Best Coastal Drives in the World 2026

Coastal roads have something motorways will never have. The sea on one side, cliffs dropping straight to the water, and the feeling that the drive itself is the destination. Anyone who has driven the Amalfi Coast in May, or the Pacific Coast Highway at sunset, knows exactly what that means.

This guide covers the most impressive coastal drives in the world. Each route with concrete facts: length, best time to go, what you cannot miss, and why that particular stretch stands out.

Which Coastal Routes Are Truly Essential?

Amalfi Coast, Southern Italy (Sorrento to Salerno, roughly 50 km): The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Deservedly so. The road climbs from Sorrento to Salerno along steep cliffs, with villages like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello looking as though they have been glued onto the rock face. Tight bends are guaranteed. So are stunning views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Best time: May or October, because in high summer buses and tourist cars back up for kilometres. Alternative from Sorrento: hydrofoil connections to Positano and Amalfi at least spare you the bus. Tip: drive eastward (Sorrento to Salerno) so the sea stays on the driver’s side. No toll.

Great Ocean Road, Australia (roughly 250 km, Victoria): Between Torquay and Warrnambool along Victoria’s south coast, you drive one of the most dramatic coastal stretches in the world. High point: the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks standing 50 metres above the ocean. The Great Ocean Road visitor information from Tourism Victoria has current conditions and viewpoint details. Best time: October to April (Australian spring and summer). Drive time without stops: about 3 hours. With stops: two days minimum.

Pacific Coast Highway, California (Highway 1, roughly 1,000 km): San Francisco to Los Angeles, or the reverse. The most celebrated section runs between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Luis Obispo. Bixby Creek Bridge near Big Sur is the most photographed spot. The Pacific Coast Highway continues past Los Angeles through Malibu to Santa Barbara. Tip: drive north to south so the Pacific stays on the driver’s side. Note: fog and landslides can close sections in winter.

Ring of Kerry, Ireland (roughly 179 km, County Kerry): Purple heather, green hills, Atlantic panoramas. The Ring of Kerry circles the Iveragh Peninsula in western Ireland and ranks among the most dramatic coastal circuits in Europe. Tour buses always go clockwise, so independent drivers go counter-clockwise to avoid head-on encounters. Key stops: Killarney, Sneem, Ladies View, Moll’s Gap. Best time: May to September. Drive time: 4-5 hours, but two days is better.

Garden Route, South Africa (roughly 300 km, Western Cape): From Mossel Bay to Storms River Mouth through national parks, lagoons, beaches, and forests. The Tsitsikamma National Park is the centrepiece. Knysna with its lagoon and the Knysna Heads (a rock gateway to the sea) is a must. Best time: November to February. Pairs well with a start or end in Cape Town.

How Do You Plan a Coastal Road Trip Properly?

Coastal roads are not motorways. A few things that make a real difference:

Slow down: Coastal roads are often narrow, winding, poorly signed. Google Maps will give you a 50 km/h average. Reality is slower.

Mark stops in advance: The best viewpoints are often off the main road and poorly signed. Check satellite view beforehand (Google Maps satellite mode), marking headlands and cliffs that show unusually deep blue water.

Choose your direction: On routes with a one-sided sea view (almost always the case), drive in the direction that keeps the sea on the driver’s side. Otherwise you see only rock, and only the passenger gets the view.

High season vs. shoulder season: On the Amalfi Coast in August you can spend two hours covering 20 km. In May it takes 30 minutes. That is not a minor detail.

For rental car tips and how to avoid extra fees, see our hidden rental car costs guide.

Which Coastal Drive Fits Which Type of Traveller?

A quick answer for who should drive what and when:

Amalfi Coast: Romance, food, style. For couples, food lovers, culture seekers. Not ideal for families with young children in July.
Great Ocean Road: Pure nature, light crowds away from the main stops. For outdoor fans, photographers, solo travellers.
Pacific Coast Highway: The classic American road trip feeling. For anyone who wants to live that cliche at least once. It holds up.
Ring of Kerry: Rain is possible and the landscape carries it well. For hikers, nature lovers, Ireland fans.
Garden Route: A mix of wildlife, beaches, and forest. For families, nature lovers, anyone who wants to keep going after Cape Town.

For a longer trip, several of these routes can be combined. The Costa Rica road trip route is a strong alternative for tropical coastal driving.

Save the shortlist in your Zercy Logbook so you have all options handy when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which coastal drive is considered the most beautiful in the world?

The Pacific Coast Highway in California and the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy are most often named the world’s greatest coastal drives. The Great Ocean Road in Australia and the Ring of Kerry in Ireland are classics that fully live up to their reputations.

When should you drive the Amalfi Coast?

May and October are the best months. In July and August traffic on the narrow road backs up significantly. Winding sections shared with tour buses slow things down further. Early morning (before 9 AM) or evening (after 6 PM) sees noticeably less traffic.

How long do you need for the Great Ocean Road?

At least two days, three is better. One day is enough to see the Twelve Apostles. But the best sections between Apollo Bay and Port Campbell are off the main stops and need time to appreciate properly.

What should you pack for a coastal road trip?

Sunscreen, a camera with extra battery, offline maps (Google Maps can be downloaded offline), snacks and water for stretches without services, and a fleece. Even in southern Italy, cliff-top roads can be cold in the morning.

Read more:

Best Coastal Drives in the World: Road Trips Right by the Sea