The Most Beautiful Roads in the World: Iconic Routes and Scenic Views

There are roads that take you places, and then there are roads that take your breath away. The world is full of roads that offer not just a means to an end but a journey filled with awe-inspiring views and transformative experiences. From serpentine mountain passes to coastal drives that stretch to the horizon, these roads are destinations in their own right. This article highlights some of the most beautiful roads in the world, including the stunning Maloja Pass in Switzerland.

Maloja Pass, Switzerland 🇨🇭

A Journey Through Alpine Splendor

The Maloja Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, connecting the Engadin valley with the Val Bregaglia and Italy beyond. This route is renowned for its dramatic beauty, featuring tight turns, steep inclines, and some of the most breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. The road winds through lush forests and past pristine lakes, offering glimpses of quaint Swiss villages along the way. In the winter, the snow-covered landscapes transform the pass into a winter wonderland, while summer brings out the bright greens and blues of the natural scenery.

Great Ocean Road, Australia 🇦🇺

great ocean road london bridge australia

A Coastal Journey Down Under

Australia’s Great Ocean Road offers an unforgettable coastal drive, stretching over 240 kilometers along the southeastern coast. Famous for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations, this road provides a picturesque drive with numerous spots to stop and soak in the ocean views. It’s a perfect example of a journey that’s as rewarding as the destination itself.

Route 66, USA 🇺🇸

The Quintessential American Road Trip

Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is steeped in Americana and offers a historical road trip through the heart of the United States. Spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica, this iconic highway passes through small towns, past vintage motels and diners, and alongside natural wonders, offering a slice of American history and culture that’s unmatched anywhere else in the country.

Amalfi Coast, Italy 🇮🇹

famous fiordo di furore beach seen from bridge

Italian Charm with a Seaside View

The Amalfi Coast drive, known for its hairpin bends and narrow roads, runs from Sorrento to Salerno in southern Italy. This road skirts the high cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, providing stunning views of steep cliffs, lush vegetation, and colorful towns like Positano and Amalfi that seem to tumble down the hillsides to the water below.

The Atlantic Road, Norway 🇳🇴

Engineering Marvel Meets Natural Beauty

Norway’s Atlantic Road is famed for its innovative architecture and dramatic natural scenery. This short but stunning drive spans several small islands connected by bridges, with the Atlantic Ocean on both sides. The most photographed is Storseisundet Bridge, an architectural marvel that looks like a bridge to nowhere.

Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa 🇿🇦

Panoramic Views in Cape Town

Chapman’s Peak Drive in Cape Town is renowned for its spectacular 180-degree views of the Atlantic Coastline. This road carves its way between steep mountain cliffs and the sea below, offering numerous viewing spots to stop and take in the expansive ocean views and rugged cliff faces.

Planning Your Scenic Road Trip

Best Times to Travel

Maloja Pass: Late spring through early fall to avoid winter closures.
Great Ocean Road: Summer for beach stops, though spring and fall offer beautiful foliage and whale-watching opportunities.
Route 66: Spring or fall to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer.
Amalfi Coast: Late spring or early fall to avoid the crowds of summer.

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What to Bring

Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry local maps or have offline GPS access, and bring along a camera to capture the stunning landscapes. It’s also wise to pack snacks and water, especially for more remote stretches of road.

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