25 of the world's most beautiful coasts – perfect for exploring on foot

The Wild Pacific Trail on Vancouver Island
The Wild Pacific Trail on Vancouver Island Credit: ©Fokussiert - stock.adobe.com

A narrow path winds its way through dense gorse bushes; the air is thick with the coconut scent from their yellow blooms. Cliffs rise to my left, where fulmars and kittiwakes swirl above my head as they scan the sea for food. To my right, ocean spray glitters in the sunshine and the steady sound of waves crashing on the sandy beach is punctuated by the gulls’ cries. And then I see them: huge dark bodies rising from the sea, leaping into the air, then landing with a splash. The bottlenosed dolphins of the Moray Firth are the largest of their species, and at 13ft long they are an awe-inspiring sight. 

There is nothing quite like coastal walking for lifting the spirit. As a child, my family went on holiday to ever more remote islands around Britain, where walking the coastal paths was always an integral part of the trip. These experiences shaped who I am, and what I love, today. As editor of Coast magazine for the past five years, I’ve been lucky enough constantly to renew my passion for exploring the shoreline. Not only is the beauty of the natural world enhanced by the ocean, the colours of a moonrise or sunset redoubled by its reflection in the sea, but the varied and abundant marine wildlife always offers up surprises. 

Once, as darkness began to fall on a long walk along Thailand’s sandy coast, the sea lit up. Each gentle wave became decorated with the blue glow of phosphorescence. On another occasion, I was confronted by a large octopus as I took a cooling dip along the Catalonian coast. As tides recede, new worlds are revealed that may contain myriad rockpools or a vast stretch of sand peppered with wading birds and the coiled castings of sea worms. There’s always something new to see, a fresh wonder around the next headland.

But the benefits of coastal walking are not just in our emotional response to natural beauty and an uncluttered horizon. There is scientific proof that a sea view can reduce our heart rate and improve our moods. Recent studies by environmental psychologist Dr Lewis Elliot have drawn a direct link between coastal walking and good mental health. Here in the British Isles, we’ve paid homage to all this with the creation of coastal paths. When completed in 2020, the England Coast Path will be the longest managed and waymarked coastal path in the world. 

However, there is no reason to limit yourself to walks close to home; there is easy coastal walking to be had all around the world. The following selection offers everything from rugged rocks and towering cliffs to warm waters and golden sands that would soothe any soul. Dust off those walking boots and give it a go.

UK

1. The Channel Islands Way

This is the perfect way to discover the hidden coves and deserted beaches of glorious Guernsey, car-free Sark and deserted Herm. Depending on the time of year, you might see seals, dolphins, puffin colonies or a colourful display of wildflowers. Crossing La Coupee from Big Sark to Little Sark should be on everyone’s bucket list – unless they are uncomfortable with heights. If you have time, enjoy local lobster and oysters at La Sablonnerie on Sark, The White House Hotel on Herm or The Slaughterhouse on Guernsey. 

A seven-day self-guided trip costs £580 with a £40 single room supplement, including six nights B&B accommodation and luggage transfers. Sherpa Expeditions (0800 0087741; sherpaexpeditions.com). 

Crossing La Coupee from Big Sark to Little Sark should be on everyone’s bucket list
Crossing La Coupee from Big Sark to Little Sark should be on everyone’s bucket list Credit: CHRIS GEORGE

2. The Isles of Scilly

Spend a day walking around each of the islands in this archipelago off the tip of Cornwall. My favourite route is around wild and remote Bryher, where you’ll find the sheltered white sands of Rushy Bay in the south and rugged moorland and cliffs to the north. Stop for a pint of prawns at the Fraggle Rock Bar and see Atlantic seals as you take a boat or walk (if the tide is right) to neighbouring Tresco with its tropical gardens.

A six-night stay costs from £1,105 and includes travel from the mainland and half board at a three-star coastal hotel. Holidays run in September and October. Adagio (01707 818027; adagio.co.uk/page/the-isles-of-scilly).

Wild and remote Bryher
Wild and remote Bryher

3. Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall

Enjoy the same dramatic views of cliffs tumbling down to sandy beaches that the Victorians loved, in a great area for foraging and birdwatching. Stay at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel and book one of their guided walks with wildlife expert Steve Crummay. His outstanding knowledge brings the landscape to life.

A four-night break running from September 25-29 2017 costs £640 per person, or £442 per person if sharing a room. Includes breakfast, dinners, packed lunches, use of the spa and three guided walks. Bedruthan Steps Hotel (01637 860860; bedruthan.com/walking-holidays-in-cornwall-uk).

