Top 20 most popular coastal towns for coasteering in the world

Coasteering, a thrilling adventure activity that involves exploring coastlines by climbing, swimming, jumping, and scrambling along rocky shores, has grown in popularity. The best coasteering spots are characterized by rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic coastlines. Here are 20 of the most popular coastal towns for coasteering worldwide:

1. Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK

• Widely regarded as the birthplace of coasteering, Pembrokeshire offers rugged cliffs, sea caves, and spectacular coastal scenery. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a prime spot.

2. Llanes, Asturias, Spain

• On the northern coast of Spain, Llanes offers a rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for coasteering. The region combines adventure with beautiful natural landscapes.

3. Newquay, Cornwall, England, UK

• One of the best coasteering destinations in the UK, Newquay offers dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. It’s also a hub for other water sports like surfing, adding to its appeal.

4. Algarve, Portugal

• The Algarve’s limestone cliffs and sea caves make it a perfect coasteering destination. Towns like Lagos and Sagres are popular starting points for coasteering tours.

5. Port Isaac, Cornwall, England, UK

• This quaint fishing village has become a coasteering hotspot thanks to its challenging cliffs and dramatic coastal features, including caves and rocky outcrops.

6. Lulworth Cove, Dorset, England, UK

• The Jurassic Coast of Dorset is a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides excellent coasteering terrain. Lulworth Cove, with its unique rock formations and caves, is particularly popular.

7. Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK

• The Isle of Skye offers an adventurous and remote coasteering experience. Its rugged coastline, sea stacks, and caves provide plenty of thrills.

8. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland

• The rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, with its cliffs, sea arches, and hidden coves, makes it a prime coasteering destination. The cold but clear Atlantic waters add to the adventure.

9. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK

• Another spot in Pembrokeshire, Tenby offers impressive cliffs and accessible coasteering routes for all skill levels. Its historic town and beach add to its charm.

10. Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand

• Known for its stunning coastlines, Waiheke Island offers both relaxed and extreme coasteering experiences with crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and sea caves.

11. Madeira, Portugal

• Madeira’s volcanic coastline offers dramatic cliffs, deep blue waters, and numerous caves, making it a great spot for adventurous coasteering tours.

12. Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

• This French coastal town is not just a surfing paradise but also an excellent location for coasteering. The rocky coastline and tidal caves add excitement to the experience.

13. Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

• The island of Mallorca has become a hotspot for coasteering thanks to its stunning limestone cliffs, caves, and clear blue waters. Towns like Cala Ratjada offer access to great routes.

14. Sliema, Malta

• Malta’s rugged coastline provides some amazing coasteering opportunities, with plenty of cliffs, sea caves, and natural rock formations. Sliema is a popular starting point.

15. Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland, UK

• The famous Giant’s Causeway and the nearby coastline offer stunning coasteering routes, with basalt columns, sea cliffs, and rugged terrain providing a dramatic setting.

16. Kangaroo Island, South Australia

• Australia’s Kangaroo Island is known for its wildlife and rugged coastline. Coasteering here offers a mix of challenging rock formations, sea cliffs, and clear waters.

17. Oban, Scotland, UK

• Located on Scotland’s west coast, Oban offers spectacular coastal scenery and challenging coasteering routes, including sea caves, steep cliffs, and wildlife encounters.

18. Kilkee, County Clare, Ireland

• On Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Kilkee’s cliffs and sea caves provide an exciting coasteering experience. The clear, deep waters offer opportunities for jumps and swims in dramatic locations.

19. Ilfracombe, Devon, England, UK

• The rugged North Devon coastline is ideal for coasteering, with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and natural rock formations. Ilfracombe is one of the main towns offering coasteering tours.

20. Santorini, Greece

• Santorini’s volcanic cliffs and clear Aegean waters make it a unique and scenic location for coasteering. The island’s dramatic coastline, with caves and rocky outcrops, offers thrilling routes.

These coastal towns offer some of the best coasteering experiences in the world, each with unique landscapes, from towering cliffs to hidden caves and clear waters. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a scenic adventure, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for this exhilarating activity.