Top 10 Most Breathtaking Roads in the World

The Amalfi Coast Road in Italy is one of the most stunning coastal roads in Europe. Its beauty is both awe-inspiring and slightly intimidating. With every hairpin turn along the seaside, a new breathtaking vista unfolds. This famous coastal route connects the picturesque towns of Positano, Praiano, Ravello, and the iconic Amalfi. Much of the road is carved from nearly vertical limestone cliffs that plunge down to the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea far below.

The Amalfi Coast Road, also known as strada statale 163 Amalfitana or SS163, is the primary route running along the Amalfi Coast. It spans about 50 km and lacks designated stopping points, with a typical drive taking around two hours to complete. With its dramatic cliffs dropping into the azure sea and vibrant coastal towns scattered along the way, this road is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Terraced lemon groves, vineyards, and olive orchards line the path, while charming fishing villages dot the coastline. Whitewashed homes precariously cling to the steep hillsides, cascading toward the ocean below.

Due to its immense popularity, this is also one of the most congested roads globally, especially from June to September. With its narrow, winding turns, you run the risk of encountering oncoming traffic crossing into your lane. In many spots along the Amalfi Coast Road, long lines of parked cars narrow the already tight roadway.

Known as the "Road to the Sky," "The Road to the Clouds," "The Best Driving Road in the World," and even the "Stunning Monument to Megalomania on Earth," the Transfagarasan twists and turns through the Fagaras Mountains, passing the highest peaks in Romania, Moldoveanu and Negoiu. This 90 km road connects southern Romania with Transylvania. A staggering 6,500 tons of explosives were used to carve through the Fagaras range, the highest mountain chain in Romania. Reaching a peak of 2,042 meters near Lake Balea, it is the second-highest road in the country, after the 2,145-meter Transalpina, and is a must-see for any road trip through Romania.

The Transfagarasan was completed in 1974 after nearly five years of intense work by soldiers and engineers. Today, it remains one of the most iconic destinations in Romania and a popular holiday route through Transylvania. The first landmark you'll encounter when driving from the south is Vidraru Lake. This highway links two of Romania's historical provinces, Transylvania (Central Romania) and Wallachia (Southern Romania), through a series of five tunnels, 27 viaducts, and 831 smaller bridges. The road climbs from 496 meters at Cartisoar to nearly 2,042 meters at Balea Lac, winding through trees up to an altitude of about 1,524 meters.

Designed to accommodate heavy military vehicles, the road's gradient is never too steep, and it features numerous curves and bends. While relatively quiet during the off-season and weekdays, Transfagarasan can become quite crowded during the summer holidays (July and August) and on weekends, attracting motorcyclists and tourists alike.

Route 1, also known as National Route 1 or the Ring Road, is the main highway in Iceland, stretching 1,330 km in length. It roughly follows the coastline as it loops around the country, passing through all of Iceland's major cities, including Reykjavík, Borgarnes, Akureyri, and Egilsstadir. The route also leads to many of the country's top tourist attractions, such as Godafoss, Myvatn, Jökulsárlón, Skógafoss, and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The Ring Road offers travelers a chance to experience the best of Iceland's diverse landscapes.

Traveling along Iceland's Route 1 allows you to witness some of the country's most stunning natural wonders. From bubbling hot springs and shimmering rainbows to majestic horses, dramatic waterfalls, and rugged mountains, this road brings you up close to Iceland's breathtaking beauty. The Hringvegur section of Route 1 is fully paved and typically consists of two lanes, one in each direction. When passing through Reykjavík and the surrounding capital area, the number of lanes increases to three or four. In the northern part of the Hvalfjörður Tunnel, which runs under the sea, an additional lane is also added for tunnel access.

In addition, Route 1 features more than thirty small wooden or metal bridges along the highway, some of which have passing bays for vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. The speed limit on most of the road is 90 km/h, reducing to 70 km/h in tunnels and between 60 to 30 km/h in populated areas.

