Exploring coastal routes is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. The blend of ocean views, fresh air, and dramatic landscapes creates an experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cruising along a cliffside road or sailing quietly past hidden coves, coastal routes invite you to connect deeply with nature’s beauty.
This article guides you through 10 incredible routes that let you experience the coastline both from land and sea. You’ll find road trips, boat tours, and the perfect spots to switch between the two. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a seasoned adventurer, these routes are sure to inspire your next journey.
Key Highlights
- Explore 10 of the most scenic coastal routes worldwide.
- Enjoy a mix of road trips and sea excursions.
- Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
- Learn about unique spots to stop, hike, and relax.
- Discover the best times to visit for each route.
- Get travel tips including local charter options and hidden gems.
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy: A Classic Coastal Experience
The Amalfi Coast is the epitome of a Mediterranean coastal road trip. Stretching along Italy’s southern coast, this route features winding roads perched on cliffs that drop sharply into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Driving here can be a little challenging due to narrow lanes and busy summer traffic, but the views make it worth the effort.
From Positano to Amalfi town, every village feels like stepping into a postcard. If you have time, hop on a boat from Amalfi or Sorrento to see the coastline from the water. The cliffs, grottos, and colorful buildings look completely different from the sea — quieter and more peaceful.
What to Expect on the Amalfi Coast:
- Steep, narrow roads with breathtaking sea views.
- Charming villages with historic churches and vibrant markets.
- Coastal boat tours offering sea caves and hidden beaches.
- Delicious seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood.
- Opportunities to visit nearby islands like Capri by boat.
Taking a boat trip during sunset offers a magical experience when the cliffs turn golden. Combining driving and sailing here is simply the best way to experience this famous coastline.
2. Coastal Routes in Malta: Small Island, Big Views
Malta’s coastline is surprisingly diverse for its size. The drive from Valletta to the Blue Grotto offers sea views, fishing villages, and historical landmarks. It’s an easy route but packed with charm.
For a fuller experience, you’ll want to explore the waters around Malta by boat. Local charter companies specialize in private tours, giving you access to secluded spots and sea caves you can’t reach by land. One well-known option is Malta Charters, which provides personalized trips that suit any traveler’s pace.
What to Enjoy Along Malta’s Coastline:
- Dramatic cliffs, quiet bays, and sandy beaches.
- Historic watchtowers and fortifications.
- Fishing villages with authentic local culture.
- Private boat tours for secluded swimming spots.
- Opportunities for snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear water.
Malta offers a perfect balance of short coastal drives and incredible sea adventures, making it an ideal destination for combining both travel styles.
3. California’s Pacific Coast Highway: Endless Ocean Views
Few drives are as famous as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California. This highway stretches over 600 miles along the west coast of the U.S., but the most scenic stretch runs between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Driving the PCH, you feel the ocean breeze constantly. The route passes famous spots like Big Sur, Monterey Bay, and Malibu. Along the way, there are countless places to stop, from pristine beaches to state parks.
What makes this route special is how accessible it is by sea as well. Many towns along the highway offer boat tours, whale watching, or kayak rentals to explore the Pacific waters.
Why Travelers Love the Pacific Coast Highway:
- Diverse landscapes: cliffs, forests, beaches, and wildlife.
- Easy access to coastal towns with arts, culture, and food.
- Opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, and sea otters.
- Iconic landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge and Hearst Castle.
- Popular seaside towns for boat rentals and guided tours.
If you’re a fan of both road trips and ocean adventures, the PCH is a perfect combo. Start your day driving the winding roads, then spend your afternoon on the water.
4. Great Ocean Road, Australia: A Blend of Land and Sea Wonders
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a bucket-list road trip for many travelers. It stretches for about 240 kilometers along the southern coast of Victoria, showcasing wild beaches, rainforests, and limestone stacks like the Twelve Apostles.
Driving this route invites you to stop frequently. There are hikes, surf spots, and wildlife sanctuaries along the way. But the real magic happens when you take to the sea. Boat tours around the Twelve Apostles let you see the towering rock formations from a completely different angle.
Highlights of the Great Ocean Road:
- Stunning coastal cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
- Small towns with cafes, artisan shops, and local culture.
- Seaside trails and hidden beaches to explore on foot.
- Marine wildlife including seals, dolphins, and whales.
- Boat tours for close-up views of natural landmarks.
Spending a day on both land and water allows you to fully absorb this spectacular coastline’s variety. The fresh sea breeze and panoramic views make the Great Ocean Road unforgettable.
5. Atlantic Road, Norway: Engineering Meets Nature
Norway’s Atlantic Road is one of the most unique coastal drives in the world. It connects a series of small islands with curving bridges that seem to float above the Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves. The road is just over 8 kilometers long but offers nonstop drama.
This route is often traveled by car enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. However, if you want to experience the full thrill, consider exploring the area by boat. Sea tours give you a close look at the bridges and allow you to feel the power of the ocean.
