With their excellent railways and public transport infrastructure, European countries may be not as reliant on road travel as nations in other parts of the world, but this continent is still home to a number of memorable drives:

Larne to Portrush (Northern Ireland) If you've never visited Northern Ireland before, the short hop across the sea can be well worth it for the spectacular scenery offered on routes such as this 52-mile cliff-top drive. Visiting between May and September will allow you to enjoy warm summer weather.

Loire Valley (France) This pleasant route between Amboise and Blois is easily reached from Paris and other major destinations in France, and is a chance to get back to nature in one of the country's most scenic regions. You could get even more out of the trip by continuing to Chenonceau.

The Dordogne (France) Another popular excursion by car in France, the best way to experience this route is by starting in the quaint medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda and following the D704 along the Vézère River through Montignac and San-Lyon-sur-Vézère.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria) Germany may be famous for its autobahns, but its neighbour Austria wins out when it comes to scenic mountain drives. This 48-kilometre route offers breathtaking views of Pasterzen Glacier as well as Austria's highest mountains. This road is closed during the winter for safety, but can be visited between late April and October.

Amalfi Coast (Italy) Another scenic mountain road, though the combination of jagged cliffs and multiple twists and turns makes this Italian favourite not one for the faint hearted.

Chania to Palaeohora (Greece) Driving through this idyllic part of the Greek island of Crete will give you the opportunity to see or visit quaint churches and villages that seem untouched by modernity, culminating in the stunning coastal views and pink sand of Crete's beaches.

Ioannina to Meteora (Greece) Another popular drive in Greece for visitors and locals alike, this road is best known for its high mountain pass that leads to the monasteries of Thessaly.

Shipka Pass (Bulgaria) Travelling south from Veliko Tamovo to Dryanovo Monastery will see you passing through the Valley of Roses, with its magnificent fragrance.

Transfagarasan (Romania) The highest paved road in Romania is also its most picturesque, taking in the majestic Carpathians between Moldoveanu and Negoiu.

Moyenne Corniche (Monaco) A pleasant alternative to the functional motorway, travel between Monaco and Nice in style along the Riviera.

Making sure your car is in peak condition with oil changes, windscreen replacement and any other services that need to be carried out before you set off will reduce the risk of anything going wrong on your European road trip.

Regina Foster writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.