The most impressive coastal drives in the world 1

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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?

Pacific Coast Highway, USA©Shutterstock 

One of the world's most celebrated road trip options is to drive the Pacific Coast Highway on America's West Coast. While heading north out of San Diego is a favorite starting point, commencing the journey in San Francisco and motoring south keeps you in the lane closest to the ocean. Completing the 950-km (590-mi) route takes around 10 hours.

Great Ocean Road, Australia©Shutterstock 

Stretching 240 km (149 mi) between the cities of Torquay and Allansford in Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is another of the world's most scenic coastal drives, snaking as it does along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean.

Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway©Shutterstock 

Connecting Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets spanned by a total of eight bridges, the 8-km (5-mi) Atlantic Ocean Road is one of Norway's national tourist routes.

Chapman's Peak Drive, South Africa©Shutterstock 

Named for a mountain on the western side of the Cape Peninsula, between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in Cape Town, Chapman's Peak Drive is 9 km (5.5 mi) in length and affords spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland©Shutterstock 

Leaving Belfast and following the Causeway Coastal Route north towards Derry takes you through the nine Glens of Antrim and past the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Giant's Causeway. The 209-km (130-mi) route is one of the most scenic in the United Kingdom.

Grand Pacific Drive, Australia©Shutterstock 

Meandering south out of the Royal National Park near Sydney and encompassing some of the most scenic coastlines in New South Wales, the Grand Pacific Drive weaves its way towards Wollongong and beyond to reach the Sapphire Coast, 140 km (86 mi) away.

Amalfi Drive, Italy©Shutterstock 

The drive from the Sorrento peninsula to Salerno in southern Italy is simply breathtaking. Known as the Amalfi Drive, this is one of the most stunning coastal roads in Europe, a 50-km (31-mi) two-lane blacktop hugging the cliffs and coves of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Overseas Highway, USA©Shutterstock 

A modern wonder, the iconic 181-km (113-mi) Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West in Florida incorporates 42 bridges leapfrogging from key to key over a stunning turquoise and emerald wash.

Cap de Formentor, Spain©Shutterstock 

The corkscrew drive to the lighthouse at Cap de Formentor on Majorca, the largest island in the Balearic Islands, affords seriously romantic views of the isolated northern tip of this popular tourist destination.

Hana Highway, USA©Shutterstock 

Following the Hana Highway along the northeastern coast of the Hawaiian island of Maui is to embark on a 83-km (51-mi) adventure through tropical jungle while skirting towering sea cliffs.

Cabot Trail, Canada©Shutterstock 

Canada's Nova Scotia province is blessed with the Cabot Trail, a picturesque highway on Cape Breton Island. Effectively a 298-km (185-mi) loop around the northern tip of the island, the road passes along and through the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Calanques de Piana, France©Shutterstock 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Calanques de Piana is Corsica's greatest natural wonder. To discover this exceptional landscape take the sinewy D81 road, connecting Porto to Piana, and marvel at the beautiful russet colored cliffs sculpted by the wind.

Estrada de Escarpa, Portugal©Shutterstock 

Located 40 km (25 mi) south of Lisbon is the serene Serra da Arrábida, a region that encompasses forested hills, lofty sea cliffs, and beautiful beaches. Traversing the heights of this pristine parkland is the Estrada de Escarpa (N379), the views from which are jaw-dropping.

SP 227 di Portofino, Italy©Shutterstock 

This short 12-km (7-mi) drive links the town of Rapallo with Portofino, on the Gulf of Tigullio. Every bend showcases the very best of the Italian Riviera, and offers up picture-perfect photo opportunities.