Best Scenic Drives in the World: Journeys That Stay With You Forever
Milford Road vs Great Ocean Road vs Amalfi Coast vs Chapman's Peak Drive
Quick Snapshot
| Milford RoadSouth Island, New Zealand | Great Ocean RoadVictoria, Australia | Amalfi CoastCampania, Italy | Chapman's Peak DriveCape Town, South Africa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | South Island, New Zealand | Victoria, Australia | Campania, Italy | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Best Time to Visit | November–April | September–May | April–June & September–October | October–April |
| The Essence | Scenic Journey, Bucket List Worthy, One-of-a-Kind, Adventure-Led | Scenic Journey, Iconic Experience, Adventure-Led | Cultural Immersion, Living Heritage, Scenic Journey, Iconic Experience | Scenic Journey, Slow Travel, One-of-a-Kind |
| Drive Length | Approx. 120 km (Te Anau to Milford Sound) | Approx. 243 km | Approx. 50 km | Approx. 9 km |
| Ideal Duration | Full Day | 2–3 Days | Full Day or 2 Days | 1–2 Hours |
| Best For | Nature lovers, photographers, road trip enthusiasts | Coastal scenery, iconic landmarks | Mediterranean culture, food, villages | Short scenic drives and photography |
| Driving Difficulty | Easy to Moderate | Easy | Moderate to Challenging | Easy |
| Crowds | Low | Moderate | High | Low to Moderate |
| Stay Options | Luxury lodges, lakeside retreats and wilderness stays | Coastal resorts, boutique hotels and beach lodges | Boutique hotels, cliffside villas and luxury resorts | Luxury hotels in Cape Town and boutique stays in Hout Bay |
| Privacy & Exclusivity | High | Moderate | Low | Good |
Quick Verdict
The best scenic drives in the world offer far more than beautiful views. They create unforgettable journeys. Milford Road stands out for its unmatched mix of mountains, waterfalls and fjords, while Great Ocean Road is famous for its dramatic ocean scenery. Amalfi Coast charms with its villages and Mediterranean lifestyle, and Chapman's Peak Drive proves that even a short drive can leave a lasting impression. The right choice depends on the experience you're looking for.
Some journeys are remembered for the destination. The best scenic drives in the world are remembered for everything in between.
From alpine wilderness and dramatic coastlines to colourful villages and towering cliffs, each of these iconic drives offers a completely different experience. The question is which journey speaks to the traveller in you.
The Best Scenic Drives in the World Compared
Some journeys are remembered for the destination. The best scenic drives in the world are remembered for everything in between.
The Milford Road Advantage
Some scenic drives are defined by a single spectacular view. Milford Road is defined by constant discovery. The journey through Fiordland National Park transforms with every passing kilometre. Mirror-like lakes become ancient rainforests, waterfalls give way to alpine valleys, and towering peaks eventually open into the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound. Few drives in the world combine such extraordinary variety in a single journey.
What makes Milford Road truly exceptional is not just its scenery, but the experience of driving it. The peaceful roads, light traffic and countless scenic stops invite you to slow down and savour every moment. It's this rare combination of breathtaking landscapes and effortless driving that makes Milford Road our favourite among the best scenic drives in the world.
The Great Ocean Road Advantage
If Milford Road is a journey through wilderness, Great Ocean Road is a celebration of the ocean. Stretching along Australia's spectacular southern coastline, the drive is famous for dramatic cliffs, endless sea views and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Every stop reveals a different perspective, making the journey feel fresh from beginning to end. The road is best enjoyed over two or three days, giving you time to explore coastal towns, hidden beaches and rainforest trails along the way. While it draws more visitors than Milford Road, few coastal journeys match its spectacular scenery, earning it a well-deserved place among the best scenic drives in the world.
The Amalfi Coast Advantage
The Amalfi Coast is as much about the places you stop as the road you drive. Colourful villages cling to dramatic cliffs, cafés spill onto lively squares, lemon groves perfume the hillsides and the Mediterranean sparkles below. Positano, Amalfi and Ravello invite you to slow down, savour the local cuisine and experience Italy's celebrated coastal lifestyle. The drive itself is thrilling, with narrow roads, sharp bends and spectacular sea views around almost every corner. Traffic can be heavy during peak season, but for travellers who value culture, food and beautiful villages as much as breathtaking scenery, the Amalfi Coast remains one of Europe's most rewarding road journeys.
