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One of the most stunning landscapes on the planet is where the mountains meet the ocean. Beaches around the world sometimes have cliffs right behind or beside them, creating beautiful, dramatic and emotional spaces for visitors. Pictured is Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos Island in southwestern Greece, which has captivated the hearts of countless travelers.
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Located between Del Mar and La Jolla in San Diego, Torrey Pines State Beach is backed by towering limestone cliffs that rise more than 300 feet. With powerful waves, it is popular with surfers and paragliders.
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Australia's most beautiful beach is located along the Great Ocean Road and is especially famous for the "12 apostles" which are limestone rocks jutting out into the ocean created through millions of years of erosion. It only takes 86 steps to set foot on the beach from the top of the cliff and immerse yourself in the majestic space of nature.
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Na Pali Beach on the north shore of Kauai (Hawaii, USA) is quite secluded and surrounded by emerald green rocks with a touch of orange. Visitors can experience this pristine beach by kayaking along the shore or following the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, one of the most arduous trekking routes in the United States.
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Playa del Amor or Lover's Beach is one of the symbols of Cabo San Lucas (Mexico) and is also very famous for its rocky cliffs rising right next to the shore.
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Big Sur’s beaches are a bit like the many sunny beaches of Southern California, and are just as wild and unspoiled. Most visitors enjoy the beautiful scenery while driving along Route 1, and those who prefer can take the time to stop and walk down to the water’s edge between the steep cliffs.
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Frequently listed as one of the world's best beaches, Barbados' Crane Beach is shaped like a palm frond and rests against a cliff. The resort at the top offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the crashing waves.
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In New Zealand, where beaches are always a source of indescribable emotions, Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula is one of the top tourist attractions. The narrow coves are perfect for swimming and can only be reached by boat or on foot, but the long journey is worth it when you immerse yourself in the fresh air and quiet nature.
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While SoCal beaches lack high cliffs, the long stretch of sand at the foot of the La Jolla Mountains is San Diego’s signature landscape. Colorful flower beds add to the already natural setting, making SoCal a popular weekend getaway.
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One of the most beautiful and famous cliffs in the world is Etretat in Normandy, France. Tourists come here not only to swim but also to admire the masterpiece that Mother Nature has bestowed upon mankind.
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Portugal's Algarve coast is famous for its cliff-side beaches and the best one is easily accessible in Lagos. Enjoy 2.5 miles of golden sand and relax.
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Thailand also has a place on the list of beautiful cliff-lined beaches at Railay Beach, Krabi in the south of the country. This magical beach can only be reached by boat due to the high limestone cliffs that surround it and the lack of a safe landing.
