Top 25 driving roads

World’s best driving route

1ST PLACE

Country: Portugal

Road: Peso da Régua to Pinhão

Avis driving ratio (ADR): 11.3:1

The N-222 route connecting Peso de Régua to Pinhão traverses the heart of the Douro Valley, providing breathtaking vistas of the terraced landscapes. This road closely aligns with the optimal driving ratio (ADR) of 10:1 (10 seconds on straight sections for every 1 second on bends), boasting a ratio of 11:1. This results in an unparalleled driving experience on a 27km stretch, encompassing 93 bends that demand drivers’ attention, allowing them to fully engage with their vehicle’s handling capabilities. Along the journey, the road follows the contours of the Douro River, offering splendid panoramas of the vineyards adjacent to the water, culminating in the charming wine-centric town of Pinhão. Notably, the Douro Valley holds significance as the birthplace of Porto wine, with its distinction as the world’s inaugural demarcated wine region. Acknowledging its cultural importance, UNESCO designated the Douro winemaking region as a World Heritage Site in 2001.

The Cheshire Drive

3RD PLACE

Country: UK

ADR: 8.5:1

Road: A535 from Holmes Chapel to Alderley Edge

Commencing in Holmes Chapel, this charming roadway initially winds through urban settings before revealing expansive countryside vistas. Its path transforms into a meandering, rolling terrain for several miles, only to transition into a mile-long stretch of straight road. Soon, you’ll encounter the iconic highlight of this route: the renowned Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank, a Grade I listed structure spanning 76 meters in width and towering 90 meters in height. The journey persists with more extended straight sections towards the conclusion, granting drivers the chance to settle into the rhythm of the road and allow their vehicles to weave their enchantment.

Somerset countryside

5TH PLACE

Country: UK

ADR: 7.5:1

Road: B3515 from Cheddar to Ashwick

Embark on a picturesque drive along the B2515 from Cheddar, covering a delightful span of 14 miles across Somerset’s countryside to reach Ashwick. The route unfolds in three distinct segments. The initial part, marked by its demanding nature, presents captivating landscapes. The road winds through towering cliff faces, guided by the twists and turns dictated by the gorge. Careful navigation is essential, with the road’s placement crucial due to the gorge’s influence. Agile maneuvering is paramount over raw power.

Approximately four miles ahead, the gorge gives way to the second section. Here, trees replace rocks, and the once-tight turns transform into graceful sweeping curves. Finally, the last stretch concentrates on lengthy straight paths and gradual shifts in elevation. This phase grants drivers the opportunity to soak in more of the surrounding panorama, offering a chance to appreciate the view to the fullest.

The Lake District

7TH PLACE

Country: UK

ADR: 14.3:1

Road: A591 from Kendal to Keswick

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lake District National Park with a remarkable 30-mile route along a winding portion of the A591. This stretch boasts unparalleled vistas of the Lakeland fells and the picturesque shores of Lake Windermere and Lake Thirlmere. Renowned poets Wordsworth and Coleridge drew inspiration from this very drive. As you journey, you’ll catch glimpses of two former residences of Wordsworth, situated in the charming village of Grasmere.

Route de Napoleon

9TH PLACE

Country: France

ADR: 15.1:1

Road: Route de Napoleon

The Route de Napoléon presents a captivating roadway, encompassing a diverse array of features, from swift straight sections to challenging curves. This journey encompasses a blend of cambered corners, granting not only exhilarating vistas but also an opportunity to truly relish your car’s capabilities. Despite its passage through the imposing Alps, the road is skillfully crafted for speed, inviting drivers to fully embrace their vehicle’s performance. Originally tracing the path taken by Napoléon in 1815 during his march from Elba to Grenoble, this route winds through the majestic Alps, treating travelers to breathtaking panoramic views.

Picturesque Andalusia

11TH PLACE

Country: Spain

ADR: 5.0:1

Road: San José (Almería) to Cabo de Gata via the ALP-822

This scenic route winds through untouched mountainous landscapes, devoid of extensive buildings for a significant stretch, before unfurling into a stunning coastal straightway. The drive presents boundless ocean panoramas as it descends towards Cabo de Gata. The village itself lives up to expectations; formerly a humble fishing village, it has blossomed into a tourist haven, largely owing to the exquisite Cabo de Gata-Níjar National Park that graces the surroundings.

