If you’ve ever vacationed in Europe, chances are you’ve visited the Mediterranean Coast. Stretching from Spain’s southern coast to sunny Cyprus, this coastline includes some of Europe’s most stunning areas. But can you truly appreciate its beauty by visiting just one beach at a time? With its dazzling shoreline roads and cliff-top views, why not explore it by car? Here are some fantastic routes to consider:

One short but sweet drive is just 12 miles long and hugs the southern French Coast. This route takes you between two of the region’s most unspoiled seaside towns, Cassis and La Ciotat, via the high-altitude Route des Crêtes over Cap Canaille. Cap Canaille is one of Europe’s tallest maritime cliffs, offering spectacular views from the top.

Cassis is one of France’s best-kept secrets. It’s charming, quaint, and picture-perfect, maintaining the appeal of a coastal fishing village while embracing the laid-back lifestyle of its Riviera counterparts, minus the crowds. Cassis is full of character, so take a leisurely stroll through its old streets for a quintessentially ‘South of France’ experience.

While it might be tempting to fill your camera with pictures of Cassis, remember to save some space for the drive! Les Route des Crêtes offers panoramic views of some of Provence’s most superb scenery. Though the route is only 12 miles long, the roads are steep and winding, and can be narrow in places. Adopt the laid-back Riviera attitude and take your time. The slower pace will give you more opportunities to enjoy the beautiful views of the coast, mountains, and countryside.

Hiking trails lead off the road at several viewpoints. Why not break up the drive with a short stroll? Stretch your legs and get a closer look at some of the unusual rock formations that make the landscape so striking. Your vantage point high on Cap Canaille also gives you a chance to experience a different perspective of the coastline and the hidden seaside gems of Cassis and La Ciotat. Rather than seeing things from ground level, your bird’s eye view puts this stunning section of coastline into perspective geographically. It’s an opportunity to experience the area as a whole, in all its natural glory.

But the beauty doesn’t stop there! La Ciotat is a truly authentic French town, having so far managed to sidestep the influence of tourism. Home to unique boutiques and a lively market on Sunday mornings, it’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two to complement your holiday photo album. Like Cassis, the center is made up of winding streets and shady squares dotted with relaxed cafes and delicious restaurants. Finally, enjoy a day on the beach at L’Ile Verte. Take the ferry from the port and make the short 10-minute crossing to this picture-perfect spot. Pack a picnic and admire the breathtaking shoreline from the beach or explore the island and uncover a range of fantastic viewpoints.

The region of Puglia forms the heel of Italy’s boot. The landscape is characterized by rugged hills dotted with whitewashed buildings and crystal-clear waters lapping against the sun-scorched coastline. The drive itself meanders between the seaside towns of Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca along a road dubbed the ‘Little Amalfi Coast’. With its jagged coastline and secret beaches, this stretch of the Puglia region is perfect for exploring by car and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful drives in Europe.

Otranto is a harbor town that is as gorgeous as it is historic. Before you embark on your scenic drive along the coast, be sure to visit its unusual Cathedral. It is well known for the monumental mosaic that covers the entire floor of the Cathedral and dates back to the 12th century. Despite being hundreds of years old, the mosaic has stood the test of time, and the mythical illustrations depicting man’s struggle between good and evil can still be clearly deciphered.

If you get the chance, take an evening stroll around Otranto. The town’s architecture is particularly impressive at night, especially the castle. Locate the turrets and walls open to the public and make your way to the top for breathtaking views of the city. You will likely find yourself struggling to leave this picturesque town. Rest assured, there are even better things to come. The drive runs past mile after mile of spectacular ocean views and is one of the most underrated attractions of the area.

The cliffs, grottos, ancient fishing villages, and hidden beaches along the way are numerous, offering plenty of opportunities to take breaks, hike, picnic, and swim. Don’t miss the ‘Grotta Zinzulusa’, famous for its stalagmites and stalactites. Be sure to take the guided tour of this ocean-side cave and hear the fascinating story of the cave’s discovery as you swim in the warm, clear waters. As the midday heat beats down on the dramatic limestone cliffs of Puglia’s coastline, stop for a picnic beneath the shade of the abundant olive groves.

As you approach Gagliano del Capo, you’ll come across a sea inlet spanned by an impressive bridge. Here you have two choices: descend the stone steps to access the water for a leisurely swim, or join the daring divers as they scale the cliffs and jump from heights of up to 50 feet! Whichever you decide, the inlet is an idyllic place to cool off in the afternoon sun.

Leuca is framed by the Regional National Park of the Costa Otranto. Before you reach the town, stop and enjoy the view of the wildflower and shrub-covered slopes as they cascade down the rocky hillsides. Round off your scenic tour of the Puglian coastline and climb the headland to the lighthouse. Here you will be greeted by a staggering vista where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. As you relax in the Marina with a gelato or sit down to dinner at one of the delicious restaurants in the old town and reflect on the highlights of the drive, you wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking you had found your own piece of paradise.