The Chapman's Peak Drive Advantage
Chapman's Peak Drive proves that unforgettable journeys don't need to be long. Stretching just 9 kilometres between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, this engineering marvel winds through 114 graceful bends, each revealing another breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. The drive is peaceful, beautifully maintained and feels surprisingly unhurried. Among the best scenic drives in the world, few roads pack so much scenery into such a short distance. Whether you visit for a leisurely drive or a spectacular sunset, Chapman's Peak leaves a lasting impression long after the journey ends.
| Destination | Best For | Not So Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Milford Road | Nature lovers, photographers, couples, slow travellers and first-time visitors to New Zealand | Travellers looking for cafés, shopping or nightlife |
| Great Ocean Road | Coastal road trips, families, self-drive holidays and multi-day adventures | Those with limited time or expecting quiet roads during peak season |
| Amalfi Coast | Food lovers, culture seekers, luxury travellers and romantic escapes | Nervous drivers or travellers who dislike traffic and narrow roads |
| Chapman's Peak Drive | Short scenic detours, photographers and sunset lovers | Travellers looking for a full-day road trip experience |
Scenic Drive Reality
There is no single "best" scenic drive for everyone. Some travellers are drawn to the silence of untouched wilderness. Others dream of dramatic coastlines, charming villages or legendary viewpoints. The best scenic drives in the world are memorable not because they look alike, but because each delivers a completely different experience. Choose the road that matches the journey you want.
Pros and Considerations
| Destination | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Milford Road | Milford Road offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from lakes and rainforests to waterfalls, mountains and fjords. The peaceful roads, low traffic and many scenic stops make it ideal for nature lovers, photographers and travellers who enjoy a slow, immersive journey. | Its remote setting means fewer cafés, shops and entertainment options along the route. Weather can change quickly, and travellers need to allow plenty of time for stops, changing road conditions and the long journey to Milford Sound. |
| Great Ocean Road | Great Ocean Road combines dramatic ocean views with beaches, rainforests, coastal towns and famous landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles. Its relatively easy driving conditions and range of accommodation make it a great choice for families, first-time self-drive travellers and longer road trips. | Its popularity means the route can become crowded during peak periods. It also takes more time to experience properly, so travellers with limited time may find a 2–3 day itinerary more suitable than trying to cover it in one rushed day. |
| Amalfi Coast | The Amalfi Coast offers more than spectacular scenery, with colourful villages, Mediterranean food, cafés and a strong sense of local culture. Places such as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello make it especially appealing for couples, food lovers and travellers looking for a more luxurious experience. | Driving can be challenging because of narrow roads, sharp bends and heavy traffic during busy periods. Parking and congestion can also take away from the relaxed experience, making it less suitable for nervous drivers or travellers who prefer quiet roads. |
| Chapman's Peak Drive | Chapman's Peak packs dramatic mountain and Atlantic Ocean views into just 9 kilometres. Its peaceful road, spectacular viewpoints and famous sunsets make it excellent for photographers and travellers who want a memorable scenic experience without spending an entire day driving. | The biggest limitation is its short length, so it does not offer the depth of experience found on the other three routes. It works better as part of a Cape Town itinerary than as a standalone road trip, especially for travellers looking for a multi-day driving adventure. |
Travel Jaunts Comparison Tips for Milford Road, Great Ocean Road, Amalfi Coast, and Chapman's Peak Drive
- Milford Road: Make the Journey the Destination: Don’t treat Milford Road as simply a route to Milford Sound. Allow a full day and build in time for Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, waterfalls, forests and other viewpoints. The road is relatively peaceful, so slow down and enjoy the changing landscape rather than rushing to the final destination.
- Great Ocean Road: Give It Two to Three Days: Avoid trying to complete the entire route in one rushed day. Spend a couple of nights along the coast so you have time for the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, beaches, rainforest trails and coastal towns. The extra time also makes it easier to enjoy the journey rather than simply ticking off landmarks.
- Amalfi Coast: Enjoy the Stops, Not Just the Drive: The Amalfi Coast is as much about Positano, Amalfi and Ravello as it is about the road itself. Build your itinerary around villages, cafés, local food and viewpoints. If you are not comfortable with narrow roads, sharp bends and busy traffic, consider using a private driver or organised tour instead of self-driving.
- Chapman's Peak: Add It to Your Cape Town Plan: Don’t plan Chapman's Peak as a standalone road trip. At just 9 kilometres, it can be completed quickly, making it ideal as part of a wider Cape Town itinerary. Combine the drive with Hout Bay, Noordhoek or Cape Point, and time your journey around sunset for some of the route's best views.
Accommodations & Highlights
- Milford Road: Luxury lodges in Te Anau, breathtaking stops like Mirror Lakes and The Chasm, and an unforgettable drive through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.
