Stunning Coastal Cliffs and Beaches to Add to Your Bucket List

20 July 2025

Picture this: You're standing on the edge of a dramatic cliff, salty air whipping through your hair while waves crash below with a roar that echoes through your bones. Or maybe you're lying on a pristine beach, toes buried in warm sand, watching the sun sink into the horizon like a melting gold coin. Sounds like paradise, right? Well, lucky for you, the world is packed with breathtaking coastal cliffs and beaches just waiting to steal your heart.

If you're a sucker for jaw-dropping views and postcard-worthy shorelines, grab your bucket list because we're about to take a trip through some of the most stunning coastal landscapes on Earth.

1. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland – Where Magic Meets the Atlantic

Ah, the Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s answer to Mother Nature showing off. These rugged cliffs stretch over 14 km along the Wild Atlantic Way, towering 214 meters above the ocean like ancient guardians of the Emerald Isle.

Why should this be on your bucket list? For starters, the views are out of this world. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands chilling in Galway Bay like tiny emeralds floating in the sea. And if that’s not enough, this place has some serious cinematic cred – it made an appearance in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!

Pro tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most magical hues and fewer crowds.

2. Navagio Beach, Greece – A Shipwrecked Slice of Heaven

Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio Beach in Zakynthos is one of those places that look too good to be real. Think dazzling turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and towering limestone cliffs that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a dream.

What makes this place even cooler? There’s an actual shipwreck lying right in the middle of the beach! The MV Panagiotis ran aground here in the 1980s, creating one of the most iconic (and Instagrammable) scenes in the world.

Pro tip: The best way to see Navagio Beach in all its glory? A boat trip! You’ll get the best angle of the blue waters against the cliffs.

3. Étretat Cliffs, France – Nature’s Own Masterpiece

If cliffs could be artists, the ones at Étretat in Normandy would be Monet-level geniuses. These chalky white formations jut dramatically into the sea, creating arches and needle-like shapes that look almost too perfect to be natural.

It’s no wonder artists like Claude Monet and writers like Victor Hugo were obsessed with this place. The contrast between the crisp white cliffs and the deep blue sea is nothing short of breathtaking. Plus, there’s a staircase carved into the rock, so you can take in the beauty from different perspectives.

Pro tip: Visit during low tide to walk along the base of the cliffs and admire how the waves have sculpted them over centuries.

4. Twelve Apostles, Australia – Rock Giants of the Ocean

Nestled along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the Twelve Apostles are a set of limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean like towering sea guardians. While erosion has sadly reduced their number (spoiler alert: there were never actually twelve), what remains is still absolutely mesmerizing.

This stretch of coastline is a visual feast—golden cliffs, wild waves, and a sky that changes colors faster than a chameleon at a rainbow party. Drive along the scenic Great Ocean Road for some of the best coastal views on the planet.

Pro tip: Sunrise is the best time to visit if you want that golden-hour glow without the tourist rush.

5. Big Sur, USA – A California Dream in Clifftop Form

Few places in the world scream road trip goals louder than Big Sur, California. This rugged stretch of Pacific coastline is famous for its dramatic cliffs, misty waves, and roads that look like they belong in a car commercial.

Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in the U.S., provides one of the most spectacular views of the jagged cliffs meeting the roaring Pacific. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just taking it all in from a scenic overlook, Big Sur’s untamed beauty will leave you speechless.

Pro tip: Drive with your windows down and your favorite playlist blasting – it makes everything ten times better.

6. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland – A Black Sand Beauty

Let’s take a break from the golden sands and head to one of the most unique beaches on Earth—Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland. Instead of your typical sun-kissed coastline, this beach looks like something out of a Viking legend.

With black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and powerful waves that don’t play nice, this isn’t your average beach. Legend has it that the Reynisdrangar sea stacks are actually trolls turned to stone by the sun—because, you know, Iceland loves a good myth.

Pro tip: Don’t turn your back on the waves! The sneaker waves here are notorious for catching people off guard.

7. White Cliffs of Dover, England – A Chalky Wonder

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on the edge of history, the White Cliffs of Dover are your spot. These famous cliffs have been a symbol of hope and strength for centuries, greeting travelers as they approach England from the sea.

Made of pure chalk, they reflect sunlight like a massive natural lighthouse. Plus, the rolling green hills behind them make for a dreamy contrast. Nothing beats a walk along these cliffs, especially with the English Channel sparkling below.

Pro tip: If you’re a history buff, visit the Battle of Britain Memorial nearby for an extra dose of heritage.

8. Praia da Marinha, Portugal – A Postcard Comes to Life

If Portugal had to send one postcard to represent its gorgeous coastline, it would probably be a snapshot of Praia da Marinha. This Algarve gem is the definition of a paradise beach, with golden cliffs framing a crystal-clear sea.

The rock formations here are a photographer’s dream, and the snorkeling? Top-notch. The water is so clear you’ll feel like you’re swimming in a giant aquarium filled with colorful fish.

Pro tip: Hike along the clifftop trail for breathtaking panoramic views before heading down for a sun-soaked swim.

9. Cathedral Cove, New Zealand – A Narnia-Worthy Escape

New Zealand does jaw-dropping landscapes like it’s no big deal, and Cathedral Cove is proof. This dreamy beach, tucked away on the Coromandel Peninsula, looks like it was designed by a fantasy author.

The main attraction? A naturally formed rock archway that looks like a cathedral entrance, hence the name. The golden sands and calm waters make it perfect for a lazy beach day—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a kayaking trip.

Pro tip: Visit early in the morning to have this magical place all to yourself.

10. The Na Pali Coast, Hawaii – A Jurassic Paradise

Last but definitely not least, we’re heading to Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast—the closest thing you’ll ever get to stepping into Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs). These lush, rugged cliffs rise sharply from the ocean, creating some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet.

There’s no road access to this beauty, so you’ll have to hike, boat, or take a helicopter tour to witness its full glory. But trust me—it’s worth every step, wave, or air mile.

Pro tip: If you’re up for a challenge, the Kalalau Trail offers one of the most epic treks in the world.

Final Thoughts

From towering cliffs to dream-like beaches, the world has no shortage of coastal wonders. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a lazy beach bum, or someone who just appreciates a good ocean view, these spots deserve a spot on your bucket list.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your passport, hit the road (or the waves), and start crossing these beauties off your list. Because life’s too short to not chase the world’s most stunning coastlines!