The Most Beautiful Coastline in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the coastline you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 23, 2024 06:22

Coastlines often conjure up vivid images of sprawling beaches, dramatic cliffs, and serene sunsets. Knowing which of these stunning locations is highly regarded can help travelers decide their next destination, or simply offer a moment of escape through beautiful imagery. Ranking these magnificent natural wonders not only enhances awareness but also celebrates the diversity and beauty of our planet's edges. Your votes matter in shaping this ongoing list, reflecting collective preferences and experiences. By participating, you not only contribute to a broader global perspective but also get to see how your favorite spots fare against others. Each vote helps create a more accurate and communal representation of the world's most awe-inspiring coastlines.

What Is the Most Beautiful Coastline in the World?

1

78
votes
Amalfi Coast, Italy

With its picturesque cliffs, azure waters, and colorful villages, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The coast stretches for over 50 kilometers and is dotted with charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
The Amalfi Coast is a scenic coastline located along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula. It is known for its picturesque coastal towns, stunning cliffs and rock formations, and clear blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Amalfi Coast is considered to be one of the most beautiful road trips in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year.

Location: Southern Italy

Length: 50 km

Number of towns: 13

Start point: Sorrento

End point: Vietri sul Mare
2

26
votes
Summi · CC BY-SA 3.0

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Returned soldiers from WWI

This 243-kilometer-long coastal drive in Victoria offers stunning views of the Southern Ocean, rugged cliffs, and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles. The Great Ocean Road is also a popular spot for surfing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal drive which stretches over 240 km along the southeastern coast of Australia between the cities of Torquay and Allansford. This road trip offers breathtaking views of the ocean, beautiful beaches, stunning rock formations, and lush rainforests, making it one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Length: 240 km

Start and End Points: Torquay to Allansford

Location: southeastern coast of Australia

Construction Period: 1919-1932

Main Attraction: Twelve Apostles rock formations
3

30
votes
Na Pali Coast, Hawaii, USA

The Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai is a breathtaking stretch of coastline that features towering sea cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush tropical forests. The coast is only accessible by boat, helicopter, or hiking, which adds to its allure.
The Na Pali Coast is a stunning and magnificent coastline located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, USA. It is renowned for its awe-inspiring beauty and rugged grandeur, showcasing towering sea cliffs, emerald green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The coastline stretches for approximately 17 miles along the northwest side of the island.

Location: Kauai, Hawaii, USA

Length: Approximately 17 miles

Features: Towering sea cliffs, green valleys, waterfalls, and beaches

Accessibility: Accessible only by boat, kayak, or hiking

Wildlife: Abundance of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish
4

22
votes
Cape Town Coastline, South Africa

The coastline of Cape Town is known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life. From the iconic Table Mountain to the penguin colonies of Boulders Beach, the Cape Town coastline offers something for everyone.
The Cape Town Coastline in South Africa is widely considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. With its stunning natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cityscape, it offers a unique and unforgettable coastal experience.

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Length: Approximately 307 kilometers (191 miles)

Geography: Combination of sandy beaches, rocky shores, and rugged cliffs

Biodiversity: Home to a rich variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, and whales

Table Mountain: Dominates the backdrop, offering breathtaking views of the coastline
5

15
votes
Calilover · Public domain

Big Sur Coastline, California, USA

The rugged coastline of Big Sur in California is a stunning combination of towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and dense redwood forests. The area is also home to several state parks, including Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which boasts a stunning waterfall that drops into the ocean.
The Big Sur Coastline, located in California, USA, is considered one of the most stunning coastlines in the world. It stretches for approximately 90 miles along the central coast of California, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and dramatic ocean vistas.

Length: Approximately 90 miles

Location: California, USA

Unique Features: Rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, dramatic ocean vistas

Wildlife: Home to various marine life and bird species

Landmarks: Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls
6

12
votes
Original uploader was Evadb · Public domain

Cinque Terre, Italy

This stunning stretch of coastline in Liguria, Italy, is known for its colorful villages, terraced vineyards, and crystal-clear waters. The five towns that make up Cinque Terre are connected by hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the coast.
Cinque Terre is a section of the Italian Riviera coastline consisting of five colorful fishing villages, perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The towns are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, and they are all connected by a scenic hiking trail called the Sentiero Azzurro or ‘Blue Path’. The Cinque Terre National Park along with the hiking trail was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Location: Liguria, Italy

