New research by Vixa, the latest innovation from The AA, has revealed the most underrated road trips in Europe, steering adventurers towards hidden gems across the continent – and it’s the UK that comes out on top overall, with Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast 200 clinching pole position.
What’s more, The Cambrian Way came in 8th, ahead of the famous Stelvio Pass, Italy judged by reviewers.
The comprehensive analysis of 39 popular European road trips scored each drive out of 100 against three metrics: Instagram hashtag usage, Google search volume, and the percentage of Tripadvisor reviews rated 5 stars, to map out the road trips to discover this 2025.
With more than 18,000 Google searches each month for ‘road trip’ in the UK alone, increasing to 28,000 over the summer months and a 30% increase year-on-year for ‘Europe road trips’, it seems Brits want to explore the UK and beyond this year from the comfort of their own car. Now is also a good time to plan your Easter Break and road trip.
The top ten underrated road trips, according to Vixa’s analysis:
Securing its place as the most underrated road trip in UK & Europe is Pembrokeshire’s 200-mile route that winds through Wales’ most picturesque coastal scenery, taking in sightseeing spots such as St. Davids Cathedral which is the smallest city in Britain, and the stunning Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy Bay. Keen nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike can visit Pembroke Castle and enjoy the panoramic views from the cliffs of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Bikers can enjoy independent tours with a bespoke package as well.
While the NC500 is a route well travelled, Scotland’s Kintyre 66 loop around the Kintyre Peninsula is not one to be missed, boasting rugged landscapes, pristine beaches and sweeping sea views. Along the way, road trippers can explore historic sites, sample local seafood, and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this lesser-known Scottish gem.
Rounding out the top three is France’s Route des Crêtes, a spectacular drive through the Vosges Mountains, renowned for its impressive vistas, dense forests, and charming Alsatian villages. This scenic route offers numerous opportunities for hiking and exploring the region’s unique blend of French and German influences.
Commenting on the research, Matthew Barker, Head of Marketing at Vixa said: “Our research aims to shine a spotlight on lesser-known routes that offer breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and unique travel opportunities, yet remain underappreciated by the masses.
“Before setting off on an adventure, a quick check of your Vixa app can help identify many potential issues, ensuring you are road-ready and allowing you to fully immerse in the joy of the journey, knowing that you’re prepared for whatever the open road may bring.”
Simultaneously, the research also highlights the most popular road trips overall, emphasising the allure and enduring popularity of these routes among travellers.
The top ten most popular UK & European road trips are:
Perhaps unsurprisingly the well-loved Amalfi Coast of Italy claims the crown as the most popular road trip in Europe, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and picturesque coastal towns. This scenic drive offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, with opportunities to explore iconic landmarks such as the pastel-coloured cliffside town of Positano and the historic Amalfi Cathedral in the heart of Amalfi.
UK beauty spots The Cotswolds and Lake District claim the second and third positions respectively, with a huge 736,000 Google searches per month and over 7 million Instagram tags between them.
The UK’s 5 most underrated road trips
Thinking of staying closer to home this summer? Brits search for “staycation” an average of 8,100 every month, up 22% year-on-year and, up 50% over the last three months alone. If you want to avoid the crowds, the UK’s most underrated road trips are:
Barker continues: “Using Vixa, drivers can easily assess their vehicle’s health at any time of their trip whilst still in the UK, to help ensure a safe and smooth journey. Via a small device that plugs into your car, combined with proprietary AA data and Artificial Intelligence, Vixa is able to track and flag issues with your vehicle before they happen, powering our mission of providing confidence for drivers.”
