Beautiful roads filled with incredible natural landscapes, and fascinating stories about the culture and life along these routes, can be found on all five continents. From the famous Route 66 in the United States to remote journeys like South Africa's Garden Route, they are among the most beautiful roads in the world worth exploring.
Route 66
Route 66 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Also known as the Mother Road or The Main Street of America , this stretch of road, which covers approximately 4,000 kilometers, is considered one of the most famous road trips in the United States.
It begins in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, crossing eight states and passing through various cities in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. This route was removed from the U.S. Federal Highway System, but its worldwide fame has ensured its place among the most visited scenic highways of all time.
Route 66 was the main route used by migrants heading west. It remains heavily traveled today, and it takes approximately 12 to 14 days to travel its entire length. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes ranging from the desert, like the Grand Canyon, to the ocean in California.
A short detour from the gigantic Route 66 lies Monument Valley (David Mark, Pixabay).
Route 62, South Africa's Garden Route
Known as the Green Route, this approximately 800-kilometer road is one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years. It connects Cape Town to Port Elizabeth along the southern coast, allowing visitors to explore South Africa's vast vineyards and the dozens of wineries that line the route.
The landscape, with its trees and abundant vegetation and wildlife, is one of the most captivating aspects for tourists. Along the way, you'll find charming colonial towns like the famous Stellenbosch and natural parks filled with coastal forests, such as those within Tsitsikamma National Park.
Photo: www.guarda14.com
Romantische Strasse, the romantic road of Germany
Of all the beautiful roads in the world, this one has a particular charm due to its romantic atmosphere. The Romantische Strasse connects the cities of Würzburg and Füssen, along a 460-kilometer route that was inaugurated in 1950. The scenery along the way showcases a beautiful mix of hills, rivers, mountains, and vineyards typical of the region.
The aim of this route, since its inception, has been to showcase the friendly side of Germany and all its rich cultural heritage, moving away from the horrors of World War II that saddened the world for so many years. Interestingly, the first to enjoy this road and its beauty were American soldiers.
Argentina's Route 40
Known as National Route 40, this highway runs north to south across Argentina, traversing 11 provinces and covering 5,200 kilometers filled with breathtaking landscapes and historic cities. The complete route stretches from Cabo Vírgenes in Santa Cruz to the city of La Quiaca, on the border with Bolivia.
It's an ideal destination for those who want to photograph real-world routes, as it covers 21 national parks and 18 important rivers. You can enjoy the lakes of Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier, famous for its beauty, the Cafayate Desert, and the colorful mountains of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, the latter a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The variety of landscapes and natural beauty offered by this route along its course places it on the list of the most diverse and beautiful roads in the world.
El Chalten, Santa Cruz, Argentina (Julieta Camila Tosto, Pexels).
Iceland's Ring Road
The Ring Road offers endless entertainment options along its 1,332 kilometers that encircle the entire island. The route allows you to experience Iceland's most important natural beauty and tourist attractions up close, including traditional villages, volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, fjords, and many other wonders.
The stunning scenery along the Ring Road is unparalleled. Depending on the stops and itinerary, this road can be explored in about a week to two weeks. Must-see stops include the sandy beaches of Vik, the thermal springs of Hveragerdi, and Diamond Beach with its enormous ice formations. It truly is an unforgettable journey for those who experience it.
Southern Iceland (Michael James, Unsplash).
Source: https://www.flipa.net/ .