Total hiking distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Difficulty: Moderate to high

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn

Trail features: steep climbs, narrow passages, stunning coastal views, and terraced vineyards
7

8
votes
Marcin Konsek · CC BY-SA 4.0

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

The Bay of Kotor is a breathtaking fjord-like inlet that is surrounded by towering cliffs and dotted with charming medieval towns. The area is also home to several historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed town of Kotor.
The Bay of Kotor, also known as Boka Bay, is a stunningly beautiful bay located in Montenegro. It is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world, with its breathtaking natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage. The bay is characterized by its tranquil and deep blue waters, surrounded by towering mountains and picturesque coastal towns.

Location: Montenegro

Size: about 28 kilometers long and 4-12 kilometers wide

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes

Mountain Range: Dinaric Alps

Depth: up to 60 meters
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful bay in the world
8

4
votes
The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

The Dalmatian Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that is known for its crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and charming fishing villages. The area is also home to several UNESCO-listed sites, including the historic city of Dubrovnik.
The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and is often considered one of the most stunning coastlines in the world. It stretches along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and encompasses approximately 1,200 islands, islets, and reefs, providing an endless array of picturesque landscapes to explore. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and charming coastal towns make it a truly remarkable destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.

Location: Eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea

Islands: Approximately 1,200 islands, islets, and reefs

Water Color: Crystal-clear turquoise

Geography: Rugged cliffs and secluded coves

Coastal Towns: Charming coastal towns
9

5
votes
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is not only the world's largest coral reef system, but it is also one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The reef stretches for over 2,300 kilometers and is home to an incredible array of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and sharks.
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Australia. It is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers and featuring around 3,000 individual reefs and hundreds of islands. The reef is home to an incredibly diverse array of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 600 types of coral, and countless other species.

Length: 2,300 kilometers

Number of reefs: Around 3,000

Number of islands: Hundreds

Marine life species: Over 1,500 species of fish and 600 types of coral

UNESCO World Heritage Site designated year: 1981
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful land on Earth
10

8
votes
Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay is a UNESCO-listed site that is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, and floating fishing villages. The bay is best explored by boat, and visitors can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and exploring the numerous caves and grottoes that dot the coastline.
Halong Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is a stunning natural wonder that features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes. With its emerald-green waters, mystical caves, and lush vegetation, it is often referred to as a paradise on earth. Halong Bay is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Location: Northeastern Vietnam

Formation: Limestone karsts and isles

Water color: Emerald-green

Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tourism popularity: High
Halong Bay, Vietnam in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful harbor in the world

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Ranking factors for beautiful coastline

Scenic beauty and visual appeal

The natural beauty of the coastline, including picturesque landscapes, unique rock formations, spectacular cliff views, and scenic beaches.
Ecological and environmental diversity

The variety of flora and fauna found along the coastline, including unique ecosystems, marine life, and birdlife.
Water quality and cleanliness

The cleanliness and clarity of the water, as well as the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
Beach quality

The presence of pristine, clean, and well-maintained beaches with soft sand and safe swimming conditions.
Recreational opportunities

The availability of recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, boating, and coastal hiking trails.
Cultural and historical significance

The presence of culturally and historically significant sites along the coast, including ruins, landmarks, and coastal towns with rich histories.
Accessibility

The ease of access to the coastline, including well-maintained roads, paths, and trails, as well as the availability of public transport and other tourism infrastructure.
Unique features and natural phenomena

The presence of unique geological and natural features, such as caves, arches, blowholes, and other stunning coastal phenomena.
Climate and weather

The overall climate along the coastline, including factors such as temperature, rainfall, and sunlight hours.
Local culture and hospitality

The warmth and friendliness of local people, as well as the availability of quality accommodations, restaurants, and other tourism-related services.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful coastline in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or coast is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2699 views
204 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each coast once every 24 hours. The rank of each coast is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful coastline in the world

The world is full of breathtaking coastlines that offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding areas. From the rugged cliffs of Ireland's west coast to the pristine beaches of the Maldives, there are countless coastlines that are sure to take your breath away. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most beautiful. That's where StrawPoll comes in. Our community of pollsters have come together to vote on their favorite coastlines, giving you a definitive answer to the age-old question, "What is the most beautiful coastline in the world?" So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through some of the most awe-inspiring coastlines on the planet.