Why a self-drive holiday in Europe just works

Self-drive suits South Africans so well: we are used to driving, we like doing our own thing and we want to see more than one place in a single trip. A car gives you:

• Freedom to explore hidden gems: Stop at that tiny village taverna, a quiet cove or a random roadside viewpoint whenever you like.
• Flexible itineraries: Change plans if the weather changes, stay longer somewhere you love, or detour to that beach your waiter raved about.
• Seriously scenic routes: From cliff-hugging coastal roads to rolling vineyards and mountain passes, the drives are part of the holiday.
• Real local experiences: Shop at markets, eat where the locals eat, and stay in small towns as well as the “big name” destinations.

You tell me your comfort level behind the wheel and what you love, and I’ll shape the route around you.

Portugal: sunshine, surf and seriously good value

Typical July–August temperatures: 25–32°C

Portugal is my number one recommendation for South African travellers who want great weather, beautiful beaches and good value.

Picture this: you pick up your car in Lisbon, spend a couple of days wandering the alleyways, then head south to the Algarve. Here you’ll find:

• Spectacular beaches framed by golden cliffs and turquoise water
• Charming, whitewashed towns where dinner is fresh grilled fish and a glass of local wine
• Excellent value compared to many other Western European countries

A Portugal self-drive can easily include Lisbon, Sintra, the Alentejo wine region and the Algarve, with short driving distances and plenty of time to slow down and enjoy it.

Greece: islands, romance and wow-factor sunsets

Typical July–August temperatures: 28–35°C

If you are dreaming of whitewashed villages, bright blue shutters and sunsets that look filtered even in real life, Greece is for you.

A self-drive trip here often combines mainland exploration with island-hopping:

• Start in Athens for ancient history and rooftop dinners with Acropolis views
• Drive down to the Peloponnese for quieter beaches, olive groves and little stone villages
• Add a ferry or two to the islands for that iconic Greek island experience

You get:

• Crystal-clear Mediterranean waters
• Incredible sunsets and romantic spots
• The choice to go lively and social, or calm and low-key

Perfect for couples, friends’ trips and even families who love a mix of beach and culture.

Spain: beach days, late nights and big-city buzz

Typical July–August temperatures: 28–38°C

Spain in summer is all about energy: long beach days, late dinners, music in the streets and plenty happening wherever you go.

With a car, you can blend:

• World-famous beaches on the Costa del Sol or Costa Brava
• Iconic cities like Barcelona, Valencia or Seville
• Off-the-beaten-path towns with authentic tapas bars and local markets

Expect:

• Fantastic food and wine, from seafood by the sea to pintxos and paella
• Festivals, culture and nightlife if you want it, with calmer coastal corners if you don’t
• Hot, sunny days and warm evenings made for strolling, snacking and people-watching

Spain is ideal if you like a bit of everything: cities, beaches, culture and buzz.

Italy: history, coastlines and “just one more gelato”

Typical July–August temperatures: 28–36°C

If you have always wanted to “do Italy properly”, a self-drive trip is magic. You can cover more than one iconic region without feeling rushed.

Think:

• Iconic cities and landmarks like Rome, Florence, Venice and Pisa
• Stunning coastlines such as the Amalfi Coast, Puglia or the Cinque Terre
• Countryside stays in Tuscany with vineyards, stone farmhouses and cypress-lined lanes

Your days might look like:

• Morning coffee in a piazza, a bit of sightseeing, and a scenic drive to your next base
• Afternoons at the beach or pool
• Long dinners of fresh pasta, seafood, local wine and, obviously, gelato

Italy is perfect if food and culture are top of your wish list, with beautiful drives in between.

Croatia: coastal beauty without the heavy price tag

Typical July–August temperatures: 27–33°C

Croatia has become a South African favourite for good reason: it offers big beauty without big-city price tags.

With a car, you can:

• Explore the Adriatic coastline, dotted with clear bays and charming old towns
• Visit walled cities like Dubrovnik and Split
• Take ferries out to the islands for swimming, kayaking or just relaxing on the beach

Croatia is:

• A great value European getaway compared to many classic hotspots
• Ideal for travellers who love the sea, boat trips and a mix of activity and downtime
• Easy to combine with neighbouring countries if you want to turn it into a bigger adventure
  
  

Malta: compact, historic and surrounded by turquoise sea

Typical July–August temperatures: 29–34°C

Malta is small, which makes it perfect for self-drive: short distances, big variety.

Here you’ll find:

• Warm, turquoise waters and rocky coves that are perfect for swimming
• Fantastic diving and snorkelling for underwater lovers
• A rich mix of history, Mediterranean charm and a relaxed island feel

You can stay in one base and explore the island by car, or split your time between different areas and hop across to Gozo as well.

My top picks for South African travellers

If you are feeling spoilt for choice, here is how I usually guide my clients:

• 🥇 Portugal: Best all-rounder for beaches, food, value and sunshine
• 🥈 Greece: Perfect for islands, romance, culture and those “wow” views
• 🥉 Spain: Great if you want beaches plus big-city energy and nightlife
• 🎖️ Italy: Ideal for history, food, iconic sights and a bit of dolce vita
• 🎖️ Croatia: Brilliant coastal scenery and affordability, with island-hopping on your doorstep

We can also look at combining countries if you have a bit more time.