May

The 4 best 4×4 driving holidays in Europe

Mark Pawlak Category

4x4 driving holidays, Europe, Georgia, greece, multi-activity-holidays, off-road, Pyrenees, Spain, Turkey

Sometimes holidaying by car just doesn’t work, and 4×4 driving holidays are the only way you can get where you want to go. Europe, thanks to its geographical diversity, has just about every terrain you could hope to explore – and the more testing ones need a 4×4.

So, engage low-range and read on; these 4 routes take you off the beaten track and reveal more of what Europe has to offer the adventure traveller.

Photo credit: flickr/indigoprime

Greece and the Agrafa Mountains

On the Greek mainland you’ll find 4×4 driving holidays not only take you out into the rough stuff, they can also get you to one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks. Taking the less travelled routes to the ancient city of Delphi brings you closer to what was once the centre of the Greek world – visiting this town was once considered the nearest man would ever come to heaven! Leaving it via Karpenisi into the Agrafa mountain range, there are mountain top monasteries, stone bridges and scattered settlements to see.

Georgia and the Caucasus

With few significant tourist developments to spoil its deep country regions, Georgia offers some great 4×4 routes. There are volcanic plateaus and spring towns to be found in the Lower Caucasus, and routes up toward the village of Ushguli that pass medieval forts. This is the highest village in Europe, with views to match. The 4×4 vehicles really come into their own in the High Caucasus, as tracks get more testing and views more spectacular.

Turkey’s Taurus Mountains

This chain of mountains tops out at more than 10,000ft and runs through southern Turkey parallel to the Mediterranean coast. Most of the region’s rivers originate here, but first pass over waterfalls and pool in majestic lakes, such as lake Kovoda.

The Koprulu Canyon National Park is a favoured spot for white-water rafting and hiking, and with a 4×4 you’ll be able to reach out farther into the swathes of cedar trees. It’s just a short drive from the tourist hub at Antalya, but use it as the start of a longer journey of discovery into a mountain range created when the European and African plates collided.

Spain’s Pyrenees

The Spanish side of the Pyrenees is known for its unspoilt natural habitats and secluded mountain villages. It’s a place to spot alpine flowers, shepherds and their flocks high in the hills, and rare wildlife. Closer to the French border, you’ll need your 4×4 to get into the valley of Rio Noguera La Pallaresa. From here you can drive on into Andorra and skirt the Spanish/ Andorran border for breathtaking views on one of the best 4×4 driving holidays in Europe.

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 232 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"