In the modern world of city breaks and all-inclusive beach holidays it is easy to forget the richness of natural beauty that many destinations can offer. There may be plenty of great deals available in your local travel agent, but stunning scenery doesn’t cost a penny, and across the globe there are literally thousands of locations that will leave your eyes wide in awe.
The best way of seeing many of these incredible sights is by travelling on the roads that pass through them, and below we take a look at just four of the planet’s most beautiful drives.
Big Sur - Courtesy © Andy - Fotolia.com
‘Big Sur’ – California, USA
The USA is synonymous with epic drives and this highway that plots the course along the central Californian coastline is no different.
Highway 1 – or ‘Big Sur’ as it is otherwise known – is one of the most well known roads in the whole of the States (which really is saying something) and it is easy to see why when you take in the stunning Pacific Ocean views firsthand.
The highway stretches 90 miles from San Simeon to Carmel and takes in an eclectic cornucopia of natural beauty. Impressive cliffs overlooking the crashing waves of the world’s largest ocean and the dense wilderness of Ventana are just some of the sights you’ll enjoy on this incredible journey.
Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia - Courtesy © ALCE - Fotolia.com
Great Ocean Road – Victoria, Australia
There is a whole lot of dust and desert when you’re driving Down-Under, but on the Great Ocean Road that runs for 150 miles along the South Australian coast through the state of Victoria offers sea views, blue skies and plenty of plush green landscape.
You’ll be able to take in sights such as the Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations, while traversing rainforest, beaches and incredible cliff lines.
The road was built by returning soldiers in memorial of those who died in World War I and is a major tourist attraction in the region, so don’t expect to have it all to yourself.
Conor Pass - Courtesy Janek Kloss
Conor Pass – Dingle Peninsula, Republic of Ireland
A road trip a little closer to home this time, with the Emerald Isle’s Conor Pass which runs from the Southern end of the Dingle Peninsula towards Brandon Bay.
Ireland is a veritable treasure trove of gorgeous scenery, and this incredible road journey is no exception. Its sweeping green vistas and untouched hill sides really are the stuff of mythology, and if you’re someone who is passionate about British landscapes this road really is a must-see.
Stelvio Pass, Italy - Courtesy © wildman - Fotolia.com
Stelvio Pass, Italy
Situated a towering 9000 feet up in the Italian Alps this legendary road is somewhat of a rite of passage for motorists and motorcyclists alike, containing 48 switchbacks in its relatively short 15 miles.
Its many sharp turns have led the Stelvio to be dubbed one of the most dangerous roads in the world as well as one of the most thrilling, however that doesn’t take away from the beauty and the fun of this terrific track, and it was even selected by motoring show Top Gear as the “greatest driving road in the world”.
There are a whole host of other awe-inspiring examples of natural beauty that can be enjoyed on four wheels throughout the world, so belt up, sit back and enjoy the views from the comfort of your vehicle.
This guest blog was written by John Rooney on behalf of Autoshippers UK, specialists in roll-on/roll-off car shipping for making your driving dreams come true.