Top 11 Most Beautiful Roads in the World

The Great Ocean Road stretches for 243 km (151 miles) along Australia's southeastern coastline, linking the cities of Torquay and Warrnambool in Victoria. It is a designated National Heritage site. This road was built by soldiers returning from World War I and serves as the largest war memorial in the world, symbolizing the end of the war.

The Great Ocean Road was constructed by over three thousand World War I veterans, who used rudimentary tools over a span of ten years, from March 1922 to November 1932. Not only was it designed to improve trade and tourism and create jobs for returning soldiers, but it also stands as a monumental tribute to those who lost their lives in the war.

Today, it remains a major tourist attraction, winding through various landscapes along the coastline and providing access to notable landmarks.

Sani Pass is one of the most scenic and dramatic mountain passes in Africa. Known for its steep slopes, rugged terrain, and perilous conditions, it is also one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Located in the western part of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Sani Pass stands at an elevation of 2,876 meters above sea level.

To navigate this pass, you must drive a 4x4 vehicle. If your vehicle does not meet these requirements, border regulations prohibit you from proceeding. If you plan to rent a car, make sure it is suitable for the rough and winding roads of Sani Pass. Exercise caution when driving, as the terrain can be treacherous.

The Sani Pass can be completed in a day, taking you through Lesotho and back to South Africa. However, due to the challenging terrain, you should come well-prepared. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order, bringing a spare tire and basic mechanical knowledge. Additionally, pack a first aid kit, plenty of water, an accurate map, high-energy snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

On a clear, sunny day, exploring Sani Pass is both a challenge and an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Africa, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Dades Gorges route, located in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, is a stunning yet perilous drive. Stretching 160 kilometers from Ouarzazate to Tineghir, it is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world due to its sharp turns and winding paths. Situated between the Atlas and Jbel Saghro mountain ranges, the route is both breathtaking and intimidating.

Carved over centuries by the Dades River, the gorge features rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes, making the road feel as though it is etched into the mountainside. While the scenic beauty is unparalleled, the tight, winding curves and sheer drops along the road make it a deadly journey for the unwary. Many tourists consider navigating this road to be one of the most memorable experiences in Morocco.

Today, Dades Gorge is a popular destination for travelers, with 4x4 vehicles and expert guides offering tours through the gorges. Visitors can also enjoy walking tours, marveling at the impressive stone walls that form the gorge's natural architecture.

The best time to visit is from March to July, when the weather is most favorable and the views are at their peak. To reach Dades Gorges, travelers can drive from Boumaine, located 116 kilometers from Ouarzazate and 53 kilometers from Tinerhir.

Karakoram (or Karakorum) is a vast mountain range that spans the borders of Pakistan, India, and China, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region (Pakistan), Ladakh (India), and the Xinjiang region (China). Part of the larger Himalayas, it is positioned to the north of the main Himalayan range.

The Karakoram is home to the highest concentration of peaks above 5,000 meters, including K2, the second tallest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters—just 237 meters shorter than Mount Everest (8,848 meters). The mountain range stretches about 500 kilometers (311 miles) and holds the title of having the thickest glaciers outside of the polar regions. The Siachen Glacier, at 70 kilometers long, and the Biafo Glacier, at 63 kilometers, are the second and third longest glaciers outside the polar areas.

The Karakoram Highway is an international road that reaches an altitude of 4,693 meters, crossing the Karakoram range through the Khunjerab Pass. This highway connects the Xinjiang region of China with other regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. Often called the eighth wonder of the world, it is the longest paved road on the planet, a marvel of engineering given its altitude and the difficult conditions under which it was built.

National Route 40, also known as RN40 or "Ruta 40", is a famous highway running through western Argentina. It stretches from Punta Loyola near Rio Gallegos in Santa Cruz Province in the south, all the way to La Quiaca in Jujuy Province in the north, paralleling the majestic Andes Mountains. The southern section of this road has been mostly paved and has become a popular adventure route, with plans to complete the entire road in asphalt.

At 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles), RN40 is the longest highway in Argentina and one of the longest in the world, rivaling other famous roads like the U.S. Route 66, Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway, and Australia’s Stuart Highway. The route starts at sea level near Río Gallegos and passes through 20 national parks, crosses 18 major rivers, and traverses 27 mountain passes in the Andes. The highest point of Route 40 is 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) at Abra del Acay in Salta Province. The road runs through the provinces of Santa Cruz, Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tucumán, Salta, and Jujuy.

One of the world’s longest roads, it stretches for 5,500 kilometers parallel to the Andes. The highway crosses through 20 national parks, 18 rivers, and countless breathtaking landscapes. Starting at the southernmost point at Cabo Vírgenes, Ruta 40 weaves through the remote Patagonian plains, twisting northward and winding along the grand Andes peaks. It passes by pristine lakes, vibrant cities, and eventually reaches the highest point at Abra del Acay. The journey ends in the border town of La Quiaca, offering spectacular views of Argentina’s natural beauty.

The Izu Skyline is a scenic toll road that winds through the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Stretching 40.6 kilometers, it cuts through hilly terrain on the eastern side of the peninsula, connecting Atami-touge IC near Kannami-cho, Tagata-gun, Shizuoka, with Amagi-kougen IC in the city of Atami.

Starting in Ito and ending in Atami, the Izu Skyline offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji as it snakes through the undulating mountains. The drive is relatively short, taking about an hour to complete, making it easy to visit nearby attractions like the Hakone hot springs or the famous Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields. While the route itself is brief, a night stay in Hakone is highly recommended for a full experience of Japan’s renowned natural hot springs.