4. Isle of Wight Coastal Path

Often overlooked, the Isle of Wight is frequently thought to be home to old-fashioned B&Bs with swirly carpets and cooked breakfasts featuring cheap sausages, but this accessible island also offers stunning seascapes, abundant wildlife and great little coves to explore. My favourite part of the coastal path is from Bonchurch to pretty Steephill Cove, where you can stop for a lunch of freshly caught crab. 

Seven nights full-board with guided walking cost £839 per person. The next walk starts on September 16. Transport between walking locations is included. HFHolidays (0345 470 8558; hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/isle-wight-coast-path).

Steephill Cove
Steephill Cove Credit: GETTY

5. Moray Coastal Trail

This stunning and relatively quiet corner of Scotland offers long sandy beaches, crystal clear sea and a resident pod of around 200 bottlenose dolphins. When I visited last year I saw them from the coastal path on many occasions and a pod of orcas was reported just nine miles out to sea. Also expect to see seals and large colonies of kittiwakes.

Five-nights’ B&B, including baggage transfer, costs £340 per person, with a single supplement of £180. Evening meals and packed lunches are not included. EasyWays (01324 714132; easyways.com/walking-holidays/moray-coastal-trail).

6. Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire

Surely one of the most stunning coastal walks in the world, this gentle section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers idyllic sandy beaches, including world-famous Barafundle Bay, on a National Trust estate. As well as abundant wildlife, there are great places to stop for a spot of lunch, such as The Boathouse Café or The Stackpole Inn.

The Stackpole Inn
The Stackpole Inn

A week’s walking on Pembrokeshire’s south coast, with accommodation, luggage transfers and packed lunches, costs £631; there is a £9 supplement per day for solo travellers. Mickledore (017687 72335; mickledore.co.uk).

7. Gower Coast Path

Expect to enjoy vast, sandy beaches with excellent surf as well as dramatic cliffs in the country’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Well-maintained pathways follow outcrops of rocks into pretty villages with rows of beach huts. There are great cafes en route with log fires in the winter. Finish in Mumbles, Welsh home to Catherine Zeta-Jones. 

A six-night break including B&B accommodation and luggage transfers costs £520, based on two people sharing. Runs from February to November. Celtic Trails (01291 689774; celtictrailswalkingholidays.co.uk).

Ireland and Northern Ireland

8. Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal

At 1,970ft (600 metres) high, the Slieve League Cliffs (Sliabh Liag) are among the tallest marine cliffs in Europe. Along what was a pilgrims’ route 1,000 years ago, the scenery is dramatic and breathtaking. Expect medium-level walking, due to steep hills. You might bump into Sarah Jessica Parker, who has a home on the coast here.

Lough Eske Castle offers two nights’ luxury accommodation, with breakfast on both days and dinner one night, plus use of rucksacks, maps, raincoats and walking sticks for €599 per room. Solis Hotels (00353 74 97 25100; manorcastles.com).

Sliabh Liag
Sliabh Liag Credit: DAVID SOANES

9. The Causeway Coastal Walk

The balsalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site are among the iconic sights of Northern Ireland, and are a highlight of this walk. You are also likely to see puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots that nest in the area around May and June. Enjoy dramatic landscapes where dense forests meet rugged coastline. Spot settings from The Game of Thrones, such as the Cushendun Caves and Portstewart Strand. 

Five-nights of self-guided walking starts at £655 and includes B&B and baggage transfers. Macs Adventure (0141 5305937; macsadventure.com).

Portstewart Strand
Portstewart Strand
Spain and Portugal

10. La Gomera, Canary Islands

One of the most tranquil of the Canary Islands, relatively unspoilt La Gomera is a great place to see dolphin and whales from the shore. Stay in the beautiful coastal town of Val Gran Rey, once a hippie destination where travellers seeking the road less travelled would sleep in the caves overlooking the sea. Expect medium-level walks. 

From £1,299 for nine nights, including flights, transfers, breakfasts and dinners. Trips run in autumn and winter. Ramblers Holidays (01707 818377; ramblersholidays.co.uk/walking-on-la-gomera).

La Gomera is a great place to see dolphin and whales from the shore
La Gomera is a great place to see dolphin and whales from the shore

11. Menorca

Less populated than many other Mediterranean islands, this Unesco Biosphere Reserve has dramatic rock formations surrounded by pine-fringed beaches and aquamarine sea. A coastal path circumnavigates the entire island, which was originally created for defence, but is now surrounded by wildflowers and offers panoramic views. You’ll also see ancient olive groves and prehistoric ruins.

