From the towering Himalayas to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, there are roads in every corner of the world that offer both an exhilarating riding experience and breathtaking views. If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your next motorcycle trip, here are five of the most beautiful roads in the world that every motorcyclist must ride.
1. The Stelvio Pass in Italy is one of the most popular routes for motorcyclists, and it’s easy to see why. The pass winds its way through the stunning Alps, offering riders sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes. Around Stelvio, you can also find numerous other passes that are equally breathtaking. The whole Dolomites area in Italy is hands down probably one of the world best places to ride your motorcycle. Sharp corners, perfect tarmac, spotless little alpine villages and a constant 360 degrees views of one of the most beautiful mountain range on this planet. Binding all this together is the incredible food experience that one can get from this part of the world.
Passo Giau, is not too far from Stelvio and definitely worth a visit. Photo: Paolo
2. The Pacific Coast Highway in California is a true classic. Winding along the coast for over 650 miles, it provides riders with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles (or San Diego) is also a must-ride – and for good reason. This coastal road passes through some of California’s most iconic locations, including Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Monica.
PCH is definitely better to be done in Summer as ocean breeze can be quite cool. Photo: Paolo
3. If you’re interested in an otherworldly experience, try riding the Iceland’s Ring Road. This 828-mile route takes riders through some of the country’s most incredible scenery, including glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Taking a motorcycle trip around Iceland’s is definitely the best way to see the island in a short time. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people. There are plenty of other motorcyclists out there, and everyone is always happy to share stories and advice. The scenery is stunning, the roads are great for riding, and the sense of freedom is unparalleled. However, there are a few things that you should know before setting off on your Icelandic adventure. First of all, the weather can be notoriously unpredictable, so make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes. Secondly, the roads can be quite deserted at times, so it’s important to have enough fuel and snacks with you. Finally, watch out for the sheep! Icelandic sheep are known for wandering onto roads, so always keep an eye out for them. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip around Iceland’s ring road.
4. If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, consider taking a ride on Argentina’s Ruta 40. This route takes you through some of the country’s most stunning scenery, including glaciers, rugged mountains, and even deserts. And with over 3,000 miles of pavement, plus the occasional dirt/gravel road to explore, you could easily spend weeks on this road and still not see everything it has to offer. The best part of it is that it goes all along the 18000-foot-tall Andes, so you will always have a some view to gaze upon. For the more adventurous ones, there’s a further dirt road that runs all the way to the base of the mountains and it could turn your fun level up a notch. Just be prepare to carry some extra fuel as gasolineras here are not always guaranteed to have fuel, outside of the main road.
Fuel anyone? Photo; Paolo
5. For those who crave truly jaw-dropping views, the infamous Pamir Highway (or M41 highway), definitely will not disappoint. Stretching over 800 miles, it’s one of the world’s most challenging highways. But it’s also one of the most beautiful, traversing through mountains, forests and deserts. Just be prepared for some hair-raising moments – the highway is full of switchbacks, potholes and river crossings. The Pamir Highway is a road that winds through the mountains of Central Asia. It links Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyztan with an overall length over 1200 km long. Most people will start their journey from Uzbekistan and then continue toward Kyrgystan, but there is an alternative route that some travellers decide to take, which passes right on the border between Uzbekistan and Afganisthan, and that, if you want, adds an extra thrill to the equation.
