11 Most Beautiful Drives Around the World

Tap to Read ➤ Apurva Neurgaonkar

Of the 18 million kilometers or 11 million miles of roadways crisscrossing the globe, some are like boring pavements that connect two places, while a few are worth the drive. Be it due their amazing location, adrenalin factor, or expectation of adventure, these roads provide a great journey.

Also known as RN 40, this highway stretching from Cabo Virgenes in the south to La Quiaca to the north boasts of some of the longest stretches of highways in the world. It connects 20 national parks, crosses 18 major rivers, and 27 passes on the Andes, reaching 5,000 meters above sea level in Abra del Acay in Salta. Ruta 40, Argentina

Tianmen Mountain Road, China

Tianmen mountain is located within Tianmen Mountain National Park in NW Hunan Province, China. It has a cable-car service from Zhangjiajie railway station to the top of the mountain, featuring 98 cars and a total length of 7,455 meters, with an ascent of 1,279 meters.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The road is 11 km long and has 99 bends leading to towards the Tianmen cave, a natural hole in the mountain at a height of 131.5 meters.

Chapman's Peak Drive, South Africa

Affectionately called 'Chappies' and located at the western side of Cape Peninsula, 15 km south of Cape Town, South Africa, Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most impressive marine drives in the world. A 9-km route with 114 curves is a paradise for motorists, sightseers, runners, and bikers.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. It is also a part of two of South Africa's biggest mass participation races, the Cape Argus Cycle Race and the Two Oceans Marathon.

Ladakh, the land of high passes and the most visited tourist destinations in India. Located 3,000 meters above sea level, it provides a splendid view of the Himalayan and the Karakoram Mountain ranges adding to the alluring beauty. Reach Ladakh, from Srinagar to Leh, which opens in early May to late October, or from Manali to Leh.

Located in Country Kerry, Ireland, Conor Pass (Irish: An Chonair) is one of the highest mountain passes served by an asphalted road. Conor Pass, Ireland

It is a 456-meter high pass which connects Dingle, on the Southwestern end of Dingle peninsula with Brandon Bay and Castlegregory in the Northeast. The bicycle ascent to the pass is one of the most famous and difficult climbs in Ireland.

The magical Amalfi coast which stretches along the Southern coast of Sorrentine Peninsula in the province of Salerno in Southern Italy, seems to be a painter’s idea of creating a landscape which enchants and thrills the visitor.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. With its sweet scents of lemon blossoms mixing itself with the fragrances of Mediterranean scents and the scent of saltiness. It comprises 13 cities and was declared 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO in 1997.

A winding mountain road in More og Romsdal county in Norway, is a part of Norwegian Country road 63 connecting the town of Andalsnes in Rauma and the village of Valldal in Norddal Municipality.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. It has a steep incline of 10% and consists of 11 hairpin bends. Encircling the road are grand mountains, Kongen (the King), Dronningen (the Queen) and Bispen (the Bishop).

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Victoria's Great Ocean Road is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world with the lofty 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks and misty waterfalls to keep you company. You can try out a wide range of outdoor activities like surfing, scuba diving, sea kayaking to arts, and explore cultural and heritage attractions.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Admire the amazing coastline while getting close to the native wildlife at Tower Hill and explore the fishing villages, shipwrecks, and migrating whales.

Transfagarasan Highway Romania

Also known as 'Ceauşescu's Folly', the Transfagarasan Highway is the second highest paved road after the Transalpina. It is a mountain paved road crossing the southern historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. It has been a major tourist attraction ever since it appeared on BBC's Top Gear in 2009.

A82 Road, Scotland Named the second largest primary A-road in Scotland, A82 Road zips from Glasgow to Inverness by the way of Fort William, passing the shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Ness.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. This road's winding design provides impressive views and is very fun and easy to ride. Though, it is frequently regarded a dangerous road as the section of A82 between Tarbet and Ardlui is so narrow that two trucks can hardly pass each other.

Furka Pass, Switzerland

With an elevation of 2429m, Furka Pass is the highest mountain pass in the Swiss Alps. It is located in the snowiest regions in Switzerland. This road encompasses miles of exciting and countless twists and turns, high elevation, and steep grades.

Explore all the views leisurely, especially the famous Rhone Glacier. A word of caution, the glacier is still losing ice that crashes down the valley from time to time.