On The Road: Epic Luxury Coastal Road Trips To Take Around The Globe
When it comes to luxury travel, few experiences beat a perfectly curated coastal road trip in the comfort of a luxurious and comfortable vehicle of choice. A road trip is more than transportation; it's about the journey. One of freedom, romance, and exploration, with each turn unveiling a new view and each stop highlighting cultural significance.
But, preparation is vital in choosing the perfect vehicle, season, and destination. From sun-drenched Australia to the dramatic landscapes of the Pacific Coast Highway, each road trip offers a unique experience. Here are some of the world's best luxury road trips to take:
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Stretching 151 miles along Australia's southeastern coastline, the Great Ocean Road is a journey of natural magnificence that transforms luxury travel into an extraordinary expedition.
This legendary highway weaves between Torquay and Allansford, presenting you with a breathtaking panorama of limestone cliffs, pristine surf beaches, and the iconic Twelve Apostles. World-renowned Bells Beach offers cinematic surfing views, while the Kennett River Koala Walk provides intimate encounters with Australia's most charismatic wildlife, creating a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond conventional road trips and invites adventurers to witness the raw, untamed beauty of Victoria's coastal wilderness.
Chapman's Peak, South Africa
Carved into the rugged southwestern coast of South Africa, Chapman's Peak Drive is just over a five-mile journey into engineering brilliance and natural beauty. This legendary route near Cape Town boasts an extraordinary 114 curves that wind along the Atlantic coastline, offering breathtaking and panoramic vistas and dramatic oceanic landscapes.
Named for the 1,954-foot mountain that watches over its path, this drive is less a road and more a curated experience. This roadtrip is a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of the Cape's most iconic coastal passage.
Adriatic Highway, The Adriatic
Tracing the eastern coastline of the Adriatic Sea, this extraordinary route traverses four nations, Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The route makes its way through some of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes.
Ascending from sea-level to elevated mountain passes, the highway unveils new views around each bend, highlighting the untamed beauty of the Balkan peninsula.
Atlantic Coast Road, Norway
Spanning five miles along Norway's northwestern coastline, the Atlantic Ocean Road is known as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. Eight audacious bridges weave a winding path between Kristiansund and Molde, offering a journey that blurs the line between road and roller coaster.
This architectural wonder, completed in 1989 after six grueling years of construction, stands as a testament to human determination, challenging the raw, unbridled power of the Atlantic Ocean with each curve.
Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, Scotland
A 165-mile journey through Scotland's most dramatic landscapes, the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail is a mesmerizing scene of rugged beauty and historical importance.
From the whale-watching haven of St Cyrus Nature Reserve to the gothic inspiration behind Dracula at Slains Castle, this route weaves natural wonders and architectural marvels, punctuated by photogenic fishing villages, the haunting Dunnottar Castle, and the unexpected allure of Peterhead Prison Museum.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Stretching an impressive 655 miles from San Juan Capistrano to Mendocino County, California's Pacific Coast Highway is an unparalleled coastal roadtrip.
This legendary route offers a curated experience of architectural icons like the Bixby Bridge, the opulent grandeur of Hearst Castle, and the sun-drenched allure of Malibu and Santa Monica. A coastal journey that perfectly highlights some of California's most breathtaking landscapes.
Causeway Coastal Route, Ireland
Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route is a passage from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry, where centuries of Celtic history and raw natural beauty converge in a breathtaking roadtrip.
This iconic route, thanks to shows such as The Game of Thrones, invites you to explore the mystical Nine Glens of Antrim, traverse the legendary Giant's Causeway, and enjoy a landscape that defies imaginations.
Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
The 64-mile Road to Hana is not just a drive but an adventure that challenges the very boundaries of coastal road trip exploration. With 59 single-lane bridges and 617 heart-stopping switchbacks, this Hawaiian journey is a testament to nature's untamed beauty.
This route is so demanding that it has earned the provocative moniker "Divorce Highway," offering intrepid drivers a journey through Maui's most dramatic and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Cap Corse Road, Corsica, France
Winding 68 miles along Corsica's northeastern coastline, the Cap Corse Road has you navigating the legendary D80 route. With an average 40-kiometer speed limit, you can take your time soaking up the views.
This coastal journey provides plenty of ocean views, charming villages, and if taken anti-clockwise, the everyday magic of Mediterranean sunrises and sunsets.
Atlantic Highway, Cornwall and Devon, UK
The Atlantic Highway, spanning 77 miles from the historic town of Barnstaple to the surf capital of Newquay, is a quintessential British coastal road trip.
This route meanders through the picturesque landscapes of Devon and Cornwall. You can explore sandy beaches, fishing villages, and the region's most alluring attractions. This journey perfectly captures the romantic essence of southwestern England's coastal charm.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Designated as the SS163, the Amalfi Coast Road is a 30-mile stretch along the Tyrrhenian Sea. The route demands the precision of a seasoned driver and rewards with Mediterranean panoramic views.
This legendary passage weaves through impossibly narrow stretches and serpentine bends, challenging even the most accomplished drivers while offering incredibly aesthetic views.