Top 15 of the most beautiful roads in the world • Wanderlix

Find in this top our selection of the 15 most beautiful routes to explore around the world.

“In a journey, it’s not the destination that counts but always the path, and the detours especially” .

This quote from Philippe Pollet-Villard has never taken so much meaning as to discover this article revealing the most beautiful roads in the world.

We have selected for you mythical, enchanting roads that will become the main element of your next trip. From the classic "Road 66" in the United States to the least known "Hai Van Pass" in Vietnam, take the time to "live your paths" through these oblivious roads.

1. Tianmen Road – China

The Tianmen Road, located north of Hunan province, is also known as the "Hair Road". If she holds this nickname, it is not so much because her corners while climbing seem to lead straight to paradise, but for any other reason.

After 11 kilometers and no less than 99 turns revealing impressive views of the natural landscapes of this Chinese country, the Tianmen Road reveals, at its highest point, an impressive natural arch of 131 meters high and 30 meters wide opening onto the sky.

If the Tianmen Road is part of our ranking of the most beautiful roads in the world, it is also one of the most dangerous. Its sharp turns, often at 180° and its denial of more than 1,000 meters, are sometimes difficult to negotiate and will deserve your utmost attention.

If you don’t feel like walking around this winding road, you can still borrow the cable car that will allow you to admire it and reach the top.

2. Atlantic Road - Norway

The Atlantic Route is one of the most picturesque wonders in the world. Indeed, each of the 8 bridges that compose it seems to have come out of a different universe.

It took no less than 6 years for the workers to build this 8.3 km road, especially because of the more than difficult climatic conditions. Indeed, during these six years, the construction site had to face... 12 hurricanes!

Yet, thanks to hard work, these same workers finally managed to build one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Located in the northern part of Hustadvika's coastal zone in Norway, it should be a real must for your next Nordic trip.

3. Great Ocean Road – Australia

Great Ocean Road is particularly well named. Nearly 243 kilometres, it runs along the ocean from Torquay (South of Geelong) to Allansford (east of Warrnambool). But get rid of yourself, and get ready to take your time, because you will need more than a day to enjoy all the surprises that this Australian wonder offers.

In addition to world-famous surf competitions, and the spot Twelve Apostles They are also national parks, private beaches and surprise tours of kangaroos and koalas that will lead your trip.

4. Hai Van Pass – Vietnam

This fabulous Vietnamese road, it’s on a scooter (or on a motorcycle) that we advise you to survey it! The Hai Van Pass extends over 20 kilometres, between Danang and Hué, in the centre of Vietnam.

If the one we consider to be one of the most beautiful roads in the world was crowded a little while ago, this is no longer the case today. Indeed, since the opening of the Hai Van tunnel in 2005, trucks, buses and other cars no longer take the time (or risk) to climb the coast and its 496 meters of altitude.

Thus, you will enjoy a road offering landscapes which only Vietnam has the secret, and this in an almost absolute calm, surrounded by other experienced bikers and cyclists.

5. Promenade des Glaciers – Canada

The Glacier Drive is one of Canada’s largest splendors (also known as Highway 93). Long 229 kilometers, it connects the cities of Jasper and Lake Louise, in the east of the country.

On the contrary of the Great Ocean Road (see above), the Glacier promenade is quite feasible in a day. You can still take a lot of breaks on the highway areas not far from all the remarkable spots that this road offers.

From the Crowfoot Glacier to the impressive Mistaya Canyon (above), let the most beautiful landscapes of western Canada scroll in your eyes.

6. Col Sani – South Africa

Col Sani (Sani pass), located more than 2,800 metres above sea level, marks the border between South Africa and Lesotho. At the heart of the Drakenzberg mountain range, discover a most impressive road pass, which turns out to be the only possibility of crossing between the two regions.

Its crossing is slowest and most complex, and you will have to be patient if you want to take this route. However, many tour operators offer you a ride through that which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

7. Leh Manali Highway – India

As dangerous as unique, as long as intoxicating, the Manali-Leh is the most spectacular route of our selection.

Manali-Leh is 480 kilometers long, with a peak point at 5,328 meters high. It is also 4 collars (Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Lachulung La and Tanglang La), plateaus, and a multitude of surprises on the edge of its often sinuous roads.

