15 Most Beautiful Roads on Earth

Winding in and out of cultural and historical heritage sites or offering hitchhikers opportunities to stay with the indigenous locals, there are some pretty amazing stretches of roads out there. So join me for today's video, we're going to count down the top 15 most beautiful roads on Earth. 15. Ruta 40 Ruta 40 is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, but if you're an Argentinian local, then chances are you simply refer to Stretching from the southernmost regions of the country, Cabo Verde Nise, all the way up to the north in Cianaga on the Bolivian border, Ruta 40 is just a long highway. It's an experience, though. Just ask the poets, authors, musicians, and painters who have been inspired by this South American stretch. Ruta 40 has become a cultural mainstay for the country and is one of the must-dos for people coming for an extended visit. The highway is over 3,200 miles long and has changed slightly over the years to become more accessible and more attractive to tourists, beginning on the ocean and winding its way through 11 provinces, 20 national parks, and 24 major rivers before reaching the end. Ruta 40 even holds the record for having the highest point on a national road when you hit the Abra de la Que, which is over 16,600 feet up. Just make sure you keep your eyes on the road and don't look down. Like on any other road, though, there are some busy sections. Despite the theme park-esque attraction, people are still taking this to get around town. Things change a bit when you're near Bariloche and between Mendoza and San Juan, but hope is through the traffic and you'll be treated to the views of the Andes just 62 miles off in the distance. It's quite a road. 14. Milford Road There really is no place in the world like New Zealand. People are kind and comforting and the scenery is stupendous beyond belief. And Highway 94, or Milford Road, is one of the best ways to experience it. The Milford Road climbs up through New Zealand's southern Alps, making it one of the highest state highways in the country and the only way to reach the Milford Sound. Perhaps more importantly, though, it also provides access to much of the country's world heritage areas. Peeling down the pavement here really allows you to see it from all the lush beech forests and rocky valleys, and the mountains that look like they play host to old wizards to lakes that reflect the blue sky. While you can't ask for a better destination than the Milford Sound, the journey is just as majestic. This Kiwi Highway is short, running for just 74 miles, and can be done in just a few hours if you're going fast enough, but it's best experienced with a slow and steady drive. You won't find many shops or rest stops along the way, but what you will find are an endless amount of Kodak moments to be had along the way and the occasional trail. You'll pass through a national park, the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, the Chasm Walking Trail, and the ever-man-made Homer Tunnel, which is a feat unto itself, bored straight through the sheer granite of the Darren Mountains. 13. The Karakoram Highway When Westerners think of the Asian continent, they don't always think of beautiful winding roads, but all of that is going to change with the next entry on this list. It's formally known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. The Karakoram Highway is an 8,000-mile stretch of road linking, you guessed it, China and Pakistan. Depending on which direction you're going, it starts in Hassan Abdaal, just outside the capital Islamabad, and ends in the Xinjiang province in China. This route should sound familiar to some of the history buffs out there, because this is the former Silk Road, one of the most important trading routes ever. So much commerce and culture were exchanged along the way, influencing a future more than one can ever possibly imagine. The Karakoram Highway as we know it today is considered the eighth wonder of the world, since the altitude and the hard conditions in which it was built made it become a 20th century architectural masterpiece. This highway has attracted travelers from all over the world for decades, not only because it's the highest paved road in the world at 15,700 feet up at the Khunjerab Pass, but also because it goes through the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. It's probably the only place in the world where you can view mountains that high from the comfort of a car, and makes for one of the most epic road trips ever. But the route offers so much more than these renowned mountain ranges. Along the way, you'll pass through a number of regions where a large number of ethnic and religious groups have been living for centuries, from the Punjabis at the center of Pakistan to the Ismailis in Hunza, the Tajiks in Tashkirkan, and the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. People have even hitchhiked along the road, staying in local villages and experiencing things the inside of a car just can't give you. The Karakoram Highway isn't just a journey through nature, it's a journey through culture and time. 12. U.S. Route 163 There are some parts of the United States that will have you feeling like you've made it to Mars as you look at the vast red deserts, pick rocks, and plant life that thrives in dry, arid environments. At least, that's what traveling