The Most Scenic Roads In The World
Road trips are a great way to experience the breathtaking beauty of a destination. The world is full of incredible roads that continue to amaze travelers with their thrilling twists and turns and awe-inspiring views. Let’s take a look at some of the best scenic roads on the planet.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Along the coastline of California is where you’ll find one of America’s most iconic roads: The Pacific Coast Highway. This narrow two-lane highway stretches a little over 190km (120 miles) and takes you along the towering cliffs that hug California’s Central Coast. You’ll need about five hours to make the full drive but there are lots of great places to pull over and take in the beautiful scenery. Some of the best spots for a break include the Monterey Peninsula and one of the most beautiful places in California: the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur.
The Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route offers the perfect chance for a full day of taking in scenic views. The Garden Route is a coastal road that stretches 300km (186 miles) from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape of the country. There’s so much to see on this route that its best to plan for at least a day of adventures here, thought most travelers recommend taking a week to really take in all that the area has to offer. Driving this road, you’ll see everything from beautiful beaches to lush forests. Some of the best places to stop include Storms River, Plettenberg Bay, and the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Stretching for 243km (150 miles) along the breathtaking southern coast of Australia is the Great Ocean Road. This road is famous for its stunning scenery and limestone rock formations called “The Twelve Apostles”. Other great stops along the road include Loch Ard Gorge and the Bay of Islands. The Great Ocean road also takes you through beautiful seaside villages and lush tropical forests, giving you an opportunity to meet the incredible people in this area and witness some of Australia’s diverse wildlife.
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Europe is full of breathtaking mountain roads, but few compare to the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania. This highway twists and turns through the Carpathian mountains, and can even take you up to Moldoveanu Peak, the highest peak in Romania. The road also features several pitch-black tunnels which only adds to the excitement of taking this route. You’ll also get to make several incredible stops along your way, including the pristine Balea Lake.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is considered by many to be the most scenic coastline in Europe. Carved into the gorgeous cliffs is the Amalfi drive, which stretches for nearly 80km (50 miles) along this scenic coastline. Driving this route offers a chance for unparalleled of the Italian mountains and the pristine turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s also a great chance to explore picturesque villages like Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano.
Icefields Parkway, Canada
If you want to truly experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains, then you need to take a drive on the Icefields Parkway. This incredible road stretches 232 km (144 miles) through the Rocky Mountains and grants a unique opportunity to see breathtaking glaciers and mountain lakes. It also takes you through two different National Parks, which is great for anyone who want to see some Canadian wildlife.
Trollstigen, Norway
Few roads are as thrilling as Trollstigen. Meaning “Troll Ladder” in Norwegian, this mountain road twists past cliffs and impressive waterfalls. The hairpin turns and steep inclines make this an exhilarating drive, but it also offers a great opportunity for unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, including Stigfossen waterfall. There’s also a lookout point where you can stop and see all the bends of this incredible road.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
In the Italian Alps near the boarder of Switzerland is where you’ll find the Stelvio Pass. This road is famous for being one of Europe’s tallest mountain passes, and the breathtaking landscape that it cuts through makes for one of the world’s most scenic drives. Featuring 75 hairpin turns and climbing over 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) about sea level, the driving along the Stelvio Pass makes for unforgettable experience. The road is popular with bikers, so patience is a must, but well worth it for the incomparable views of the alpine meadows and snowy peaks.
Final Thoughts
Taking the scenic route is an excellent way to experience a destination. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to take in all the incredible views, each of the breathtaking roads on this list are sure to leave you unforgettable memories.
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