Coastal cliffs are natural formations that commonly develop through long-term erosion or enormous landslides and debris collapses. They can be found along coastlines across the globe. Much of the erosion responsible for creating these dramatic landscapes is caused by destructive waves, particularly during severe storms, which gradually remove material from the shore and carry it into the ocean.

Although their origins involve powerful and sometimes destructive natural forces, coastal cliffs are among the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. From Ireland’s rugged Mizen Head to the towering limestone formations along Australia’s southern coast, these cliffs demonstrate the extraordinary power of nature.

Here are 10 remarkable coastal cliff destinations from around the world.

1. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare on Ireland’s western coastline. They extend for approximately five miles and reach heights of nearly 400 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

Just offshore from the cliffs stands Branaunmore, an impressive sea stack rising about 219 feet. It was once connected to the mainland cliffs but was gradually separated as erosion continued to reshape the coastline.

The Cliffs of Moher are also an important habitat for seabirds. More than 20 species have been recorded here, including the distinctive Atlantic puffin. Because of its importance to bird populations, the area has been designated a Special Protection Area under the European Union Birds Directive.

2. Étretat Cliffs

The small agricultural community of Étretat in northwestern France is famous for scenery far more dramatic than its size might suggest. Its distinctive white and gray cliffs rise above the English Channel and feature enormous natural arches and a narrow, needle-shaped rock formation known as “L'Aguille.”

The striking combination of pale cliffs, deep blue water, and unusual rock formations has made Étretat a favorite subject for artists.

Several influential Impressionist painters, including Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, and Henri Matisse, were inspired by the scenery of this remarkable French coastline.

3. Cliffs of Bonifacio

Bonifacio sits dramatically on top of limestone cliffs at the southern end of Corsica, France. The town is home to an ancient Tuscan citadel established during the ninth century.

The brilliant white cliffs overlook a busy harbor, with the Lavezzi and Cerbicales islands visible nearby. The combination of historic architecture, bright limestone, and Mediterranean scenery makes the area particularly impressive.

One of Bonifacio’s most unusual features is the King of Aragon’s Steps. Carved directly into the cliff face, this historic staircase contains 187 steps and connects the upper part of the town with a cave below.

4. 12 Apostles

The 12 Apostles are a collection of towering limestone stacks situated near the coast of Port Campbell National Park in Australia.

These formations developed gradually through coastal erosion. The process began when small caves formed within the cliffs of the headland. As erosion continued, the caves expanded into arches. Eventually, the arches collapsed, leaving behind isolated columns of limestone that reach heights of up to 147 feet.

Despite their famous name, only seven of the original “Apostles” remain today because erosion continues to alter the coastline.

5. White Cliffs of Dover

The iconic White Cliffs of Dover stand along England’s southern coastline, facing across the English Channel toward France.

These brilliant white cliffs are composed primarily of chalk, a finely textured form of limestone. Their formation dates back millions of years to the Cretaceous period, when microscopic planktonic algae died, sank to the ocean floor, and left behind calcium carbonate skeletons that eventually accumulated into thick layers of chalk.

Visitors can climb to the top of the nearby South Foreland Lighthouse to enjoy an elevated perspective of the cliffs and surrounding coastline.

6. Mizen Head

Mizen Head is located in County Cork, Ireland, and forms one of the country’s most southwesterly points. Its rugged cliffs overlook the vast Atlantic Ocean and provide dramatic views of the surrounding sea.

One of the main attractions is the Mizen Foot Bridge, which sits approximately 150 feet above the water and extends about 172 feet from the mainland cliffs toward Cloghane Island.

The waters beneath the cliffs support a variety of marine animals. Visitors may have opportunities to spot dolphins, seals, and whales moving through the surrounding Atlantic waters.

7. Big Sur

The dramatic coastline of Big Sur extends for roughly 90 miles along central California. Its combination of steep cliffs, deep valleys, rugged mountains, and Pacific Ocean views has made it one of the most famous coastal landscapes in the United States.

The region is traversed by the legendary Highway One, which winds along the Santa Lucia Mountains and provides spectacular views over the ocean.

Big Sur is not only known for its scenery. Its landscape is also covered with colorful wildflowers during suitable seasons and provides habitat for remarkable wildlife, including the endangered California condor.

8. Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach is tucked into a small secluded cove on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Towering limestone cliffs surround its bright white sand and intensely blue water, creating one of the Mediterranean’s most recognizable coastal scenes.

The beach is often called Shipwreck Beach because the rusting remains of the MV Panagiotis lie on its shore. The vessel was driven aground during a storm in 1980 and has since become one of the beach’s most recognizable features.

The cliffs above Navagio are also popular with BASE jumpers, who launch from the high rock walls before descending by parachute toward the coast.

9. Bunda Cliffs

Stretching for approximately 62 miles along the Great Australian Bight, the Bunda Cliffs form one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of sea cliffs anywhere in the world.

The limestone walls rise to around 393 feet in places. Their geological history goes back approximately 65 million years, to the period when the landmass that became Australia separated from Antarctica.

The surrounding landscape supports a variety of wildlife. Animals found in the region include terrestrial species such as dingoes and wild camels, while the coastal waters provide habitat for marine animals including Australian sea lions.

10. Paracas Cliffs

The Paracas Peninsula in Peru is perhaps best known for the mysterious Paracas Candelabra, a prehistoric geoglyph approximately 600 feet long that was carved into the northern face of the peninsula.

However, the region also features striking coastal cliffs located within the protected Paracas National Reservation.

The cliffs are composed of pink granodiorite, a type of igneous rock that has been gradually shaped by erosion and strong coastal winds.

The surrounding beaches have an especially distinctive appearance because material eroded from the cliffs is carried onto the shore, giving sections of the sand a rich reddish coloration.

Together, the cliffs, colorful beaches, ocean, and archaeological heritage make the Paracas coastline a remarkable example of how geological and cultural landscapes can exist side by side.