What Makes the Atlantic Road Special:
- Stunning views of the Norwegian Sea and rugged islands.
- A network of bridges with engineering marvels.
- Opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
- Peaceful boat tours that showcase coastal wildlife.
- A chance to experience rough seas and calm coves alike.
Driving the Atlantic Road is exhilarating, but the calm of a sea cruise here offers balance. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with Norway’s coastal beauty.
6. Ring of Kerry, Ireland: Scenic Loop with Coastal Charms
The Ring of Kerry offers a diverse coastal experience through southwestern Ireland. This 179-km loop passes through rolling hills, traditional villages, and rugged shorelines. Driving it means lots of stops for photos, pub meals, and hikes.
What sets the Ring of Kerry apart is the blend of land and sea adventures. Near Kenmare and Portmagee, you can take boat tours out to Skellig Islands or explore sea caves. These trips add a unique maritime flavor to your coastal journey.
Key Features of the Ring of Kerry:
- Picturesque villages full of Irish culture and history.
- Dramatic cliffs and peaceful beaches.
- Hikes with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Sea tours exploring islands and marine wildlife.
- Traditional Irish pubs perfect for a cozy break.
If you want the full experience, drive the loop over two days, and add in a boat excursion for variety. The combination of coastal roads and ocean trips is truly special here.
7. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia: Islands and Ancient Towns
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast offers crystal-clear waters, historic towns, and thousands of islands to explore. The coastal road from Split to Dubrovnik is picturesque, but the real highlight comes when you hop on a boat.
Many travelers rent sailing charters or join island-hopping tours. The sea lets you visit hidden bays, medieval towns, and remote beaches unreachable by car. This makes the Dalmatian Coast one of the best places to combine road and sea travel.
Why the Dalmatian Coast is Unique:
- Ancient towns like Dubrovnik and Trogir with rich history.
- Hundreds of islands perfect for sailing and swimming.
- Clean, turquoise waters with abundant marine life.
- Local marinas and charter companies for easy boat rentals.
- A laid-back Mediterranean vibe both on land and sea.
The best way to experience Dalmatia is to alternate between driving the coast and sailing the islands. It’s a journey that feels both adventurous and relaxing.
8. Garden Route, South Africa: Lush and Wildlife-Rich
The Garden Route is known for its greenery and coastal beauty stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River. This South African route is lush, with forests meeting the sea, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
Along the route, several towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay offer both coastal road drives and sea-based activities. Whale watching by boat is a highlight during migration season.
Garden Route Essentials:
- Coastal cliffs and dense indigenous forests.
- Wildlife reserves and marine sanctuaries.
- Boat tours for whale watching and kayaking.
- Beaches perfect for surfing and sunbathing.
- Friendly towns with good food and accommodation options.
Driving the Garden Route while taking breaks for boat trips is the best way to enjoy its varied landscapes and wildlife.
9. Pacific Rim Highway, Canada: Rugged Coastal Beauty
The Pacific Rim Highway on Vancouver Island runs through temperate rainforests and along wild beaches. It’s a slower, more introspective route with fewer crowds than other coastal roads.
Sea experiences here focus on calm exploration through kayaking and small boat tours. You’ll find yourself surrounded by nature — seals, eagles, and sometimes even whales.
What Stands Out on the Pacific Rim:
- Remote beaches with dramatic shorelines.
- Thick forests meeting the ocean.
- Sea kayaking and eco tours.
- Quiet towns focused on outdoor recreation.
- A chance to disconnect and enjoy nature’s rhythm.
For a true land-and-sea journey, combine a drive on this highway with a guided kayak trip to soak up the rugged beauty from all angles.
10. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia: Mountains Meet Ocean
The Cabot Trail loops around Cape Breton Island and is one of Canada’s most scenic drives. You’ll experience coastal cliffs, mountain peaks, and dense forests, all with the ocean never far from view.
While driving is the main activity, local boat tours and kayaking adventures offer a more intimate look at the shoreline. Paddle close to seals, explore sea caves, or just enjoy the quiet waters.
Highlights of the Cabot Trail:
- 300 km of diverse coastal and mountain scenery.
- Opportunities for hiking, whale watching, and cultural tours.
- Charming fishing villages with local seafood.
- Sea kayaking and small boat excursions.
- Panoramic ocean views at nearly every turn.
This route is a classic mix of adventure and relaxation. Adding a sea trip enhances your experience by offering peace and perspective from the water.
Final Thoughts
Coastal routes provide a fantastic way to enjoy nature’s best scenes. The combination of land drives and sea journeys adds depth and variety to any trip. Whether it’s the sun-soaked shores of Malta, the wild Atlantic coast of Norway, or the legendary roads of California, these 10 routes offer something for every kind of traveler.
Next time you plan a trip, think beyond just driving or sailing. Combining both lets you see the coastline from different angles and creates richer travel memories.
