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Country Roads
Some of the most memorable journeys are taken on the open road, where the journey itself becomes as much of a destination as the places you visit. The world’s top 10 country roads are scenic routes that wind through breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and dramatic natural beauty, offering travelers the chance to explore hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you're driving along the coastal cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway in California, winding through the lush vineyards of Tuscany, or navigating the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands, these country roads promise unforgettable experiences and stunning views.
1. Route 1 (Ring Road) – Iceland
Highlights: Encircling Iceland, this road offers diverse landscapes, from glaciers and volcanoes to black sand beaches and waterfalls.
Notable Features: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and views of Iceland’s rugged coastlines.
2. Great Ocean Road – Victoria, Australia
Highlights: A 150-mile coastal road famous for its stunning ocean views and the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations.
Notable Features: Cliffside views, limestone formations, rainforests, and surfing beaches along the Australian coast.
3. Amalfi Coast Road (SS163) – Italy
Highlights: A winding road along the Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking Mediterranean views and charming Italian villages.
Notable Features: Clifftop villages like Positano and Amalfi, turquoise waters, lemon groves, and terraced vineyards.
4. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia, Canada
Highlights: A 185-mile loop on Cape Breton Island, known for its rugged coastal cliffs, rolling hills, and stunning fall foliage.
Notable Features: Views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, whale-watching spots, and scenic hiking trails.
5. Route 66 – USA
Highlights: The "Main Street of America" runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, winding through historic towns, deserts, and mountains.
Notable Features: Classic roadside diners, historic motels, wide-open landscapes, and nostalgic American landmarks.
6. Sani Pass – South Africa to Lesotho
Highlights: A mountain pass road in the Drakensberg Mountains, known for its steep ascent and breathtaking views.
Notable Features: Dramatic cliffs, rugged mountain views, narrow switchbacks, and a challenging, thrilling drive.
7. Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) – Germany
Highlights: A picturesque route through medieval towns and Bavarian countryside, from Würzburg to Füssen.
Notable Features: Castles like Neuschwanstein, half-timbered houses, vineyards, and scenic valleys.
8. Causeway Coastal Route – Northern Ireland
Highlights: A coastal drive from Belfast to Derry, showcasing Northern Ireland’s rugged coastlines and historical sites.
Notable Features: Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and picturesque cliffs and beaches.
9. Transfagarasan Highway – Romania
Highlights: A dramatic mountain road winding through the Carpathian Mountains, famously dubbed the "best road in the world" by Top Gear.
Notable Features: Hairpin turns, sweeping mountain views, Lake Bâlea, and connections to the legend of Dracula at Poenari Castle.
10. Milford Road (SH94) – New Zealand
Highlights: A scenic drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, often regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
Notable Features: Glacial valleys, lush rainforests, dramatic mountain peaks, waterfalls, and the stunning Milford Sound fjord.
Great Ocean Road
Route 1
