There’s something magical about driving along a coastal route with breathtaking ocean views, where the road meets the horizon, and the scenery takes your breath away. These routes offer more than just a way to get from point A to point B—they provide a journey filled with natural beauty and tranquility. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most stunning coastal routes around the world, where you can experience the awe-inspiring sights of the ocean, dramatic cliffs, and serene beaches. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just dreaming of one, these routes promise unforgettable views at every turn.
Contents
Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California State Route 1, is one of the most iconic coastal routes in the world. Stretching over 600 miles from Orange County to Mendocino County, the PCH offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. Notable stops along the way include Big Sur, where the highway winds along dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking ocean vistas, and the charming towns of Monterey and Santa Barbara. Travelers should take their time, as the route’s many curves and elevation changes require careful driving, but the views make every mile worthwhile. A tip: plan your trip to include the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed spots on the route.
Great Ocean Road (Victoria, Australia)
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is a 151-mile stretch of coastal highway that offers some of the most spectacular ocean views in the Southern Hemisphere. The route begins in Torquay and ends in Allansford, passing through lush rainforests, limestone cliffs, and stunning coastal formations like the Twelve Apostles—a group of towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Travelers can also explore the beautiful beaches and quaint seaside towns along the way. A must-see is the Loch Ard Gorge, a dramatic shipwreck site with clear blue waters. A tip: consider visiting during the Australian spring (September to November) when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Amalfi Coast (Campania, Italy)
The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Italy, is renowned for its stunning beauty and dramatic coastal scenery. The SS163 road, also known as the Amalfi Drive, stretches 30 miles from Sorrento to Salerno, hugging the cliffs and offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The route passes through picturesque towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, where visitors can enjoy vibrant architecture, delicious cuisine, and stunning sea views. The narrow, winding road can be challenging to drive, so consider hiring a local driver or taking a guided tour. A tip: visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
Ring of Kerry (County Kerry, Ireland)
The Ring of Kerry is a scenic loop in County Kerry, Ireland, that offers a mix of coastal views, rugged landscapes, and charming villages. This 111-mile route takes you along the Iveragh Peninsula, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. Highlights include the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass with dramatic scenery, and the Skellig Ring, where you can see the Skellig Islands—famous for their ancient monastic sites and as a filming location for Star Wars. A tip: travel clockwise around the loop to avoid getting stuck behind tour buses, which typically travel counterclockwise.
Garden Route (Western Cape, South Africa)
The Garden Route is a scenic drive along South Africa’s southern coast, stretching approximately 200 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River. This route offers diverse landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush forests, and stunning ocean views. Highlights include the coastal town of Knysna, famous for its lagoon and oysters, and the Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can explore the dramatic coastline and indigenous forests. The Garden Route is also known for its rich biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature lovers. A tip: plan a stop at the Bloukrans Bridge, where thrill-seekers can experience the world’s highest commercial bungee jump.
Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)
The Cabot Trail is a scenic loop that winds through Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. This 185-mile route takes you through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you can enjoy panoramic ocean vistas, forested valleys, and vibrant fall foliage. The trail is also rich in cultural experiences, with opportunities to explore Celtic and Acadian heritage in the local communities. A tip: drive the trail clockwise for the best ocean views and plan your trip in late September to mid-October to witness the spectacular autumn colors.
Highway 101 (Oregon Coast, USA)
Oregon’s Highway 101 offers a breathtaking coastal drive that stretches for about 363 miles along the state’s rugged Pacific coastline. The route provides stunning views of the ocean, rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque lighthouses. Key stops along the way include Cannon Beach, famous for Haystack Rock, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where massive sand dunes meet the ocean. The route also passes through charming seaside towns like Newport and Florence. A tip: take your time exploring the various state parks along the route, such as Ecola State Park and Cape Perpetua, which offer some of the most stunning viewpoints.
Atlantic Road (Møre og Romsdal, Norway)
The Atlantic Road, known as Atlanterhavsveien in Norwegian, is a unique and dramatic coastal drive that connects a series of small islands and islets in the Møre og Romsdal region of Norway. Spanning just over 5 miles, this short but spectacular route features a series of bridges that offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding rugged coastline. The Storseisundet Bridge, with its dramatic curve, is a highlight and a popular photo spot. The road is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. A tip: visit during the fall for a chance to experience the road in stormy weather, when the waves crash dramatically against the bridges.
Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world, stretching over 1,500 miles along Ireland’s west coast. The route offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and the remote Aran Islands. The drive takes you through charming villages where you can experience traditional Irish culture, music, and hospitality. A tip: while the entire route is worth exploring, consider focusing on a specific section, such as County Clare or Donegal, to fully immerse yourself in the scenery and local culture.
Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)
The Causeway Coastal Route is a 120-mile drive along Northern Ireland’s rugged coast, offering stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and dramatic landscapes. The route begins in Belfast and ends in Derry, passing through iconic sites such as the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique basalt columns. Other highlights include the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Dark Hedges, and the coastal town of Portrush. A tip: plan your visit to the Giant’s Causeway early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty in peace.
