Sometimes, the most remarkable views lie where the land ends abruptly, and the
earth drops away beneath your feet. You can stand on a towering precipice and
gaze out at the shimmering ocean or a wide valley spreading into the distance.
These cliff-top walks bring together dramatic landscapes and a welcome sense of
freedom that few other hikes can match. If you’re ready to explore paths high above
sea level, here are 15 routes known for their spectacular vantage points.
Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, Ireland
Stretching about 5 miles along Ireland’s wild western coast, the Cliffs of Moher rise
to 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal trail links the village of Doolin with
Hag’s Head, offering endless seascapes and a clear view of the Aran Islands on a
clear day.
Strong winds can sweep in, so keeping a safe distance from the edge is always advisable. Locals claim sunsets here are magical when sunlight sets the limestone cliffs aglow with brilliant shades of gold.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA
Winding approximately 11 miles along the famed Nā Pali Coast of Kauai, the Kalalau
Trail dazzles hikers with emerald-green cliffs that plunge into the Pacific. Portions of
the route are perched hundreds of feet above turquoise waters, creating picture-
perfect panoramas at every turn.
You’ll traverse tropical valleys and cross small waterfalls, so sturdy footwear and careful steps are essential. Many people break the trip into segments, camping near the beach before tackling the rest of this epic trek.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway
Norway’s dramatic fjords offer some of the most vertical drops you’ll ever see, and
Preikestolen is no exception. After a moderate 2.5-mile hike, you’ll reach a flat
plateau hovering about 1,980 feet above the Lysefjord’s azure waters.
The edge is famously sheer, allowing you to peer straight down into the vast expanse below. Early birds often head out at dawn to witness the sun slowly illuminating the jagged peaks around the fjord.
Cinque Terre’s Blue Trail, Italy
The Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) in Italy’s Cinque Terre connects five vibrant
seaside villages along a 7.5-mile route. Parts of the path cling to cliffs hundreds of
feet above the Ligurian Sea, giving you sweeping coastal vistas. You’ll pass terraced
vineyards, lemon groves, and hidden coves where you can cool off with a quick
swim.
If you stroll into one of the villages at lunchtime, it’s tough to resist stopping for fresh seafood and a glass of local wine.
Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, USA
Situated in Utah’s Zion National Park, Angel’s Landing is only about 5 miles round
trip, but the elevation gain of nearly 1,500 feet makes it challenging. The final section
features a narrow ridge with sheer drops on both sides, secured by chains you can
grasp as you climb.
Although it’s not for the faint of heart, the reward at the top is a panoramic view of Zion Canyon’s red and pink sandstone walls. A word of caution: crowd levels rise on weekends, so starting early often helps you avoid the rush.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Royal National Park Coast Track, Australia
A mere 20 miles south of Sydney, the Royal National Park’s Coast Track stretches
about 16 miles along rocky headlands and hidden beaches. It showcases sweeping
ocean views from sandstone cliffs that can tower over 300 feet above sea level.
Waterfalls occasionally tumble right onto sandy shores, and you may see dolphins or
migrating whales just off the coast. Hikers often split the route over two days,
camping overnight amid nature’s lullaby of crashing waves.
Cape Breton Highlands Skyline Trail, Canada
In Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Skyline Trail weaves
about 4 miles (round trip) along a boardwalk perched on a steep cliff. The vantage
points let you admire the Gulf of St. Lawrence and watch bald eagles circling
overhead.
Sunset is a popular time when the sky lights up in pastels, and the ocean below turns a deep indigo. Moose sometimes wander near the path, so keep your camera ready for unexpected photo opportunities.
Caminito del Rey, Spain
Known once as Spain’s ‘most dangerous walkway,’ the Caminito del Rey has been
fully renovated and is now a safe and breathtaking trail. The route follows a wooden
boardwalk clinging to limestone cliffs as high as 330 feet above the Guadalhorce
River.
