A list of five coastal roads that offer mesmerising scenery and an engaging ride
Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, beautiful sunsets, and sparkling surfs with these five amazing coastal roads to get the irresistible charm that a road trip offers.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
This coastal road spanning 2,500 kilometres is an amalgamation of all the best that Ireland has to offer. Rugged landscapes, jagged cliffs, scenic beaches, and imposing castles are a delight to watch on this road, which runs along the west coast of Ireland. The route encompasses some of the best ribbons of asphalt that can be possibly driven on.
The route also offers local delicacies such as fresh oysters, smoked salmon and delicious cheeses. You can stop over for some wine and traditional music at the many pubs dotting the route. The entire stretch is also a haven for surfers. However, the biggest waves and the legendary Aileens can be witnessed at the Mullaghmore Head off the Cliff of Moher.
Gaspésie Tour, Quebec, Canada
The Gaspésie Tour is a legendary scenic drive that goes around Canada’s Gaspe Peninsula. The 1,026 kilometres long drive offers splendid scenery, rich dose of history, bucolic fishing villages and picturesque lighthouses. The interiors of the Gaspe Peninsula house wildlife reserves that are home to moose, caribou, and black bears.
For adventure seekers, the coastline is dotted with places, which offer kayaking trips and whale watching tours. Tall lighthouses can be found on the way at the Forillon National Park, Quebec’s first national park that is spread over 244 square kilometres. The Rocher Percé (Pierced rock), a huge rock formation sculpted by sea, and wind is also one of the major attractions on the route.
Pan-American Highway, Southern Peru
The coastal desert section of the highway between Lima and Tacna has all the ingredients for a perfect road trip. It is the best getaway from Peru’s crowded tourist hotspots. A well-maintained road stretching over 1,330 kilometres, the highway encompasses places of historical significance, wildlife reserves, and excellent wineries.
A slight detour taken can reward you with a trip to Illas Ballestas, an island that is extremely rich in marine life with plenty of sea lions, pelicans, Peruvian boobies, and penguins to be seen. The idyllic fishing town of Chala is an ideal getaway with kayaks, jet skis, and horseback riding. Tax-free Tacna on the Chilean border is also popular amongst travellers.
Adriatic Coast, Croatia
Croatia’s phenomenal coastline is an idyllic place to drive. Pebbly beaches, crystal clear waters, olive plantations, and old towns with baroque buildings make this 746-kilometre ride a journey to remember for a lifetime. With farmer’s roadside stalls and mountains plunging into the sea, the entire route is breathtakingly beautiful.
Istria in the north is famous for its well-preserved Roman ruins. The city of Split is another great location with monumental attractions to its name, primarily the incredible Diocletian’s Palace and the dominating Cetina Gorge. The route fittingly ends at Dubrovnik, a city that has marble streets, old stone buildings and an exceptional view of the Adriatic Sea.
Fjords and Islands of Norway
A truly enchanting experience awaits those who venture for a road trip through Scandinavia’s rugged landscape. Norway is a land where mountains and seas abound with weather and light changes being in the extreme. A 1,039-kilometre trip from Lofoten Islands to the Arctic Ocean will take you past enormous mountain peaks, deep fjords, and colourful fishing villages.
Towards the north lie fjords, mountains, and windswept beaches that are almost untouched by humans. The more you move towards the north, the wilder the scenery becomes and you can even spot reindeers on the road. Riding on this scenic route, you will be a lot closer to the North Pole than you can imagine.
Exploring these enticing locations on a motorcycle is an experience to remember for a lifetime. However, things can go awry at times and it is better to have two wheeler insurance if you are travelling on your own vehicle and a travel insurance to protect you otherwise.