down much of U.S. Route 163 feels like. U.S. Route 163 is the scenic byway running about 66 miles towards U.S. 191. Built in 1970, this road links Navajo Country and San Juan County and has been the setting of notable American films. Forrest Gump felt like running down it, and Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson ushered in the American hippie new wave to the mainstream as they blazed through here in Easy Rider. Riding down this road, it's not hard to crank credence tapes up to 11. This stretch of the good old-fashioned American road is a beauty on a grand scale, while the landscapes to the north and east are characterized by dramatic ancient bucklings of the earth and by intricate maze-like canyons carved out by the persistent action of rushing waters. The country encountered on the drive between the town of Bluff and Monument Valley Drive is more spacious and even more serene in its magnificence. It is the perfect reminder that there's more to life than the nine-to-five of the concrete jungle. Along the way is the Valley of the Gods, a small stretch of land full of mesas and spires older than time itself. 11. Hana Highway Let's move away from the American desert and head over to Hawaii for a lush tropical getaway. Also known as Road to Hana, Hana Highway is a 64-mile stretch of road along Hawaii Routes 36 and 360, connecting Kalahui to Hana in eastern Maui. The drive is incredibly narrow, crossing over 59 bridges, 46 of which are just one lane wide, so it's best to give a friendly honk at the beginning to let people know you're coming. In fact, with such narrow spaces, including 620 tight curves, it's one of the most treacherous routes in the country, but it's worth every white-knuckle minute. There are plenty of places to stop along the way to climb cliff faces, hit black volcanic beaches, and cool down in a waterfall. At Mile Marker 2, there's the awesome Twin Falls, which is a must because most people tend to fly past it as it comes up so early. Throw on your suit and hit those secluded pools and you can act like you're in a 90s shampoo commercial. Then make your way to Mile Marker 7, hit the trail, and be treated to wild, thick bamboo forests for a moment of true Hawaiian zen. And if you're willing to go on to the end, there's a stunning 400-foot Waimoku Falls. There's so much more to be seen along the Hana Highway, and it's another trip that can be completed in just a few short hours, but it's best experienced at a snail's pace. 10. ATLANTIC OCEAN ROAD One of the most beautiful roads on Earth is also one of the most dangerous, Norway's Atlantic Ocean Road. But what makes the story of this perilous road so interesting is that while it may be one of the most dangerous in the world, it's also been named one of the best scenic drives as well. So, if you're looking to do some good sightseeing on the Atlantic Ocean Road, then you better buckle up. This Norwegian road is home to the Storste Sundet Bridge, which is also known as the Bridge to Nowhere, with an interesting approach that looks like a ramp leading all the way up to the sky, and when you reach the peak, you'd better not look down. And so, once you manage to get over your fear of heights, this wild road will take drivers teetering all along the edge of the sea. And that's where the real fun begins, because while the waves of the Norwegian Sea may be a gorgeous sight to behold, you can lose a lot more here than your lunch, as the brutality of the waves as they crash over the road during the stormy weather conditions will threaten to bring you back into the sea with it as it recedes into the depths. 9. Sea to Sky Highway Highway 99, also known as the Fraser Delta Thruway or the Sea to Sky Highway, is a major highway running from the United States-Canadian border to Lillooet in British Columbia. The entire highway is just over 250 miles from start to finish and has a lot to offer in between those first and last markers. In fact, The Guardian ranked the route as the 5th best road trip in the world in 2006. So just what exactly do you get when you go wheels up? Well, the Sea to Sky Highway passes Delta, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler before getting to Lillooet. Drivers encounter beautiful bridges like the Lionsgate Bridge between Vancouver and North Vancouver, hills, valleys, rivers, and tunnels that you just won't find anywhere else. There's also something for everybody along the way, even museums for those with a thirst for history or the traveler who just likes to slow it down a bit. Thanks to its stunning scenery blessed with so many recreational possibilities, the Sea to Sky Highway is an inspirational drive for globetrotters, backpackers, and hashtag van lifers planning a weekend getaway. Some notable stops along the way are the Tantalus Range Lookout, Cypress Mountain Lookout, Nairn Falls, Shannon Falls, and Porto Cave. 8. Taroko Gorge Road Located in Taiwan, the Taroko Gorge Road stretches for just under 12 miles, and while it may be one rough ride, it also offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The Taroko Gorge Road is carved right into it, and right through the mountains it winds through. Despite the perils of braving the road, it's become a popular attraction for the bravest of tourists. So, don't be surprised to see a whole slew of tour buses, cars, scooters, cyclists, and even pedestrians all vying