Believed by the locals to be the home of Santa Claus himself, Rovaniemi is home to the Santa Claus Village, located at the Arctic Circle. This attraction offers spectacular views of the Northern Lights, alongside providing the opportunity to visit Santa Clause’s office and House of Snowmobiles. The Arctic Circle is also a famous photo opportunity, popular with tourists from all over the world.
Perhaps the most notable landmark in the city is the Jätkänkynttilä bridge that covers the Kemijoki River, famed for its ‘eternal flame’. For tourists looking for a truly unique travel experience, the Arctic Snow Hotel is also located just 26 km from the city – giving travelers the opportunity to stay in a glass igloo, leading to potentially incredible views of the Northern Lights right above your bed.
