Ranked: The 17 Most Breathtaking Coastlines on Earth
The world is home to over 372,000 miles of coastline, according to a PNNL report, each offering a unique lens into the beauty and diversity of nature. Coastal regions present an exceptional sight of land meeting the ocean in an unparalleled way for all sun enthusiasts, surf enthusiasts, and photography lovers.
Rugged cliffs to turquoise waters, these destinations paint a picture-perfect view that leaves us wondering, “How can nature be this stunning?” The following list presents Earth’s 17 most magnificent coastal destinations, offering exclusive insights, fascinating information, and eye-catching images to inspire your future coastal journey.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Many town settlements painted in soft pastel hues line coastal cliffs until they reach the cerulean Mediterranean Sea.
Photography enthusiasts will find paradise within the Amalfi Coast region, where picturesque narrow paths lead to charming fishing harbors and countless lemon groves spread along mountainsides.
Positioning your visit during May or September is recommended to experience ideal temperatures while sipping Aperol Spritz peacefully near Positano.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Stretching over 150 miles along Australia’s southern coastline, the Great Ocean Road, constructed by returned World War I soldiers between 1919 and 1932, based on a report by ResearchGate, showcases natural marvels, towering limestone stacks that emerge dramatically from the ocean.
Users who travel along this road commemorate WWI-era soldiers because construction began as a memorial tribute to soldiers who fought during the war.
Na Pali Coast, Hawaii, USA
The attraction near Kauai Island draws scores of kayakers and hikers to admire its beauty. The Na Pali Coast activity takes visitors into a breathtaking world of dramatic cliffs that overlook rolling green valleys and concealed waterfalls, just like the vision of Jurassic Park (primarily because its set locations were here).
Booking a sunset catamaran cruise can provide the best views and dolphin sightings.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, according to a National Geographic report, the Cliffs of Moher, which formed over 350 million years ago, are on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and are Ireland’s most iconic natural attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011.
These majestic cliffs remain entirely natural because they are exposed exposure to strong winds and provide excellent settings for memorable selfie photos. To avoid congestion during daytime hours, you should reach the site when dawn arrives and wait for the sunrise, but it requires waking up early.
Seychelles, Africa
The Seychelles are renowned for their stunning beaches, which range from crystal-clear waters to rugged granite formations. This archipelago of 115 islands, with a population of 121,355, as reported by the World Bank Group, is a haven for marine life enthusiasts and honeymooners alike.
The Seychelles are home to the endemic Aldabra giant tortoises as well as other diminishing species, which proves that this paradise mesmerizes all living beings.
Big Sur, California, USA
The area of Big Sur combines mountainous terrain with an oceanfront setting by the Pacific coast. Researchers and musicians have drawn endless inspiration from the magical encounters between mist and vivid sunrise and sunset colors in this area.
For an unforgettable experience, Visitors should drive along Highway 1, stopping at Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach for its unique purple sand.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Meaning “Five Lands,” Cinque Terre offers a cluster of colorful villages perched along rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. UNESCO has designated this location a World Heritage Site Since 1997, making it an exceptional sight to observe.
Travel effortlessly through the five villages by riding the train, as driving on these challenging coastal roads would cause unnecessary stress.
Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe
Dubbed the “Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is the world’s greatest sheet of falling water, as reported by UNESCO. It isn’t just a coastline, but a mighty spectacle where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into a gorge.
Travelers see an everlasting rainbow at this site, which makes it stand as one of the magical natural marvels across this ranking.
Maui’s Road to Hana, Hawaii, USA
The 64-mile roadway surrounds visitors with thick rainforests while featuring astonishing waterfalls and breathtaking coastline views.
Take your time—Hana’s authentic charm unfolds on a slow, deliberate journey through its winding path, featuring over 600 breathtaking curves and 50 picturesque bridges, as reported by Forbes.
Motion sickness medicines along with water and food should go in your travel pack since this winding path poses a challenge to those who get easily nauseated.
Cape Town & Cape Peninsula, South Africa
Traveling to the Cape Peninsula, one will encounter multiple magical experiences, as they discover both stunning coastal drives that follow cliff edges and broad ocean views from elevated vantage points.