You can find a plethora of scattered settlements along the path, similar to small Indian villages lost in this wild nature. The latter will allow you to redo the full of your bike, or simply drink a tea for a moment of sharing, suspended in time.

Between rocks, snows, cliffs and coasts, Manali Leh is challenging but unforgettable. You can go to his solo discovery, only if you are a regular of extreme roads. In the opposite case, we advise you to discover it via a tour operator.

8. California State Route 1 - United States

Much less “root” than the previous one, the California State Route 1 is also more touristic, less dangerous and much easier to access. Also known as "Highway 1", it is the state road of California that follows the peaceful coast.

The one that is also known as the California Dream Road is almost 900 kilometres long, and passes through the two world-famous cities: Los Angeles and San Francisco .

9. Gorges du Dadès – Morocco

Here we are in Morocco, in the heart of the Gorges du Dadès, to discover one of the most charming routes of our selection. Charming, by its landscape, but also by the population living throughout these gorges: the Berbers .

During your journey, stop in Tamlalt, to discover the “Doigts of the Monkey”, before leaving for a long 4-hour trip to Oudinar, a sublime village. This route will therefore offer you a collection of landscapes, discoveries and encounters that you will never forget.

10. Karakoram Highway – Pakistan

The Karakoram Highway is a road in the heart of Asia, representing the only link between China and Pakistan. This road, as beautiful as impressive, is strong in a heavy history.

Nicknamed “Road of Friendship” by the Chinese, it was built from 1966 to 1978, jointly by the two countries. Its 1,300 kilometers of length saw the death of 810 Pakistanis and 82 Chinese during its construction, both the efforts demanded in the midst of this wild nature were important.

Up to 4,693 metres tall, it will provide you with a variety of landscapes, such as Karakul Lake, which is located more than 3,000 metres above sea level, and offers a magnificent view of the Muztagh Ata, 7 500 metres high.

11. Route 40 – Argentina

The Route 40 is in Argentina what Route 66 is in the United States. Crossing the country from north to south, over 5,000 kilometers, it is THE mythical road to take if you want to discover the country in its globality.

But be warned: you will have to plan a good month if you want to make the crossing in its globality! You will face 11 provinces, located in 3 different regions: the North, the Cuyo and especially the beautiful Patagonia.

This itinerary, as hard as magic, we strongly advise you to do it by car rather than by bike. In fact, temperatures can descend quickly and make your bike ride unpleasant.

12. Col Stelvio - Italy

Located in Italy, and representing the second highest road pass of the Alps with 2,758 meters, Col Stelvio is a real pilgrimage site for European bikers. They consider it all as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and we understand why.

This mythical route was drawn between 1820 and 1825, by engineer Carlo Donegani in order to connect the empire of Austria to Lombardy. It now hosts an incalculable number of bikers each year to offer its legendary route.

13. Denali Highway - Alaska

218 kilometres long, the Denali Highway or Alaska Highway 8, was the first access road to Denali National Park and Reserve .

Through it, you will discover the sumptuous landscapes that Alaska can offer, including its mountain range. However, if you want to discover it, you should hurry... Global warming makes every year the opening time of this road more limited, and it may be that it will definitely close its doors in a few years.

14. Lavender Road – France

Between June and August, lavender bloomed all over Provence, scenting the air and coloring the landscape. To fully enjoy it, why not embark on the Lavender roads? There are no less than six circuits waiting for you.

In addition to the sweet Provençal landscapes, you will find many surprises on the way: distilleries, workshops, museums, restaurants, etc. Ideal for a romantic getaway, on one of the most beautiful roads in France!

15. Route 66 - United States

When you evoke Route 66, it is a myth that you are attacking. The most famous road in the world, the one dreaming of all bikers, and all travel enthusiasts in general. Crossing the East country in the West, it extends over 3,945 kilometres, 8 states, and 3 different time zones, Chicago Santa Monica.

On Route 66, you will find legendary service stations, diverse and varied landscapes, travellers from all backgrounds, ghost cities, mythical dining places (Diners, Cadillac Ranch...), as well as famous motels on the roadsides.

To attack Route 66 is to attack a legend. Crossing it from end to end is becoming one.