Condé Nast Traveler recently named the world’s “most insanely beautiful coastlines,” and many of them happen to be this writer’s favorites, from the rugged shores of Central California to the Lofoten Islands in Norway.
Whether you’re looking for a stunning coastal drive, an epic hike, or to spend time on pristine white-sand beaches, you’ll find something on this list to inspire you to book. Each one offers something unique, but all are extraordinary.
Big Sur, California
The Big Sur Coast stretches for 90 miles, with waves crashing against postcard-perfect beaches on one side, while mountains and towering redwoods are on the other. Along the way, you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches in Pfeiffer State Park: a rare span of purple sands that gets its color from the manganese in the cliffs. Nearby, McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park cascades 80 feet, plunging onto golden sands.
NaPali Coast, Kauai
NaPali (officially Nā Pali) translates to “high cliffs” in Hawaiian. Spanning 17 miles along the northwest edge of Kauai, it boasts colorful cliffs and soaring emerald pinnacles that dip to the sea and secluded beaches, while streams and waterfalls cut through the lush narrow valleys. To preserve its beauty, the coast can only be accessed on foot, by boat, or via flightseeing tour.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
The most beautiful destination this writer has ever seen, the Lofoten Islands are a chain of seven islands that sit above the Arctic Circle. Like something out of a fantasy, jagged peaks soar above sapphire fjords, Caribbean-like white sand beaches are lapped by a turquoise sea, while rorbuers (bright red fishing huts often transformed into vacation rentals) sit on stilts over the water.
Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coast, spanning about 120 miles from Belfast to Derry, is home to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway with its 40,000 basalt columns and unique rock formations like the clifftop Organ, the Wishing Chair, and Giant’s Boot. But that’s not all, with many of the region’s top attractions here, including the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the 16th-century Dunluce Castle ruins that inspired C.S. Lewis, who based it in Narnia and was featured in “Game of Thrones.” Just a short detour away is the spectacular avenue of intertwining beech trees known as the Dark Hedges, which also served as a filming site for the hit series.
Cape Point, South Africa
South Africa‘s Cape Point is a jaw-dropping coastline and nature reserve just 37 miles south of Cape Town. Located at the extreme southwestern tip of the African continent, 656-foot-high cliffs drop straight into crashing cobalt waves while pristine white sandy beaches await. Diaz is a favorite, accessed via a long descent on a winding staircase. Here, it’s not just stunning scenery; wildlife abounds, from ostriches to baboons.
