15 Stunning Clifftop Towns Every Traveler Should Visit
Have you ever dreamed of gazing out from the world’s edge, dizzied by stunning views that leave you speechless? Suppose you are looking for some combination of natural beauty and rich history, not to mention unforgettable experiences when visiting a coastal town. In that case, your best bet will be a clifftop town.
Adventure and culture in equal measure await you at these 15 gravity-defying destinations, from the stunning heights of Al Hajjarah in the Middle East to beautiful spots perfect for capturing your next Instagram-worthy sunset. Thanks to global travel bouncing back to 88% of what was pre-pandemic, and the Middle East has exceeded that, there’s never been a better time to join on the edge. Ready to pack your bags? It’s calling! These clifftop gems are calling!
Riomaggiore, Italy
The magical, brightly colored houses perched on the blue water of the Mediterranean compose the postcard-perfect gem Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre.
Experience a coastal trail, reflect on colorful streets, eat fresh seafood, and lounge in stunning golden hour views, all in foodie and adventure heaven!
Ronda, Spain
One of Spain’s most dramatic landscapes is split by a stunning 100-meter gorge. Spanning old and new Ronda with breathtaking views from the El Tajo canyon, the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge is the one you see most often.
Fun fact: Ronda is the birthplace of modern bullfighting and has Spain’s oldest bullring, Plaza de Toros, and is a must-see for history and culture fans!
Positano, Italy
Positano is the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast. It is dreamy, visceral, luxurious, historic, and natural. The past-colored buildings go down towards the turquoise waters, and the view is forever remembered. This magic town is said to have been founded by Poseidon in honor of his beloved nymph Pasitea; so very romantic!
Rocamadour, France
Situated on a limestone cliff top, the medieval village of Rocamadour is a throwback to history. It’s been famous for its historic monuments and religious sanctuaries for centuries. Be sure not to miss the Chapelle Notre Dame and its legendary Black Madonna statue, with its famous staple miracle!
Manarola, Italy
Cute Manarola rests in Cinque Terre. They are colorful houses perched high above the Mediterranean. It’s a photographer’s dream and one of Italy’s most iconic spots. Do not skip the breathtaking seaside path between Manarola and Riomaggiore (the Via dell’Amore)!
Spain Castellfollit de la Roca
Sitting precariously on a narrow basalt cliff created by past volcanic eruptions, this little Catalonian village is as incredible as it is unusual. Also, don’t miss the Church of Sant Salvador, which boasts flashback-worthy views overlooking the scenic rivers!
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a dream destination, with its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It’s famous for Oia’s breathtaking sunsets and is a favorite among romantics and honeymooners.
Fun fact: In history’s most massive eruption, Santorini resulted from a volcanic caldera!
Pitigliano, Italy
Pitigliano, known as “Little Jerusalem” for its historic Jewish roots, is a stunning village carved from volcanic rock.
See sunsets that make the whole town golden glow. Beneath it lies a labyrinth of ancient tunnels and caves from the Etruscan era, genuinely awe-inspiring.
Azenhas do Mar, Portugal
Only a short drive from Lisbon, this quaint coastal village sprawls down a cliff to meet up with the Atlantic. It’s a dream spot for photographers, with whitewashed houses and stunning ocean views. Don’t miss the fresh seafood, some of the best in Portugal!
Bonifacio, Corsica, France
Perched on white limestone cliffs above the Mediterranean, Bonifacio, the “Citadel of Cliffs,” effortlessly blends French and Italian charm.
The King Aragon Steps, or rather, rocks carved directly into the cliffs, are not to be missed and offer jaw-dropping views that will take your breath away.
Meteora, Greece
The clifftop monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering rock pillars, are a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers jaw-dropping views and a serene spiritual vibe.
Fun fact: “Meteora” means “suspended in air” in Greek. How perfect is that?
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo, is a beautiful combination of history and great outdoor activities. A fortress ruin perched above the Yantra River, this pretty town has cobblestone streets and spectacular views. And you definitely can’t miss Tsaravets Fortress, the dream of any history lover!
Jezzine, Lebanon
Tucked in the mountains of southern Lebanon is Jezzine, a must-see gem offering up the region’s 74-meter waterfall, pine-covered cliffs, historic churches, and lively souks.
Bonus tip: Take a hike on one of the Lebanon Mountain Trails!
Al Hajjarah, Yemen
Set atop a cliff, this 12th-century Yemeni citadel of mud-brick houses and rugged mountain views is a masterpiece. How often can you easily glimpse ancient history in such a unique setting? It’s a must-visit!
Haid Al-Jazil, Yemen
This Yemeni village, perched on a giant boulder, is an amazingly clever piece of human ingenuity! At over 500 years old, people still live in the gravity-defying, multi-story mud brick buildings it contains.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.