The Cape Peninsula is famous for its extraordinary ocean junction between the Atlantic and Indi, establishing it as an exceptional biodiverse marine environment. The dual ocean convergence at this site simultaneously improves the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity, attracting vacationers who enjoy nature and adventure.
A hike to the top of Table Mountain offers tourists the best opportunities to take in breathtaking views overlooking the Cape’s coastal shoreline.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Because of their unique blend of mountain peaks and ocean waters, the Lofoten Islands rank as one of Earth’s most fantastic locales, and they are in Norway, a distinguished northern Arctic location offers visitors a remarkable two-dimensional visual presentation, including, dramatic ocean cliffs and seafront fishing towns with crystal-clear fjords as a stunning contrast.
The location proves that you don’t need bikinis to enjoy beaches, as it showcases pristine sands enhanced by mountain glacial peaks, along with excellent hiking trails, kayaking routes, and marvelous sightseeing opportunities. One can enjoy Lofoten’s natural beauty all year because the Northern Lights appear in winter.
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Endless travelers have been drawn to its tubelike formations, known as limestone karsts, which erode from emerald waters into stunning tableaus. The site gained international fame after serving as Scaramanga’s hideout in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
The site now welcomes visitors from around the world to experience its exceptional geological features, including stunning landscapes and a film-like appeal. Explore earth-made sea caves and secret ocean nooks by kayak.
Patagonia, Chile & Argentina
The magnificent region of Patagonia presents tourists with breathtaking views of glacial fjords, the mountainous Andes, and marine wildlife populations, which include penguins, seals, and whales.
Adventure seekers worldwide discover Patagonia because this remote area between Argentina and Chile provides everything needed to explore rugged landscapes while performing activities such as trekking through mountains, kayaking, and glacier hiking.
This destination offers peaceful landscapes and natural surroundings, as well as the opportunity to step away from modern life. Go whale-watching between July and November for an unforgettable experience with these majestic creatures.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Whitsundays boast phenomenal natural landscape features, thanks to their pristine, white, powder-like silica beachfront at Whitehaven and their azure blue waters.
People can find this extraordinary site in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, where they will discover extraordinary coral environments that support a diverse array of marine life and provide superb conditions for diving and snorkeling.
The Whitsunday Islands offer visitors exclusive cove exploration and island sailing opportunities among their 74 beautiful islands, guaranteeing a memorable visit. You should know that Whitehaven Beach uses white sand to polish the Hubble Telescope lens.
Reynisfjara, Iceland
Salt spray from surging Atlantic waves allows the dark-colored sand beach to present a haunting and enchanting scene. The coastal area Reynisfjara attracts globe-trotting visitors since it sits next to the village of Vik in Iceland.
A thick mist usually covers the site, enhancing its magical appeal and enigmatic character. Stone formations on shore, known as sea stacks, were transformed from trolls when daylight destroyed them.
Visitors to Reynisfjara encounter an extraordinary experience where they will explore the dramatic scenery and hear the thundering sea waves, but it always feels like traveling to another dimension.
Tip: Watch out for “sneaker waves,” which can be as powerful and unpredictable as they are.
Fjords of Norway
Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord exemplify Icelandic natural beauty through their majestic cliffs rising above glassy waters. The extensive landscapes feature photogenic forms created by past glacial activities while presenting both wild features and relaxing scenery.
Nature enthusiasts and photographers should mark these fjords as essential destinations because they offer memorable natural landscapes and opportunities for peaceful exploration through hiking, kayaking, and boat cruises.
Traveling by ferry will grant you the best perspectives because it provides complete panoramic views.
Maldives, South Asia
The Maldives consists of 1,200 islands that form an archipelago, defining barefoot luxury as an exclusive tropical destination. Barefoot metropolises await travelers who dream of spending their days under turquoise waters, with floating overwater bungalows offering stunning ocean views.
The shallow ocean depths conceal lively coral reefs that house abundant underwater inhabitants, thus creating a perfect environment for divers and snorkelers. The Maldives presents exceptional experiences through every corner of the archipelago, allowing visitors to relax under palm trees and eat fresh seafood.
At the same time, their feet rest on the beach or explore underwater creatures. As a unique note about the nation, the Maldives sits at the bottom of the global elevation chart, with its average sea level 1.5 meters above the water.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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