12 Most Stunning Coastal Drives in the World You Must Not Miss

Take to the wheel close to the coastline, and you could be in for the drive of your life. From Canada, Chile, or California to Scotland and South Africa, stunning coastal roads are dotted all over the globe. Discover a dozen of the world’s most epic seaside trips!

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Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route is one of the world’s most epic coastal drives. It stretches from Mossel Bay via the Western Cape to Storms River. Expect stunning beaches, native forests, blue lagoons, and lovely towns. Everything here – from the food to the surf and the road itself – is top-notch.

North Coast 500, Scotland

The North Coast 500 is named for its position and length, covering 500 miles of coastal route.

It begins and ends in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and close to the legendary Loch Ness. Do this one between May and September if you can, when warmer weather means more remote roads are likely to be open.

Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway

You don’t have to face too many miles at the wheel to enjoy one of the top coastal drives on the planet. Norway’’s Atlantic Ocean Road covers a mere five miles and eight bridges. It connects the fjordland towns of Kristiansund and Molde.

Ruta 1, Chile

Northern Chile’s Ruta 1 is also often named among the planet’s top driving destinations. The route runs by the South Pacific Ocean, starting in Iquique and ending close to Antofagasta. Expect lunar landscapes, dunes, hot springs, salt flats, and mountain peaks along the way.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most scenic coastal route. Built by soldiers who’d returned from World War I, it’s a stunning 150-mile drive along the Victorian coastline. You can expect to see world-class surf beaches, local wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, charming coastal towns, and the area’s famous limestone rock formations.

Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

Less romantically known as the SS163, the Amalfi Coast Road covers over 30 miles of coastline alongside the Tyrrhenian Sea. There are some narrow stretches, tight bends, and steep climbs, so it’s not for inexperienced drivers. Parking anywhere here can be tricky, so commit those vistas to memory.

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Pacific Coast Highway, California

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The Pacific Coast Highway in the US is one jaw-dropping coastal drive. Expect tall trees and towering mountains, as well as breathtaking beaches. There’s lots to experience en route, including a thriving food and wine scene, surf culture, and timeless California towns.

Heading out from San Francisco, you can also visit Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego and lesser-known spots like Cambria, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Solvang, and Los Olivos.

Adriatic Highway – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro

12 World’s Most Stunning Coastal Drives Adriatic Highway — © dreamer4787 / Adobe Stock

The Adriatic Highway traces the Adriatic Sea’s east coast, passing through Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Expect superlative views from elevated mountain stretches, plus sections that seem to hug the shoreline. This route is far safer than some of the world’s best scenic drives.

The Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii

12 World’s Most Stunning Coastal Drives The Road to Hana, Maui — © Fominayaphoto / Adobe Stock

Traveling along the Road to Hana on Maui isn’t for the faint-hearted. Don’t venture here after dark – or be tempted to peep over the edge. Take on one of the world’s most dangerous roads, and the rewards are very rich indeed, with incredible panoramas over the Hawaiian archipelago.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Also known as the Giant’s Causeway Road, the Causeway Coastal Route stretches from Belfast to Derry. It’s lined with superb coastal lookouts and windswept cliffs. Don’t miss Giant’s Causeway near Bushmills in County Antrim, with its unique basalt columns.

Estrada de Escarpa, Portugal

Conveniently close to Lisbon is the N379-1, around 30 30-minute drive from Lisbon. It’s one of the most scenic routes in Europe. Expect sea cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and vast swathes of emerald forest when traveling along the Estrada de Escarpa.

Cabot Trail, Canada

The Cabot Trail traverses the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. It’s around 185 miles long and regarded as one of the world’s finest road trips. It is a spectacular drive with forest to one side and the Atlantic on the other.