and fighting for their space on the same narrow stone road. It is kind of scary to think about, but people do it every day in spite of the narrow bends and blind spots throughout. Not only are there the narrow, blind corners, but the Taroko Gorge is subject to no shortage of random rockfalls, floods, landslides, and even earthquakes, and so making it across this 12-mile stretch in one piece is kind of a miracle. But all of these natural occurrences make it incredibly difficult to keep the Taroko Gorge Road in good condition, with heavy rainfalls and typhoons ravaging the area, leaving sections of the road nearly impassable. You get there at the perfect time of year, though, and you're in for a real treat. Mountain ranges as far as the eye can see, stunning azure waters, and sheer rock faces. It's up to the traveler if the risk is worth it. Luckily, though, the National Park Service offers safe guided tours. Just make sure not to veer from the path. 7. Cabot Trail The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, is one of the most famous drives in North America. The entire highway is a 185-mile long loop, but those savvy enough can set aside a full week to experience all the highway has to offer. It can be hard to enjoy the majestic scenery from the confines of a car, which is why there are so many scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and heritage sites all along the loop. There's the Marguerite Harbor and the villages in the Marguerite River Valley for fishing, the Salmon Museum or water sports, or the Shittekump, the largest village on Cape Breton's coast. Into whale-watching? No problem. Drive over to Pleasant Bay and see what breaches the surface. There are even beaches perfect for relaxing or water sports for the more extreme people. The Cabot Trail gets its name from John Cabot, an explorer who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497 and has been so well-maintained and respected that it's been able to last for centuries and will likely keep going strong long into the future. 6. The Stelvio Pass The Stelvio Pass or Passo dello Stelvio in Italian is the second-highest paved mountain pass in the Alps. This road zigzags for about 25 miles up and over the Ortler Alps in northern Italy, a stone's throw from the Swiss border. While not ranked highly among the most scenic passes in the Alps, it's considered one of the most dramatic and challenging to drive thanks to its 48 hairpin turns. The road was built by the Austrian Empire between 1820 and 1825 to connect the then-Austrian province of Lombardy, which is now in Italy, with the rest of the country. Then, as now, it climbs for about 6,140 feet from its base up to the snow-covered mountain pass. This pass has been regarded as an excellent road for drivers with the right kind of car who like a challenge and don't mind a little bit of peril because since August 1898, it's hosted a motor vehicle hill-climbing event. Things came to a grinding halt though when World War I broke out, with flying bullets taking the place of old-timey cars, but as soon as the war ended, the racers returned. Cyclists also complete along the pass, most famously the Giro d'Italia, which has crisscrossed its way through the Stelvio Pass on 12 occasions since 1953. It wasn't until 2008 that this Italian road began to attract widespread international attention, when the immensely popular Top Gear show named it one of the greatest driving roads in the world. Number 5. Stralestatele Amalfitana Tucked away in the southwestern part of the country is the Stralestatele Amalfitana, a 30-mile stretch of road between Sorrento City and Amalfi Village, the community that gave the Amalfi Coast its name. This is one of the most fascinating in the world, making this road an absolute must for travelers of any sort. The highway passes through pretty villages close to high and steep cliffs. This iconic road is famous for its hairpin turns, zigzags, the views over the sea, and the sheer narrowness in certain areas. The road winds along with incredibly steep cliffs, where it looks like one false move could mean doom, but with such stunning views, it may not be the worst way to go. In fact, the Stralestatele Amalfitana is so well-known and so renowned that it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those with a keen eye may also recognize the road from the silver screen. It's been featured as the setting for films like Under the Tucson Sun, and even noir icon Humphrey Bogart drove down here in 1957's Beat the Devil. Gamers may even recognize it from the Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport games. But how intense is this road in Amalfi? It's not as bad as some of the others we've seen, with the biggest frustration here being fellow roadsters and tour buses, because people come from far and wide to get in on the action, so hitting those tight turns can be a little frustrating sometimes, but it's not as bad as sitting in traffic. Then again, the Stralestatele Amalfitana could be the best place to be stuck in gridlock, because it gives you the purposed opportunity to stop and take in the scenery, but when things start moving, it's best to keep your eyes on the road, especially on the north end where much of the two-lane blacktop exists on steep, steep cliffs. 