Itineraries · 7 min read · 4 August 2026
Twelve coastal roads worth the detour
A good coastal road is a destination in itself. These twelve reward an early alarm and a full tank.
Europe
The Amalfi Coast is famous for a reason, but drive it before nine and it belongs to you. Further west, Spain's Costa Brava back roads out of Begur trade traffic for pine and cove.
In Portugal, the run south from Sagres is austere and windblown; in Greece, the Mani peninsula loop is all stone towers and empty bays.
Further afield
Oman's Muscat to Sur road threads between mountain and sea with sinkholes and turtle beaches in between. Sri Lanka's southern coast is slower than the map suggests and better for it.
In Oceania, the Great Ocean Road still earns the hype if you sleep along it rather than racing it in a day.
Practical notes
Book an automatic if the route is mountainous, confirm cross-border and additional-driver terms up front, and always check the drop-off fee before you commit.
Our car hire terms are shown in full before you pay — no hidden extras at the desk.
