The Best Scenic Road Trips: Routes That Take Your Breath Away

The Best Scenic Road Trips: Routes That Take Your Breath Away

If you’re yearning for the open road and a feast for the eyes, nothing beats a scenic road trip. Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a tour of the most breathtaking routes around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a newbie to the asphalt adventures, these routes will make your jaw drop and your camera click non-stop. Let’s hit the road!

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is the quintessential American road trip. Stretching from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in the north, the PCH offers mesmerizing coastal views, charming seaside towns, and windy cliff-hugging roads that make every mile memorable.

  • Highlights: Big Sur, the famous Bixby Creek Bridge, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the Hearst Castle.
  • Best Time to Go: Late spring to early fall to avoid the infamous coastal fog.

Ring Road, Iceland

Fancy a road trip that feels like a voyage to another planet? Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) will do just that. Encircling the entire island nation, this route showcases geothermal hotspots, massive glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes that are as surreal as they are awe-inspiring.

  • Highlights: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Myvatn Nature Baths, and the stunning volcanic landscapes of Eastern Iceland.
  • Best Time to Go: Summer months (June to August) for maximum daylight hours and good weather conditions.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

G’day! Drive along Australia’s southern coastline on the Great Ocean Road, a route that intertwines craggy cliffs, lush rainforests, and golden beaches. This 151-mile journey from Torquay to Allansford is a treasure trove of natural wonders and iconic sights.

  • Highlights: The Twelve Apostles, Great Otway National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, and the charming towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay.
  • Best Time to Go: Spring (September to November) or fall (March to May) to enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds.

Garden Route, South Africa

Moving to the southern tip of Africa, the Garden Route offers an intoxicating blend of lush forests, sandy beaches, and majestic mountain ranges. This 300-kilometer stretch from Mossel Bay to Storms River is ideal for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.

  • Highlights: Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna Lagoon, Cango Caves, and Bloukrans Bridge (home to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump).
  • Best Time to Go: Spring (September to November) for blooming flowers or whale-watching season (June to November).

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Imagine driving along a cliffside road with the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea on one side and picturesque towns dotting the other. Welcome to the Amalfi Coast! This 30-mile stretch of road from Sorrento to Amalfi offers winding paths, fragrant lemon groves, and historical charm.

  • Highlights: Positano, Ravello, Villa Rufolo, and the Amalfi Cathedral.
  • Best Time to Go: Late spring (May) or early fall (September) to avoid the summer tourist rush.

Transfăgărășan, Romania

Named one of the best driving roads in the world by a famous British motoring show, Transfăgărășan is a rollercoaster of a drive that cuts through the Făgăraș Mountains in Romania. With tight hairpin turns, tunnels, and viaducts, this road is both a thrill and a delight for the senses.

  • Highlights: Balea Lake, Poenari Castle (known as Vlad the Impaler’s fortress), and the breathtaking views over the Carpathians.
  • Best Time to Go: Summer months (July to September) as the road is closed during winter due to snow.

So there you have it, fellow wanderlusters – some of the world’s best scenic road trips that are sure to take your breath away. Pack your bags, load up on snacks, and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. Remember, it’s not just about the destination, but the journey that leads you there. Drive safe and happy travels!

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