14 Jaw-Dropping Cliffs That Barely Look Real

Cliffs are among the planet’s most dramatic natural wonders, rising above crashing ocean waves, dense forests, winding rivers, and seemingly endless valleys. Some plunge thousands of feet toward the landscape below, while others are shaped into unusual formations by millions of years of wind, water, and shifting rock. You do not always need to make a difficult climb to appreciate them, either. Many are just as spectacular when viewed from a beach, boat, roadside overlook, or nearby trail. From towering sea cliffs to colorful canyon walls, these 14 destinations reveal nature at its most breathtaking. Follow along to discover where they are and what makes each one unforgettable.

Starting our list strong, we have the Vermilion Cliffs in Arizona. These cliffs are part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, which has a surface area of 293,689 acres. These gorgeous cliffs are a sight to see. They are red and orange and are known for their unique rock formations. The Vermilion Cliffs are over 3,000 feet tall and contain 11 named mountains. While at the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, not only can you see the cliffs, but also the Coyote Buttes, and Paria Canyon. Many animals call this area home, including golden eagles, mountain lions, ornate tree lizards, and western rattlesnakes.

Another one of the most breathtaking cliffs in the world is the Cliffs of the Giants, also known as the Acantilados de Los Gigantes. These seaside cliffs are along the western coast of Tenerife. Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands, with a surface area of about 785 square miles. The highest elevation on this island is Teide, at 12,188 feet. This popular tourist attraction looks like waterfalls in the early mornings.

You've probably seen the picture of people hanging from a rocky cliff in Norway. These pictures were likely taken at Pulpit Rock, also known as Preikestolen in Strand, Norway. This stunning cliff has a striking elevation of 1,982 feet. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in the country. This gorgeous cliff has a long history. It may have formed over 10,000 years ago during the ice age. To see the stunning views at the top of Pulpit Rock, you'll need to hike the 4.7-mile out-and-back trail.

Another stunning cliff makes our list, the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. These stunning sea cliffs are about 9 miles long and over 300 feet tall. These cliffs overlook and rise from the Atlantic Ocean. The maximum height of these cliffs is 702 feet. They are one of the most visited spots in all of Ireland. There are a few different viewing platforms on the Cliffs of Moher, including the Main Platform, North Platform, and South Platform. These iconic cliffs have been featured in many films like "The Princess Bride."

If you want to see turquoise blue waters, visit the Bunda Cliffs in Australia. The Bunda Cliffs are 130 miles long and extend from the Head of the Bight to Eucla, Western Australia. These lovely rocky cliffs were named by the local Aboriginal people. Not only are these cliffs breathtaking, but they contain a massive cave system.

Moving to Taiwan, we have the Qingshui Cliff. The Qingshui Cliff is vibrant green and lush. It stretches for about 13 miles and rises 7,900 feet from the Pacific Ocean. This gorgeous coastal cliff is in the Taroko National Park. Animals within this national park and around the cliff include over 150 bird species, such as the Taiwan whistling thrush, Taiwan partridge, northern shoveler, and the ashy minivet.

Who hasn't heard of the White Cliffs of Dover? These stunning cliffs are in England. They are seaside cliffs that are easy to spot by their vibrant white cliff faces. The White Cliffs of Dover face the Strait of Dover and France. The maximum height of these white cliffs is 350 feet. While the cliffs are expected to remain for thousands of years, they are suffering from about 8.7 to 12.6 inches of erosion a year. While visiting these beautiful cliffs, you can also check out the Samphire Hoe Country Park and Dover Museum.

Also on our list of the 14 most breathtaking cliffs in the world is the Étretat Cliffs in France. These chalk cliffs are known for their striking formation called the L'Aiguille or the Needle. This pointed form reaches about 230 feet above sea level, while the cliffs are sometimes as high as 300 feet. 

Next on our list is the Dingli Cliffs in Malta. They are the highest points on the island. The Dingli Cliffs are small compared to the other cliffs on this list but are stunning hidden gems. Hiking and walking along the Dingli Cliffs is a must if you're visiting the area. This quiet area oversees the ocean. It's easy to access and a great place to see historic points like the chapel of St Mary Magdalene at the edge of the cliffs. This chapel dates back to around 1646, meaning it's nearly four centuries old!

If you want a unique cliff experience, you should check out the Svalbard Cliffs, also referred to as Alkefjellet. These cliffs are in Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean. They face the Hinlopen Strait. The Svalbard Cliffs are best known for being an important bird breeding area for thick-billed murre (Brünnich’s guillemots). These basalt cliffs resemble tall organ pipes, sometimes soaring over 300 feet tall.

Seaside cliffs are popular on our list, but it's understandable as to why. There is nothing better than taking a calming stroll along a cliff, emerging from the ocean, and feeling a light breeze. The same is true for the Paracas Sea Cliffs in Peru. You can find these orange and yellowish cliffs in the Paracas National Reserve. Paracas Sea Cliffs are rugged and about 100 feet high. The beaches underneath and nearby have reddish sand.

If you travel to the city of Bonifacio, you'll see the stunning Cliffs of Bonifacio. These tall limestone cliffs overlook the gorgeous deep blue ocean. When taking a boat tour, you can also enter the cliffs. The inside of this grotto is breathtaking, and it's open air. The opening reveals blue skies and a refreshing breeze.

Cliffs that look like something out of a high fantasy film or book is the Drakensberg Amphitheatre in South Africa. The cliff face is massive and a real treat to see. The Drakensberg Amphitheatre is about 3.1 miles long, and you can find countless cliffs along its length, some reaching thousands of feet. You can find these lovely cliffs in the Royal Natal National Park, which has a surface area of about 32 square miles.

Last but not least is the Mitre Peak in New Zealand, which is considered the world's tallest sea cliff. Either way, it's a dramatic cliff. This stunning mountain is about 5,560 feet tall. Reaching the top of the Mitre Peak is not easy and infrequently done. It can take days, and it's best for advanced and expert climbers with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Animals you can see in and around the Mitre Peak include fur seals, blue ducks, and southern right whales.