The symphony of your engine harmonizing with crashing waves, the salty breeze mixing with the thrill of the ride, serpentine roads hugging dramatic coastlines – coastal motorcycle touring represents the pinnacle of two-wheeled adventure.
We’ve curated 15 breathtaking coastal routes spanning from the Mediterranean jewels of Italy to the wild shores of the Pacific, each offering the perfect blend of challenging roads, stunning vistas, and unforgettable experiences. Gear up for the ride of your lifetime!
1. Amalfi Coast – The Divine Coast Road (Italy)
Route: Salerno – Positano – Amalfi – Ravello
Length: 50 km of pure Italian magic
Difficulty: Intermediate
The legendary SS163 Amalfitana needs no introduction. With its 1,000 hairpin turns and terraces suspended between sky and sea, it’s a bucket-list ride for every serious motorcyclist.
Pro tip: Start early morning (before 7 AM) to beat tour buses. The golden hour light on the colorful villages is worth the early wake-up call.
Must-stop: Villa Rufolo in Ravello for espresso with a view that Wagner called “the most beautiful in the world.”
Download RideLog to automatically track this legendary route and share it with fellow riders worldwide!
2. Pacific Coast Highway – Big Sur (California, USA)
Route: Monterey – Big Sur – San Simeon
Length: 145 km of coastal perfection
Difficulty: Intermediate
Highway 1 through Big Sur is arguably the most famous motorcycle road in America. The Bixby Creek Bridge alone has launched a thousand Instagram posts, but the real magic lies in the endless curves carved into cliffs 200 meters above the Pacific.
Hidden gem: McWay Falls viewpoint – an 80-foot waterfall dropping directly onto the beach.
Best season: September-November for clear skies and minimal fog.
3. Great Ocean Road (Victoria, Australia)
Route: Torquay – Apollo Bay – Port Campbell
Length: 243 km of Australian wonder
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Home to the iconic Twelve Apostles, this route combines sweeping ocean views with ancient rainforest sections. The road quality is exceptional, making it perfect for riders of all skill levels.
Wildlife warning: Watch for koalas and kangaroos, especially at dawn and dusk.
Rider’s favorite: The stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay offers the best combination of curves and coastal views.
4. Costa Smeralda – Sardinian Paradise (Italy)
Route: Olbia – Porto Cervo – Palau
Length: 55 km of Mediterranean luxury
Difficulty: Easy
The SP59 along Sardinia’s Emerald Coast offers gentle curves through a landscape of turquoise coves and granite sculptures. The roads are immaculate, and the scenery is straight from a travel magazine.
Beach break: Spiaggia del Principe – considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Track your fuel consumption on these scenic routes with RideLog – the smart motorcycle companion app!
5. Atlantic Road – Norway’s Engineering Marvel
Route: Kristiansund – Molde via Atlanterhavsveien
Length: 36 km of Nordic drama
Difficulty: Intermediate (weather dependent)
The Atlantic Ocean Road features eight bridges that leap between small islands, creating a ride that feels like you’re surfing across the ocean. The Storseisundet Bridge’s optical illusion makes it appear impossible to cross – until you’re on it.
Weather note: Check conditions carefully. Storm watching is popular here, but not on a motorcycle!
Photo op: Eldhusøya rest area offers the best vantage point of the entire route.
6. Chapman’s Peak Drive (South Africa)
Route: Noordhoek – Hout Bay
Length: 9 km of carved perfection
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
114 curves in just 9 kilometers make “Chappies” one of the most exhilarating coastal roads on the planet. Carved into the near-vertical cliffs of Chapman’s Peak, this engineering marvel offers views of both the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay.
Safety first: Wind can be fierce. The road closes in extreme weather.
Sunset magic: Time your ride to finish at Hout Bay for sundowners at the harbor.
7. Cinque Terre Coastal Route (Italy)
Route: La Spezia – Monterosso (via SP370)
Length: 30 km above the famous villages
Difficulty: Intermediate
While tourists crowd the coastal paths below, motorcyclists can enjoy the panoramic road above the five villages. The SP370 offers spectacular bird’s-eye views of the colorful towns clinging to the cliffs.
Insider tip: Park in Levanto and explore the villages on foot – they’re worth it!
8. North Coast 500 – Scotland’s Route 66
Route: Inverness – John o’Groats – Durness – Inverness
Length: 830 km of Highland magic
Difficulty: Intermediate
The NC500 encompasses the entire Scottish Highlands coastline, featuring everything from gentle loch-side cruising to challenging mountain passes. The western section from Durness to Ullapool offers the most dramatic coastal riding.
Must-ride section: Bealach na Bà pass – not coastal but unmissable with its 20% gradients.
Whisky stops: Plan overnight stays to enjoy Scotland’s finest – don’t drink and ride!
Plan every mile of your epic journey with RideLog – automatic route tracking and expense management in one app!
9. Costa Brava – Wild Coast (Spain)
Route: Blanes – Tossa de Mar – Cadaqués
Length: 200 km of Catalan beauty
Difficulty: Intermediate
The GI-682 coastal road offers a perfect mix of sweeping curves and tight switchbacks, all while hugging the rugged Costa Brava. Medieval villages, hidden coves, and excellent seafood make this a feast for all senses.
