Exploring the world on a motorcycle offers unparalleled freedom and excitement, from the feel of the wind to the rumble of the engine. Here, we highlight some of the world’s most stunning and thrilling motorcycle routes, from Italy’s Amalfi Coast to the towering Karakoram Highway in China and Pakistan. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
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Route Napoleon, France
The Route Napoleon, stretching over 325 kilometers, is famous as the path Napoleon took in 1815 on his return from Elba. Starting from Grenoble and ending in Cannes, it offers riders sweeping views of the French Alps, fertile valleys, and the Mediterranean Sea. The road features superbly engineered curves that make it a rider’s dream, and it’s especially enjoyable in the spring when the mountains are still capped with snow.
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway, also known as Ceausescu’s Folly, is touted as one of the most scenic roads in the world. Crossing the Fagaras mountain range in the Transylvanian Alps, the road covers over 90 kilometers of twists, turns, steep descents, and tunnels. Its most iconic point is the view of Lake Balea from the highest point of the road. This route was famously featured on BBC’s Top Gear, where it was dubbed “the best road in the world.”
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy’s Amalfi Coast offers a stunning 50-kilometer ride along the Sorrentine Peninsula’s southern edge. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and cliffside Sorrento winds through terraced vineyards, lemon groves, and pastel-colored villages that appear to tumble into the sea. The road is narrow, but the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean make the ride worth it. UNESCO lists the Amalfi Coast as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional cultural landscape.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
Cutting through the heart of the Austrian Alps, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers an exhilarating ride across 48 kilometers of dramatic mountain scenery. Riders can explore the Hohe Tauern National Park and ride to the foot of Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. The road also provides 36 challenging hairpin bends, ideal for thrill-seekers. The route has an elevation gain of over 2,500 meters, making it a high-altitude adventure.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
At 2,757 meters above sea level, the Stelvio Pass is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps and the second-highest in the Alps, right after France’s Col de l’Iseran. It has 75 hairpin turns, 48 of which are on the northern side, numbered with stones. The pass offers a thrilling ride with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys. Fun fact: The Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s most prominent cycling races, often includes the Stelvio Pass.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road offers a breathtaking ride along the country’s southeastern coast. The 243-kilometer route winds through rainforests, stunning cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Its most iconic sight is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. Between 1919 and 1932, returned soldiers built the road, the world’s largest war memorial dedicated to casualties of World War I.
Trollstigen, Norway
Trollstigen, or the Troll’s Path, is a serpentine mountain road in Rauma Municipality, Norway. Its steep incline of 10% and 11 hairpin bends offer a challenging yet exhilarating ride. The breathtaking view from the top takes in the Stigfossen waterfall, which falls 320 meters down the mountain face. The modern viewing platform at the summit adds to the experience. Note that the road is usually closed during late autumn and winter.
Ruta 40, Argentina
Ruta 40 is the longest route in Argentina and one of the longest in the world, stretching over 5,000 kilometers from Punta Loyola near Rio Gallegos in Santa Cruz Province in the south to the border with Bolivia in the north. It offers an epic journey traversing 20 national parks, 18 major rivers, and 27 mountain passes in the Andes. Riders can experience the diversity of Argentinian landscapes, from the Pampas plains to the Andes’ lofty heights.
Cabot Trail, Canada
Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is a scenic roadway that covers 298 kilometers around the island’s northern tip. Named after explorer John Cabot, the trail offers a mix of Gaelic, Acadian, and indigenous cultures, with eateries, shops, and museums along the way. It winds through stunning landscapes, with the Gulf of St. Lawrence vistas, the Atlantic Ocean, and the lush Highlands National Park. Wildlife sightings, including moose and bald eagles, are common along the route.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry in southwest Ireland provides a circular route of 179 kilometers, covering some of the country’s most outstanding scenery. The route passes through charming villages, rugged cliffs, ancient monuments, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The diverse landscapes, rich history, culture, and Irish hospitality make this route an unforgettable journey.
North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500, launched in 2015, is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. The route offers an adventurous ride, offering dramatic landscapes of wild mountains, white sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs. On this iconic Scottish road trip, riders can also explore ancient castles, whisky distilleries, and abundant wildlife.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
Chapman’s Peak Drive is a 9-kilometer route that winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast, on the southwestern tip of South Africa. With 114 curves, this road is a paradise for riders who love a twisty route. The panoramic sea views are simply breathtaking, and the route offers several spots to pull over and take in the stunning scenery. The road is a feat of engineering and was initially opened in 1922.
