It's hard to say whether it's the allure of the blue waters or the magic of the sea, but the ocean always manages to impart a sense of comfort, helping one's mind to relax.
Walking on the beach, feeling the sea breeze, and basking in the warm sun, all the hustle and bustle of life seems to fade away, leaving only a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Rather than visiting overcrowded beaches, why not explore the beauty of these serene and less-crowded coastlines?
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
Located in the Liguria region of Italy, the Five Fishing Villages collectively refer to five charming cliffside villages along the sea coast of the province of La Spezia. Many tourists opt for walking tours between these villages to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Italian countryside.
For modern-day tourists, Cinque Terre is an absolute paradise. Protected by a national park and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these five coastal villages seem to have frozen in time. Hikers can explore the area via the famous Centillo trail and other hiking trails leading to hidden beaches.
2. Big Sur, USA
Stretching for 90 miles from Carmel to San Simeon along California Highway 1, Big Sur is one of the most captivating sections of the US west coast highway connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. On one side, the sprawling Pacific coast sprawls, while on the other side, towering cliffs loom.
A rock formation extends from the coastal bluffs towards the ocean, embracing the radiant blue waters. The Bixby River Bridge is a landmark of Big Sur and is synonymous with Highway 1. The bridge is like a rainbow spanning between the cliffs, making it an important landmark in Big Sur.
3. Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland
Jutting out from the cliffs to the surface of the sea on the headland at the edge of the Antrim Plain in Northern Ireland, the Cape of Jarnz Cosway boasts 37,000 stone pillars and has stood on the shore of the sea for thousands of years. Known as the "Road of Giants," it's situated at the foot of the coastal cliffs.
The Antrim Coast has been famous for its wild natural beauty long before it became the filming location for the popular American series "Game of Thrones."
4. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Running for about 276 kilometres along the southeast coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road is renowned for being one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. Here, visitors can indulge in some of the best coastal scenery in the world, including the world-famous Twelve Apostles Rock.
Along the way, visitors can explore pristine beaches eroded by sea winds, picturesque towns, historic gold mining areas, magnificent mountains, rainforests, and national parks. As a result, the Great Ocean Road is a must-see destination for countless travel enthusiasts, and driving along the coast is an experience to be cherished.
5. Napali Coast, USA
Located on the northwest side of Kauai, the Napali Coast is known as "mysterious" because it's the only section of Kauai's coastline that's not accessible by road. It remains in its pristine, undeveloped state, and can only be accessed by sea, by helicopter, or by foot.
As the mist clears, the towering Napali cliff coast appears, with layers upon layers of spires that are as magical as the Wizard of Oz. If there were truly strange creatures in the world, they would undoubtedly reside here. It's no surprise that Spielberg chose to shoot "Jurassic Park" in this breathtaking location.