Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Sydney, Australia

These are the roads I learnt to drive on, so I’m biased. This huge national park, just north of Sydney, hugs the coast and is ruptured by rivers, creeks and bays. As you drive down the winding roads you get glimpses of the blue Pacific, the magnificent bay at Pittwater and other sparkling waterways. The roads are great as they wind between forests of eucalypts and sheer rock faces.

Car of choice: My mum’s 1975 Alfa Romeo Alfasud

Targa Florio circuit, Sicily, Italy

This circuit hosted one of Italy’s most famous car races, the last to be held on public roads (it was discontinued in 1977). The 45-mile route in northern Sicily includes more than 900 corners through the spectacular Madonie mountains, then heads along the Mediterranean coast through medieval villages whose stone walls still bear old graffiti – note the Viva Vaccarella inscriptions to local hero, driver Nino Vaccarella. It’s a great route and the ghosts of old Ferraris and Alfas will still haunt you.

Car of choice: Ferrari 458 Speciale

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

I visited the Serengeti last year and was entranced by its emptiness, the golden savannahs and some difficult off-road driving. You are also acutely aware that if you get stuck, there are some rather unfriendly locals nearby – typically a large pride of lions. The gravel roads are fun to drive on; the wildlife and scenery are even better.

Car of choice: An old Land Rover

Inverness-Gairloch, Scotland

You can’t beat northern Scotland for driving enjoyment. There are so many great roads and few better than that running coast to coast from Inverness to Gairloch via Achnasheen, then back by a more northerly road past the Aultguish Inn. You barely see another car along the A9, A835 and A832. I love the craggy moorlands, so empty and enchanting, and the barren lochs. Watch out for wandering sheep though.

Car of choice: Porsche Cayman S

The Pyrenees, Spain

This is a brilliant place to drive. Last year, I took a Jaguar F-type on superb winding roads out of Pamplona, Spain, hugging the French border, to Espinal and through the Roncal Valley – past Basque farmhouses, rolling pastures and woodlands – before looping back to Pamplona. The roads are mostly beautifully surfaced, and empty. Add the mountain scenery and fantastic Navarran food, and it’s a great place to head, on four wheels or two.

Car of choice: Jaguar F-type R Coupé