Costa Brava Coastal Route (Catalonia, Spain)
The Costa Brava Coastal Route in Catalonia, Spain, offers a stunning drive along the Mediterranean coast, known for its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. The route runs from Blanes to the French border, passing through picturesque towns like Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués, and Begur. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, charming fishing villages, and historic sites like the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat. A tip: take the time to explore the coastal paths (Cami de Ronda) that connect the small coves and beaches, offering some of the best views and photo opportunities along the route.
Pacific Rim Highway (British Columbia, Canada)
The Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, offers a scenic drive through lush rainforests, towering mountains, and along the rugged Pacific coastline. The 100-mile route connects the town of Parksville to the popular surf town of Tofino, passing through the stunning Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The drive offers breathtaking views of the ocean, old-growth forests, and sandy beaches. A tip: plan to stop at Cathedral Grove, a section of MacMillan Provincial Park, to see some of the island’s oldest and largest trees, and take a break at Long Beach for a walk along its expansive sandy shore.
Basque Corniche (France/Spain Border)
The Basque Corniche, a stunning coastal route along the border of France and Spain, offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay. The drive stretches from the French town of Hendaye to the Spanish town of San Sebastián, passing through the dramatic cliffs and rolling hills of the Basque Country. Along the way, you’ll find picturesque villages, charming beaches, and vibrant coastal towns like Biarritz. A tip: stop at the small fishing village of Hondarribia, known for its colorful houses and delicious Basque cuisine, and take a detour to the Jaizkibel mountain for panoramic views of the coast.
Chapman’s Peak Drive (Western Cape, South Africa)
Chapman’s Peak Drive, located on the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, is a breathtaking coastal route that offers some of the most stunning ocean views in the world. The 5.5-mile drive connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek, winding along the steep cliffs of Chapman’s Peak and offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. The route features several lookout points where you can stop and take in the scenery. A tip: drive this route at sunset for an unforgettable experience, as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the ocean and mountains.
Amalfi Drive (Amalfi Coast, Italy)
The Amalfi Drive (SS163) is a legendary coastal route on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 30-mile drive runs from Sorrento to Salerno, passing through iconic towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. The road is narrow and winding, offering breathtaking views at every turn. A tip: consider hiring a local driver or taking a guided tour, as the road can be challenging to navigate, especially in the peak tourist season when it gets crowded.
Route 1 (Iceland)
Iceland’s Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, is a 828-mile loop that circles the entire island, offering stunning coastal views and access to some of the country’s most famous natural attractions. The drive takes you past dramatic fjords, black sand beaches, towering cliffs, and glaciers. Highlights include the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the breathtaking cliffs of the Eastfjords. A tip: be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, and plan your trip during the summer months when the days are long and the weather is more favorable.
The Coastal Way (Wales, UK)
The Coastal Way is a scenic drive along the west coast of Wales, part of the larger Wales Way network. The route runs from Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula to St. Davids in Pembrokeshire, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches. The drive takes you through charming seaside towns like Aberaeron and New Quay, as well as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. A tip: make time to visit some of the historic sites along the way, such as the 13th-century Harlech Castle, which offers panoramic views of the coast and mountains.
Pacific Marine Circle Route (British Columbia, Canada)
The Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, offers a stunning drive through coastal rainforests, along the rugged Pacific coastline, and past serene lakes. The 180-mile loop starts in Victoria and passes through the charming town of Sooke, the remote fishing village of Port Renfrew, and the Cowichan Valley wine region. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking ocean views, pristine beaches, and lush forests. A tip: stop at the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail for a hike along the coastline, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.
Big Sur (California, USA)
Big Sur, a rugged stretch of California’s coastline, offers one of the most scenic drives in the world. The drive along Highway 1 through Big Sur takes you past dramatic cliffs, towering redwoods, and breathtaking ocean views. Highlights include the Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and the picturesque coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The route offers numerous pull-offs where you can stop and take in the stunning scenery. A tip: visit during the spring or fall to avoid the peak summer crowds and enjoy the wildflowers and coastal views.
Route des Crêtes (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France)
The Route des Crêtes is a spectacular coastal drive in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged cliffs of the Calanques. This 9-mile route runs between the towns of Cassis and La Ciotat, winding along the cliff tops of Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France. The drive offers panoramic vistas of the azure waters below, with numerous viewpoints where you can stop and take in the scenery. The Route des Crêtes is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset when the cliffs are bathed in golden light. A tip: the road can be narrow and winding, so take your time and drive carefully, especially in the summer months when it can be busy with tourists.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
More from MyCarMakesNoise
11 Worst Car Battery Brands You Should Avoid
Choosing the right car battery is crucial for ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly. Unfortunately, not all brands live up to their promises. Read More.
13 Luxurious Commercial Airplanes You Should Know
These select flights feature state-of-the-art amenities, gourmet dining, and bespoke services, redefining luxury travel and ensuring that every journey is as memorable as the destination itself. Read More.
20 Fascinating Facts About the Golden Age of Aviation
Step back in time to the Golden Age of Aviation, an era marked by groundbreaking innovations and the glamorous allure of air travel. Spanning from the 1920s to the 1950s, this period transformed aviation with daring feats and technological breakthroughs. Read More.
