6 incredible European routes you must drive in your lifetime

While the jury is still out on the exact number of hairpin turns (is it 46 or 48? Let us know when you get back!), Stelvio Pass is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most celebrated roads. As beautiful as it is dangerous, the dizzying Italian roadway is not for novice drivers: elevation at the summit reaches 2.757m (9,045ft) above sea level and drivers encounter steep gradients throughout the long winding drive.

Insider tips:

Start from the northwest end to get the best picture of the iconic snaking road.
Circulation through the longest tunnel on the pass is controlled by a stoplight at each end. If the light is red when you get there, get out and push the button - otherwise you could end up waiting a long time!

Calling all Game of Throne fans. This route on Ireland’s northern coast not only takes you from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry, but you’ll also drive by Westeros’ storied Kingsroad highway and even get a glimpse of the Iron Islands. You can also see the remains of a causeway, which, according to Irish folklore, was built by an Irish giant. Whatever your pleasure, you’re sure to find it on the 212 km (130 mile) stretch of road.

Insider tips:

• This coastal route also takes you to the closest point to Scotland, Torr Head.

• Your starting (or ending) point is Belfast, where the Titanic (the ship of dreams) started its maiden voyage.

Maybe you’re a French history buff? Or maybe you’re seeking wide open spaces or quaint little villages? Or you just love the smell of fresh lavender in the air? If so, Route Napoleon is for you. The 325 kilometre stretch of road is named after none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French conqueror and military man. It runs from Cannes to Grenoble, tracing his original route when he escaped from exile on the island of Elba in 1815.

Insider tips:

• Keep your eye out for statues of the French Imperial Eagle, the golden symbol that Napoleon carried into every battle.

• Take a pitstop in Verdon Natural Regional Park or in Grasse, the world capital of perfume.

Sure, the scenery is breath-taking on the Carretera de Sa Colobra route ౼ but the roaditself is something to behold. The mastermind behind the 13km long, twisting, turning roadway is Spanish engineer Antonio Parietti. He designed the route, which was built manually in 1932, to avoid using tunnels, which meant a lot of zigging and zagging. At one point, the road forms a full circle, curving under itself. Needless to say, if you’ve got a weak stomach, you might want to take another route ౼ some drivers have counted more than 800 turns between Mallorca City and Sa Calobra Creek!

Insider tips:

• Steer clear of bank holidays, weekends and peak vacation periods as traffic can build up quickly on this narrow road.

• The road also has an average gradient of 7%, and as much as 11.5% in some areas ౼ particularly dangerous on rainy days.

The name may sound cute, but the drive is anything but that. In fact, the A537 highway has earned itself a darker nickname over the years: The Widowmaker. Why? Because of numerous sharp turns, hazardous weather conditions and even the occasional wandering livestock. Although it's widely recognized as one of Britain's most dangerous roads, it is also one of the most stunning as well. This stretch of road connects Macclesfield and Buxton in the Peak District.

Insider tips:

• At the summit, stop in for a meal or just a snack at the route’s namesake: The Cat and Fiddle pub.

• Beware of speed traps! To boost road safety, authorities have reduced the speed limit to 50 mph (80 km/h) and monitor motorists via unmarked police cars, a mobile camera van and even a police aircraft.

Can you say Schwarzwaldhochstrasse? Don’t worry, we can’t either. You can just call this one The Black Forest High Road, or B500. From North to South, the entire route runs between Baden-Baden and Waldshut-Tiengen and stretches on for 233 km (145 miles), but the real Black Forest High Road runs for 60km (30 miles) between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt. Here you’ll pass quaint little villages, green pastures and the storied forests that inspired the beloved, and creepy, Brothers’ Grimm fairy tales.

Insider tips:

• It’s no wonder car enthusiasts are drawn to this region, Porsche and Mercedes Benz are based in Stuttgart just nearby.

• Keep your eyes peeled just south of Baden-Baden, it’s known to be the most scenic stretch.