20 Scenic Coastal Roads Around the World to Drive or Cycle

Ready to breathe in salty air, catch spectacular sea views, and cruise hairpin bends with waves beside you? Buckle up (or grab your helmet)! Here’s your guide to the most jaw-dropping coastal roads that promise adventure, relaxation, and plenty of photo ops. Whether you prefer the hum of an engine or the quiet spin of pedals, these routes are pure magic.

Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

Picture pastel cliffsides, lemon groves, and blue-green water sparkling all the way to the horizon. The SS163—known as the Amalfi Drive—winds through charming villages like Positano and Ravello, making every turn an adventure in beauty. Hopping in a car or tackling the route by bike is unforgettable, with plenty of local cafes waiting for a pit stop.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

This legendary stretch along Victoria’s southern coast turns every driver and cyclist into a photographer. The road winds past the iconic Twelve Apostles, lush rainforests, and surfing villages like Torquay. Take a day—or slow down and take two—to soak in every wild vista and maybe spot a kangaroo or two. For more on this classic Aussie drive, check out The Best Coastal Routes to Drive on a Road Trip Holiday.

Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1), USA

Big Sur’s misty cliffs and redwood forests set the mood along California’s Highway 1. This world-famous drive hugs crumbling bluffs and sends you swooping over dramatic bridges (hello, Bixby Creek). Pro tip: Sunrise brings almost empty roads and the softest Pacific light—perfect for cycling or a slow cruise.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

This rugged route traces the full length of Ireland’s west coast—nearly 1,500 miles of wind-whipped cliffs, tucked-away beaches, and cozy pubs. Each peninsula is a little different, from the moonscape of Burren to the lighthouse-dotted Skellig Ring. Pull over, grab a pint, and meet the friendliest locals anywhere. More details on Ireland’s best coastal stretches can be found at Exquisite Coasts.

Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa

Between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, this five-mile masterpiece hugs South Africa’s Cape Peninsula. Sheer rock faces on one side, breaking surf on the other—every second is a postcard. Cyclists should note: the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour tackles this stretch, for good reason!

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada

Forest, mountains, and the raw Atlantic—Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is a wild ride. The roadway loops through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering eagle sightings and endless lighthouses. Fall brings a color show that’ll fill your camera roll.

Les Corniches, Côte d’Azur, France

The three “Corniche” roads curve high above the Mediterranean, connecting Nice to Menton. Each Corniche offers a different experience but all deliver sunset views, cliffside glamour, and glimpses of Monaco’s yachts. Perfect for lovers of French Riviera charm.

Ring Road Route 1, Iceland

This isn’t just a road—it’s a front-row seat to Iceland’s best: black beaches, crashing waterfalls, and puffin colonies. The coastal sections wind along fjords and through sleepy fishing towns. Keep your camera handy for midnight sun or the northern lights if you’re lucky.

Atlantic Road, Norway

A marvel of engineering, Norway’s Atlantic Road leaps across tiny islands via dramatic bridges that seem to float. On stormy days, waves crash over the road—on calm ones, you’ll see fishermen casting lines. It’s short but packs in wild beauty. More about the region’s scenic routes can be found at Boat International’s best coastal routes.

D81 Coastal Road, Corsica

The D81 hugs Corsica’s rugged west coast, snaking through Calanques de Piana (a UNESCO site) and fishing villages. Don’t rush—every bend delivers another jaw-dropping panorama. Cyclists love the mix of challenge and reward. Learn about more top cycling routes in Corsica at Ride and Seek.

Overseas Highway, Florida Keys, USA

This is 113 miles of pure tropical daydream. The Overseas Highway links the Florida Keys over turquoise water, giving you the kind of open-road feeling you only see in movies. Expect lots of sun, seafood shacks, and a gentle ocean breeze.

Garden Route, South Africa

Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, the Garden Route delivers a mix of forest, ocean cliffs, and colorful towns. Stop for local markets, beaches, and—if you’re feeling brave—a bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge!

Costa Vicentina, Portugal

Long, wild beaches and untouched nature define Portugal’s southwestern Costa Vicentina. The road through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is lined with surf towns and dramatic cliffs. The sunsets are pure fire.

Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii

Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii

Tropical flowers, waterfalls, and the deep blue Pacific—what’s not to love? The Hana Highway is narrow and winding, with over 600 curves and 50 bridges. Linger at roadside fruit stands and secret swim holes along the way. You’ll talk about it for years.

Lofoten Archipelago E10, Norway

This dreamlike road skims the edge of Arctic islands, weaving through fishing villages with jagged peaks as a backdrop. In June and July the midnight sun glows orange on the water, while in winter the Northern Lights dance above.

Pacific Coast Highway, Oregon, USA

Not to be confused with its California cousin, Oregon’s Highway 101 is all about wild beaches, rocky headlands, and giant dunes. Stop for tide pools, old-growth forests, and chowder in a lighthouse café.

Adriatic Coast Road, Croatia

The Adriatic coast winds past terracotta-roofed towns and clear blue water from Rijeka to Dubrovnik. It’s twisty, historic, and lined with places to swim. Definitely take a break to wander the ancient streets in Split and Zadar.

Far North Coastal Route, Scotland

This remote route (the NC500) serves up rugged cliffs, empty beaches, and stone castles at every turn. Wild camping is allowed, so bring a tent and wake up to the sound of the sea.

Hokkaido Coastal Route, Japan

Hokkaido’s pristine east coast is popular with cyclists and drivers alike. You’ll see dramatic drift-ice in winter and wildflowers in summer, plus plenty of onsens for a hot soak at day’s end. Explore more of the region’s cycling wonders at Epic Road Rides.

Atlantic Drive, Achill Island, Ireland

Quiet, rugged, and impossibly green: Achill Island’s Atlantic Drive is a short stretch that packs a scenic punch. Steep cliffs drop to rolling surf below, and sheep often outnumber cars.

Conclusion

Craving open skies and the scent of salt on the breeze? These 20 scenic coastal roads spotlight the world’s best places to drive or cycle with the ocean as your guide. From Ireland’s wild Atlantic headlands to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, every route on this list is loaded with unforgettable views. So whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just daydreaming, let these roads inspire your inner traveler. Ready to hit the road (or pedal off into the sunset)? Your adventure starts here!