10 of the World’s Most Romantic Drives

Traveling with your significant other is always a joy, but to truly enjoy each other’s company is to drive through some of the most magnificent roads in the world. There is nothing like spending time in some of the most beautiful places in the world to fire up the romance between you and your loved one.

Here are the most romantic driving routes in the world to enjoy with your special person.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Located in Victoria, Australia, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Aside from enjoying the views of the great Australian outdoors unfold right outside of your car windows, you and your romantic partner will definitely enjoy the many activities and attractions you will find along the way.

Enjoy a romantic and adventure-filled day exploring the Otways, which boasts some of the best rainforests in the country; surf in the western coast of Victoria; frolic in the beautiful Discovery Bay; walk through the Bay of Islands Coastal Park to enjoy the breathtaking sights of the blue sea; and discover the rock formations of the Twelve Apostles.

Icefields Parkway, Canada

Widely recognized as one of the national treasures of Canada, the very romantic Icefields Parkway is a wonderful driving route that takes you through 232 kilometres of beautiful Canadian scenery. You and your romantic partner can enjoy majestic views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as breathtaking valleys and ancient glaciers. The road winds through two national parks, making for an unforgettable drive with your special someone.

The Route des Vins d’Alsace, France

This breathtaking French route takes you and your partner through the charming and picturesque countryside and the wonderful wineries and vineyards of Alsace. The Route des Vins d’Alsace is credited for the success of Alsace wines, thanks to the majestic views that wonderfully complement the quality and exquisite flavours of the local wines. Stretching for over 170 kilometres in the foot of the eastern part of Vosges, the Route des Vins d’Alsace offers incomparable views of lush hills covered in grape vines, quaint villages, and gorgeous flowers in the spring.

The Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand

Located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, the Pacific Coast Highway in New Zealand offers an unforgettable coastal journey for you and your loved one. This route is popular among adventurous couples who want to travel off the beaten path and to discover the dramatic views of North Island’s coast. By the time you reach the former gold rush hub of Coromandel, you will get a preview of all the majesty of New Zealand’s scenery. There are plenty of things to do on stopovers, such as swimming in the calm waters of the pristine beaches, exploring postcard-pretty bays, and experience the vibrant local nightlife.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the Austrian Alps is one of the most beautiful and famous alpine roads in the world, stretching for over 48 kilometres with over 30 bends that will test your driving skills. The views will be definitely unforgettable for you and your special someone, thanks to the alpine scenery, lush flower-filled meadows, thick mountain forests that perfume the air with its fresh, woodsy scents, and the ice-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps. For an extra dose of romance, make sure to rent a vintage vehicle that will allow you and your romantic partner to fully experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the amazing Austrian Alps.

The Pacific Coast Highway, United States

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of those legendary roads essential to the American road trip culture. The official name of the road is Route 1, but the name Pacific Coast Highway perfectly encapsulates the majestic location of this legendary road. If you and your partner are hardcore road trip enthusiasts, then this American highway is just for you. The journey can begin from Los Angeles, but you can also begin at the traditional starting point of the Pacific Coast Highway at San Francisco. The road can be challenging at some points, so make sure to enjoy the views while still keeping your eye on the road.

Romantische Strasse, Germany

Long drives cannot get more romantic than the Romantische Strasse, which is German for “romantic road”. This aptly named road takes you through the charming regions of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria. The route is loosely based on an old Roman route built in the area centuries ago. You and your romantic partner will definitely enjoy a fairytale journey in these regions, as well as the sights of the gorgeous storybook castle of Neuschwanstein.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Known among Italian speakers as Costiera Amalfitana, the Amalfi Coast is perhaps the most scenic coastline road in this European country. There are plenty of wonders to be seen and experienced, including beautiful candy-coloured villages built right into the face of the cliffs, lush mountains, high cornice roads, and gorgeous views of the aquamarine waters. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous example of Mediterranean seascape and landscape, which also boasts of colourful local culture. When driving along the Amalfi Coast, make sure to stop over at the romantic and beautiful town of Ravello, perched high over the ocean with breathtaking gardens and ancient buildings.

The Sea to Sky Highway, Canada

The name might be uncreative for some people, but never judge this majestic road by its highly descriptive name. The official name is not really an improvement—the Sea to Sky Highway is officially known as Highway 99—but you and your romantic partner will definitely enjoy the marvellous sights of the route, which includes mountain peaks that soar right into the sky, breathtaking ocean vistas, gorgeous waterfalls, and quaint villages.

The Karakoram Highway between Pakistan and China

Connecting the countries of Pakistan and China through the beautiful Karakoram Mountain Pass, this highway is perfect for couples looking for the best romantic and adventurous driving route. There are plenty of glaciers, mountains, lakes, and rivers that dot the highway’s route, as well as local villages boasting of virtually unchanged culture for centuries.