Typically formed by marine wave erosion or major debris avalanches, coastal cliffs (like the ones looming over Greece's Navagio Bay in the photo above) can be found all around the world. They're breathtaking to see in person, but since that's not always feasible, here are a few of our favourites to inspire your inner globetrotter.
1. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland
One of the world's most famous sea cliffs are Ireland's Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 400 feet above the ocean along the country's western coast. This breathtaking landform receives nearly 1 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
2. Étretat, France
The farming commune of Étretat in northwestern France may be small, but it boasts big scenic views. Overlooking the English Channel, these striated white and grey cliffs also feature dramatic natural arches and a needle-like rock that juts out from the deep blue water.
3. Bonifacio, Corsica, France
The city of Bonifacio, perched on the limestone cliffs of southern Corsica, is the site of an old citadel that was founded in the 9th century. Today, it is one of the Mediterranean's most beloved and surreal attractions.
4. The Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia
Located off the shore of Australia's Port Campbell National Park are a set of limestone cliffs and stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. These majestic landforms formed through erosion over many years - first as small caves in the ever-receding headland walls, and then as arches that would later collapse and become 147-foot-high stone stacks. Despite their name, only eight Apostles remain.
5. White Cliffs of Dover, England
Credit: Pkuczynski/Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the English coastline bordering the Strait of Dover, these cliffs were borne from the ancient calcium carbonate skeletons of planktonic algae that died and sank to the bottom of the ocean during the Cretaceous period.
6. Mizen Head, County Cork, Ireland
Credit: Mizen Head
Situated on the most south-westerly point of the Emerald Isle, the rugged cliffs at Mizen Head are one of Cork's major tourist destinations. The natural attraction is home to a lighthouse, weather station and an old signal station, which has been converted into a museum for tourists.
7. Big Sur, California
The gorgeous cliffs and valleys of Big Sur stretch roughly 90 miles along the central coast of California. One of the most notable attractions in this slice of paradise is the Bixby Creek Bridge (pictured above), which is one of the Pacific Coast's most iconic images.
8. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
This vibrant cove features a tiny beach accessible only by boat, clear blue waters and tall, looming cliffs that are popular with BASE jumpers. The beach is also known as Shipwreck Beach - a name that dates back to 1983 when a ship smuggling cigarettes wrecked on the shore.
9. Bunda Cliffs, South and Western Australia
Bordering the Great Australian Bight for about 62 miles, the Bunda cliffs are part of the longest, uninterrupted stretch of sea cliffs in the world. The cliffs, which reach as high as 393 feet, are made of limestone and date back to the Tertiary Period.
10. Paracas cliffs, Ica, Peru
Credit: Nazca Flights
This desert peninsula is most famous for the Paracas Candelabra - a 600-foot-long prehistoric geoglyph built on the peninsula's north face - but the destination also boasts red sand beaches formed by the erosion of nearby cliffs. The cliffs are located inside Paracas National Reservation, an area designated to protect the unique marine ecosystem and to preserve the local indigenous history and culture.
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