Seven-nights’ accommodation with easy, self-guided walking costs from £849, which includes car hire, transfers, dinner and breakfast. Departures in September 2017, and May and June 2018. Headwater Holidays (01606 369249; headwater.com/holidays/walking/spain).

12. Costa Brava, Catalonia

The vast Roman and Greek ruins at Empúries are the real highlight of this easy-level walk. Here, you’re transported back in time and it’s impossible not to picture what life was like in this once bustling city by the sea. Add the scent of pine forests, warm, turquoise sea, sandy beaches and pretty fishing villages and you have a heavenly walking experience. 

Seven nights’ B&B plus self-guided walking costs £599, with a single supplement of £169. Whereabouts Holidays (0800 7555425; whereaboutsholidays.com).

Llafranc, on the Costa Brava
Llafranc, on the Costa Brava Credit: mrks_v - Fotolia

13. Fisherman's Trail, Alentejo

This coastal trail takes in the sandy beaches and fishing villages of Portugal’s Atlantic Coast. On this wild, virgin coastline with little history of habitation or industry, you will find long stretches of unspoilt seascapes. With the ocean always in sight, the route offers a winning combination of wildflowers, traditional seafood lunches and rolling sand dunes.

Six nights’ accommodation with self-guided walking and luggage transfers costs from £307. Trips can take place any time excluding the school summer holidays in August and July. Responsible Travel (01273 823700; responsibletravel.com).

Italy

14. The Amalfi Coast

See the remains of Pompeii and undertake the “Walk of the Gods”, widely considered to be one of the most stunning coastal walks in the world. Visit picturesque villages surrounded by lemon groves, and sample local cheeses and wines. Pass through the Bay of Naples and walk up Mount Vesuvius. Be warned, however, that the route isn’t suitable for those with vertigo.

A small guided group holiday with seven-nights’ accommodation, breakfast, dinner on six nights, some packed lunches and flights costs £979. Exodus Travels (0203 5530188; exodus.co.uk). 

The Amalfi in bloom
The Amalfi in bloom Credit: Freesurf - Fotolia

15. Cinque Terre National Park

Traditional, colourful fishing villages tumble down to turquoise sea that is warm and perfect for moonlit swims after a day of gentle walking. Eat perfect pasta and watch swallows flitting in the sunset from terraces surrounded by lemon groves and pine forests. This is absolutely classic, bucket-list coastal walking.

A six-night B&B holiday with self-guided walking starts at £745. Runs from March to October. Macs Adventure (0141 530 4391; macsadventure.com/holiday-314/trails-of-the-cinque-terre).

Traditional, colourful fishing villages tumble down to turquoise sea in Liguria
Traditional, colourful fishing villages tumble down to turquoise sea in Liguria Credit: Bigstock
Turkey

16. The Lycian Way

This continuous coastal path is 310 miles (500km) long and was designed and waymarked by Englishwoman Kate Clow in 1999. The adventurous can camp wild, but there are also plenty of friendly, family-run pensions and boutique hotels en route. Take in the extraordinary sight of Chiamaera, where flames from natural gases flicker up through rocks on the ground; also visit the ancient Lycian city of Olympos. 

A 10-night holiday with self-guided walking, breakfasts, dinners and luggage transfer costs from £1,095, with a £310 solo travel supplement. Inn Travel (01653 617002; inntravel.co.uk).

France

17. Brittany's Emerald Coast

Explore the fishing ports and medieval villages of the Breton coast, on this relatively quiet route away from the tourist hordes. This coastline offers unspoilt landscapes where rivers join the sea, with a chance of spotting otters, kingfishers and an array of seabirds. Pink granite cliffs and rocks add to the unique character of the seascapes and paths weave from quiet beaches into shady forests. Eat local seafood washed down with traditional cider. 

Eight nights’ accommodation plus self-guided walking costs from £1,059. Trips run from June to September. Headwater (01606 369882; headwater.com/holidays/walking/france/W08BT.htm).

Iceland

18. Full-circuit trek

For the more adventurous, this moderate-level circular walking tour begins in Keflavik and takes in the dramatic coastline of Iceland, with glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and geysers. Explore hot springs, lavafields and glacial lakes in this truly unique setting. See the vast bird colonies at Cape Dyrholaey and make use of the day set aside for a whale-watching trip.

