Adventure seekers, pack your bags and hit the road for the best road trips in the world! Our planet is brimming with awe-inspiring landscapes, charming towns, and thrilling experiences just waiting to be discovered. Embarking on a road trip allows you to explore these wonders at your own pace, while creating unforgettable memories along the way. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the top road trips around the globe that cater to the adventurer in you. Fasten your seatbelts and let’s explore the best road trips the world has to offer!
11 Best Road Trips in the World
1. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Stretching over 240 kilometers along the southeastern coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road offers breathtaking coastal views, lush rainforests, and the famous Twelve Apostles limestone formations. Stop by the vibrant surf towns of Torquay and Lorne, and don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the koalas and kangaroos in the Great Otway National Park.
2. Iceland’s Ring Road
Iceland’s Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, is a 1,332-kilometer loop that circumnavigates the entire island. This epic journey takes you past active volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers. Highlights include the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the powerful Dettifoss waterfall, and the quaint village of Vik with its black sand beaches.
3. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Experience the charm of Italy’s southern coastline on a road trip through the Amalfi Coast. This 50-kilometer stretch of winding roads offers dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and azure seas. Visit the popular towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, while enjoying the exquisite local cuisine, wine, and gelato.
4. The Pacific Coast Highway, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, stretches over 1,000 kilometers along the coast of California. From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the sandy beaches of Malibu, this scenic route showcases the diverse beauty of the Golden State. Key stops include San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles. And when your stomach starts to rumble, I highly recommend you stop by Sam’s Chowder House for a lobster roll. They’re legendary!
5. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Explore the wild beauty of Ireland on a 2,500-kilometer journey along the Wild Atlantic Way. This epic route, which runs from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north to Kinsale in the south, offers rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages. Must-see attractions include the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael.
See also: Ireland Road Trip Ideas for Summer
6. South Island Circuit, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is a paradise for nature lovers, and there’s no better way to explore it than on a road trip. The South Island Circuit takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Southern Alps, the Fiordland National Park, and the Marlborough Sounds. Highlights include Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the whale-watching town of Kaikoura.
7. Ruta 40, Argentina
Spanning over 5,000 kilometers, Argentina’s Ruta 40 is one of the longest roads in the world. This epic journey takes you from the Andes in the north to the windswept plains of Patagonia in the south. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, and shimmering lakes. Key stops on this road trip include Salta, the wine region of Mendoza, the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, and the vibrant city of Bariloche.
8. The Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route stretches for approximately 300 kilometers between the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape provinces. This beautiful drive takes you through a mix of ancient forests, mountain passes, and pristine coastline. Key attractions along the route include the Tsitsikamma National Park, the tranquil Knysna Lagoon, and the ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn.
9. The Atlantic Road, Norway
The Atlantic Road, also known as Atlanterhavsveien, is an 8.3-kilometer stretch of road that connects the Norwegian coastal towns of Kristiansund and Molde. This engineering marvel zigzags across several islands and islets, offering panoramic views of the North Atlantic Ocean. The drive is especially thrilling during stormy weather, when waves crash over the road’s causeways and bridges.
10. The Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
Winding its way through the Carpathian Mountains, the Transfăgărășan Highway is often regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. This 90-kilometer route offers steep hairpin turns, breathtaking mountain views, and picturesque valleys. Key attractions include the Balea Lake, Poenari Castle, and the Vidraru Dam.
11. The Cabot Trail, Canada
The Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometer loop around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. This scenic drive offers dramatic coastal views, lush forests, and charming fishing villages. As you navigate the winding roads, be sure to explore the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and visit the cultural hub of Baddeck, where you can learn about the island’s rich history and heritage.
These are just a few of the best road trips in the world that offer unforgettable experiences for adventure seekers. Each journey provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of diverse landscapes, making memories that will last a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your keys, hit the open road, and start exploring the world’s wonders!