Argentina's legendary highway, Ruta 40, was established in 1935. This iconic route stretches over 5,000 km from the southern to the northern part of the country, running alongside the Andes mountain range. The highway passes through three of Argentina's major tourist regions: Cuyo, Patagonia, and the Northern Region, crossing 11 provinces. Ruta 40 is one of the most spectacular road trips in the world, offering breathtaking landscapes, varying altitudes reaching 4,895 meters above sea level, and a diversity of environments that make it a must-see destination.

The creation of Ruta 40 dates back to Argentina's Federal Law 11,658, passed on October 5, 1932. This law established the National Highway Network and designated the National Route, with funding for construction and maintenance provided by fuel taxes. The route connects the Atlantic Ocean via the Strait of Magellan to the Puna Plateau, winding past glaciers, towering peaks, volcanic lava fields, forests, salt flats, the foothills of the Andes, and pristine lakes. It traverses national parks, vineyards, colorful rock formations, and fields of cacti, showcasing some of Argentina's most stunning natural landmarks.

Not only is Ruta 40 the longest highway in Argentina, but it also features the highest pass in the world outside of Asia: the famous Abra del Acay Pass, which rises nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. Ruta 40 links numerous cities and villages to historic sites, including UNESCO World Heritage locations, ancient indigenous settlement ruins, battlefields, and landmarks from Spain's conquests and the native warriors who once fought to defend their land.

The Karakoram Highway is the highest paved international road in the world, connecting Western China to Pakistan. It is one of the few roads that crosses the Himalayas, extending as the westernmost route. Historically, it was part of the ancient Silk Road, used by caravans. Today, it has become a daring adventure destination and was ranked as the third best tourist attraction in Pakistan by The Guardian. This highway reaches the world’s highest border crossing, located over 4,800 meters at the Khunjerab Pass.

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, stretches 1,300 kilometers, with 887 km in Pakistan and 413 km in China. The road winds through the disputed Kashmir region, connecting Hassan Abdal (near Rawalpindi and Islamabad) to Kashgar in the Xinjiang region of China. The highway is open year-round, except for the Khunjerab Pass, which is closed from January to April due to heavy snow. Seasonal heavy rains in July and August can also cause landslides, blocking the road for hours or even days.

Known as one of the most treacherous roads in the world, the Karakoram Highway is not for the faint of heart. Although improvements in transportation infrastructure have been made in recent decades, certain sections of the road require constant maintenance due to damage from natural disasters. The highest paved road on Earth is regularly subjected to rockslides, floods, and earthquakes, making it a true test of endurance for travelers.

Milford Road is a scenic drive in the southwest of New Zealand, offering an unforgettable journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Part of State Highway 94, this route takes you through Fiordland National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Area of Te Wāhipounamu, one of the wildest and most stunning regions of the Southern Hemisphere. The road is fully paved and stretches 118 km from north to south, from Te Anau to Milford Sound. The Milford Road was initially started during the Great Depression in 1929 but wasn't completed until 1953 due to work stoppages during World War II.

Milford Road is considered one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand, offering a memorable journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The scenic route featured in 'The Lord of the Rings' films, showcasing breathtaking views amidst the Southern Alps. This is the only road leading to one of New Zealand’s prime tourist attractions, Milford Sound.

Milford Road is also one of the highest highways in New Zealand, reaching an altitude of 940 meters above sea level. The entire length of SH 94 is susceptible to snow during the winter months and requires maintenance year-round. While the road is generally open year-round, weather conditions from June to November can make it hazardous. Several signs along the route warn drivers to carry chains, as it is illegal to drive without them in winter months in New Zealand.

Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world. Located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, this route stretches along the southwestern tip of the country on the Atlantic Coast. A toll road since 2005, Chapman's Peak Drive is part of the M6, a 9 km stretch running north to south from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. The winding road is fully paved and features 114 sharp turns. It hugs the rocky shoreline of Chapman's Peak, standing at 593 meters, which is an extension of the Constantia Berg mountains, making it an exceptional scenic route.

Often considered one of the most beautiful drives on Earth, Chapman's Peak Drive offers breathtaking 180º panoramic views of the western Cape Peninsula. The road's sharp curves demand extreme caution, but the awe-inspiring views make every turn worth the effort. This beautiful drive seems to skim along the edge of the mountain, with sweeping views over the azure waters of the Atlantic and the picturesque coastline. The route offers several lookout points where travelers can stop and take in the mesmerizing views of the ocean and the rugged cliffs.