For culture enthusiasts, the Hakone Open-Air Museum showcases a stunning array of outdoor sculptures, while the Pola Museum of Art boasts a rich collection of works by Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, adding a touch of artistic exploration to the journey.

The Cypress Tree Road in Damyang, South Korea has become an iconic location, appearing in numerous popular K-dramas and creating many romantic and unforgettable scenes. It is definitely a must-visit destination when traveling to South Korea.

This 8.5 km-long road is lined with towering cypress trees, their branches stretching high above to form a natural canopy, blocking much of the sunlight. In summer, the lush green leaves of the trees offer a refreshing and vibrant atmosphere. In winter, the trees shed their leaves, revealing stark, bare branches that evoke a sense of rugged beauty and melancholy, yet they remain strong and resilient.

The road is at its most breathtaking in autumn, when the vibrant green leaves gradually turn to gold, with hints of red creating a stunning natural carpet. Walking down this path feels like stepping into a fairytale world that many have dreamed of.

The cypress trees were first planted along this road in the early 1970s under an official decision by the Ministry of the Interior. At that time, the trees were only 3-4 years old and scattered along the road. Today, the trees have grown tall and thick, their branches forming a full canopy that provides complete shade. In recognition of the beauty of these trees, in 2002, the Korea Forest Service designated this avenue as one of the most beautiful roads in South Korea.

Milford Road is not only one of the most beautiful roads in the world but also ranked as one of the most dangerous, with numerous accidents over the years. Winters bring frequent avalanches, and many tourists have been injured or even killed. Despite the risks, millions of visitors travel this road each year to visit Milford Sound, often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' by Rudyard Kipling and voted the top travel destination by TripAdvisor readers in 2008.

Traveling along Milford Road feels like stepping into a mystical paradise. The journey is filled with awe and surprise. Starting from Queenstown, the road to Milford Sound takes about eight hours, including a one-hour boat cruise on the sound. Most travelers leave early in the morning and return by evening. Each year, millions of tourists embark on this adventure, rewarded with views of pristine nature. Along the way, Milford Road passes through several breathtaking landmarks, perfect for sightseeing and photography. Notable spots include the “Mirror Lakes,” which perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains, the “Avenue of Disappearing Mountains,” where a mountain seems to shrink as you approach, and the famous “Monkey Creek” and “Homer Tunnel,” the second longest tunnel in New Zealand.

The Atlantic Road, also known as the Atlantic Ocean Road, is a remarkable 8.3 km (5.2 miles) stretch along County Road 64 in Norway, connecting the Averøy peninsula to the mainland. The route passes through several islands and coastal areas, including the Hustadvika coastline, and links picturesque villages such as Kårvåg and Vevang. This unique road is built with elevated causeways and eight stunning bridges, designed to withstand the harsh Atlantic storms, with the Storseisundet Bridge being the most famous, stretching 260 meters.

Opened on July 7, 1989, the Atlantic Road has become a National Tourist Route and was honored as Norway’s Landmark of the Century in 2005. The road spans 8.3 km (5.2 miles) along Route 64, connecting the towns of Kristiansund and Molde, two major population centers in the More og Romsdal county of Norway’s Fjord region.

Often listed among the world’s must-see roads, the Atlantic Road is not for the faint of heart. Its winding turns and sudden curves can make even the bravest drivers' hearts race, but the awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic and surrounding landscape are well worth the thrill.

State Route 1 (SR 1) is a major north-south highway that runs along most of California's stunning Pacific coastline. Stretching over 659 miles (1,061 km), it is the longest state route in California. Some sections are designated as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Cabrillo Highway, or Coastal Highway. Its southern terminus is at Interstate 5 (I-5) near Dana Point in Orange County, and the northern end connects to U.S. Route 101 (US 101) near Leggett in Mendocino County. In some places, SR 1 runs concurrently with US 101, particularly along a 54-mile stretch (87 km) through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, passing over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The highway is recognized as an All-American Road, providing access to numerous scenic attractions along the coast. It also serves as a vital corridor through the metropolitan areas of Greater Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and other coastal cities.

Originally constructed in stages starting in the 1930s in the Big Sur region, SR 1 underwent multiple renamings and extensions before being officially designated as State Route 1 in 1964. While celebrated for its breathtaking vistas, frequent landslides and coastal erosion have caused temporary closures and rerouting inland to preserve the route's safety and accessibility.

Tianmen is a prefecture-level city located in the Hubei province of the People's Republic of China. Situated west of Wuhan and east of Jingzhou, Tianmen is known for its historical significance, including being the birthplace of Liu Yan from the Three Kingdoms era and the home of Lu Yu, often regarded as the 'Tea King' of China.

Mount Tianmen is a famous mountain in the Tianmen Mountain National Park, located in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, in northwest China. The Tianmen Road, famously known for its 99 dramatic bends, leads up to this scenic destination, with some of the curves reaching steep inclines of over 37°. But the breathtaking journey is well worth it, as the summit offers stunning tourist attractions like the Tianmen Cave, a natural archway soaring 1,200 meters above the ground, with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can walk along an 11 km (6.8-mile) pathway built into the mountain's cliffs, navigating 99 hairpin turns that guide them to the Tianmen Cave, standing at a height of 131.5 meters (431 feet). Additionally, there is the famous Heaven’s Gate, a natural limestone arch formed through centuries of erosion, adding to the mountain's allure.