4. ICELAND'S RING ROAD The Iceland Ring Road, or simply Route 1, is the main road that wraps around the entire country, along a coastline running for a whopping 828 miles. There's no doubt that Ring Road is one of the best ways to experience the country for travelers and locals alike, because it will get you up close and personal with some of the most stunning attractions, both man-made and natural. As you cover every region along Route 1, you'll be treated to cold yet majestic waterfalls straight out of Scandinavian fairy tales, volcanic black beaches, and the West Fjords. The Ring Road is quite literally the most efficient way to see as much of Iceland as humanly possible. This Ring Road can be done in a few days, but there are enough experiences along the way to last a lifetime. 3. 99 BEND ROAD TO HEAVEN So, we've all heard of the stairway to heaven, but just wait until you hear about the 99 Bend Road to Heaven. Located in China, the 99 Bend Road to Heaven is a horrifying road that whips and winds its way through Tiananmen Mountain National Park in the central area of the mainland. And as its name would suggest, this extreme road features 99 death-defying hairpin turns constructed hundreds of feet in the air. Construction of this road took nearly eight years to complete, with construction finally ending in 2006. But this is an interesting road, as it manages to combine culture and history with human ingenuity. To get to this road, you first need to drive up Tongtian Avenue, or the avenue towards heaven. But the 99 curves of this extreme road aren't random. In fact, they represent the nine palaces of heaven, and by the time you make it to the top, you'll certainly feel like you've ascended to the realm of divinity and celestial beings. But the icing on the cake here is Heaven's Gate, which is the natural rock arch that was believed to be the link between the gods and the mortal world. 99 Bend Road to Heaven is one of the most unique places in the world, where human engineering meets religion, spirituality, and culture in a way that very few places are able to achieve. Number 2. The Great Ocean Road The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage Site, and stretches on for 150 miles from the Victorian city of Torquay to Allensford. The Great Road has a rich history, having been built between 1919 and 1932 by soldiers after they came home, and dedicated to all the Aussie soldiers who died during World War I. The Great Ocean Road is the world's largest war memorial, winding its way through various types of terrain all along the coast, and giving travelers access to several prominent landmarks, like the Twelve Apostles' limestone stack. This road is an important tourist attraction for the region, so much so that at the end of 2020, legislation was passed to legally protect the route. Great Ocean Road has become such an important cultural mainstay that the 28-mile stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay has been the location of the annual Great Ocean Road Marathon since 2005. The course record was broken by James Kipelwan of Kenya, who ran it in just about 2 hours and 27 minutes. In addition to the marathon, this is also the setting for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, which sees elite cyclists from around the world competing for the top prize. It is the perfect setting for the best of the best to go head-to-head and test their mettle against one another, that is, as long as they can take their eyes off the scenery for long enough. Number 1. California State Route 1 – Pacific Coast Highway Those in the know simply refer to it as PCH, but Pacific Coast Highway is probably the most famous highway in the world. Taking drivers from Southern California all the way up to the northern tip of the state, the highway rides all along the coast, taking you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. There's almost an unlimited amount of things to do, see, and even eat along the way. There really is something for everyone on this road. For animal lovers, there's the Elephant Seal Rookery at San Piedras Beach in San Simeon, where more than 15,000 elephant seals migrate every year and put on a free show. From the viewing platform, you can watch all of them flop around in the sand and bark like the world is ending tomorrow. Hitting top speeds, this 460-mile drive can take about nine hours, but if you're smart, you'll give yourself a few days because the PCH isn't about the destination, it's about the journey. One of the biggest stops along the way is easily Big Sur. For about 72 miles from San Caperforo Creek to Malpaso Creek, the road winds and hugs the cliff of Big Sur, passing various coastal parks in the area. It's truly one of the most breathtaking views in the world, where gorgeous waves of the Pacific Ocean crash along the rocks. Despite the name, though, PCH leaves the coastline for a few miles, passing through the Redwood Forest and the Big Sur River Valley. As the road of PCH comes to an end, travelers are greeted with the iconic red arches of the Golden Gate Bridge, which guides them along oftentimes through the Bay Area's unique thick fog into San Francisco. California has some of the most diverse nature, landscapes, and scenery in the United States. It's got everything from warm-water beaches, bustling cities, and thick, lush historic forests. And, the Pacific Coast Highway is the best way to see it all, making it the most beautiful road on Earth. I'll see you next time.