Top 10 World's Best Driving Roads

The world’s top 10 best driving roads in no particular order of fabulousness. We are celebrating their unique characteristics, breathtaking landscapes, and the thrilling driving experiences they offer. Gaycarboys top 10 as voted by you, the reader.

Stelvio Pass, Italy

Located in the heart of the Italian Alps, the Stelvio Pass is an iconic road renowned for its dramatic 48 hairpin bends. At an elevation of 2,757 meters, it’s the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. The drive offers unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making it a bucket-list experience for driving enthusiasts. The sharp turns and steep gradients test drivers’ skills while rewarding them with a thrilling ride and stunning alpine scenery.

Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

Winding through the Carpathian Mountains, the Transfagarasan Highway is a marvel of engineering and natural beauty. The road stretches over 90 kilometres, reaching altitudes of over 2,000 meters. It features a series of hairpin turns, tunnels, and viaducts that make for an exhilarating drive. The landscape is equally impressive, with views of lush forests, glacial lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. This road is open only during the summer months due to heavy snowfall in winter.

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Pacific Coast Highway, USA

The Pacific Coast Highway, particularly the stretch between San Francisco and Los Angeles, offers some of the most stunning coastal views in the world. This scenic route hugs the California coastline, providing dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and picturesque beaches. Highlights include the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the sprawling Big Sur coastline. The road’s winding nature and frequent elevation changes make it a favorite among drivers seeking both beauty and a driving challenge.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Stretching for 243 kilometres along Australia’s southeastern coast, the Great Ocean Road is renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and natural landmarks. The route takes drivers past the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. The road’s twists and turns, combined with its stunning scenery, make it one of the most enjoyable drives in the world. Wildlife sightings, including koalas and kangaroos, add to the road’s allure.

Trollstigen, Norway

Trollstigen, or the Troll’s Path, is a serpentine mountain road in Norway known for its steep inclines and sharp bends. The road ascends a steep mountain pass with a gradient of 10%, featuring 11 hairpin turns. The views along the way are spectacular, with cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and towering mountains. At the top, there’s a viewing platform that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, making the challenging drive well worth the effort.

Route 66, USA

Route 66, often referred to as the “Main Street of America,” is an iconic road that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. Covering nearly 4,000 kilometres, it offers a nostalgic journey through the heart of the United States. The route passes through diverse landscapes, including the Great Plains, deserts, and urban areas. Along the way, drivers can explore historic landmarks, quirky roadside attractions, and classic diners. The sense of history and Americana makes Route 66 a unique and memorable driving experience.

Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa

Chapman’s Peak Drive, located near Cape Town, is a scenic road that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic cliffs. The route hugs the mountainside, providing a thrilling drive with numerous twists and turns. The panoramic vistas of the ocean and surrounding landscape are simply stunning. The road is also a gateway to several beautiful beaches and coastal towns, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Milford Road, New Zealand

Milford Road, in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, is renowned for its spectacular scenery. The road winds through a landscape of towering mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes. Highlights include the Mirror Lakes, where the water reflects the surrounding peaks, and the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2-kilometer passage through solid rock. The journey culminates at Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord known for its dramatic beauty. The combination of challenging driving conditions and stunning scenery makes Milford Road an unforgettable experience.

Atlantic Road, Norway

The Atlantic Road in Norway is a unique driving experience that connects a series of small islands and islets with dramatic bridges. The road offers stunning coastal views and is particularly impressive during stormy weather when waves crash against the bridges. The most famous section, the Storseisundet Bridge, features a distinctive curve that gives the illusion of leading into the sky. The road’s blend of engineering prowess and natural beauty makes it a must-visit for driving enthusiasts.

Sani Pass, South Africa/Lesotho

Sani Pass is a challenging mountain pass that connects South Africa with Lesotho. Known for its steep, rough terrain and breathtaking views, the pass is only accessible by 4×4 vehicles. The road ascends over 1,300 meters in just 9 kilometres, with numerous hairpin bends and steep gradients. The drive offers stunning vistas of the Drakensberg Mountains and the chance to experience the remote beauty of the region. At the top, visitors can enjoy a drink at the highest pub in Africa.

These roads offer not just a driving challenge but also an opportunity to experience some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether it’s the alpine splendour of Stelvio Pass, the coastal beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway, or the rugged adventure of Sani Pass, each road provides a unique and unforgettable driving experience.

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