Sheer walls lead down to emerald waters, and occasional suspension bridges add even more drama to the journey. Despite its safety improvements, the sense of adventure remains strong with every step along this narrow path.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Great Orme, Wales
Rising about 679 feet above sea level, the Great Orme is a prominent limestone
headland overlooking the Welsh town of Llandudno. Footpaths crisscross the clifftop,
revealing wide views of the Irish Sea and, on clear days, even the Isle of Man.
You can also visit the preserved Bronze Age copper mines, which add a historical twist to your outing. Gentle slopes make it an accessible walk for those who appreciate a
tranquil stroll with scenic rewards.
Big Sur’s Bluff Trail, California, USA
Big Sur’s coastal bluffs in central California feature numerous trails, but one favorite
is found in the Andrew Molera State Park area. Waves crash against cliffs towering
hundreds of feet above the Pacific, offering postcard-worthy scenery.
In spring, wildflowers turn the coastal meadows into a colorful tapestry, and you might catch sight of migrating whales just offshore. The ocean breeze often cools you down as
you navigate winding paths atop windswept bluffs.
Sagres Cliffs, Portugal
On Portugal’s southwestern tip in the Algarve region, the Sagres Cliffs rise sharply
from the Atlantic Ocean. Paths wind close to the edge, giving you unobstructed
panoramas of rolling waves and sheer limestone drops.
Sunsets here can be memorable when the sky transforms into a gradient of fiery orange and purple. Visiting the nearby Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fortress) adds a historical
component to your scenic wander.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cape Point, South Africa
Situated in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve, Cape Point’s steep cliffs soar about
650 feet above where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. A network of trails
varies in difficulty, but the main lookout grants an unforgettable ocean panorama.
Home to baboons and ostriches, the park offers unexpected wildlife encounters
against the backdrop of rugged coastal terrain. During winter months, you might
even spot southern right whales passing through the region’s nutrient-rich waters.
Malham Cove, England
Rising nearly 260 feet, Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales presents a stunning
limestone amphitheater carved by ancient glaciers. A walk along the clifftop includes
a unique limestone pavement, where slablike rocks create a puzzle-like surface
beneath your feet.
Below the cove, a clear stream continues its journey through a picturesque valley. Bird watchers often gather here in spring, hoping to glimpse peregrine falcons nesting on the sheer rock face.
Cape Brett Track, New Zealand
Located in the Bay of Islands region on New Zealand’s North Island, the Cape Brett
Track stretches over 10 miles, traversing hilltops and dramatic cliffs. The route
culminates at a remote lighthouse perched on a rocky promontory about 500 feet
above the ocean.
Clear turquoise waters reveal passing dolphins and occasional orcas in the bay below. While there are steep climbs to test your stamina, the coastal scenery and wildlife sightings make it a must-visit for adventurous hikers.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Samaria Gorge Clifftop Paths, Crete, Greece
Although it’s famous as a gorge hike, Samaria’s upper sections border impressive
cliffs around 4,000 feet above sea level in Crete’s White Mountains. Winding trails
cut across sheer drops where the Mediterranean glimmers in the distance.
Pine forests, wildflowers, and sometimes elusive kri-kri goats add vibrant life to the rocky terrain. Venturing early in the day helps you avoid the midday sun and makes the
final vista down into the gorge even more rewarding.
Where Earth Greets the Sky
Standing on the brink of a cliff can awaken a sense of awe that reaches beyond
simple sightseeing. Each of these locations offers a different flavor of natural beauty,
from rugged coastal bluffs in California to mist-shrouded fjords in Scandinavia.
Navigating steep trails or narrow ledges might challenge your legs, but the payoff
always arrives in the form of panoramic wonder. If you’ve been yearning for a fresh
perspective on the planet’s grandeur, clifftop walks might be just the ticket to elevate
your travels.
More from Travel Pug
- 15 Dangerous European Cities to Avoid
- 15 Caribbean Islands Where Tourists Keep Getting Scammed
- The 20 Most Fascinating Abandoned Places: A Journey Through Time and Forgotten Spaces
- 15 Hidden Places in the Smithsonian Museums Locals Love: A Guide to Lesser-Known Treasures
- 16 Hidden Florida Beach Towns That Aren’t Overrun with Tourists
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.