Based on our research, which factors in air pollution, CO2 emissions, EPI score and number of world heritage sites, Italy averages the highest with a score of 83.44; making it the perfect place to visit for those who are looking for an environmentally conscious road trip.

Coming in a close second is Germany, with an average of 83.27. Interestingly, both countries perform well in the world heritage category. However, Italy trumps Germany when it comes to heritage sites, with a rating of 100 as Italy boasts a world record 58 UNESCO sites.

These sites can be found throughout Europe, and they’re safeguarded by UNESCO for historical and cultural purposes. Often these areas are environmentally protected and make for wonderful places to visit on a road trip.

So, while exploring Italy, consider embracing its rich history with a tour of Rome, or by taking a trip to Verona, the city that influenced one of the most iconic love stories, Romeo and Juliet.

Germany has plenty to offer too, with sites such as the gothic cathedral in Cologne, which is not only the second tallest church in Europe, but a place of worship that houses a prominent piece of history – The Shrine of the Three Kings.

Our analysis didn’t solely focus on remarkable places to visit, as we considered EU countries’ Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ratings. When compared to Italy and Germany, Denmark has fewer world heritage sites, however it has the highest EPI score, which is due to their strong environmentally conscious approach.

An example of their stance was highlighted in 2020, when Denmark committed to a 2030 target of a 70% CO2 emissions reduction when compared to 1990 levels, with forward-thinking political discussions surrounding CO2 taxes and investments into innovative technologies to help achieve this target.