There’s something undeniably magical about driving along the edge of a continent, with the sea stretching endlessly to your side, the sun setting over the waves, and the salty breeze creeping through your open window. Coastal drives aren’t just about getting from point A to B — they’re about the feeling of freedom, spontaneity, and discovery.
From the rugged cliffs of Ireland to the colorful villages of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and the glamour of the French Riviera, the world offers countless oceanfront routes that can turn an ordinary road trip into a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
If you’re planning a scenic coastal adventure, this guide is here to walk you through the best routes, smart planning tips, local insights, and a few “wish I’d known” moments from travelers who’ve done it before.
Why Coastal Drives Hit Different
Driving along the coast is about movement and mood. The road curves with the land, sometimes hugging cliffs, sometimes dipping through fishing towns, sometimes bursting into open stretches of sky and sea. It’s the kind of experience that rewards slowness — where detours are welcome and pulling over to stare at the ocean is practically a requirement.
But coastal driving also brings challenges: narrow roads, tourist traffic, expensive gas stations, sudden fog, and the occasional goat blocking your lane in rural Portugal. With a bit of foresight, though, these quirks become part of the charm.
The Icons – Coastal Routes You Can’t Miss
Let’s dive into some of the most iconic (and utterly breathtaking) seaside routes you can experience — each offering its own flavor, driving style, and mood.
Amalfi Coast, Italy – The Drama Queen of Drives
Start/End: Sorrento → Salerno
Distance: ~50 km (31 miles)
Best Time to Go: May–June or September (avoid peak summer crowds)
If there’s one word that sums up the Amalfi Coast, it’s drama — in the best possible way. Jagged cliffs, lemon groves, cascading pastel towns like Positano and Amalfi, and hairpin turns with buses squeezing by millimeters from your mirror.
This is not a relaxing drive — it’s an exhilarating one. You’ll want a small car, nerves of steel, and a strong sense of humor. But the views? They’re world-class.
Tips:
- Rent a manual transmission only if you’re confident.
- Stop in Ravello for hilltop gardens and quieter vibes.
- Watch out for “closed roads” after heavy rains — landslides aren’t rare.
The Atlantic Way, Ireland – Wild and Wonderfully Remote
Start/End: Derry → Kinsale
Distance: Over 2,500 km (~1,550 miles)
Best Time to Go: May–September
This isn’t a quick weekend drive — it’s an odyssey. Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is Europe’s longest defined coastal route, threading through wind-whipped cliffs, tiny Gaelic-speaking villages, and misty beaches with not a soul in sight.
You’ll pass through places like Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, and Dingle Peninsula — but the in-between moments are where the magic lives. Herds of sheep crossing the road, kids jumping into the sea from craggy rocks, ancient stone forts you stumble upon by accident.
Fun fact: Locals will wave at you from every passing car. Wave back. It’s a thing.
French Riviera, France – Glamour Meets the Sea
Start/End: Saint-Tropez → Menton
Distance: ~150 km (93 miles)
Best Time to Go: April–June or September
If you want your coastal drive with a side of celebrity sightings and rosé, the French Riviera is your route. This isn’t about isolation — it’s about sunshine, style, and Mediterranean luxury.
From the beach clubs of Cannes to the cliffside villas of Èze, and the casinos of Monte Carlo, this route is lined with luxury cars, yachts, and perfect photo ops.
But beyond the glitz, there’s real beauty — winding roads over turquoise coves, sleepy old towns inland, and beachside cafes with impossibly fresh seafood.
Honorable Mentions – More Coastal Gems Worth the Drive
- Route 1, California, USA: Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, and views for days.
- Garden Route, South Africa: From Mossel Bay to Storms River, elephants and ocean views.
- Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand: Underrated and mind-blowingly scenic.
- Aegean Coast, Turkey: Ancient ruins meet warm blue bays.
- Algarve, Portugal: Coastal cliffs, secret beaches, and epic sunsets.
Each of these routes offers something different — and all of them prove that the best road trips are the ones that flirt with the sea.
Planning Like a Pro — Before You Hit the Road
Coastal driving is beautiful, but it’s not always straightforward. Here are a few practical things to sort out before you go — trust me, they’ll make everything smoother.
Picking the Right Car
Go small and agile — especially for tight cliff roads like Amalfi. Convertibles are fun, but only if you’re not burning under Mediterranean sun for hours. And if you’re in a place like Ireland or New Zealand, go with what locals drive — you don’t need a luxury SUV on one-lane sheep tracks.
Want to be eco-conscious? Companies like Getmancar in Georgia and Sixt Green Collection in Europe offer hybrid or electric vehicles for scenic trips. Just make sure you plan charging points.
Booking Accommodations in Advance (But Not All)
Some towns, especially along Italy and France’s coasts, sell out months in advance. Book at least your first and last nights — and give yourself freedom to decide the rest on the go.
Look for hotels or B&Bs that offer parking — in older coastal towns, street parking is a nightmare or non-existent. And if you’re road-tripping in off-season, you might even negotiate better prices in person.
Weather Can Make or Break Your Day
Coastal regions are notorious for microclimates — one moment it’s sunshine, the next you’re in fog or wind.
Download a reliable local weather app, check road conditions (especially on cliff-hugging roads in rainy areas), and don’t be afraid to delay a leg of the trip for better views the next morning.
Money-Savers and Must-Knows
Let’s be honest: coastal towns tend to charge more for everything. But with a little creativity, you can enjoy champagne views on a sparkling water budget.
Smart Budgeting Table: Daily Costs Comparison
| Expense | High Season (€/day) | Off Season (€/day) | Budget Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Rental | €60–€120 | €30–€70 | Book 2–3 months early |
| Fuel (per 100 km) | €15–€20 | €15–€20 | Stick to diesel/hybrids if possible |
| Hotel (2-star) | €90–€150 | €50–€90 | Go inland a few km |
| Meals | €30–€70 | €20–€50 | Picnic with market food |
| Attractions/Tolls | €10–€50 | €10–€30 | Use scenic local roads |
Prices based on averages in France, Italy, and Ireland.
Other Real-Life Hacks:
- Park and walk: Some towns charge up to €8/hour in city centers. Park outside and explore on foot.
- Sunset rule: Try to end your day’s drive near a west-facing coast — the sunsets will reward you.
- Local wines, not tourist menus: Skip beachfront tourist traps for inland osterias or local taverns.
The Emotional Side — What You’ll Remember
It won’t be the luxury hotel or the Michelin-starred lunch that stays with you (though both are nice). It’ll be the little moments:
- The café where no one spoke your language but they brought your dog a bowl of water anyway.
- That hidden cove you only found because a local told you to “follow the left fork, not the right.”
- Waking up to a storm outside, sipping coffee in your sweater, watching the sea go wild from your window.
Coastal road trips tap into something deeply human — a longing for the edge, for change, for movement without losing the ground under your tires.
So leave room in your plans for the unplanned. Take the scenic detour. Pull over for that photo even if you’re running late. Eat gelato at 10 a.m. Watch waves crash for no reason except that they’re there.
Because that’s the kind of travel that stays with you — long after you return home.