There is no better way to explore Europe than by car - and you don't need to pencil in two weeks to enjoy some of the best mainland European routes. Thanks to the Channel Tunnel and regular ferry crossings, you can squeeze a brief continental or Irish road trip into just a few days.

Here are some of our favourite short European road trip routes...

Ring of Kerry

You've likely heard of the Ring of Kerry – and with good reason. Driving around the Iveragh peninsula offers some of the Emerald Isle's most spectacular scenery. Along with the delightful Killarney National Park with its rolling green hills and picturesque lakes – the most logical start and stop point - your views will be enhanced by the majestic Macgillicuddy’s Reeks mountain range in the distance.

The mighty Atlantic is never far away. Swap bucolic inland scenes with breath taking coastal vistas; stop off at historic Cahersiveen, or take a stroll along Glenbeigh's charming beach.

If you want an even more intense maritime experience, you can take a boat trip out to the Skellig islands, departing from the pretty fishing harbours of Ballinskelligs and Portmagee.

Closest ferry routes from the UK: Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard to Rosslare with Stena.

 

Pas de Calais, France

Hop across or under the Channel on the Eurotunnel and begin this 160 miles route from Calais. Head along the little D940 via Boulogne to the Côte d'Opale and then on to Le Touquet. As one of northern France's most picturesque drives, don’t miss the D349 to Hesdin along the river Canche. Head towards St Omer on the northbound D349, then make you leisurely way northwest on the N43, passing Ardres before arriving back in Calais.

This route offers a wealth of scenery, including views back across to Dover from Cap Gris Nez, cobbled streets and squares of old Boulogne and the quaint Étaples estuary fishing port, where you can visit some wonderful seafood restaurants. Must-try local imbibes include the famous St Omer beer and the interesting rhubarb wine.

Basque Circuit, Spain & France

Bilbao is within easy reach by ferry from Portsmouth and offers an inspiring start and end point for a 300 mile road trip around the Basque region – taking in parts of Spain and France.

After a night in one of the Basque capital's many fine hotels, head south along the B1623 to Vitoria-Gasteiz, moving through a glorious mountain pass, before turning east towards Pamplona – famed for the annual Bull Run. Move into the French Basque Country on the N-135 and enjoy the spectacular Pyrenees as you drive through the famous Roncesvalles pass. Beware the twisting corners – made all the more tricky by the distractingly beautiful scenery.

The D918 takes you through delightful foothills before you arrive at ever-so-chic Biarritz – well worth a day or two if you have time. For the final stretch to Bilbao, make your way west along the Cantabrian corniche, where the vast Bay of Biscay sloshes at the rocky coast to your right, while imposing mountains flank you on the right.

Other highlights include: the impressive cathedral at Vitoria-Gasteiz, seafood and beaches at San Sebastiàn and enchanting Basque fishing villages such as Bermeo. And if you have time, take in the bracing sea air at the epic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.