Top 10 world's best coastlines

Coastlines are one of the most attractive geographical features of our planet.

The conflict of land and water is often magical, as are plants, animals and human activities that thrive along the shore.

Here are 10 of the best coastal destinations in the world:

Italy, Cinque Terre

This rugged Italian beach inspired Dante's vision of purgatory in his poem "Divine Comedy", but for contemporary visitors, Cinque Terre is the ultimate paradise.

It is protected within the borders of a national park, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it consists of a group of five coastal villages that are already lost in time.

California, Big Sur

The coastline that inspired the work of Hunter S. Thompson, Jack Kerouac, Henry Miller, photographer Ansel Adams and even Beach Boys should be something special, and Big Sur doesn't disappoint.

Namibia, Skeleton Coast

Sand dunes, Scattered with shipwrecks and remote fishing camps, the Skeleton Coast is also great for safaris of the surfing or wildlife kind.

Hawaii, Nā Pali Coast

With hills that reach thousands of feet high descending directly into the ocean, forest waterfalls and secluded beaches that are only accessible by hiking for half a day, it's a spectacular sight.

Croatia, Dalmatian Coast

The coast is spangled with medieval walled towns like Dubrovnik and well-preserved Roman ruins such as Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Off shore lie 78 islands that can be explored by sail boat, motor yacht or ferry, while cool natural attractions like the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park are located inland.

Indonesia, Raja Ampat

Located in the easternmost part of Indonesia, Raja Ampat, or "Four Kings", and its pristine coral gardens are one of the holy grails of global diving, but there is plenty to see on the beach too.

Thailand and Myanmar, Andaman Coast

The Andaman Sea is a marginal sea of northeastern Indian Ocean bounded by the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand along the Gulf of Martaban and west side of the Malay Peninsula, and separated from the Bay of Bengal to its west by the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands.

South Africa, Garden Route

The Garden Route District Municipality is a district municipality located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Its municipality code is DC4. 

This stretch of coast takes its name from the unique fynbos vegetation that blankets many of its hills, vales and headlands.

Northern Ireland, Antrim Coast

One of its notable sites is the Giant Bridge, which has an estimated 40,000 basalt columns constructed by an ancient volcanic eruption.

Long before filming the famous TV series "Games of Thrones" here, the Antrim coast is famous for its striking natural beauty.

Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is an American national park established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. 

The astonishing Kenai Fjords on the Gulf of Alaska are renowned for icebergs and tidewater glaciers.