Motorcycle Travel Guides: 10 of the Best Routes

The open road, scenic vistas, and the engine’s hum beneath you—motorcycling around the world’s most iconic routes is the ultimate way to experience freedom and adventure. Enjoy ‘Motorcycle Travel Guides: 10 of the Best Routes Around the World’. Each promises an unforgettable experience for riders.

1. Route 66, USA

Distance: 2,448 miles
Best Time to Ride: Late spring or early autumn

Let’s start with a big one! Starting in Chicago, Route 66 stretches across America to Santa Monica, capturing the essence of the American spirit. It’s more than just a road; it’s a journey through the heart of American history, with each state offering unique sights and experiences. Illinois and Missouri offer charming small towns and diners reminiscent of the 1950s, while Oklahoma and Texas showcase vast plains and quirky roadside attractions like the “Blue Whale of Catoosa” and the giant cowboy statue at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.

Must-Stop Highlights: The ghost towns in Arizona’s Mojave Desert, where relics of the past stand untouched, and the neon-lit streets of Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for its vintage motels and art-deco buildings.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on classic American diner fare along the way—burgers, milkshakes, and the famous fried pies in Oklahoma.
Riding Tips: Due to its long stretches and varying terrains, keep an eye on your fuel and plan your stops to ensure you have plenty of rest, especially in desert regions.

2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Distance: 151 miles
Best Time to Ride: September to November

Built to honour World War I veterans, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a coastal adventure with rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. It begins in the surfing town of Torquay, known for its long beaches and lively cafes. As you ride westward, the road hugs dramatic cliffs, past landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, where the ocean continually shapes the limestone cliffs.

Must-Stop Highlights: Stop in the fishing village of Port Campbell for fresh seafood, then continue to the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, where you can experience the rainforest from above.
Local Cuisine: Treat yourself to fresh oysters and mussels from local seafood shacks along the coast, and try a flat white (an Australian coffee staple) in one of the seaside towns.
Riding Tips: The road can get congested near major sites, so start early or plan overnight stops in smaller towns to break up the ride and fully enjoy each area.

3. The Alps, Europe

Distance: Varies (Swiss, Austrian, and Italian Alps)
Best Time to Ride: June to September

Spanning several countries, the Alps offer some of Europe’s most scenic and demanding routes. Routes like the Stelvio Pass in Italy and the Grimsel Pass in Switzerland are steeped in riding legend. With its 48 hairpin bends, Stelvio Pass offers adrenaline-pumping thrills, while Furka Pass in Switzerland provides breathtaking views of glaciers. Whether you’re winding through Switzerland, Austria, or Italy, every corner reveals a new, jaw-dropping landscape of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and alpine meadows.

Must-Stop Highlights: The charming village of Chur in Switzerland, known for its cobbled streets, and Lake Como in Italy, known for stunning water views surrounded by the Alps.
Local Cuisine: Indulge in Italian pasta and Swiss fondue along the way. Austria’s alpine towns offer hearty sausages and schnitzel, ideal after a long ride.
Riding Tips: Bring layers, as weather can vary greatly with altitude changes. Expect high-traffic periods, especially during summer, and use the many rest points for panoramic photos.

4. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Distance: 656 miles
Best Time to Ride: Spring or autumn

California’s Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, offers one of the most picturesque coastal routes in the world. Starting in San Francisco, it winds down to Los Angeles, passing by cliffs, beaches, and historic coastal towns. Big Sur is a famous section where riders face dramatic drop-offs to the ocean on one side and towering cliffs on the other. The route takes you through diverse landscapes, from redwood forests to sandy beaches, with unforgettable ocean views.

Must-Stop Highlights: Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, the Spanish-inspired town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the art colony of Laguna Beach.
Local Cuisine: Stop for fresh seafood in Monterey, where clam chowder is a must, or try local wines in Santa Barbara’s wine country.
Riding Tips: Fog can be dense, especially in the morning, so plan accordingly. Allow plenty of time for stops, as there are many scenic overlooks and small towns to explore.

5. North Coast 500, Scotland

Distance: 516 miles
Best Time to Ride: Late spring to early autumn

The North Coast 500, or NC500, is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. It starts and ends in Inverness, taking riders around the stunning northern coast of Scotland. The route passes through the rugged Highlands, dotted with ancient castles, pristine beaches, and historic sites. From the cliffs at Duncansby Head to the beaches of Achmelvich, the route offers remote landscapes and a taste of Scotland’s wild beauty.