- Great Ocean Road: Seaside stays in Apollo Bay and Port Campbell, iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, and spectacular coastal scenery throughout the journey.
- Amalfi Coast: Boutique hotels in Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, charming cafés and Mediterranean cuisine, with colourful cliffside villages at every turn.
- Chapman's Peak Drive: Stay in Hout Bay or Cape Town, enjoy the famous 114-bend coastal drive, dramatic Atlantic Ocean viewpoints, and some of South Africa's finest sunset vistas.
What to Know Before Planning Your Scenic Drive
- Allow extra time for scenic stops and photography.
- Book accommodation well in advance during peak seasons.
- Check road and weather conditions before travelling.
- Hire a comfortable car for longer drives.
- Start early to enjoy quieter roads and better light.
- Plan overnight stays for Great Ocean Road and the Amalfi Coast.
- Carry water, snacks and a fully charged phone.
- Respect local speed limits and wildlife crossings.
Verdict
Each of these journeys deserves a place among the best scenic drives in the world, but they offer very different experiences. If you're looking for the most complete scenic drive, one that combines extraordinary natural beauty, constantly changing landscapes and a peaceful driving experience…Milford Road stands above the rest. Great Ocean Road is the ultimate coastal journey, while Chapman's Peak Drive delivers remarkable scenery in a surprisingly short distance. The Amalfi Coast, meanwhile, shines through its villages, food and Mediterranean lifestyle as much as the drive itself.
Milford Road → Most complete scenic drive experience.
Great Ocean Road → Best for dramatic ocean scenery.
Chapman's Peak Drive → Best short scenic coastal drive.
Amalfi Coast → Best for villages, culture and cuisine.
Curious how we arrived at this verdict? Explore our methodology.
FAQ
1. What makes the best scenic drives in the world worth experiencing?
The best scenic drives in the world combine spectacular landscapes with memorable stops, interesting roads, local culture and the freedom to travel at your own pace. The journey becomes part of the holiday rather than simply a way to reach the next destination.
2. How do you choose the right road trip for your travel style?
The right scenic drive depends on what you want from the journey. Milford Road is ideal for mountains, lakes and wilderness, Great Ocean Road for dramatic coastal scenery, the Amalfi Coast for villages and Mediterranean culture, and Chapman's Peak Drive for a shorter coastal drive with spectacular ocean views.
3. How many days should you allow for an iconic driving holiday?
The ideal length depends on the route. Chapman's Peak Drive can be experienced in a few hours, while Milford Road can be explored comfortably as a full-day journey. Great Ocean Road and the Amalfi Coast are better suited to two or three days if you want time for viewpoints, towns, attractions and overnight stays.
4. When is the best time of year to visit famous international driving routes?
The best time to visit famous international driving routes depends on the destination's climate and road conditions. Spring and autumn can offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds in many destinations, while some mountain routes are best visited during summer because winter snow can cause closures. Travellers should check local conditions before setting out.
5. Are the best scenic drives in the world suitable for first-time self-drive travellers?
Several famous scenic drives are suitable for first-time international self-drive travellers, particularly routes such as Great Ocean Road and Chapman's Peak Drive. Milford Road is also manageable for confident drivers who prepare for changing weather and remote stretches. The Amalfi Coast is more demanding because of narrow roads, sharp bends and busy traffic.
6. What should you pack for a memorable road trip?
Travellers should pack comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, a phone charger and suitable footwear for short walks. A physical or offline map, travel documents, driving licence, emergency contacts and a way to pay for fuel and tolls can also be useful on international road trips.
7. Which destination offers the most rewarding experience behind the wheel?
Milford Road offers one of the most rewarding experiences behind the wheel because the landscape changes constantly between mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls and valleys. The relatively peaceful road allows the scenery to remain the focus of the journey rather than the traffic or city environment.
8. What should you consider before planning an international driving holiday?
Before planning an international driving holiday, travellers should check driving regulations, licence requirements, rental-car rules, insurance, road conditions, tolls, parking, seasonal closures and accommodation availability. Understanding these details in advance can make the journey considerably easier.
9. What are the most famous scenic drives in the world?
Some of the world's best-known scenic drives include Milford Road in New Zealand, Great Ocean Road in Australia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy and Chapman's Peak Drive in South Africa. Each route offers a different experience, from mountain wilderness and coastal cliffs to villages and Mediterranean landscapes.
10. Is an international driving licence required for scenic drives abroad?
An international driving permit may be required or recommended depending on the country, the traveller's licence and the rental-car company. Travellers should check the specific requirements of the destination before booking a car rather than assuming their domestic licence will be accepted everywhere.
