The World's Most Beautiful Roads and Routes

The World's Most Beautiful Roads and Routes

When the journey itself is as breathtaking as the destination, hitting the open road has a magical quality to it. From coastal highways winding along dramatic cliffs to mountain passes cutting through snow-capped peaks, the world is filled with roads that are more than just a means of travel—they are destinations in their own right. Here, we explore some of the most stunning routes across the globe, each offering unforgettable views and thrilling driving experiences.

1. California's Pacific Coast Highway The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which runs along the rugged coastline of California, is one of the most well-known road trips in the world. The most well-known stretch of this 656-mile (1,056-kilometer) route runs from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in the north. The Big Sur coastline is the most famous part of the route. Drivers are treated to sweeping ocean vistas, towering redwoods, and dramatic cliffs plunging into the Pacific. Key stops include Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and the charming towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey.

2. The Great Ocean Road (Australia)

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a 151-mile (243 km) stretch of highway that hugs the southern coast of Victoria. This road, which was constructed by returning soldiers between 1919 and 1932, is a war memorial as well as a scenic masterpiece. The highlight is the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Other must-see spots include Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, and the lush rainforests of Great Otway National Park.

3. The coast of Amalfi in Italy A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a dreamy 30-mile (50 km) drive along the Sorrentine Peninsula. The breathtaking views of pastel-colored villages like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello perched above the turquoise Mediterranean can be seen from the SS163 road, which winds dangerously along cliffs. This route is as breathtaking as it is thrilling thanks to its hairpin turns and narrow lanes.

4. Romania's Transfăgărăşan Highway Top Gear called Romania's Transfăgărășan Highway "the best road in the world." It is a 56-mile (90-kilometer) engineering masterpiece. Cutting through the Carpathian Mountains, this road features sharp switchbacks, steep drops, and stunning alpine scenery. The highest point, Bâlea Lake, sits at 2,042 meters (6,699 ft) and is often covered in fog, adding to its mystical allure.

5. The Atlantic Road (Norway)

Norway’s Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) is a short but spectacular 5-mile (8 km) stretch connecting small islands via a series of dramatic bridges. Known for its wild weather and crashing waves, this route feels like driving on the edge of the world. Highlights include the gravity-defying curve of the Storseisundet Bridge.

6. 66 (from the USA to California) No list of beautiful roads is complete without the legendary Route 66. This historic highway takes you from Chicago to Santa Monica, covering 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers), and it is a journey through the heart of America. Even though interstates have taken over a lot of the original route, preserved sections still have roadside diners, vintage motels, and quirky attractions like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas.

7. The Garden Route (South Africa)

South Africa’s Garden Route is a 190-mile (300 km) scenic drive along the country’s southeastern coast. Running from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this route features lush forests, golden beaches, and wildlife-rich national parks. Highlights include Knysna’s lagoon, the Tsitsikamma Forest, and Addo Elephant National Park.

8. The Norwegian Trollstigen One of Europe's most thrilling mountain roads is Norway's Trollstigen, which translates to "Troll's Path." With 11 hairpin turns and a steep 9% gradient, this road climbs up to 858 meters (2,815 ft) above sea level. Waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, and viewing platforms like Trollstigen Viewpoint offer vertigo-inducing panoramas.

9. The Milford Road (New Zealand)

Leading to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most famous fjords, the Milford Road (State Highway 94) is a 75-mile (120 km) journey through Fiordland National Park. Snow-capped peaks, mirror-like lakes, and dense rainforests make this one of the most scenic drives on Earth. The Homer Tunnel, carved through solid rock, is a dramatic highlight.

10. The Stelvio Pass (Italy)

The Stelvio Pass, or Passo dello Stelvio in Italian, is the Eastern Alps' highest paved mountain pass at 2,757 meters (9,045 feet). With 48 switchbacks, this road is a favorite among driving enthusiasts and cyclists. The vistas of the Italian and Swiss Alps are simply breathtaking. The Pleasure of the Journey in the End While destinations are important, the journey itself can sometimes be the most exciting. These routes serve as reminders to us that traveling is about the experience, not just the destination, whether it is through scenic coastlines, majestic mountains, or historic highways. So, fuel up, roll down the windows, and let the world’s most beautiful roads take your breath away.

Would you like recommendations for specific types of road trips (e.g., desert routes, jungle trails, or winter wonderlands)? Please let me know how I can help you expand this list!