Surrounded by towering cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean below, Chapman's Peak Drive passes several picnic spots and whale-watching points, providing moments of rest after navigating the thrilling drive. The speed limit is set at 40 km/h, and stopping on the yellow lines is prohibited, as the narrow road can be hazardous. In 1990, a rockfall closed the road, but it was reopened in 2003. The road is only closed in case of severe weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain.

Located in southwestern Norway, Lysevegen is a famous tourist route through the high mountains of Rogaland and Vest Agder. This iconic road features 27 hairpin bends and a narrow tunnel that is too tight for two cars to pass at once. Known as one of the most dramatic winding roads in the world, it sits on the border between the Agder and Rogaland counties. The fully paved road spans 32.6 km, starting from Fv450 and ending in the isolated village of Lysebotn, situated at the eastern tip of Lysefjorden.

According to Dangyroads.org, Lysevegen is one of the most spectacular roads globally. It was originally built during the construction of the Tjodan hydropower plant and officially opened in 1984. Before the road was completed, ferries were the only means of connecting Lysebotn to the outside world. This narrow, steep route is open for only five months a year, typically in summer when ice and snow are not a risk, but it is also known for its frequent fog.

Starting at 932 meters above sea level by Lake Anders Van, Lysevegen is a perilous drive, with 27 sharp turns and an average incline of 9.4%. The road twists and turns, making it crucial for drivers to remain cautious. The steepest sections can have a gradient of up to 16%. Aside from the thrilling drive, the road offers stunning views and is a popular starting point for hiking to Kjerag or taking a ferry across Lysefjord, returning to Stavanger.

Leh-Manali Highway is one of the most scenic and renowned highways in India, connecting Leh in Ladakh to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. In addition, it links the Manali-Solang Valley with the Lahaul Valley, Spiti region in Himachal, and the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh. Surrounded by the towering Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges, this road is open for less than five months a year, making it a popular route for adventure motorcyclists.

The Leh-Manali Highway is a challenging mountain road that crosses some of the highest mountain passes in the world, with an average elevation of 2 to 3 miles above sea level. The Rohtang Pass tunnel, also known as the Atal Tunnel, opened on October 3, 2020, shortening the highway from 470 km to 430 km. This has reduced travel time by over hours, enabling the entire journey to be completed in under 14 hours. The road spans 470 km from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, crossing several of the world's highest points, including an average elevation of over 5,181 meters.

Due to its strategic location between China and Pakistan, the Leh-Manali Highway plays a crucial role for India, with the Indian military responsible for maintaining the road. Beyond its stunning landscapes, the highway is a hub of activity, often frequented by locals and travelers. The highway is mostly paved today and remains a vital route for the movement of Indian Armed Forces in Ladakh.

The iconic Pacific Coast Highway, originally constructed in the 1930s, remains a magnificent feat of engineering, stretching over 900 kilometers of California's stunning and rugged coastline. It is one of the most visually striking roads in the world, with its mountains, towering trees, vast beaches, and endless skies. The highway offers travelers an immersion into the very spirit of California, from its pioneering history and surf towns to farm-fresh food, local wines, roadside curiosities, Hollywood glamour, and free-spirited vibes.

Also known as Route 1 or Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway is the road of the American Dream, offering breathtaking coastal views along its 620-mile journey from Orange County to Mendocino County, nearly encompassing the entire California coastline. The route begins at the northwestern tip of the U.S. at Port Townsend, near Olympic National Park, and remains in view of the ocean almost continuously all the way south to the Mexican border. The 2,655 km highway, primarily a two-lane road, winds through landscapes ranging from temperate rainforests to near-desert terrain.

Thanks to California's mild weather, the Pacific Coast Highway can be enjoyed year-round, though the ideal time to visit is from late spring to autumn, with the busiest travel months being July and August. Along the way, visitors can stop at remote fields and scenic overlooks that offer spectacular views of California's pristine coastline.