MOTOCIRCLEX / THE RIDERS’ CIRCLE

Motorcycle destinations around the world

A world map and short notes on well-known places to ride: mountain passes, coastal roads, island loops and adventure routes. Use it for ideas, then plan the details yourself.

World map

The map loads only when you press the button, and uses OpenFreeMap with OpenStreetMap data. Each point marks an approximate place on the road or in the area, not a full route.

Destinations

The road over the Stelvio Pass
Photo: David Dvořáček on Unsplash

Mountain pass · Italy · Alps

Stelvio Pass

One of the highest paved mountain passes in the Alps, known for its long series of hairpin bends. Many riders go early in the morning, before the road fills with other traffic.

Season: Usually closed by snow in winter; the opening dates change from year to year.

Keep in mind: Expect cold air and quick weather changes at altitude.

The Transfăgărășan road in Romania
Photo: Cristian Coaja on Unsplash

Mountain road · Romania · Făgăraș Mountains

Transfăgărășan

A high mountain road across the Făgăraș Mountains, with long switchbacks, tunnels and views of Bâlea Lake. It is popular with riders and can be busy on summer weekends.

Season: The highest section is normally closed in winter; check the opening dates.

Keep in mind: Weather can change quickly, and fog is common near the top.

Mountain road · Norway · Møre og Romsdal

Trollstigen

A steep mountain road with eleven hairpin bends and a viewing platform near a waterfall, set in a region of fjords and winding scenic roads.

Season: Normally closed in winter and open from late spring; the dates vary.

Keep in mind: Steep sections, and heavy tourist traffic in summer.

Kylesku Bridge on the North Coast 500, Scotland
Photo: Colin Horn on Unsplash

Scenic loop · Scotland · Highlands

North Coast 500

A loop of roughly 500 miles around the north of the Scottish Highlands, starting and ending at Inverness, with coast, lochs and mountains. Many sections are single-track roads with passing places.

Season: Late spring to early autumn is the usual choice; the weather is unpredictable all year.

Keep in mind: Fuel stations can be far apart in remote areas, so plan your fuel stops.

The main road around Iceland, with snow-capped mountains
Photo: Josh Reid on Unsplash

Island loop · Iceland · Route 1

Iceland Ring Road

A road of about 1,300 km around the island, passing waterfalls, glaciers and black-sand coast. Riders choose it for its scale: much of the country can be seen in one loop.

Season: Summer is the practical season; winter conditions are demanding.

Keep in mind: Strong wind and fast-changing weather. The highland F-roads are separate, seasonal, and not part of the ring road.

Route 66 in Arizona
Photo: Rocio Abrego on Unsplash

Historic highway · United States · Arizona (sample section)

Route 66

The historic highway from Chicago toward the Pacific coast. It is not a single road: many original sections survive beside later highways, with small towns and roadside landmarks such as Seligman in Arizona.

Season: Spring and autumn are usually more comfortable than midsummer heat in the south-west.

Keep in mind: Heat and long empty stretches: carry water and plan your fuel.

Big Creek Bridge on Highway 1 in Big Sur
Photo: Owen Hills-Klaus on Unsplash

Coastal road · United States · Big Sur, California

Pacific Coast Highway

A coastal road with cliffs, bridges and ocean views. The Big Sur section of State Route 1 is one of its best-known stretches.

Season: Fog can be common in summer; spring and autumn are often clearer.

Keep in mind: Landslides have closed sections of the road more than once. Check the current road status before you go.

A kasbah on the road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, Morocco
Photo: Nicolas Cool on Unsplash

Mountain roads · Morocco · Marrakech to Ouarzazate

High Atlas

Roads climb from Marrakech over the High Atlas toward the desert edge near Ouarzazate, passing Berber villages and old kasbahs. The Tizi n’Tichka pass is the best-known crossing.

Season: Spring and autumn are comfortable; the high passes can see snow in winter.

Keep in mind: Road quality varies, and local traffic can be unpredictable. Ride defensively.

The road from Leh toward Mahe, Ladakh
Photo: Abhilash Hegde on Unsplash

High-altitude adventure · India · around Leh

Ladakh

A high-altitude desert with some of the highest motorable passes in the world and long, empty roads. A classic adventure destination for experienced riders.

Season: The high passes are usually open only in the warmer months and can close with snow or landslides.

Keep in mind: Altitude sickness is a real risk: acclimatize in Leh before riding higher. Permits may be required for some areas, so check the current rules.

The road from Ha Giang to Dong Van, Vietnam
Photo: diGital Sennin on Unsplash

Mountain loop · Vietnam · far north

Ha Giang Loop

A mountain loop in the far north of Vietnam, near the Chinese border, with limestone peaks, terraced fields and narrow roads. Many travellers ride it over several days.

Season: Seasons vary; fog and rain are common in the mountains.

Keep in mind: Steep, narrow roads. Foreign riders should check the licence and insurance rules before renting a motorcycle.

Teddy’s Lookout at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road
Photo: Arthur Hinton on Unsplash

Coastal road · Australia · Victoria

Great Ocean Road

A coastal road in the state of Victoria that follows cliffs and beaches, with lookouts such as Teddy’s Lookout at Lorne. Traffic keeps to the left.

Season: Summer is the busiest period; the shoulder seasons are quieter.

Keep in mind: Wildlife can be on the road at dusk and dawn.

Desert ride · Israel · Negev

Ramon Crater

A large erosion crater in the Negev desert, with the town of Mitzpe Ramon on its rim. The surrounding desert roads are wide and quiet, with long views.

Season: Spring and autumn are more comfortable than the summer heat.

Keep in mind: Carry water and plan your fuel. Check current security and travel advisories before you go.

Before you plan a trip

These are general orientation notes written for MotoCircleX, not route advice. Roads, closures, weather, entry rules and security conditions change, so check official sources close to your departure date.

Seasons are broad guidance only. Mountain passes, high-altitude roads and coastal roads can close at short notice.

Photos are hosted by Unsplash and load from its servers. Each photo is credited to its photographer.