Comments (0) Photography

The 12 Most Scenic Roads In The World

Spread the love

Advertisement

As an explorer, you need to enjoy every bit of your exploration. Don’t be bored on your driver’s seat while waiting for the real deal. Several roads across the world can offer you more breath-taking views than you could ever imagine. In fact, some of them give you as much experience as traditional parks or museums. We have compiled a list of 12 most scenic roads for you to try whenever you travel to various places across the globe.

Advertisements

Advertisement

From the South African most famous drive to Iceland’s Route 1, these roads will definitely blow your mind. Whether you love heights or driving over oceans, at least one of our suggestions can give you the unreal drive about which you have always dreamt.

  1. Great Ocean Road, Australia

This 150-mile stretch gives you all the unimaginable scenery across the Australian coastline. This highway connects Warrnambool and Torquay towns and winds through various breath-taking sights. Opened in 1932, the road was a product of the Australian soldiers’ work who worked through thick and thin to ensure a safe mode of transport. Today, it serves a tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line during World War I.

Along the way, you will be treated with spectacular views of kangaroos and whales. Great Otway National Park is another amazing sight when you drive the full length of this road. The twelve apostles – tall limestone stacks – and magical waterfalls are some of the things you should expect on your way. There is no better way to experience the beauty of Australia than a Great Ocean Road drive. The next time you visit Australia, ask your guides to show you the place.

  1. Serra do Rio do Rastro Road (SC-438), Brazil

Winding its way from Santa Catarina highlands through Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain ranges is SC-438 road. Its final destination is the coast, a 1500-meter height difference. A drive via this road will take you through some of the most scenic adventures in Brazil. The deep cliffs along this road can be dangerous if you are not an experienced driver. Otherwise, the whole journey will treat you with sights on remarkable landscapes. Along the way, you will be able to see valleys, waterfalls, and canyons. Snowfalls and frosts are common here and can obscure your sight if you drive to the highest point. Therefore, it is important to check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey.

  1. Atlantic Road, Norway

If you are a driving enthusiast, this might just be your best road trip. Jump on your driver’s seat and experience the feeling of driving in this unbelievable route. Running for about five miles, the Atlantic Road winds through a series of islands and bridges. It is the linking highway between Kervang and Vevang villages. Just looking at it from an angle gives you all the proof you need to justify why it is usually ranked as one of the world’s best drives.

However, viewing does not tell the whole story, you need to board a trip via this beautiful, yet scary roads. We must point out that this is not a trip for the fainthearted because the twists and turns could send you to panic mode. At some point, you might feel as if you are falling straight to this wave-prone sea. Before the end of your trip, you will go past eight bridges – tall and short. Atlantic Road is worth your time and every penny; you won’t regret the experience.

  1. A82 Road, Scotland

Do you have plans of visiting Scotland any time soon? Why not try the A82 route and check the beautiful countryside of Scotland? Running through Fort William, the road links Inverness to Glasgow. This scenic road also passes the shores of Loch Ness and Loch Lemond. Don’t forget to pack your camera because the scenes will some recording. Its winding was designed in such a way that you can enjoy panoramic views. It curviness makes it fun and ideal for a smooth, peaceful ride. It is, however, one of the most dangerous in the world because of some narrow parts. These areas are too narrow that two tracks cannot go past each other in a corner. Therefore, on a busy day transport along this road can be very slow. Nonetheless, its extensive scenery keeps attracting tourists every single year. Mountains, blue waters, and the freshness of its surrounding will keep you driving along this road several times.

  1. US Route 163, Utah

Stagecoach and Easy Rider films included this amazing byway in some of their scenes. As one of the oldest roads in the history of transport, Route 163 remains an iconic structure in the United States. The road snakes past the red rock desert and other sights before finally ending in Bluff town. Along the way, you will be treated to the views of Utah, a feel of driving on the suspended bridge crossing San Juan River and more. Its highest point is in Bluff and is elevated to a height of 300 feet. If you are planning to visit Utah or the surrounding towns, remember to include Route 163 in your to-do-list.

  1. Strada Statale 163, Italy

Enjoy one of the most epic drives of your life by driving just next to the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Strada Statale 163 has been listed in UNESCO World Heritage and rightly so. The road is flanked by the side of the Sorrento Peninsula on one side, and cliff drops going straight to the sea on the other side. As dangerous as it might seem, it is still one of the best drives in the world that leads every traveller to the world of spectacular sights.

Your journey will start from the beautiful Salerno city and move westwards along the sides of the Sorrento Peninsula. Enjoy the picturesque sights of Positano and Amalfi villages built on the clifftops. This is one of those tours that you must experience in your life as a tourist. Navigate the twists and turns of Strada Statale and let then take your breath away!

  1. Route 1, Iceland

Iceland, as we know it, is a small magical country stuffed with several beautiful places. Route 1 is one of these sceneries that you can take advantage of while in the country. A drive on this scenic road will leave you wanting more; a one-time drive is not enough. It runs along the edges of the island, which makes it even more magical because of the viewpoints along the way.

What is there to see? Well, it will depend on how fast or slow you drive. Nonetheless, there are plenty of things to get excited about once you touch the road. As you drive from Reykjavik, you will be treated with fantastic scenes of fishing villages, mountains, and wild stretch. It is simply a tour you wouldn’t want to miss. In addition, the hot springs of Lake Myvatn, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall will all be right in front of your eyes. Take this once-in-a-lifetime trip and enjoy what nature has to give.

  1. Seven Mile Bridge, USA

Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys connects Lower Keys and Knight’s Keys. A drive on this over-sea highway is one of a kind. Running for 10 kilometres over water, you will be treated to fantastic scenery as you sit right on your driver’s seat. The bridge was completed in 1982 and has undergone various reconstruction phases since then.

It is the perfect way to view the waters in a 360° angle while driving. Are you scared of the water beneath you? Don’t be! You can rest assured that the highway has undergone vigorous checks and is perfectly safe to drive through. The current highway is wide enough for you to drive comfortably while glancing at the green waters around you.

  1. Ruta 40, Argentina

The next time you visit Argentina, don’t forget to drive on the longest road in the country. Stretching for over 3,100 miles, Ruta 40 is one of the world’s longest highway. Running from Cabo Virgenes northwards to La Quiaca, the road meanders the Patagonia plains as it climbs up a hill to a staggering height of 4.9 Kilometers above the sea level.

Apart from experiencing the feeling that comes with climbing up a hill on your vehicle, you will also be treated to the beautiful scenes of Argentina. RN40, as it is also called, stretches through the whole of Argentina’s mainland. On your way to or from La Quica, you will come across some uninhabited and quite remote areas. Therefore, it is recommended that you arm yourself with supplies. In average, the journey will take you at least nine days, depending on your speed. Travel the Argentinian way and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

  1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Arguably the second most famous American road after route 66, Pacific Coast Highway is an ideal route for a road trip lover. The route connects San Diego and Redwood National Forest and is open to anyone wishing to enjoy their trip. This highway will take you through various twists and turns that also come with breath-taking scenery.

Some common modes used on the Pacific Coast Highway include biking, motorcycling, and driving. Depending on your preferred method, you might need to confirm with the relevant authorities as a safety precaution. For instance, the downside of biking is the fact that the area is prone to strong winds. Therefore, the best option to take in this case is to ride southwards. If you are driving or taking a motorcycle, be aware that you might do a refill at a higher price than other parts because of the long stretch in remote areas.

  1. Tianmen Mountain Road

China is known as one of the few countries capable of building unimaginable structures. Let alone the Great Walls of China and the longest international road in the world, there is another magic worth seeing. Tianmen Mountain Road located on Tianmensha mountain is a 6-mile drive that will give a moment of your life. It was constructed for eight years – between 1998 and 2006.

What is amazing is how much height it covers with such a short length. Unlike most roads which meander for hundreds of kilometres to reach the top of a mountain, Tianmen climbs to as high as 1.1 kilometres while covering a linear distance of six miles only. If that is no excuse enough for you to pack your bags, then maybe this is; your drive on this road will drive you to the “Gateway to Heaven.” The Tianmen Cave is believed by the locals to be an opening that leads to heaven. If you are not into driving, you can still view this breath-taking sight from a suspended car – roughly 1.2 kilometres high. Are you ready now? Oh, wait! This road is only for the brave ones. The bends on thus highway make it one of the most dangerous drives in the world. A slight mistake could mean unimaginable repercussions.

  1. Chapman’s Peak Drive Road, South Africa

This list will not be complete without the mention of the pride of South Africa. Chapman’s Peak Drive is located in Cape Town on the side of Chapman Mountain. The road is a five-mile drive from Noordhoek to Hout Bay. It provides its users with terrific coastline views, among other things. Like most of the roads on this list, you will need to be an experienced driver in order to navigate the curves carefully.

What makes Chapman’s Peak Drive quite exciting yet dangerous is its height and the surrounding. It is flanked by the side of Mt. Chapman and steep drops going straight to the Atlantic Ocean. Nonetheless, it is still one of the best drives in the world, considering the sights it gives travellers. The feeling of driving at the edge of the continent is priceless. Make it date to visit South Africa and get a dreamlike experience.

Advertisements
Advertisements

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.