I drove this road heading northwest from Wānaka when I tackled Isthmus Peak (LINK). It is a marvelous stretch that hugs the entire western flank of Lake Hāwea, winding through green fields puntuated by white sheep, lakeside beaches, and framed by looming peaks that tower over the straw-yellow tussock fields.

The sign “Road to Paradise” that appears just after the last roundabout leaving Queenstown towards Glenorchy says a lot. This road leads to the trailheads of some of the most dramatic hikes in New Zealand and, hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu on gentle ups and downs, offers breathtaking panoramas in typical “South Island” style.

This is the road that slices through all the Lofoten Islands in their magnificence. The section between Reine and Ramberg, especially, is among my favourites. The sheer peaks, the countless bridges, and the crystal-clear waters make even a simple bus ride memorable. Plus, the calm and respectful driving style of the Norwegians towards pedestrians keeps the peace of this place intact.

This is one of the highest passes in Italy and Europe, straddling the border between Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont. Starting from Ceresole Reale, you climb up a sensational valley of streams and waterfalls through a series of switchbacks where you need to pay serious attention to the wheel because the spectacular view keeps distracting you, dragging your gaze down to the valley. Better to pull over where possible. Pushing on, when the snow allows, you can drive right up to Colle Nivolet at a solid 2,612 m a.s.l., where the view over the lakes and dams is among the most beautiful and probably underrated in Italy.

This isn’t a simple road but the entire ring that covers the outer perimeter of Iceland. Granted, it’s hard to find ugly roads in this land at the edge of the world, but the Ring Road, even if often overloaded with tourists, couldn’t be missing from the list. At least once in a lifetime, I believe it should be covered entirely, or at the very least the southern side.

Located halfway between Cromwell and Omarama, this epic pass offers an experience I will never forget. The impression is of being in a lunar landscape on a rollercoaster that snakes between velvety hills scattered with tussock, which catch fire at sunset. You climb up to the lookout (link) of Lindis Pass and then—down!!!—onto the long final straight, offering a view that brings you back to life. Seriously.

Impressive. I remember the first time, in my rental Toyota Yaris, asking myself how the turquoise colour of Lake Pukaki, which follows the road towards New Zealand’s highest mountain, was even possible. Continuing up to Mount Cook Village, it opens onto gigantic alluvial plains with the chain of the Southern Alps on the horizon, covering about 55 unforgettable kilometres.

Not for the faint of heart. This isn’t a road, it’s a mission. I drove it on a rainy day, wondering if my humble Dacia Duster would be able to cross the small (but real) rivers you find along the way. There are many F-Roads (link) in Iceland, and this is one of the most accessible, but certainly not to be underestimated. If you know how to dance beyond the line of what is marked and safe, these places are for you. I wrote a specific article (link) on my experience, so I won’t drag on. Suffice to know they are among the most incredible routes on our planet.

And what about you? Which are the most epic roads you’ve ever driven, cycled, or ridden on your motorbike? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram!