Few man-made efforts can compete with the stunning feats of Mother Nature. Few places is that more apparent than from the top of a cliff overlooking what appears to be the end of the world. Travelers can find some of the most awe-inspiring views at the top of cliffs, or the base of them. From the heights of Ireland’s Slieve League to the blue bay beneath Norway’s Mount Skansen, these breathtakingly beautiful cliffs will take you all around the globe to discover the world is just as big, and even bigger, than you thought.
This post may contain affiliate links. Making a purchase through our site may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not affect the independence or quality of our content.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
These dramatic sea cliffs are a natural star of both the Emerald Isle and the big screen. They’ve featured in some big-name movies, including The Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Several species of birds call these epic cliffs home, including the ever-lovable Puffin.
White Cliffs of Dover, England
The White Cliffs of Dover served as a symbol of peace during the war-torn 1940s. Now, they cut a stark image that, on a clear day, is visible even from the French Coast. And though you won’t find any bluebirds here, the tops of these towering cliffs teem with blue butterflies, red poppies, and more.
Cliffs of Ronda, Spain
Carved by the Guadalevín River over millennia, these cliffs plunge hundreds of feet to the gorge below. But what’s even more breathtaking than the cliffs themselves? It’s the sight of the city—the oldest in Spain—perched atop them that truly takes visitors’ breath away. The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) allows visitors to stand 390 feet above the gorge floor and take in dramatic views of this clifftop city and the rock face below.
Étretat Cliffs, France
Nicknamed the Alabaster Coast, these chalk-white cliffs have inspired the likes of great painters such as Claude Monet for centuries. The three arches that jut out along the coast and the needle-shaped rock formation known as the Aiguille collectively stand as the jewels of Normandy.
Preikestolen, Norway
The trek to the top of Preikestolen is no easy feat, but the views awaiting at the end make this daring hike worth it. Pulpit Rock stands nearly 2,000 feet above the blue fjord below, boasting stomach-dropping views of the sprawling landscape.
Zumaia Flysch, Spain
The Zumaia Flysch is a geological phenomenon that formed from accumulating sedimentary deposits. These layers act as a shrine to the past, giving insight into the history of our planet. Luckily, you don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate their striking beauty.
Slieve League, Ireland
Another Irish giant, the Sliabh Liag, or Slieve League, are among Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Standing almost 2,000 feet above the Atlantic, their dizzying height and dramatic beauty make them an unforgettable and awe-inspiring hike.
Bunda Cliffs, Australia
The flat, treeless sprawl of earth—aptly named Nullabor Plain—gives no indication of the geological wonder found here: the world’s largest single piece of limestone. And it’s this limestone that forms the striking Bunda Cliffs along Australia’s southern coast. At 62 miles long and up to 390 feet tall in some places, it’s the longest uninterrupted line of sea cliffs in the world.
Drakensberg Amphitheatre, South Africa
The Drakensberg Amphitheatre is an impressive gathering of roughly 4,000-foot-tall basalt cliffs stretching over three miles in length. Most photographs of the Amphitheatre are taken from its gullies. However, hiking the steep inclines and climbing a pair of nerve-wracking chain ladders reveals another surprise: the best view of the tumbling Tugela Falls—the second-highest waterfall in the world.
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, United States
The Vermillion Cliffs in Colorado have been described as a “layer cake” showing a history that stretches back millenia. But whether you’re interested in delving into their history or snapping a photo of their present beauty, the striking sight of these cliffs won’t disappoint.
Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, South Korea
Jeju Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason, and one of those is the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff. These unique cliffs formed 140,000-250,000 years ago when lava from Hallasan Mountain flowed into the sea. The hexagonal black columns stretch up to 65 feet high, making for a beautiful spectacle when battered by the crashing waves.
Vixía Herbeira Cliffs, Spain
At over 2,000 feet, the Vixía Herbeira Cliffs are one of the highest in Europe. A hike along the trails facing the Atlantic unveils the dramatic beauty of this sprawling landscape. It also boasts some of the most spectacular views of Galicia’s northern coast.
Kelabba Madja, Indonesia
Most islands boast beautiful beaches and stunning waters, but Sawu Island’s natural wonder lies further inland. The rainbow hills of Kelabba Madja display a stunning gradient of color, from stripes of stark white to deep red. Believed to be the land of the gods, these painted cliffs—and the balancing stones referred to as the Father, Mother, and Child—are not only beautiful but sacred.
Big Sur Cliffs, United States
One of the main draws of the Big Sur Coast Highway is the mountainous views backing the road. The other lies on the opposite side, where jagged sea cliffs plunge into the Pacific Ocean. Some of the best views are from Notley’s Landing, Bixby Creek Bridge, and Hurricane Point.
Tojinbo Cliffs, Japan
A mixing of fire and sea, the Tojinbo cliffs formed due to volcanic activity millions of years ago and, to this day, are shaped by sea erosion. Rising roughly 100 feet in the air, these dramatic basalt cliffs are constantly battered by the Sea of Japan, making for a beautiful display of the power of nature.
Qingshui Cliffs, Taiwan
With major drops in elevation, from 7,900 feet at its tallest peak to an average of 2,600 feet, the Qingshui Cliffs are considered a rarity. Their beauty makes them even more so. The verdant green marble cliff face descending directly into the Pacific Ocean below is, for many, a must-see marvel of nature.
Ōmarama Clay Cliffs, New Zealand
Among the South Island’s many natural wonders, the Ōmarama Clay Cliffs fly well under the radar. Still, these stunning geological formations are a sight to behold. Cut through by narrow ravines and towering nearly 100 feet in the air, these lofty pinnacles are a singular attraction unlike anything else in New Zealand.
Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil
Serra da Capivara National Park is known for its rock art, the oldest in the Americas. But the first thing people are likely to see is the massive sandstone cliffs dotting the park. The sheer size and striking striation immediately capture the eye and make these cliffs an iconic staple to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks, Argentina
While Ischigualasto’s moon-like appearance has earned it the nickname of Valle de la Luna, the cliffs look to have been plucked straight from the likes of Mars. These giant red sandstone cliffs rise as high as 650 feet to create a stunning backdrop that’s purely otherworldly.
Paracas Sea Cliffs, Peru
Touted as some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in the world, the Paracas Sea Cliffs rise 100 feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Though distant and desolate, they’re far from barren, as birds flood the cliff face while sea lions flood the beaches at its base, adding a touch of life to these stony sentinels.
Mitre Peak, New Zealand
Mitre Peak, or Rahotu as it’s known in Maori, is not technically a cliff. However, it is widely regarded as one thanks to the near sheer drop of over 5,500 ft from its peak to the water. But mountain or cliff, it’s an iconic New Zealand landmark that’s not to be missed on the South Island.
Skansbukta, Norway
The protected bay of Skansbukta is surrounded on three sides by the towering cliffs of Mount Skansen. With these somber, soaring sentries standing guard, the bay boasts unique rarities, including an abandoned gypsum mine, surprising animal sightings, and even Jacob’s Ladder flowers.
Albandeira Arch, Portugal
Among the many cliffs of the Algarve region, the Albandeira Arch is considered a bit of a hidden gem, but this is one sea cliff worth making an extra stop for. The Albandeira Arch juts into the sea, creating a picturesque view of bright orange cliffs set against turquoise waters. Visitors can walk under the arch during low tide, walk out on top of the arch for jaw-dropping views, or hop on a boat to see this stunning cliff and the beach below from the water.
Cliffs of Los Gigantes, Spain
These iconic cliffs on the island of Tenerife are known by many names—Los Gigantes and Devil’s Wall, to name a few. And while these cliffs may not look particularly devilish, the name Los Gigantes is certainly fitting. These jagged basalt sea cliffs rise nearly 2,000 feet. With their sheer drop-off, they’re an imposing sight to behold and best taken in from the water, where you can spot fascinating marine life.
Vestmanna Cliffs, Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are known for their striking beauty, and in terms of drama, the Vestmanna Cliffs don’t disappoint. These nearly 2,300-foot-tall cliffs practically soar up out of the sea to create a breathtakingly spectacular coastline. Commonly referred to as the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, they also serve as nesting grounds for some lovable birds, including puffins, razorbills, and more.
