Top Motorcycle Routes Around the World: A Rider’s Ultimate Guide

Motorcycle touring combines the thrill of the open road with the awe of nature’s masterpieces, offering an unrivaled sense of freedom and adventure. Around the globe, there are roads that seem to be carved with motorcyclists in mind, winding through landscapes so stunning they’ll take your breath away. From the serpentine stretches of the Alps to the rugged terrains of the Americas, these routes are not just paths but journeys through the heart of beauty and exhilaration. Join us as we explore some of the most breathtaking motorcycle routes the world has to offer.

The Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Starting in Monterey, California, and stretching all the way to Morro Bay, the Pacific Coast Highway offers an unparalleled west coast experience. This 200km (123-mile) route is a sensory overload of stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and the lush forests of Big Sur. Riding this highway, you’re not just on a road; you’re on the edge of the continent, where the land meets the vast Pacific. It’s a journey where every turn presents a picture-perfect moment, making it a must-ride for enthusiasts seeking the quintessence of freedom.

Points of interest along route:

• China Vista Point
• Painters Point
• Notleys Landing Vistapoint
• Rocky Creek Bridge
• Bixby Bridge Vista Point
• Little Sur River Bridge
• Cooper Cabin
• Mud Creek
• Big Sur Lookout
• Piedras Blancas Light Station
• Morro Rock

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a 236km (151-mile) journey that presents a kaleidoscope of landscapes. Starting in Torquay and ending in Allansford, the route snakes along the southeastern coast, offering views of towering limestone cliffs, serene beaches, and rainforests teeming with life. The road is a tribute to soldiers fallen in WWI, making it the world’s largest war memorial. Riding this road, one cannot help but feel a connection to both nature and history, encapsulated by the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles rock formations that stand guard over the Southern Ocean’s wild waves.

Points of interest along route:

• Memorial Arch at Eastern View
• Jump Rock
• Teddy’s Lookout
• Mount Defiance Lookout
• Cape Otway Lightstation
• Princetown Wetlands Boardwalk
• Twelve Apostles
• The Razorback

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is synonymous with beauty, history, and drama. The road from Sorrento to Salerno is a narrow, winding path that clings to the mountainside, offering riders a thrilling challenge with a reward of breathtaking views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Along the way, pastel-colored villages like Positano and Amalfi emerge from the cliffs, inviting stops for authentic Italian cuisine or a moment of awe at the historic sites. This route is a testament to Italy’s allure, combining natural beauty with rich history and culture.

Points of interest along route:

• Viewpoint.8-Amalfi Dr
• Fiordo di Furore
• Grotta dello Smeraldo
• Villa Romana e Antiquarium
• Massi Cetara
• La Torre Cerniola
• Spiaggia la Collata
• Torre di Cetara
• Cappella di Santa Maria degli Angeli
• Medieval Aqueduct
   

The Transfăgărășan, Romania

Known as the “Road to the Sky,” the Transfăgărășan Highway is a marvel of engineering that offers one of the most spectacular rides in the world. Cutting through the Carpathian Mountains, it provides a challenging and exhilarating route for riders, with sharp turns, steep ascents, and a peak at 2,042 meters. The road connects Transylvania to Wallachia through the Făgăraș Mountains and offers stunning views, notably of Lake Bâlea, a glacier lake that’s a jewel amidst the rugged peaks. Riding the Transfăgărășan is a journey through the heart of Romania’s natural grandeur.

Points of interest along route:

• Cascada Bâlea
• Transfagarasan
• Transfăgărășan tunel
• Capra Waterfall
• Transfăgărășan
• RwchLake view point

The Route des Grandes Alpes, France

Starting at Lake Geneva and ending at the Mediterranean, the Route des Grandes Alpes is a journey through the French Alps, offering an unparalleled alpine experience. This 680km (425-mile) route takes riders over some of the highest and most beautiful mountain passes in Europe, including the famous Col du Galibier and Col de l’Iseran. Along the way, the route offers picturesque views of alpine meadows, glacial streams, and quaint villages that dot the landscape. It’s a route that combines natural beauty with the thrill of high-altitude riding, making it a bucket-list journey for riders around the world.

Conclusion

Each of these routes offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and riding pleasure, showcasing the diverse tapestry of our planet from the seat of a motorcycle. Whether it’s the oceanic horizons of the Pacific Coast Highway or the historic paths of the Amalfi Coast, the roads call out to the spirit of adventure that lies within every rider. So gear up, set forth on these journeys, and let the roads tell you their stories. Remember, it’s not just about