The most impressive coastal drives in the world 2

The most impressive coastal drives in the world©Shutterstock

Thinking about a motoring vacation? Well if your destination of choice features a seafront, then no doubt you'll be eager to embark on a coastal drive at some point. And why not? Some of the most scenic road trips are those taken along routes that skirt the ocean. In fact, a sparkling sea set against towering cliffs or a golden ribbon of sand very often sets the scene for the rest of the holiday. But where in the world can you follow some of the most dramatic and picturesque oceanfront highways?

 

 

Oregon Coast Highway 10, USA©Shutterstock 

The Oregon Coast Highway is a US road trip favorite. This is a world-class route that stretches 584 km (363 mi) along a visually stunning seafront marked by picturesque towns and secluded beaches.

 

Clarence Drive, South Africa©Shutterstock 

Another unforgettable South Africa tourist route, Clarence Drive (R44) is part mountain pass, part coastal drive. The road goes through the charming seaside towns of Betty's Bay and Pringle Bay, as well as showcasing Gordon's Bay and Rooi-Els—all among the Western Cape's most sought-after visitor attractions.

 

Adriatic Highway, Croatia©Shutterstock 

Also known as the Jadranska Magistrala, this is Croatia's dazzling seafront treat, a highway 650 km (403 mi) in length and one of Europe's most unforgettable journeys. It passes numerous tourist hotspots, including the historic port city of Dubrovnik.

 

North Coast 500, Scotland©Shutterstock 

For the ultimate Scotland road trip, follow the challenging North Coast 500. This 800-km (500-mi) route takes in the best of the North Highlands' breathtaking scenery, and offers up some ingenious routes, such as that across the amazing Kylesku Bridge.

 

Grande Corniche, France©Shutterstock 

The French Riviera is a delight to discover, especially by vehicle along the Corniche roads. There are three of these super scenic routes: the Grande Corniche (pictured), the Moyenne Corniche, and the Corniche Inférieure. Each has its own charm—the Grande Corniche follows the ancient Roman route known as Via Julia Augusta—and all afford enviable views of the sparkling Mediterranean.

 

Ring of Kerry, Ireland©Shutterstock 

As its name suggests, this scene-stealing route circles the beautifully rugged Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland's County Kerry. The 179-km (111-mi) loop encloses one of the most stunning landscapes in the country.

 

D599, France©Shutterstock 

Another memorable French Riviera driving option is to motor along the the D599, which passes several shallow, clear-blue bays. Along the way you'll pass the quaint village of Agay, which is more or less equidistant from Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Stop here and take in the scenery.

 

Gásadalur to Tórshavn, Faroe Islands©Shutterstock 

Fancy motoring on the wild side? The road from remote Gásadalur to Tórshavn via Sakson in the Faroe Islands takes in some truly awesome landscapes, including Múlafossur, one of the prettiest waterfalls in the world.

 

 

Sagres to Cape St. Vincent, Portugal©Shutterstock 

The short drive from the historic town of Sagres to Cape St. Vincent perfectly showcases the wild and windy character of the western Algarve. The lighthouse is one of the most famous in Portugal.

 

Ruta 1, Chile©Shutterstock 

Here's one for the truly adventurous. Chile's Ruta 1 is a dramatic 598-km (371-mi) road that appears as if forged out of a lunar landscape. The highway skirts the South Pacific Ocean while barren mountains provide a forbidding backdrop. 

 

Valley of the Rocks, England©Shutterstock 

The lovely road that runs through the Valley of the Rocks in North Devon brings visitors up close and personal with one of the most charming corners of the United Kingdom. The 19-km (12-mi) route begins in Lynton and continues through Martinhoe, along the edge of Exmore National Park.

 

Queen Charlotte Drive, New Zealand©Shutterstock 

Set between Havelock and Picton on South Island, this 40-km (24-mi) meandering road fringed with lush forest offers one of the most scenic drives you're likely to encounter, not least for the breathtaking views of the iconic Marlborough Sounds.

 

Slea Head Drive, Ireland©Shutterstock 

The wonderfully scenic Slea Head Drive is a gentle loop route beginning and ending at Dingle, in southwest County Kerry. The circular road is 47 km (30 mi) in length, and driving it is the most rewarding way to discover the Dingle Peninsula.

 

Fv805, Norway©Shutterstock 

Following the Fv805, located in Flakstadøya, an island in the remote Lofoten archipelago in Nordland county, is to seek solitude with nature. This is one of Scandinavia's most charming and least-driven roads, and is absolutely stunning when illuminated in winter by the northern lights. Just keep one eye on the weather: heavy snowfall is commonplace.

 

Military Road, England©Shutterstock 

So named because it was built by the military in the 1860s as part of the defense of the island, Military Road (A3055) on the Isle of Wight in southern England runs much of the length of the west coast of the island.

 

Avenida Marginal, Portugal©Shutterstock 

Motoring west out of Lisbon towards the resort town of Cascais affords a pleasant, breezy 30-km (18-mi) drive along the Avenida Marginal, a dual carriageway that skirts the mouth of the Tagus Estuary.