1. Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, Ireland
This 14km trail along Ireland’s west coast is a stunner, with 700-foot cliffs plunging into the Atlantic. Start at Doolin and hike to Liscannor, passing puffin colonies and views of the Aran Islands. It’s moderate but windy—bring a jacket. You might spot dolphins or basking sharks below. Eco-tip: Stick to the path; cliff edges crumble, and grasslands are fragile. No permit needed, but parking at the visitor center’s a hassle—go early. Pubs in Doolin serve epic Guinness post-hike.
2. Otter Trail, Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa
The Otter Trail is South Africa’s crown jewel—a 45km, five-day trek along the Garden Route’s rugged coast. Expect river crossings, dense forests, and beaches with otters darting through waves. It’s tough—steep climbs and tidal sections—but the waterfalls and rock pools are worth it. Eco-tip: Pack out all trash; this park’s a biodiversity hotspot. Permits are limited, so book a year ahead. Huts provide shelter, but bring your own food and sturdy boots.
3. Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
This 11-mile (one-way) beast hugs Kauai’s jagged cliffs, with turquoise bays and waterfalls as your reward. Start at Ke’e Beach and hike to Kalalau Beach, passing sea caves and wild goats. It’s strenuous—muddy, narrow paths—so experienced hikers only. Eco-tip: Use a water filter for streams; don’t pollute. Permits are required and capped, so apply early. Camp at the beach, but watch for flash floods. The views are unreal, but don’t slip—cliffs don’t forgive.
4. Great Ocean Walk, Victoria, Australia
Stretching 104km along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, this trail serves up shipwreck coasts, koalas in eucalyptus trees, and the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations. You can do short day hikes or the full eight-day trek from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell. Eco-tip: Don’t feed wildlife—kangaroos and wallabies get too bold. Campsites and lodges are available, but book ahead for summer. Moderate difficulty, but some sections are rocky—wear good shoes.
5. Cinque Terre Coastal Path, Italy
This 12km trail links five colorful villages along Italy’s Ligurian coast, with vineyards, olive groves, and azure waters below. The path from Monterosso to Riomaggiore is moderate, with steep stairs and unreal views. You might spot hawks or lizards scuttling by. Eco-tip: Avoid plastic bottles; refill at village fountains to cut waste. A Cinque Terre Card covers trail access—grab one online. Summer’s packed, so try spring for quieter paths and gelato stops.
6. Rota Vicentina, Algarve, Portugal
The Fishermen’s Trail (part of Rota Vicentina) is a 75km coastal gem, weaving through Portugal’s wild southwest. Start in Porto Covo and hike to Odeceixe, passing cliffs, stork nests, and empty beaches. It’s moderate, with sandy sections that slow you down. Eco-tip: Don’t pick wildflowers; they’re part of the protected park. Basic campsites are available, or crash in local guesthouses. Spring and fall are best—summer’s too hot. No permits, just start walking.
7. Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
This 186-mile trail (doable in sections) hugs Wales’ dramatic coastline, with cliffs, sea stacks, and seals barking below. The stretch from St. Dogmaels to Newport (15-20km chunks) is perfect for day hikes, with puffins and dolphins as bonuses. Moderate but windy—pack layers. Eco-tip: Keep dogs leashed near cliffs to protect nesting birds. No permits needed, and buses link trailheads. Pubs along the way serve fish and chips that hit the spot.
8. West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island, Canada
This 75km beast is one of Canada’s toughest coastal treks, running through Pacific Rim National Park. Expect ladders, mud, and cable car river crossings, plus bears, wolves, and orcas offshore. It’s a six-to-eight-day slog from Bamfield to Port Renfrew. Eco-tip: Pack out all waste; this rainforest is pristine. Permits are strict—book months ahead. Summer’s best, but rain’s a given—bring waterproof gear. Only for fit, experienced hikers.
9. Amalfi Coast Path, Italy
The Path of the Gods (7km) above the Amalfi Coast is a cliffside stunner, with views of pastel villages and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Start in Bomerano and end in Nocelle—moderate but steep in spots. Lizards and wild herbs line the trail. Eco-tip: Don’t toss trash; it ends up in the sea. No permit needed, but buses to the trailhead get crowded—go early. Spring or fall avoids the summer heat. Grab a lemon slushie in Positano afterward.
10. Sai Kung Coastal Trail, Hong Kong
Sai Kung’s 12km trail (part of the MacLehose Trail) winds through Hong Kong’s wild east coast, with white sand beaches and granite cliffs. Start at Sai Kung town and hike to Ham Tin Beach, passing mangroves and maybe a water buffalo. It’s moderate, with some rocky climbs. Eco-tip: Avoid single-use plastics; beaches here are turtle nesting sites. No permits needed, but bring water—there’s no fountains. Ferries or taxis get you back. Spring’s ideal; summer’s humid.