Must-Stop Highlights: The fairy-tale Dunrobin Castle, the fishing village of Ullapool, and Bealach na Bà, a historic mountain pass with sharp switchbacks and spectacular views.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy fresh-caught seafood in coastal towns and warm up with a dram of Scotch whisky at one of the region’s many distilleries.
Riding Tips: Bring rain gear. Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable. Roads can be narrow, and livestock often wander onto the road—ride cautiously.

6. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

Distance: 56 miles
Best Time to Ride: July to September

Often cited as one of the world’s best driving roads, the Transfagarasan Highway is a short but exhilarating route through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Originally built as a military route, it’s a thrill-seeker’s paradise with hairpin bends and steep drops. Starting in the village of Bascov, it winds through forests and over mountains, offering panoramic views and a chance to explore the legendary lands associated with Dracula.

Must-Stop Highlights: Poenari Castle, the real fortress of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula), and Balea Lake for a scenic rest among the peaks.
Local Cuisine: In nearby mountain towns, try traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and militia (grilled sausages).
Riding Tips: Be cautious, as weather can change quickly at higher elevations. Parts of the road may have loose gravel and cliffs without guardrails.

7. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Distance: 1,600 miles
Best Time to Ride: Late spring to early autumn

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches from Donegal to Cork, following Ireland’s rugged west coast. This route showcases the Irish countryside, from green hills and quiet villages to towering sea cliffs. It’s a journey through Irish culture and history, with sites like the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren’s limestone landscape, and countless historic castles.

Must-Stop Highlights: Stop in Galway for music and culture, the Aran Islands for a glimpse into traditional Irish life, and Donegal for remote beauty.
Local Cuisine: Irish stews and seafood chowders are local staples, and a stop in a pub for a pint of Guinness is essential.
Riding Tips: Prepare for rain and fog, especially in coastal areas. Roads can be narrow, and there are plenty of scenic viewpoints for stopping.

8. The Dragon, USA

Distance: 11 miles
Best Time to Ride: Spring or autumn

The Dragon, or Tail of the Dragon, is famous for its 318 curves over 11 miles. It’s a thrilling ride for skilled motorcyclists on the North Carolina-Tennessee border near the Great Smoky Mountains. Each turn challenges riders with steep inclines, switchbacks, and sharp curves, all framed by the dense forests of the Smokies.

Must-Stop Highlights: The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers hiking, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Local Cuisine: Refuel with Southern comfort food at local diners, including fried chicken, barbecue, and pecan pie.
Riding Tips: Watch for other vehicles, as this road is popular with car clubs. Plan an early start to avoid heavy traffic.

9. Snowdonia National Park, Wales, UK

Distance: Up to 100+ miles of scenic roads
Best Time to Ride: Late spring to early autumn

I had to put this here because this is my local stomping ground. Snowdonia National Park in North Wales offers winding roads that lead through breathtaking mountain passes, open valleys, and picturesque villages. Routes like the A5, A4086, and B4418 take you into the heart of Snowdonia, with views of Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak, and beautiful glacial lakes.

Must-Stop Highlights: Llanberis for a scenic train ride up Snowdon and the village of Betws-y-Coed for a quintessential Welsh experience.
Local Cuisine: Try a traditional Welsh rarebit (cheese toast) or cawl (a Welsh stew) in a cosy pub.
Riding Tips: The area is popular with hikers and tourists, so traffic can be busy. Also, due to the mountainous terrain, the weather can be changeable.

10. Garden Route, South Africa

Distance: 186 miles
Best Time to Ride: Spring and autumn

The Garden Route runs along South Africa’s coast, from Mossel Bay to Storms River, offering diverse landscapes, from dense forests to beaches and lagoons. Highlights include Knysna, known for its lagoons and oysters, and Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can spot wildlife and hike scenic trails.

Must-Stop Highlights: Visit Knysna’s elephant park and zipline through Tsitsikamma’s forests for an adrenaline-filled break.
Local Cuisine: South Africa’s coast offers rich seafood dishes and the famous braai (barbecue). For a regional speciality, try the oysters in Knysna.
Riding Tips: Be cautious of wildlife and explore the natural beauty at each stop along the route.

Conclusion

Whether navigating the twists of the Alps, cruising the coastal cliffs of California, or immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of Scotland’s North Coast 500, these routes capture the essence of motorcycle touring. Each road promises breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and the freedom to experience the world on two wheels. So, gear up, plan your journey, and let the adventure begin—these roads await you to explore.