Top 10 Most Scenic Coastal Roads in Europe for Motorcyclists
The ultimate list of Europe’s most breathtaking coastal rides – from the Atlantic storms of Norway to the sun-soaked Mediterranean cliffs.
There’s something magical about riding where the ocean meets the mountains. The smell of salt in the air, sweeping curves carved into cliffs, and that feeling of endless freedom — these are the roads every motorcyclist dreams about.
Here’s my curated list of the Top 10 Most Scenic Coastal Roads in Europe, each one personally verified by countless riders and designed to deliver maximum thrill, scenery, and adventure.
1) Adriatic Highway (D8), Croatia
Length: 643 km (Croatian section)
Ride character: Endless blue sea on your right, karst cliffs on your left. The D8 (known locally as the “Jadranska Magistrala”) is pure motorcycle bliss.
Difficulty: Moderate – narrow curves, strong crosswinds, heavy summer traffic.
Best Time: May–June or September–October (avoid the summer chaos).
Direction: Southbound (Split → Dubrovnik) gives the best lighting and sea views.
Pro Tip: Don’t waste hours plotting fuel stops or searching for quiet viewpoints — my Croatia Motorcycle Tour Book & GPX Routes has every detail mapped out for you, including scenic detours, cafés, and must-see spots. You just download, import, and ride.
2) Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
Length: 8.3 km
Ride character: One of the world’s most surreal rides — eight bridges jumping from island to island, with waves crashing meters away.
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate – very exposed to wind and slippery when wet.
Best Time: Late May to September.
Pro Tip: Combine this road with the Lofoten Islands E10 for a full northern adventure. In the Norway Motorcycle Tour Book & GPX Routes, you’ll find both perfectly connected, with ferry schedules, fuel stations, and weather-safe alternatives — all ready to ride.
3) Lofoten Scenic Route (E10), Norway
Length: ~230 km
Ride character: Jagged peaks, white beaches, fishing villages — Norway’s most photographed route.
Difficulty: Moderate – variable weather, occasional strong wind gusts.
Best Time: June–September; ride north to south for the most dramatic scenery.
Pro Tip: Accommodation and ferries can be tricky in summer. My Norway Tour Book includes verified campsites and local eateries — no guesswork, no stress.
4) SS163 Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
Length: ~80 km (Sorrento to Salerno)
Ride character: Balcony roads hugging cliffs, tunnels, and postcard-perfect villages.
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging – tight switchbacks, tour buses, and locals who drive like racers.
Best Time: April–June or late September.
Pro Tip: Amalfi is breathtaking, but chaotic.
5) Corniche d’Or (Corniche de l’Estérel), France
Length: ~45 km (Saint-Raphaël to La Napoule)
Ride character: Red cliffs and turquoise coves — one of the French Riviera’s most cinematic rides.
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate – watch for traffic and cyclists.
Best Time: April–June, or September.
6) GI-682 Costa Brava, Spain
Length: ~21 km (Tossa de Mar – Sant Feliu de Guíxols)
Ride character: 365 curves of pure joy — a motorcyclist’s roller coaster.
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging – constant lean angles, limited overtaking.
Best Time: May–June or September.
Pro Tip: If you love technical, twisty roads overlooking the sea, this route will feel like heaven. Pair it with the Pyrenees Motorcycle Tour Book for a perfect Spain–France combo ride.
7) SS125 Orientale Sarda, Sardinia, Italy
Length: ~354 km
Ride character: Limestone cliffs, perfect tarmac, deep blue coves — the dream mix of mountain and sea.
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging – some exposed sections, unpredictable goats.
Best Time: April–June, or September–October.
Pro Tip: Don’t spend days building your own GPS route — I’ve already done the work. The Sardinia Motorcycle Tour Book & GPX Routes includes every twist, café, and overlook, tested and optimized for pure riding pleasure.
8) D81 Calanques de Piana, Corsica
Length: ~2 km of world-class balcony road (within a longer 80 km D81 route).
Ride character: Narrow, red granite cliffs dropping into the Mediterranean — UNESCO-listed and unforgettable.
Difficulty: Moderate – limited passing zones, summer traffic.
Best Time: May–June or September.
Pro Tip: Skip the guesswork and follow my Corsica Motorcycle Tour Book & GPX Routes, which includes D81 and all surrounding must-ride loops, plus verified accommodation and photo points.
9) Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Length: ~2,600 km
Ride character: Raw Atlantic beauty, windswept cliffs, tiny Gaelic villages.
Difficulty: Moderate – unpredictable weather, single-track roads.
Best Time: May–September.
Pro Tip: The weather can make or break your ride. My Ireland Tour Book (coming soon!) includes alternate inland loops for stormy days and the best coastal sections for calm ones.
10) Algarve Coast Drive, Portugal
Length: ~147 km (Faro–Lagos)
Ride character: Golden cliffs, smooth tarmac, perfect for a relaxed coastal cruise.
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate.
Best Time: Spring and autumn.
Pro Tip: Pair it with the Portugal Motorcycle Tour Book & GPX Routes, which combines the Algarve coast with Serra da Estrela and Alentejo for a full mix of ocean and mountain riding.
Ride Smarter, Not Harder
You could spend weeks researching ferry crossings, road closures, fuel stops, and weather windows — or you can start riding right away.
My Motorcycle Tour Books & GPX Routes take care of every detail for you:
✅ Verified scenic roads
✅ Daily itineraries
✅ GPX + KML ready-to-load tracks
✅ Trusted accommodations
✅ Local food and cultural tips
Every route in this list (and many more) is already included in my regional tour books.
All you have to do is download, import, and ride.
Final Thoughts
Europe’s coastlines were made for motorcycles. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Sardinia, wind on the Lofoten Islands, or cliffs above the Adriatic, these routes deliver everything we love about riding — freedom, rhythm, and breathtaking views.
If you want to experience them without wasting time on planning, check out the complete series of Motorcycle Tour Books & GPX Routes — your shortcut to the most scenic roads in Europe.