The World's Best Roads for Driving Enthusiasts

Gather some enthusiastic drivers together, and pretty soon the conversation turns to their favorite roads. Each will have their own ideas about what makes for a great road, but given time, some common themes will emerge.

Curves are essential. Everyone wants to feel the connection between road and machine as they navigate twists and turns. Hills are important, too. Changes in elevation make for a more entertaining experience. Then there’s the scenery. A great road will run through a dramatic, awe-inspiring landscape. And after that come lesser points, like a surface that’s smooth yet grippy, and an absence of traffic.

Those are the ingredients; now let’s take a look at seven of the world’s best roads.
 
The Pacific Coast Highway, California
Also known as Highway 1, this two-lane road winds down the California coast from Carmel to San Simeon, and ending in Morro Bay. The views over the ocean are spectacular, and the bridges are dramatic. This road is so gorgeous it makes regular appearances in TV commercials.

Stelvio Pass, Italy
The second-highest paved mountain pass in the Alps and the highest-paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, this road runs along the side of a valley, then abruptly changes into a series of hairpins as it climbs ever higher. Enjoy fifteen miles and 60 switchbacks of driving delight.

Col De Turini, France
Head north into the mountains from Monaco and you'll find yourself on a Monte Carlo Rally stage. Hemmed in between low stone walls and a sheer rock face overlook stunning mountain and forest views, and traffic is light on this road that winds up the side of the valley.

"Tail of the Dragon", Tennessee and North Carolina, U.S.
Left-right-left - is there a road anywhere with more turns per mile? Located on Route 129 where Tennessee meets North Carolina, there are some 318 curves along this 11-mile stretch. Try it in the fall, when the leaves are turning, but be careful not to get distracted!

Conor Pass, Ireland
In the south-west of Ireland lies the verdant Dingle Peninsula, and one approach takes you over this pass, the highest in Ireland. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lakes below and the mountains across the way, but as the road is narrow and twisting, be prepared to pull in to let oncoming traffic ease past. Make sure to pick a day when the weather's good!
 
Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
In the Carpathian mountains, a little over 100 miles northwest of Bucharest and midway between the Hungarian border and the Black Sea, this road was a secret until discovered by the guys from BBC's “Top Gear.” Running north-south with the northern end offering the better driving, the road is frequently closed by bad weather. Attempt only in late summer.

Trollstigen Mountain Road, Norway
Like a ribbon of asphalt draped across the Isterdalen valley, the road twists, dives, and turns through a savagely beautiful landscape. Once at the top, enjoy the view of the majestic Stigfossen waterfall and the valley below.

Are these the best roads in the world? It's hard to say, and you may have your own personal favorite. One thing's for sure though, if ever you get the chance, be sure to point your ride down these roads and put the pedal to the metal.