Top 10 Most Scenic Coastlines

This picturesque coastline stretches along the southern coast of Italy, characterized by its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming seaside towns. The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for honeymooners and photographers alike. In 2019, it was ranked as one of the most visited regions in Italy, with over 8 million tourists flocking to its stunning beaches and historic sites. The coastline's name originated from the Arabic word "al-malf," meaning "the ginger," due to the area's historical trade with the Moors.

Located along Highway 1 in California, USA, Big Sur is a rugged stretch of coastline that boasts dramatic cliffs, isolated beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. The region's unique geological features were formed over 100 million years ago, when the coastline was shaped by tectonic activity and erosion. According to the US Geological Survey, Big Sur experiences an average of 30 days with measurable rainfall per year, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and artists. In 1994, the region was designated as the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Stretching along the southeastern coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The road spans over 243 kilometers (151 miles) and features some of the country's most iconic attractions, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. According to Tourism Australia, over 2 million people visit the Great Ocean Road each year, making it a significant contributor to Australia's tourism industry. In 2007, the region was designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Located in Greece, the Santorini Coast is famous for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets. The coastline's unique landscape was formed when a massive volcanic eruption devastated the island around 3,500 years ago, resulting in a caldera that now serves as a natural harbor. According to UNESCO, the Santorini Island and its surrounding archipelago are home to some of the oldest known human settlements in Europe. In 1997, the region was designated as a World Heritage Site.

Situated along Spain's northeastern coast, Costa Brava is a 160-kilometer stretch of coastline that boasts pristine beaches, charming fishing villages, and towering cliffs. The region's unique geology was formed by the collision of the Iberian Peninsula with the European mainland over 250 million years ago. According to the Catalan Government, Costa Brava welcomes around 10 million tourists each year, making it one of Spain's most popular destinations. In 1999, the region was designated as a Natural Park.

Located on New Zealand's South Island, Milford Sound is one of the country's most breathtaking fjords, carved out by glaciers over millions of years. The sound's towering cliffs and pristine waters make it a haven for wildlife, including penguins, seals, and dolphins. According to Tourism New Zealand, around 450,000 people visit Milford Sound each year, making it one of the country's most popular attractions. In 2008, the region was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spanning over 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) along the Pacific coast of North America, the Oregon Coast is known for its stunning beaches, dramatic rock formations, and scenic hiking trails. According to the US Bureau of Land Management, more than 40 million people visit the Oregon Coast each year, making it one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. In 2006, the region was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located on the eastern coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Cape Breton Coast boasts some of the most stunning beaches and scenic drives in North America. The coastline's unique geology was formed by the collision of the Appalachian Mountains with the Atlantic Ocean over 300 million years ago. According to Tourism Nova Scotia, around 2 million people visit the Cape Breton Coast each year, making it one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations. In 2004, the region was designated as a National Park.

Located on the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island Coast is one of the most diverse and scenic coastlines in the world, featuring black sand beaches, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes. The coastline's unique geology was formed by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion, resulting in a range of ecosystems that support an incredible array of wildlife. According to the Hawaii Department of Tourism, around 10 million people visit the Big Island Coast each year, making it one of the state's most popular attractions. In 2017, the region was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in India's state of Kerala, Kovalam Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline that boasts crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and towering palm trees. The beach's unique geology was formed by the movement of tectonic plates over 100 million years ago, resulting in a range of rock formations and coves. According to the Kerala Government Tourism Board, around 500,000 people visit Kovalam Beach each year, making it one of India's most popular tourist destinations. In 2017, the region was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.