15 of the Most Beautiful Roads Around the World
Some roads are more than a way from point A to point B. They’re invitations to slow down, roll the windows down, and soak in everything that flashes by. You can spot the difference right away: the mountains seem taller, the oceans closer, and every bend feels like a bit of surprise waiting to happen.
This list takes you across continents without needing a passport. Whether it hugs cliffs, cuts through desert, or runs along turquoise shores, each of these roads makes the journey the best part. If you’re tired of boring highways, you’re in the right place.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
This highway hugs the edge of California like it’s afraid to let go. Stretching between Orange County and Mendocino County, it offers cliffside views, crashing waves, and long stretches of beach towns. One second, you’re in Big Sur, staring at sea lions; the next, you’re crossing the Bixby Bridge like it’s a movie scene. It’s the road people dream about when they want to feel free.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
Carved into the mountainside, this road snakes along the edge of the Atlantic. Sharp curves and sheer drops keep things interesting, but the real reward is the view: sea on one side, cliffs on the other. It’s just under six miles long, but every foot is unforgettable. Early mornings or golden hour? That’s when it truly shines.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
This coastal drive runs for over 150 miles in Victoria and feels like the ocean is traveling beside you. Giant limestone stacks called the Twelve Apostles rise from the surf like nature’s skyscrapers. Small towns, rainforests, and roadside koalas give you more than a reason to pull over often. It’s not just a road; it’s a whole experience stitched together by pavement.
Trollstigen, Norway
This mountain pass feels like something out of a Norse legend. Eleven hairpin bends zigzag up the side of a mountain, with waterfalls crashing down beside you. It’s open only in the warmer months and closes during the snow season, which only adds to the feeling that this place is temporary, fleeting, and best seen now.
Furka Pass, Switzerland
One of the highest paved roads in the Alps, this one mixes dramatic elevation with sweeping turns. You might recognize it from that James Bond scene in Goldfinger. Glaciers in the distance, winding curves ahead, and fresh alpine air make it feel like you’re driving through a postcard.
Route 1, Iceland
This ring road loops around the entire country and passes through lava fields, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and ice-covered mountains. Some parts feel like driving on another planet. The scenery changes so often it’s hard to keep your camera down. You’re better off giving up on taking it all in and just enjoying the ride.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
With 48 tight switchbacks, this road has been called one of the most thrilling drives in Europe. It’s a magnet for car lovers and motorcyclists alike. The narrow lanes, the views, and the crisp mountain air all make it clear: this isn’t your usual Sunday drive.
Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
Built across several small islands and connected by bridges that rise and fall with the waves, this road looks like a wild imagination stitched together. During stormy weather, waves crash over the asphalt, turning the drive into a wild ride. Calm day or not, it feels like you’re driving on top of the sea.
Milford Road, New Zealand
Winding through Fiordland National Park, this road is packed with waterfalls, valleys, and misty peaks. It links Te Anau with Milford Sound but feels like it was built to show off the best of New Zealand’s rugged beauty. Parts of it cut through tunnels and twist into the clouds.
Col de Turini, France
A favorite for rally drivers and cyclists, this mountain pass climbs through the Alps with tight bends and sudden drops. Dense forests and high peaks surround it. The curves keep your hands on the wheel, but the views try to pull your eyes away.
Cabot Trail, Canada
This road loops around Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, with dramatic cliffside views of the Atlantic. Lighthouses, fishing villages, and moose sightings are all part of the ride. In autumn, the fall colors turn the entire route into a red-and-gold ribbon.
Garden Route, South Africa
Between Mossel Bay and Storms River, the Garden Route is a mix of beaches, lakes, forests, and small towns. It feels relaxed and welcoming. Think less high drama, more slow burn. Every few miles, there’s a new reason to stop, whether it’s for a beach stroll or a bite of fresh seafood.
Karakoram Highway, Pakistan to China
Sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World, this road climbs through the Karakoram mountain range, one of the highest in the world. It links Pakistan to China and moves through glaciers, valleys, and villages. The altitude can be intense, but the views are worth it.
Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
Built by a dictator to move troops through the mountains, this road now brings travelers up and down through the Carpathians. It’s packed with tunnels, viaducts, and steep turns. Fog often blankets the road, but when it clears, the view is like a reward for patience.
Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, United Arab Emirates
This road climbs over 4,000 feet to the top of Jebel Hafeet mountain near Al Ain. With over 60 turns, it twists its way up like a ribbon dropped on the desert. At the summit, you can see the desert stretch forever. The road is smooth and quiet, making for long, thoughtful drives.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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