10 Best Scenic Drives Worldwide
For those who love the open road, there are few better ways to explore a new place than by car. Scenic drives take you through awe-inspiring landscapes, from mountain passes to coastal roads, and allow you to experience breathtaking views at your own pace. Here are 10 of the best scenic drives around the world, each offering a unique journey through natural wonders and cultural landmarks.
1. Amalfi Coast Road (Italy)
Route: Sorrento to Salerno
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, colorful villages, Mediterranean views
The Amalfi Coast Road, or Strada Statale 163, winds along Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast. With its cliffside villages, such as Positano and Ravello, the road offers dazzling views of the Mediterranean and vibrant Italian architecture. The narrow, twisting path can be challenging to navigate, but the views are well worth it.
Best Time to Go: May to October
2. Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Route: Torquay to Allansford, Victoria
Highlights: Limestone cliffs, Twelve Apostles, beaches
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most famous coastal drives, stretching over 150 miles. Highlights include the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations, Loch Ard Gorge, and lush rainforests in Great Otway National Park. This drive combines coastal beauty with unique natural landmarks.
Best Time to Go: October to April
3. Ring Road (Iceland)
Route: Loop around Iceland
Highlights: Waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers
Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, takes you on a journey around the entire island, showcasing some of the world’s most dramatic natural landscapes. From the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, every mile offers a new wonder, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers.
Best Time to Go: June to August for warmer weather and longer daylight
4. Atlantic Road (Norway)
Route: Averøy to Vevang
Highlights: Unique bridges, ocean views, rugged coastline
The Atlantic Road is a five-mile stretch that connects several islands on Norway’s western coast. Known for its distinctive curved bridges, the road offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is particularly beautiful during storms, as waves crash dramatically over the roadway.
Best Time to Go: May to September
5. Garden Route (South Africa)
Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River
Highlights: Coastal scenery, wildlife, lush forests
South Africa’s Garden Route is a 200-kilometer drive along the country’s southeastern coast, known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Travelers can explore lagoons, forests, and beaches, and may even spot whales near Hermanus. Knysna and Tsitsikamma National Park are highlights along the route.
Best Time to Go: November to March
6. Milford Road (New Zealand)
Route: Te Anau to Milford Sound
Highlights: Fiords, waterfalls, mountain views
The Milford Road in New Zealand’s South Island offers a stunning journey through Fiordland National Park, with views of towering peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Milford Sound, the route’s endpoint, is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" for its breathtaking fjord landscapes.
Best Time to Go: November to April
7. Route 40 (Argentina)
Route: La Quiaca to Río Gallegos
Highlights: Andes Mountains, Patagonia landscapes, desert valleys
Stretching over 3,100 miles along the Andes, Argentina’s Route 40 is one of the world’s longest and most spectacular drives. It takes travelers through diverse landscapes, including the arid plains of Salta, the wine regions of Mendoza, and the glacial fields of Patagonia. Each region offers its own stunning natural beauty.
Best Time to Go: October to March
8. Transfagarasan Highway (Romania)
Route: Southern Carpathian Mountains
Highlights: Winding mountain roads, alpine scenery, historic castles
Dubbed the "World’s Best Road" by Top Gear, Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway is a marvel of engineering that twists and turns through the Fagaras Mountains. Highlights include the Balea Lake, Poenari Castle, and epic mountain views. This challenging route rewards drivers with thrilling turns and breathtaking scenery.
Best Time to Go: June to September (closed during winter)
9. Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Argentina)
Route: San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura
Highlights: Pristine lakes, mountain views, lush forests
This scenic route in Argentina’s Patagonia region is known for its seven beautiful lakes, framed by the Andes Mountains. Travelers can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and small towns along the way. It’s especially stunning in autumn when the landscape turns a warm palette of reds and yellows.
Best Time to Go: October to April
10. Icefields Parkway (Canada)
Route: Jasper to Banff, Alberta
Highlights: Glaciers, turquoise lakes, wildlife
Canada’s Icefields Parkway is a 144-mile stretch through the Canadian Rockies that connects Jasper and Banff National Parks. Known for its stunning mountain scenery, this drive offers views of glaciers, turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Peyto Lake, and abundant wildlife. It’s one of North America’s most scenic mountain routes.
Best Time to Go: June to September
Tips for Scenic Drives
1. Prepare for Weather: Some of these drives, especially those in mountainous regions, have unpredictable weather, so check forecasts and road conditions.
2. Allow Time for Stops: Scenic drives are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, so plan extra time for viewpoints, photography, and exploring.
3. Pack Essentials: Bring enough food, water, and emergency supplies, especially on remote routes like Argentina’s Route 40 or Iceland’s Ring Road.
4. Respect Local Rules: In natural parks and reserves, follow regulations to protect wildlife and natural environments.
Whether you're drawn to rugged coastlines, lush forests, or towering mountains, these scenic drives offer a remarkable way to experience some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. From the fjords of Norway to the deserts of Argentina, each route provides a unique adventure for travelers.