We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you ... you're just helping re-supply our family's travel fund.
Nothing beats the thrill of the open road—especially when that road hugs a stunning coastline. From towering cliffs and turquoise waters to scenic villages and historic landmarks, these 11 countries offer drives that combine natural beauty with cultural charm. Whether you’re craving a rugged adventure or a relaxing ride with ocean views, these coastal routes deliver unforgettable experiences. Buckle up and explore the world’s most epic coastal drives one breathtaking curve at a time.
Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road stretches over 240 kilometers of pure wonder. Winding past the iconic Twelve Apostles, rainforests, and beaches, the route is a blend of wild coastline and serene stops. Watch surfers in action, catch glimpses of koalas in eucalyptus trees, and picnic near the waves. Each bend reveals another jaw-dropping view. Ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone chasing freedom with an ocean breeze, this legendary drive captures Australia’s coastal spirit.
Norway
The Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway looks like a rollercoaster over the sea. Spanning 8.3 kilometers, it links tiny islands with bridges that twist dramatically over crashing waves. As one of the world’s most scenic drives, it offers views of fjords, cliffs, and rugged coastlines. Whether you catch it under calm skies or during a wild storm, the route is thrilling. It’s short but powerful—perfect for travelers seeking dramatic landscapes and unique engineering.
United States
The U.S. has iconic drives like California’s Highway 1 and Hawaii’s Kahekili Highway. These coastal roads offer sea cliffs, redwoods, and beach towns packed with personality. Route 66 might be legendary, but it’s the coastal stretches that shine. Picture winding roads along Big Sur or ocean-view pit stops in Maine. Whether road-tripping solo or with friends, America’s coastline invites endless exploration—complete with roadside diners, surfboards, and sunset selfies.
Italy
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a romantic masterpiece. The drive winds through cliffside villages like Positano and Ravello, offering sea views and lemon-scented air. Ancient churches, vibrant houses, and the glittering Mediterranean frame the route. The road is narrow and thrilling, curving past cafes, vineyards, and lookouts perfect for photos. This isn’t just a scenic drive—it’s an experience in Italian elegance, where history, charm, and breathtaking beauty meet at every corner.
South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route is a 300-kilometer stretch of diverse beauty. You’ll pass rainforests, beaches, lagoons, and wildlife reserves. Start in Mossel Bay and end in Storms River, exploring towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay along the way. Watch for whales, hike in Tsitsikamma, or enjoy fresh oysters by the coast. With so many different landscapes packed into one drive, the Garden Route delivers nature, culture, and pure adventure.
New Zealand
Milford Road in New Zealand cuts through Fiordland’s dramatic beauty. With waterfalls, towering peaks, and mirror-like lakes, it’s a route that feels otherworldly. The drive leads to Milford Sound, one of the country’s top natural attractions. Along the way, stop at the Mirror Lakes or the eerie Homer Tunnel. This alpine journey blends tranquility with awe, and every curve offers another postcard-perfect view. For nature lovers, it’s a dream ride.
Canada
Canada’s Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia ranks among the top coastal drives globally. It loops around Cape Breton Island, where ocean cliffs meet dense forests and Scottish heritage. The road is famous for its fall colors, sea-to-sky views, and coastal hikes. Spot whales, explore artist communities, or sample seafood along the way. Peaceful and powerful, the Cabot Trail invites you to slow down and savor every mile of the Atlantic’s edge.
Ireland
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches over 2,500 kilometers of rugged shoreline. You’ll encounter towering cliffs, sheep-dotted fields, surf beaches, and friendly villages. From the Cliffs of Moher to Donegal’s hidden coves, the views never quit. Traditional music and warm hospitality fill the pubs you’ll pass, adding culture to nature’s drama. Whether you drive a short section or the whole route, the Wild Atlantic Way captures Ireland’s raw beauty.
France
France’s Route des Grandes Alpes isn’t coastal in the usual sense, but its alpine lakes and glacier-fed rivers provide an ocean’s grandeur. Begin on the Mediterranean coast and climb into the French Alps. Pass turquoise lakes, high-altitude villages, and historic mountain passes. The route is beloved by cyclists and drivers alike. If you crave a road that starts at the sea and ends in the clouds, this scenic gem is your next adventure.
Iceland
Iceland’s Ring Road wraps around the island with epic coastal views. Black sand beaches, iceberg lagoons, waterfalls, and steaming geysers all line this 1,332-kilometer loop. Visit places like Vik, Jökulsárlón, and the Golden Circle. The drive feels like moving through a fantasy landscape—sometimes foggy, often wild, always magical. Whether you go for a few days or a week, Iceland’s coast will leave you speechless.
Portugal
Portugal’s N222 in the Douro Valley may be known for wine, but its winding riverside views are pure coastal serenity. Drive through vineyard-covered hills, past historic estates and sleepy villages. Stop to taste port wine, admire terraced landscapes, or cruise along the river. This scenic drive delivers a blend of rustic charm, old-world elegance, and natural beauty. Every bend in the road offers a toast to the simple pleasures of travel.