You’re ready for action. Your mind is set on the road. Your need for adventure has never been stronger. It’s time to explore the world’s most scenic and beautiful roads and plan your next road trip! From the rugged terrain of Pakistan to the unforgiving wilderness of Canada to the coastal gems of Italy, these next-level drives are nothing like what you’ve seen before.
Let’s venture deeper into the world of roadways and see what each of the world’s most scenic drives has to offer. It’s time to find out which one’s most suitable for you!
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Feed your inner thirst for adventure with an epic drive along the scenic 157-mile road filled with iconic views of the sea, sandy beaches, and towering cliffs. Often crowned as the world’s most beautiful road, the Great Ocean Road spans the southeastern coast of Australia and connects the towns of Allansford and Torquay.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
Dubbed the number one scenic road in South Africa, this path takes you on a short but breathtaking 5.6-mile journey through the country’s southwesternmost point.
If you’re ready for countless road curves blending in perfectly with the rocky landscape of the coastline and views of the blue ocean below, you’re in for a real treat!
Route 1, Iceland
If you want to feel like you’re one with nature, it’s time to explore Iceland. This beautiful, volcano-infected European country is known for its gorgeous views and breathtaking scenery. Route 1 is an 828-mile national road that is surrounded by natural wonders such as the Seljalandsfloss Waterfall and the Skogafoss Waterfall.
Milford Road, New Zealand
Visiting the land of Hobbits any time soon? Don’t skip a short drive on the Milford Road. Also known as State Highway 94, the 158-mile path takes you on an unforgettable journey into the center of Fiordland. The region is known for its steep, snowy peaks on one side and deep lakes and ocean-flooded valleys on the other.
Ruta 40, Argentina
Who wouldn’t want to traverse the South American nation of Argentina in style by taking on Ruta 40, a 3,000-mile road running from the north to the south of the country parallelly with the Andes mountains?
On the way, visitors pass through extraordinary landscapes with breathtaking views and twenty national parks.
Leh-Manali Highway, India
This 298-mile highway through India is adored by those looking to explore the majestic Himalayan Mountain Range while staying comfortable on four wheels.
The road leads through numerous high mountain passes and is known as one of the most challenging scenic drives on this list due to high altitudes that may cause altitude sickness.
Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
If 128 miles of diverse Californian landscape sounds like a good deal, the Pacific Coast Highway is the right choice for you. Leading through historic towns, the famous Big Sur region, and two major state parks, the drive offers stunning views of local landscape, flora, and fauna.
Amalfi Drive, Italy
Drive along Italy’s Amalfi Coast on this beautiful 50-mile stretch winding through the rugged terrain of the Sorrento Peninsula and witness the UNESCO World Heritage site’s cliffs and coastal views.
The road is not for the faint-hearted and is known for its hairpin turns and narrow passages.
Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
If Pakistan is your destination, you should not miss the opportunity to cross the country’s rough terrain and visit the Khunjerab Pass at an altitude of over 15,000 feet.
The Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan with China and is part of the ancient Silk Road. Spanning 810 miles, the road leads through many scenic places like the Naltar Valley, a home to pristine lakes and rivers.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada
The top Canadian contester is the Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile route leading through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. While traveling by road, you’ll witness Canada’s natural beauties in their roughest form and pass by countless waterfalls, glaciers, and mountain lakes.
Seward Highway, Alaska, USA
Stretching across 125 miles from Seward to Anchorage, the picturesque drive takes you from the shorelines of Turnagain Arm to the towering Chugach Mountains. On the way, you’ll come across plenty of attractions and opportunities for activities such as camping, kayaking, and fishing. Don’t be surprised if you cross paths with a moose or a bear on your journey!
Jebel Hafeet, United Arab Emirates
It may be just 7 miles long, but the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road offers one of the coolest drives through the desert in the entire world.
The route offers plenty of turns and majestic desert views while connecting the oasis city of Al Ain with the Jebel Hafeet mountain.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina, USA
This scenic American parkway stretches through 29 counties from Virginia and North Carolina, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Shenandoah National Park since 1936.
The 469-mile road, which is maintained by the National Park Service, is known for its scenic views and lush wildlife. There is also no shortage of picnic areas, restaurants, and other stops along the parkway.
Lysevegan Road, Norway
20 miles long, this famous Norwegian road boasts 27 hairpin turns that lead to the small village of Lysebotn. On the way, you’ll be met with incredible views of the fjords from an altitude of over 3,000 feet. You will also pass the mountain lake Suleskarvegan where you can stop and take some Instagrammable snaps.
Adriatic Highway, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro
Explore the Dalmatian Coast as you drive through the Balkan countries of Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina along the 625-mile Adriatic Highway.
The great combination of coastal towns, views of the Adriatic Sea, and the many turns and twists in the road won’t disappoint you. Lodgings and places to relax and unwind are always but a heartbeat away!
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way runs for 1,600 miles and is known as one of the longest coastal routes in the world. It passes through three provinces and nine counties from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north to the town of Kinsale in the south.
Get ready to encounter majestic cliffs and rocky headlands on top of the many attractions and activities you’ll come across on your travels.
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
One of Europe’s most scenic drives is located in Romania. Dubbed as one of the world’s best driving roads by Top Gear, Transfagarasan Highway runs for 94 miles and passes iconic landmarks such as the glacial Balea Lake. You won’t get bored navigating through its many hairpin turns and steep vistas but keep an eye out for flocks of sheep that graze in the area.
Conclusion
There are too many beautiful places and scenic roads in our precious world to mention all of them. But now that we’ve listed some of the most popular ones, you might have a better idea of where to travel next!
Are you interested in one of the scenic routes going through the States? Or would you rather explore the Dalmatian Coast and see what wonders it has to offer? Maybe, all you need is a good, long drive across New Zealand or Italy. Don’t let anything hold you back. Pick your next destination and DRIVE!