The Most Insanely Beautiful Coastlines in the World
From palm-lined stretches of white-sand beaches to profoundly scenic (and sometimes terrifying) cliffside drives, the most beautiful coastlines in the world are at once tranquil and stirring. Their wild and rugged splendor have long-inspired travelers and continue drawing even more in for stellar views and plenty of offerings.
Source: media.cntraveler.com
Whether you are wanting to explore cascading waterfalls by way of catamaran along Hawaii’s Nā Pali Coast in Kaua’i; are itching for an intrepid roadtrip in Cape Point, South Africa; or are seeking mighty mountains across Norway’s Lofoten Islands, these 11 shores are sure to keep you enchanted.
Source: media.cntraveler.com
1. Big Sur, California
Big Sur looks its best from behind the wheel as you hairpin-turn your way down its rocky (and newly reopened) stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. Drives along this nearly seven-mile stretch between Los Padres National Forest and the Ventana Wilderness Area offer breathtaking ocean views, paired with classic pitstops like cliffside restaurant Nepenthe and homely Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn.
Source: media.cntraveler.com
The drive itself is an experience, with the ocean waves crashing against the rocky shores and the sun setting over the horizon. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
2. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
A flight to Belfast and an hour-long drive northward will take you to a 130-mile stretch of wooded valleys, lighthouses, and glens. Visit the storied, medieval Dunluce Castle in the sleepy seaside town of Portrush. Plus, legend has it the must-visit Giant’s Causeway, with some 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns rising from the sea, is all that remains of an actual causeway built by long-ago giants.
The Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder that is sure to leave you in awe. The unique rock formations and the stunning ocean views make it a must-visit destination.
3. Patagonia, Argentina
The journey south down the famous RN-3 highway begins with penguin colonies and picturesque Welsh settlements around the Península Valdés before hitting the edge of the Earth at the mountain-ringed frontier city of Ushuaia. RN-3 comes to an end within Tierra del Fuego National Park, where continuing on means gritting your teeth for the arduous boat journey across the Drake Passage to Antarctica.
The rugged landscape and the stunning scenery make Patagonia a must-visit destination for any traveler. The unique wildlife and the untouched nature make it a true adventure.
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy
With every color under the sun tumbling down mountainsides to the sea and stark drop-offs looming along your drive, the furrowed and winding Amalfi coast is a perfect Italian-style marriage of nature and man: beguiling and sightly.
The Amalfi Coast is a true gem, with its stunning scenery and charming towns. The drive itself is an experience, with the ocean views and the picturesque villages making it a must-visit destination.
5. Cape Point, South Africa
If you’re adventurous, you don’t just go to Cape Point, the southwesterly-most point of Africa. You go to the farthest point of Cape Point, following a narrow lighthouse keeper’s path where gale-force winds whip and cormorant birds come in for landings like prop planes in a storm.
The Cape Point lighthouse is the sturdiest beacon in the world, and the views from the top are breathtaking. The unique rock formations and the stunning ocean views make it a must-visit destination.
6. Halong Bay, Vietnam
As you board the Chinese junk boat in Halong Bay, an emerald basin off the northeastern coast of Vietnam, there are a lot of stories being swapped. That the limestone cliffs and islands were created by a dragon, wildly swinging his tail. That there are still active Vietnam War mines in these waters.
Halong Bay is a true natural wonder, with its stunning scenery and unique rock formations. The emerald waters and the limestone cliffs make it a must-visit destination.
7. Naples, Paradise Coast, Florida
With its powder-white quartz sand, old Florida charm, and a pleasant 9-mile coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Naples may be on the quieter side though is as trip-worthy as ever. One-third of the state’s Paradise Coast, which also encompasses Marco Island and the Everglades, Naples’s oceanside luxe shines through mangrove tunnel kayaking, hidden beaches, and natural reserves.
Naples is a charming coastal town with a rich history and a stunning natural beauty. The unique rock formations and the untouched nature make it a must-visit destination.
8. Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
Explore Iceland at its most sublime. The dramatic and unpronounceable Snæfellsnes peninsula in western Iceland is a mix of black pebble beaches à la Santorini and craggy rock formations à la Ireland, with a sweeping glacier of over 4,700 feet high.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a true gem, with its stunning scenery and unique rock formations. The glacier and the black pebble beaches make it a must-visit destination.
9. Nā Pali Coast, Kaua’i, Hawaii
With a name that translates to “high cliffs” in Hawaiian, the sharp ridges and deep valleys along this northwest edge of Kauai live up to its billing. Think sea caves, towering waterfalls, and tucked-away crescent beaches.
The Nā Pali Coast is a true natural wonder, with its stunning scenery and unique rock formations. The sea caves and the towering waterfalls make it a must-visit destination.
10. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Norway’s Lofoten archipelago is a breathtaking destination, with its stunning scenery and unique rock formations. The islands are known for their picturesque villages, stunning ocean views, and unique wildlife.
The Lofoten Islands are a true gem, with their stunning scenery and charming villages. The unique rock formations and the untouched nature make it a must-visit destination.
11. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a true gem, with its stunning scenery and charming towns. The drive itself is an experience, with the ocean views and the picturesque villages making it a must-visit destination.
The Amalfi Coast is a perfect Italian-style marriage of nature and man: beguiling and sightly. The unique rock formations and the untouched nature make it a must-visit destination.