11. Is it better to rent a car or join a guided tour for scenic drives?
Renting a car is better for travellers who value flexibility, privacy and the ability to stop whenever they want. Guided tours can be better for travellers who do not want to drive, navigate unfamiliar roads or manage parking. The best option depends on the route and how independently you want to travel.
12. Are scenic drives suitable for families with children?
Many scenic drives are suitable for families because they allow travellers to control the pace and take regular breaks. Families should choose routes with frequent rest stops, accessible attractions and shorter driving stages, particularly when travelling with young children.
13. How do you plan stops on a scenic driving route?
Travellers should plan stops around viewpoints, natural attractions, towns, restaurants, fuel stations and short walking trails rather than trying to cover the entire route without breaks. Leaving some time unplanned is also useful because scenic roads often have viewpoints or local attractions that are worth an unexpected stop.
14. How far in advance should you book accommodation for a scenic road trip?
Accommodation should be booked earlier when travelling during peak season or along highly popular routes such as the Amalfi Coast and Great Ocean Road. Travellers who want specific hotels, ocean views or boutique properties should reserve well ahead, while those with flexible plans may find more options outside peak periods.
15. Are scenic driving routes safe in bad weather?
Scenic driving routes can become significantly more challenging during heavy rain, snow, strong winds or fog. Mountain and coastal roads are particularly sensitive to weather conditions. Travellers should check official road updates before departure and postpone the drive when conditions make visibility or road safety poor.
16. Can you drive the Amalfi Coast as a self-drive holiday?
The Amalfi Coast can be explored by car, but self-driving requires greater confidence than many other scenic routes. The coastal road has narrow sections, tight bends, steep drops and heavy traffic during busy periods. Travellers who are uncomfortable driving in these conditions may find a private driver or organised tour easier.
17. Is Great Ocean Road good for a first international road trip?
Great Ocean Road can be a good choice for a first international road trip because it combines well-maintained roads with beaches, viewpoints, small towns and major natural attractions. The route is relatively straightforward to follow, although travellers should allow enough time rather than trying to complete the entire journey in a single rushed day.
18. Is Milford Road suitable for a one-day drive?
Milford Road can be driven in one day, particularly as part of a journey between Te Anau and Milford Sound. However, travellers should allow plenty of time because the route contains numerous viewpoints, walking trails and natural attractions worth stopping for. Weather and road conditions can also affect driving times.
19. Is Chapman's Peak Drive worth doing if you have limited time in Cape Town?
Chapman's Peak Drive is worth doing even on a short Cape Town itinerary because the drive can be completed relatively quickly while offering dramatic views of the Atlantic coastline and surrounding mountains. Travellers can combine it with nearby attractions such as Hout Bay, Noordhoek and Cape Point.
20. Which scenic drive is best for couples?
The best scenic drive for couples depends on the type of experience they want. The Amalfi Coast offers romantic villages, restaurants and Mediterranean views, Great Ocean Road combines coastal scenery with relaxed stops, while Milford Road is better for couples who want mountains, wilderness and dramatic natural landscapes.
21. Which scenic drive is best for nature lovers?
Milford Road is particularly strong for nature lovers because it passes through mountains, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and the Fiordland landscape. Great Ocean Road also offers excellent wildlife and coastal scenery, while Chapman's Peak Drive provides a shorter route through a striking mountain and ocean environment.
22. Which scenic drive is best for photography?
The best scenic drive for photography depends on the type of landscapes you want to capture. Milford Road offers mountains, waterfalls, forests and changing weather, Great Ocean Road provides dramatic cliffs and ocean views, the Amalfi Coast combines villages with sea views, and Chapman's Peak Drive offers striking coastal panoramas.
23. How much driving should you plan each day on a scenic road trip?
Travellers should avoid planning a scenic road trip around maximum driving hours because the purpose of the journey is to enjoy the route. Around four to six hours of actual driving can leave enough time for viewpoints, meals, short walks and unexpected stops, although the ideal amount varies by route and road conditions.
24. Do scenic road trips require special car insurance?
Travellers should check their rental-car insurance carefully before driving an international scenic route. Coverage should be understood for damage, theft, third-party liability, tyres, windscreens and roadside assistance. Some rental companies also impose restrictions on certain roads or areas, so the terms should be reviewed before collecting the vehicle.
25. What is the best way to make a scenic driving holiday memorable?
The best way to make a scenic driving holiday memorable is to leave enough time to experience the road rather than simply complete it. Choose a few meaningful stops, stay overnight in places worth exploring, try local food, take short walks and allow room for unexpected viewpoints and experiences. The strongest scenic road trips are about the journey as much as the destination.