Summer has officially drawn to a close, and the sunny days of
sprawling on the sand are numbered. For fans of the coast, though, the
end of summer doesn't necessarily mean the end of beach trips. The world
is still full of spectacular coastlines to explore, many of which are
more famous for their breathtaking views, cultural heritage, and unique
geography than for their hazy beach-bum appeal.
To learn more about these incredible stretches of coast, we've gone to the community of thousands of travelers and locals at
minube
to find the most awe-inspiring coastlines the world has to offer. From
the magical bays of Southeast Asia to the rugged, red coasts of North
Africa, here are the world's 10 most dramatic coastlines.
The Twelve Apostles, Australia - Really, the
entirety of Australia's Great Ocean Road is spectacular enough for its
own article. For now, though, we'll leave you with the most stunning and
popular stop: The Twelve Apostles, located along Shipwreck Coast in
Victoria's Port Campbell National Park. Make sure to visit this
awe-inspiring stretch of coast while you can; the relentless and
unforgiving action of the wind and waves have toppled two of the massive
limestone stacks in the past decade. (Photo by Naxos)
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The Twelve Apostles
Legzira, Morocco - For travelers looking to ditch the touristy resorts of nearby
Agadir
in search of something wilder, they need not look farther than Legzira,
a windswept stretch of coast only a few miles south that's
internationally famous for its massive natural archways carved out from
the red-rock coastal mountains. Despite it's unique beauty, the area of
Legzira is still not on the typical tourist radar and offers a chance
for travelers to really get away from it all. (Photo by Zakaria Ait
Wakrim)
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Morocco
Cap Blanc, Mauritania - Straddling the Tropic of
Cancer and the Atlantic Ocean, the peninsula of Cap Blanc (known locally
as Ras Nouadhibou) drew the interest of European explorers for hundreds
of years, and is now a destination for adventurous travelers seeking
something truly wild and off the beaten path. The stretch of coast is
most famous for being the home to the world's only colony of endangered
monk seals, but is also known for its imposing cliffs and surreal red
sands. (Photo by Miguel A. Fernandez)
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Mauritania
Los Gigantes, Spain - Only a few hundred miles from
Cap Blanc, the sleepy resort town of Los Gigantes ("The Giants") in
Spain's Canary Islands offers a wealth to explore for view-junkies and
ocean fanatics. Aside from the aptly-named cliffs which tower an
astonishing quarter-mile above the area's notoriously rough seas, the
hidden black-sand beaches and bright turquoise waters also add to Los
Gigantes' stunning visual splendor. (Photo by Zu Sanchez)
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the Canary Islands
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland - While not the largest
seaside cliffs on this list (they're only 390ft.), Ireland's Cliffs of
Moher are certainly among the most famous, and with good reason. Home to
countless species of birds, underwater caves, and simply grandiose
natural formations, the Cliffs of Moher is a favorite among both locals
and travelers, and visitors can explore the length of the coast via a
cliff-top trail or catch one of the local ferries to take in the cliffs'
craggy beauty from sea-level. (Photo by David P. Payá)
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the Cliffs of Moher
Cape Town, South Africa - Cape Town's unique
location at the intersection of mountains, valleys, and ocean gives it
one of the world's most unforgettable coastlines. While the metropolitan
area is home to over 70 peaks, the best views can be had from the
iconic
Table Mountain
or Lion's Head, an ocean side peak which lets travelers soak in the
emerald South Atlantic waters, the city, and area's endless rocky
outcroppings all in one glimpse. (Photo by Marita A.)
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Cape Town
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam - Vietnam's Ha Long Bay is a
UNESCO-recognized wonderland of over 3,000 whimsically-shaped islands
jutting sharply out of the tranquil green waters. Aside from sheer
visual splendor, Ha Long Bay is also home to countless caves, many
offering privileged views of the surrounding islands, and a wide variety
of endemic wildlife. Your best bet to thoroughly explore the nooks and
crannies of this magical coast is to buy a bunk on one of the local
boats, which regularly take excursions to key points in the bay. (Photo
by Leo Cediel)
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Ha Long Bay
Lofoten Islands, Norway - All travelers who've
ventured within the Arctic Circle to the Norweigan archipelago of
Lofoten agree -- the coastline will leave you speechless. The area is
covered with epic peaks, secluded bays and rocky islands, dotted by the
festive red homes of the tiny fishing villages which line the shores. To
get a unique perspective of Lofoten's dramatic coast, head there during
early June when the Artice Circle's famous "midnight sun" keeps the
area illuminated 24-hours a day. (Photo by Cochise)
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Lofoten
Krabi, Thailand - Thailand's Krabi area is a
premiere destination among backpackers and sun-seekers the world over,
no doubt drawn by the paradisical beaches and otherworldy limestone
karsts. While some travelers might be turned off by the mass-tourism in
the area's main resort towns, there are dozens of lesser-known islands
like Ko Lanta or Koh Yao Noi which still offer peaceful, quiet beaches
and undisturbed views of this truly unique coastline. (Photo by Miriam
Y. Fernandez)
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Krabi
Amalfi Coast, Italy - If you're still not turned on
to the Amalfi Coast's charms, just take a drive town the small road
connecting Sorrento and Salerno and you'll see what all the fuss is
about. This
UNESCO-protected
coastal area boasts dramatic seaside cliffs taht shelter colorful
villages, olive and lemon groves, pristine sandy coves, and some of
Italy's most romantic and picture-perfect views. Travelers agree: Amalfi
is unforgettable. (Photo by Chaimae)
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the Amalfi Coast
These
stunning photos were taken by Miroslaw Swietek in the middle of the
night while the insects were sleeping. Find more information and photos
on 