The Basque Country

13TH PLACE

Country: Spain

ADR: 3.7:1

Road: Zumaia to Zarauz via the N-634

Among the stunning coastal roads of Spain, a true gem lies between Zarautz and Zumaia: the N-634. Nestled within the Basque Country, this road lives up to its reputation, treating travelers to breathtaking vistas and an abundance of thrilling twists and turns. The route is a true delight for driving enthusiasts, featuring a variety of bends that cater to every preference, accompanied by frequent changes in elevation, especially when passing through the charming coastal towns and villages along the way.

Aragon Mountain Drive

15TH PLACE

Country: Spain

ADR: 2.2:1

Road: Escalona to Rios Bellosvia the HU-631

The HU-631 presents a breathtaking high-altitude road spanning 34.3 km, beginning its journey in Escalona. This famed route unfolds as a narrow, one-way path, characterized by a series of tightly wound hairpin turns and uneven surfaces. It’s a mesmerizing drive through the mountains, featuring sharp bends, blind corners, and intricate hairpin switchbacks that guide drivers across the peaks. The road incorporates steep inclines and occasional narrow stretches, sometimes barely accommodating two vehicles side by side.

Nihon Romantic Highway

17TH PLACE

Country: Japan

ADR: 2.0:1

Road: Nihon Romantic Highway from Chugushi to the 120 road split

Contrary to its name, the Nihon Romantic Highway offers little romance but plenty of exhilaration. Renowned for its astonishing array of turns, corners, and twists, even the most skilled drivers are left in awe. Once you’ve managed to catch your breath from navigating the constant sharp bends, don’t miss the chance to appreciate the surroundings. The route meanders past some of Japan’s finest hot springs and remarkable volcanoes, adding a touch of natural beauty to the adrenaline-pumping experience.

The Portofino Peninsula

19TH PLACE

Country: Italy

ADR: 1.9:1

Road: Portofino (GE) to Portofino Vetta (GE)

The coastal village of Portofino holds an exclusive allure for tourists, and the journey from there to Portofino Vetta, a prominent high point of the peninsula, epitomizes why visitors are drawn back repeatedly.

The expedition commences at Portofino’s quaint harbor, winding its way toward Paraggi along a serpentine road that clings to the rugged shoreline, enveloped by the fragrant Mediterranean flora and fauna and the redolence of pine trees. Upon reaching the sophisticated town of Santa Margherita Ligure, the route takes a left towards the “Monte.” After navigating a few bends, Portofino Vetta nearly unveils itself. The vista that unfolds is truly magnificent: the panorama stretches from the seamlessly integrated Camogli, nestled into the cliffs far below, to the striking Cinque Terre in the distance.

The Lysebotn Road

21ST PLACE

Country: Norway

ADR: 1.7:1

Road: The Lysebotn Road

Constructed as a works road during the development of the Tjodan hydroelectric power station, this roadway officially debuted in 1984. The initial 20 miles of this mountainous path welcome you with tight corners and bends that curve the opposite way, providing an early challenge. Yet, it’s the concluding stretch that truly puts even the most adept drivers to the test. Amidst breathtaking vistas, this segment boasts an astonishing 27 consecutive hairpin bends.

But that’s not all—this road doesn’t stop at hairpins. Descending nearly 1,000 meters, it culminates in a remarkable tunnel, winding a striking 340 degrees before ushering you into the tranquil town of Lysebotn. Your senses may whirl by journey’s end, but this is the epitome of exhilarating driving.

Tail of the Dragon

23RD PLACE

Country: USA

ADR: 1.1:1

Road: Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina

This notorious segment of U.S. Route 129 presents an unparalleled abundance of curves, boasting an impressive 318 turns across an 11-mile span. With a backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest, this forest-fringed route remains uninterrupted by driveways or intersections.

The Dragon’s many sharp bends bear evocative names like Copperhead Corner, Hog Pen Bend, Wheelie Hell, Shade Tree Corner, Mud Corner, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, Beginner’s End, and Brake or Bust Bend. The road earned its moniker due to its undulating curves resembling a dragon’s tail. This route guarantees an exhilarating experience, offering thrills at every turn, and even the most skilled drivers will find themselves challenged by its twists and turns.

The Overseas Highway

25TH PLACE

Country: USA

ADR: 1240.0:1

Road: The Overseas Highway from Long Point Key to Florida Keys

The Overseas Highway primarily traverses over water, providing an opportunity to revel in the stunning surroundings, the vast ocean expanse, and the mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, depending on the time of your drive. This leisurely journey enables drivers to ease into the driving experience and fully appreciate the scenery as they seamlessly transition from one island to the next, journeying over the tranquil sea.