From undulating coastal roads to routes that wind through mountainous terrain, there are scenic drives to be discovered all around the world. They will allow you to get up close and personal with the great outdoors while discovering new sights. As the skies reopen, consider planning your future travel itineraries around these routes.
If you’re flying with Singapore Airlines, why not transit through the Little Red Dot with and soak in the gorgeous breathtaking views from one of the city’s top rooftop bars, sample mouth-watering Peranakan food or explore the greener side on one of these scenic cycling routes.
1. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Stretching from the seaside resort town Torquay (roughly a 90-minute drive from Melbourne) in the state of Queensland to the fishing village of Nelson along the South Australian border, the Great Ocean Road is a 400km drive that can be comfortably completed in three days. Along the way, you’ll pass a host of striking attractions, including the famous Twelve Apostles: a series of limestone rock formations jutting out of the sea that were formed by millions of years of erosion. Other highlights include the shorter – but no less impressive – limestone stacks at the Bay of Islands, the beach town of Lorne and the azure swells at Bells Beach.
2. Ilju Road, South Korea
Located on the picturesque South Korean island of Jeju, this easy coastal drive runs along the island’s circumference, offering stunning views of the ocean and Jeju’s iconic basalt rock formations. Two key attractions to stop at along the way are Mount Sangban (or Sangbansan) and Mount Songak (Songgaksan). The former is a craggy rock structure that’s surrounded by eye-catching bright yellow rapeseed flowers in the spring, while the latter is an active, double-cratered volcano bordering the sea. If you’re not pressed for time, you can make a detour further inland to Hallasan – this shield volcano and national park in the centre of the island is South Korea’s highest peak. It can get rather windy along the route, so be sure to dress appropriately.
3. Andalucía, Spain
Majestic mountain ranges, endless miles of heavenly beaches and a diverse and vibrant cultural heritage make Spain one of the world’s most popular and visited tourist destinations. And considering that the large nation boasts over 16,500km of highway, there’s really no better way to explore Spain than by renting a car and going on a road-trip adventure. Because the country is so large, a great region to focus on for a Spanish road-tripping route would be through southern Spain’s Andalucía. Start off in the lively city of Málaga, before making your way through towns like Ronda and Marbella. Head west to spend a day in Cádiz, enjoying tapas and locally caught seafood by the water. End the trip further north in Seville, making time to explore attractions like the Cathedral in all its Gothic splendour, Giralda Tower and the stunning Alcazar.
4. Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
For the ultimate summer Italian road trip, you can’t go wrong with a jaunt along the Amalfi Coast. The route from Salerno to Sorrento is around 55km and meanders through coastal towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Minori, so consider spreading out your excursion and spending some time in each town. Positano is known for its colourful houses stacked along the cliffside and narrow streets dotted with cafés and restaurants; Amalfi, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is home to a gorgeous cathedral; and Minori is a must-visit for its historical architecture. As the road is very narrow in places, it is advisable to rent a smaller car and, if possible, avoiding peak driving times.
5.Trans-Canadian Highway, Canada
Canada is a must for lovers of the great outdoors and unspoilt nature. Explore the Trans-Canadian Highway on a journey from Vancouver to Banff Drive. While this can be completed in under 10 hours, it’s better to spend a few days exploring highlights along the way. Just an hour from Vancouver, Squamish is often coined as the adventure capital. There are great trails for rock climbers, mountain bikers and kite surfers. Before reaching Whistler, take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola and capture beautiful views. Next, wander through Whistler Village – best known as a ski town, there is still loads to explore in the summer. Hikes through Glacier National Park and a day exploring the mountain town of Golden should all be planned before reaching Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. The turquoise, glacier-fed lakes are major highlights of the trip.
6. Pacific Coast Highway, California
You’ll find the quintessential summer American road trip in California, running around 200km along the central California coast between Monterey in the north and Morro Bay in the south. The cliff-hugging route allows for truly breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean and redwood forests that the region is famous for, and passes through the fabled Big Sur and the much-photographed Bixby Creek Bridge (as seen on HBO’s Big Little Lies, among other film and television shows). There are also plenty of towns and attractions to stop-off at along the way – including the fairy tale-like seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea; Point Lobos State Reserve known for its stunning scenery; and the cliff-top restaurant Nepenthe, which offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
The information is accurate as of press time. For the latest travel advisory updates, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
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