The Cat and Fiddle Road, England
Known formally as the A537, the Cat and Fiddle Road is an 11-kilometer stretch running between Buxton, Derbyshire, and Macclesfield, Cheshire, named after the Cat and Fiddle Inn at its summit. It’s one of Britain’s most famous biking roads, offering steep climbs, sharp bends, and stunning views of the surrounding Peak District National Park. Despite its beauty, caution is advised as the road has been labeled one of Britain’s most dangerous due to its challenging bends and twists.
The Karakoram Highway, China/Pakistan
Known as the world’s highest paved international roadway, the Karakoram Highway runs over 1,300 kilometers from Pakistan’s Punjab province to China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It offers views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, and passes through remarkable gorges along the old Silk Road. Riders should know that altitude sickness can be a real issue, given that the highway reaches over 4,600 meters above sea level.
Paso de los Caracoles, Chile/Argentina
The Paso de los Caracoles, or Snails Pass, also known as Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, is a mountain pass in the Andes between Argentina and Chile. It’s known for its series of 29 hairpin turns on the Chilean side, which offers an incredible riding experience for motorcyclists. The route provides stunning views of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas. Snow can close the pass during winter, so summer is the best time to ride.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Stretching over 600 miles from San Francisco to San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers one of the most iconic motorcycle rides in the United States. Known for its stunning ocean views, the route passes through charming coastal towns and major cities alike. Riders can enjoy the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, the luxury of Malibu, and the historic bridges along the way. Weather can vary greatly, so riders should prepare for both warm sunshine and potential fog, especially in the northern sections.
The Atlantic Road, Norway
Known as “Atlanterhavsveien” in Norwegian, this 8.3-kilometer road offers an exhilarating ride across several islands, linked by causeways, viaducts, and eight bridges. The most famous bridge, Storseisundet Bridge, curves dramatically and gives the illusion of leading straight into the ocean. The Atlantic Road is known for its wild nature and can be thrilling to ride during a storm when the waves break directly onto the road.
Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, United Arab Emirates
This mountain road spans 11.7 kilometers and includes 21 turns winding up to the second highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Hafeet. The road’s surface is immaculate, offering a smooth ride with sweeping curves and considerable elevation gain, ideal for sport riding. The summit offers stunning views of the desert that stretches to Oman and is particularly magical at sunset.
The Snake, USA
Located near Los Angeles, California, “The Snake” is a section of Mulholland Highway renowned for its twisty 21-mile stretch with tight turns and quick elevation changes. It’s a popular spot for motorcycle enthusiasts and offers challenging rides as well as opportunities to spot exotic cars and bikes on weekends. Riders should be cautious, as the roads can be crowded and accidents are not uncommon due to the difficult curves.
The Catlins, New Zealand
The Catlins Coast Road on the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island offers a remote and scenic experience, with views of rugged cliffs, rolling farmlands, and the untamed southern ocean. This 120-kilometer route is less traveled but boasts key sights like Nugget Point Lighthouse and Purakaunui Falls. Riders should be prepared for variable weather and strong winds, typical of coastal New Zealand.
Serra do Rio do Rastro, Brazil
This Brazilian mountain road is famous for its extreme curves and breathtaking views. The road climbs the Santa Catarina range with more than 250 turns along 12 kilometers, often enveloped in thick fog, adding to its mystique and challenge. The summit provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Forest, making it a photographer’s and rider’s paradise. Due to occasional heavy fog and rainfall, riders are advised to tackle this route with caution.
The Transalpina, Romania
Higher than the Transfagarasan, the Transalpina is the highest road in Romania and offers a challenging but scenic ride through the Carpathian Mountains. With peaks at about 2,145 meters, it provides majestic views and a remote feel. The road is less touristy than the Transfagarasan and offers a pure connection with nature. It’s best ridden in the warmer months, as it is often closed during winter due to snow.
Blue Ridge Parkway, USA
Connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches over 469 miles of mountain roads. Known for its scenic beauty, the route offers lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and flowering spring trees or fiery fall colors depending on the season. It’s a leisurely ride with speed limits rarely exceeding 45 mph, allowing riders to fully embrace the tranquility of the Appalachian Highlands.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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