A 13-night trip with guided walking, full-board accommodation, flights and luggage transfers costs £4,099. Some nights are spent camping. Trips are bookable from June through to August 2017. Exodus Travels (0203 8114518; exodus.co.uk). 

Cape Dyrholaey
Cape Dyrholaey Credit: This content is subject to copyright./JOEL SAGET
Canada

19. Wild Pacific Trail, Vancouver Island

Despite being less than six miles long, this easy-level coastal path is on many a bucket list due to the awe-inspiring scenery surrounding it. Watch out for eagles as you weave between rainforest and rugged coast, where huge waves crash on to the shore. Orcas and black bears are among the likely wildlife sightings.

A 12-night trip to Vancouver, taking in the Wild Pacific Trail, costs from £3,208 excluding flights but including the services of a local guide and full board (apart from six lunches). Trips run from June to September. HF Holidays (0345 4708558; hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/western-canada).

20. Herring Cove Coastal Trail and the Bay of Fundy

Rivers, waterfalls and dense forest hug the beaches as you travel through from the Irving Nature Park and into Fundy National Park, where you can witness the world’s highest tides. Explore caves revealed only at low tide and walk on the ocean bed. See whales and thousands of migratory seabirds. 

Prices start at £2,984 for 13 nights’ full-board accommodation plus guided walking. HF Holidays (0345 4708558; hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/nova-scotia-new-brunswick).

The Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/Barrett and MacKay
Australia and New Zealand

21. The Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

This 150-mile coastal walk rusn through the new Great Otway National Park. See waterfalls cascading to the sea below, koalas in mana gum groves, sea eagles, whales and dolphins. Stay in a lighthouse keeper’s cottage and visit magnificent limestone sea stacks. There’s great surfing and swimming along the route.

A six-night group guided walk costs from £1,543 including accommodation but excluding flights. Responsible Travel (01273 823700; responsibletravel.com).

22. Abel Tasman Coast Track

Named after the Dutch explorer who anchored off New Zealand in 1642, this 37-mile (60km) path within the Abel Tasman National Park has golden, sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, native bush, natural rock pools for swimming and a 154ft-high (47 metre) suspension bridge. 

Explore offers a 20-day walking trip which includes part of the track, costing from £4,399 excluding flights but including the services of a guide and B&B accommodation. Single room supplement £965. Explore Worldwide (01252 883758; explore.co.uk/holidays/walking-in-new-zealand).

Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park Credit: Jiri Foltyn - Fotolia
Africa

23. Cape Town and the Garden Route

In South Africa, be inspired by a visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. On the mainland, see jackass penguins at the Cape of Good Hope. Visit between August and November to watch whales breaching from the shoreline. Take in the views from some of the highest sea cliffs in the world. 

From £2,535 excluding flights for a 12-night, guided easy-walking trip which includes full board in high quality accommodation. HF Holidays (0345 4708558; hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/south-africa).

Spot whales off the coast of South Africa
Spot whales off the coast of South Africa Credit: BEATE RHOMBERG

24. Cape Verde

Five species of turtle are among the possible sightings from the stunning coastlines of Santiago, Sao Vicente and Santo Antao – three islands in this Atlantic archipelago 350 miles west of Senegal. The former Portuguese colony offers a combination of African and European culture, relatively untouched dramatic landscapes, rugged rocks and remote sandy beaches. If you dive or snorkel, discover the rich marine life – including moray eels, manta rays and sharks – that dwells on its coral reefs.

From £2,399 for a 14-night holiday including guided walking, B&B accommodation and flights. Trips run throughout the year, apart from summer. Ramblers Holidays (01707 818167; ramblersholidays.co.uk/undiscovered-cape-verde).

Cape Verde lies 350 miles west of Senegal
Cape Verde lies 350 miles west of Senegal
Caribbean

25. Barbados

If you’re looking for some relaxed walking in a tropical paradise, with warm, turquoise sea and white sandy beaches, this is the destination for you. In between walks exploring the island’s coast and central highlands, swim in a natural beach pool at Bathshebat; enjoy local rum and salsa dancing in the evenings; and take time out to snorkel over the vibrant reefs, with turtles, flying fish, sharks and dolphins for company.

From £2,299 for an 11-night trip including B&B accommodation, some dinners but not flights. Chapters Experience Holidays (01707 818397; chaptersholidays.co.uk/beautiful-barbados).

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