Visually striking and awe-inspiring, these stunning coastlines have beckoned nomads from land and sea since the beginning of time.
#1 Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Stretching 8 kilometers along the Atlantic coast in County Clare, west Ireland, you may recognise this green and rugged beauty from the many movies it has appeared in, most famously Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The area is also home to over 30,000 seabirds, including one of the fastest creatures on the planet, the Peregrine falcon, puffins and Guillemots.
#2 Great Ocean Road, Australia
Stretching 243 kilometers along the southeastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford, the epic road passes through rainforests, beaches, sandstone cliffs and the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. An Australian National Heritage, it’s also the site of the world’s largest war memorial that’s dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I.
#3 Amalfi Coast, Italy
This romance-invoking beauty attracts hoards of tourists annually and it’s easy to see why — stunning cliffs and beaches meet azure blue waters at this UNESCO world heritage site. The region is also famous for producing the Italian liquor limoncello. Cheers!
#4 Algarve Coast, Portugal
One of Europe’s most popular beach side destinations come summer time, the coastline of Algarve boasts fine sandy beaches that meet crystal clear waters. The towns along the coast are home to many medieval castles (perfect for exploring post sunbathing) and region is also known for producing hand-painted ceramics and traditional tiles called azulejos which make great souvenirs.
#6 White Cliffs of Dover, England
The narrowest part of the English Channel, these stunning white cliffs has played a significant role in England’s history, having seen many invasion attempts throughout the country’s rich history. Today, it still serves as a port ferrying travelers to and from northern France, especially Calais. If you’re lucky and happen to be there on a clear day, you’ll be able to see France from the cliffs.
#7 Krabi, Thailand
With its limestone cliffs towering over the Andaman Sea, the tropical province of Krabi is a favourite for many rock climbers, divers, snorkelers, and beach-goers, as it includes many idyllic islands such as Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi (famed for its role in The Beach).
#8 Côte d’Azur, France
Since the 18th century, the south of France has served as a glamorous getaway retreat for Europe’s upper class and members of the royal families, beginning with the Brits who would trade Britain’s harsh winters for the milder Mediterranean climes. These days, Côte d’Azur which includes Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez still serve as a playground for the rich and famous.
#9 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Steeped in maritime history, this rugged beauty on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea is among the best preserved medieval cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site — no wonder it’s one of the main filming locations of the Game of Thrones. Dotted with coves and rocky islands, Dubrovnik’s coast and medieval-era towns offer dramatic backdrops against the blue water.
Which of these will you be adding to your bucket list?
Image credits: Main, 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
