Where are the best travel destinations for scenic drives around the world?

Road trips can provide excitement and adventure in a whole host of ways. Whether it's a cross-country drive or taking in a city or town for the first time, it can feel liberating to explore a new area with friends or family.

So take the time to treat yourself, by experiencing an entirely new destination, with our comprehensive advice on where and what to explore. After all, with the world now slowly returning to pre-pandemic times, has there ever been a better time to plan your next road trip?

Thankfully, here at DiscoverCars.com, we've done the hard work for you. More than 140,000 tourists from across the world rated the best scenic routes for driving, based on their own experiences. The results are very interesting, and with locations appearing across different continents, it's safe to say that there's something here for everyone!

DiscoverCars.com discovered that the top 10 travel destinations for scenic drives were as follows:

1. Ivalo (Finland)

(Image Canva By blueorangestudio)

Finland is known as the happiest country in the world, so it comes as little surprise that it tops the list for the perfect scenic destination. With its natural beauty, the stunning village of Ivalo is located on the Ivalo River in Lapland in northern Finland. It's known as being the gateway to Saariselkä, the northernmost ski resort in Finland, and is near to all of the exhilarating winter activities which Lapland has to offer.

Ivalo is a perfect travel destination, with many breathtaking scenic routes, including the Hammastunturi wilderness area, Nellim, located on the shores of Lake Inari. This is the perfect spot in which to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), owing to the lack of light pollution in the area. And to finish your trip, why not stop off and experience an overnight stay in an exclusive Aurora Dome to round off your wilderness adventure?

2. Inverness (United Kingdom)

Coming in a close second is Inverness, which is the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands and is the northernmost city in the United Kingdom, lying within the Great Glen. The rugged landscape of Inverness comprises many areas of natural beauty, where you can connect with nature and wildlife on your journey, including the splendor of Loch Ness, which is 23 miles long and deeper than the North Sea. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Nessie, the infamous Loch Ness Monster.

3. Victoria (Seychelles)

(Image Canva By lucky-photographer)

Third on our list is the Seychelles, which is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean that lies northeast of Madagascar.

With its magical tropical climate, you can experience all that the Seychelles have to offer on your road trip — rom crystal clear, pristine turquoise waters to powder-soft white sand and exquisite flora and fauna. Start your trip in Victoria, the capital of the Republic of Seychelles, located on the northeastern coast of Mahé Island, the largest island in the Seychelles.

Victoria is the business and cultural center for the country, with modern facilities connected by excellent paved roads to major points on Mahé Island. Whichever island you choose to explore on your picture-perfect road trip in the Seychelles, you will not be disappointed by the lush tropical vegetation, coastal mangrove forests, superior biodiversity, bustling markets, and colonial-style mansions.

4. Rovaniemi (Finland)

It's a return to Finland again with the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, coming forth on our list. Located in northern Finland just eight kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Village is possibly the most popular attraction of this area for visitors of all ages, where you can meet Father Christmas and his elves.

A drive of approximately 26 kilometers from Rovaniemi takes you to the Arctic Snow Hotel. If you're looking for something alternative for an overnight stay during your scenic trip, make it memorable, as you sleep on frozen beds strewn with reindeer skins, wander through passageways decorated with ice art, and experience the magic of heated glass igloos. For the adventurous among you, why not try dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, or ice fishing?

5. Bridgetown (Barbados)

(Image Canva By peeterv)

If it's a vibrant nightlife, culture, festivals, magnificent beaches, and world-class gourmet restaurants you're craving on your scenic drive, then Bridgetown, Barbados at number five will offer unforgettable scenic routes. Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, is a port city located on the island's southwest coast in the West Indies in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.

Bridgetown has a distinctly British colonial history with a relaxed West Indian vibe. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a perfect destination for a sightseeing trip, the island has a network of good roads for one unforgettable destination.

Bridgetown has a deep water harbor, a luxury marina development called Port St. Charles, and for soaking up the sun, Bridgetown is blessed with glorious stunning beaches. This means that you have the luxury of choosing between watersports such as snorkeling and sailing, as well opting for some culture and exploring the city's museums and colonial buildings.

6. Kalamata (Greece)

As Greek legend has it, God distributed soil through a sieve and used the stones that remained to build Greece. If it is the natural Mediterranean beauty and rustic charm you desire on your scenic drive, then Kalamata will capture your heart.

At number six, Kalamata is the capital and central port of Messinia in the Peloponnese Region, Greece's sunny southern peninsula. Drive to the delightful Old Town of Kalamata, a maze of quaint cobbled streets, or visit the emblematic Metropolitan Cathedral of Kalamata in the historic center of the city.

With its traditional Byzantine style resides the ancient and miraculous icon of Panagia Ipapanti, Protectress of the City of Kalamata. The coast showcases monasteries and fortresses clinging precariously to the edge of the cliff, magnificent Blue Flag beaches, and hidden coves. Drive a few hours north of Kalamata to visit Olympia, a ruined ancient sanctuary, home of the ancient Olympic Games, and the former site of the massive Statue of Zeus, which had been ranked as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

7. Kittila (Finland)

Kittilä sits at the southern end of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. It is a municipality and village 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in the province of Lapland and an area of outstanding natural beauty, which makes it seventh on our list of destinations.

Finland's largest concentration of ski resorts is located here, the most popular of which is Levi. Here, you can experience the Snow Village, which is home to a snow castle, ice bar, ice chapel, and a snow hotel containing beautiful ice and snow sculptures. You can also take part in cross country skiing, a snowmobile safari, or ride on a reindeer sleigh.

Your scenic drive through Kittilä covers pine and birch forests, dramatic ravines, and several lakes. In winter, Kittilä provides 900 kilometers of snowmobile trails, and in summer, you can take a canoe trip or row the exhilarating rapids of the River Ounasjoki. Kittilä's unspoiled nature and clear waters also attract an abundance of wildlife.

8. Kefalonia (Greece)

(image Canva By Bepsimage)

Kefalonia is an exotic beautiful Greek island and the largest of Greece's Ionian Islands, situated in the Ionian Sea on the west of mainland Greece. If you love nature, then this paradise island will enchant you. Kefalonia is eighth on our list of destinations and a large island to explore during your scenic road trip.

Kefalonia is also the most mountainous of the Ionian Islands, with sparkling azure waters and picture-perfect beaches. Its size and diversity have allowed it to retain most of its original charm. Kefalonia is ideal to explore by boat, with numerous private beaches and bays of extraordinary beauty. For those who crave action-packed activities, Kefalonia offers all sorts of thrill-seeking water sports, including sea kayaking and scuba diving.

There are numerous peaceful fishing villages on Kefalonia, enough to satisfy any driving enthusiast looking for that perfect scenic route. One of the most photographed beaches in all of Greece is in Kefalonia. Myrtos is a two-kilometer-long beach flanked by breathtaking limestone cliffs which overhang the indigo sea. The smooth white pebbles resemble shimmering golden sand from afar and the view from the road above is a stunning, Instagram-worthy image.

9. Minneapolis (Minnesota, USA)

Minneapolis is a major city in Minnesota that forms the "Twin Cities" with the neighboring state capital of St. Paul, and it's ninth on our list. Minneapolis is spread out on a relatively level plain, making it ideal for the ultimate scenic road trip.

Minneapolis, sitting on the west side of the Mississippi River, is the largest city in the state. Don't miss the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, where views of the Minneapolis skyline are visible from just about every part of this drive. It includes breathtaking scenery, an urban wilderness, many historic sites, outdoor activities, all with a great selection of shopping and dining along the way.

Better still, circle the renowned Minneapolis Chain of Lakes right to the bustling downtown riverfront. With its numerous outstanding restaurants and bars, this is the perfect place for a stroll and a stretch of the legs.

Most of Minneapolis's streets are plotted on a clever grid system where a large number of streets are numbered. This makes navigating your drive through the downtown Minneapolis bustle relatively easy.

10. Bratislava (Slovakia)

Number 10 is the capital of Slovakia, which is set along the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. There are numerous scenic drives in and around Slovakia, including near ski resort Pezinska Baba. The mountain pass leads up to the ski slopes at an altitude of 595m. The road is a popular venue for thrillseekers, with its famous mountain speed runs.

For a gentler pace, embark on the relaxing drive from Bratislava to the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum and partake in a boat trip along the romantic River Danube, where the banks are rich in culture, medieval monasteries, impressive cities, and natural vineyards.

Bratislava has a fascinating mix of modern and old architecture, relics, fairytale palaces, green natural areas, and fantastic food. Don't miss the top sites and places of interest including Bratislava Castle, St Martin's Cathedral, and retail complex EUROVEA. Meanwhile, complete your sightseeing at the UFO observation deck and restaurant which apparently "floats" on the pillar of the SNP Bridge. This offers a magnificent dining experience, alongside a panoramic view of Bratislava.

If you're planning a road trip you'll want to make sure you have a reliable form of payment for car rental. One convenient option to consider is using a debit card for car hire. With Debit Card Car Hire, you can easily rent a car without the need for a credit card, which can be a hassle for some travellers.

Aleksandrs Buraks at DiscoverCars.com said: “Many people choose to rent a car when they go abroad because of a range of reasons, such as the cost and inaccessibility of public transport.  

“For that reason, we wanted to help people make the most informed decision for their next trip by ranking the best cities for scenic drives around the world.

“We want our research to allow people to enjoy their next destination in the knowledge they can enjoy stunning scenic views while they navigate around”

You can view the top 20 here The best locations for scenic drives around the world | DiscoverCars.com