Dalí detour: Visit the surrealist’s house-museum in Portlligat near Cadaqués.
Best months: May-June or September-October to avoid summer crowds.
10. Great Beach Drive – Fraser Island (Australia)
Route: Noosa North Shore – Rainbow Beach – Fraser Island
Length: 200 km of beach riding
Difficulty: Advanced (sand riding)
For adventure riders only! This unique route includes 75-Mile Beach on Fraser Island – officially a highway where you ride on hard-packed sand with the ocean as your companion.
Tide essential: Only passable at low tide. Check times and plan accordingly.
4WD only: This route requires appropriate adventure bikes and sand riding skills.
11. Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Route: Baddeck – Chéticamp – Cape Breton Highlands – Baddeck
Length: 298 km of Atlantic drama
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Cabot Trail combines mountain switchbacks with coastal cruising around Cape Breton Island. Fall colors (late September) transform this ride into a moving masterpiece.
Wildlife encounters: Moose are common – ride with extra caution at dawn/dusk.
Celtic culture: Stop in Chéticamp for Acadian cuisine and culture.
12. Strada della Forra – Lake Garda (Italy)
Route: Gargnano – Tremosine (SP38)
Length: 6 km of James Bond thrills
Difficulty: Advanced
Winston Churchill called it “the eighth wonder of the world.” This road, carved through living rock with 70 hairpin bends, was featured in the James Bond film “Quantum of Solace.”
Timing is everything: Early morning or late afternoon for minimal traffic.
Photo warning: Stop only in designated areas – the road is narrow!
Never lose track of your legendary rides – Get RideLog for automatic journey recording!
13. Hai Van Pass (Vietnam)
Route: Da Nang – Hue
Length: 21 km of Top Gear fame
Difficulty: Intermediate
Made famous by Top Gear, the “Ocean Cloud Pass” lives up to its poetic name. The road snakes through mountains 500m above sea level, offering panoramic views of the East Sea.
Local tip: Hire a reliable bike in Da Nang – road conditions vary.
Weather watch: The pass often lives up to its “cloudy” name – visibility can change quickly.
14. Wild Atlantic Way – Ring of Kerry (Ireland)
Route: Killarney – Kenmare – Caherdaniel – Killarney
Length: 179 km of Irish magic
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Part of the larger Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry offers everything Ireland is famous for: dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient ruins, charming pubs, and roads that demand to be ridden.
Don’t miss: Skellig Ring detour for Star Wars filming locations and fewer tour buses.
Irish weather: Pack rain gear. You’ll need it.
15. French Riviera – Corniche Roads (France)
Route: Nice – Monaco – Menton
Length: 50 km of Riviera glamour
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Three parallel roads at different elevations offer three unique experiences. The Middle Corniche provides the best motorcycle riding with sweeping curves and spectacular views over the Mediterranean.
James Bond moment: Stop at the viewpoint where the casino scene in GoldenEye was filmed.
Millionaire’s playground: Park the bike in Monaco and try your luck at the casino!
Essential Coastal Riding Tips
Gear for Coastal Conditions
- Ventilated jacket with armor protection
- Full-face helmet with anti-fog visor
- Summer gloves with protection
- Waterproof layer – coastal weather changes quickly
- Sunglasses for helmet-off moments
Coastal Riding Hazards
- Salt spray: Reduces grip and corrodes metal
- Crosswinds: Common on exposed coastal sections
- Sand/gravel: Blown onto roads from beaches
- Tourist traffic: Peak season brings challenges
- Wildlife: From kangaroos to moose, stay alert
Best Riding Seasons by Region
- Mediterranean: April-June, September-October
- California/Australia: Year-round (avoid winter storms)
- Northern Europe: June-August only
- Southeast Asia: November-March (dry season)
Plan Your Coastal Adventure with RideLog
Before embarking on your coastal odyssey, download RideLog – the ultimate motorcycle tracking app that helps you:
✅ Automatically track every route
✅ Monitor fuel consumption and costs
✅ Set maintenance reminders for your bike
✅ Share routes with the global riding community
✅ Save favorite locations and waypoints
✅ Track riding statistics and achievements
Don’t let these memories fade – preserve every kilometer!
The Road Calls: Your Coastal Adventure Awaits
These 15 coastal destinations represent just the beginning of a lifetime of motorcycle adventures. Each offers its unique blend of challenges and rewards, from the polished perfection of the Amalfi Coast to the raw wilderness of Scotland’s NC500.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a month-long odyssey, coastal motorcycle touring offers an unmatched combination of freedom, beauty, and pure riding joy. The roads are waiting, the views are calling, and your motorcycle is ready.
So what are you waiting for? Check your tire pressure, top up the tank, install RideLog on your phone, and point your front wheel toward the horizon.
The coast is calling, and it’s time to answer.
Safe travels and may the road rise up to meet you!
Have you ridden any of these coastal roads? Share your experience in the comments and don’t forget to download RideLog to track your next adventure!