10 Best Coastal Hiking Routes for Breathtaking Day Hikes

Salty air. Crashing waves. Endless ocean views.

That’s what you get on some of the best coastal hiking routes in the world. Whether you want a relaxing seaside walk or a rugged cliffside challenge, the 10 routes below can all be explored as day hikes.

For each hike, you’ll find the distance, difficulty, estimated hiking time, and best time to visit, along with practical tips to help you plan your day.

Before you set off, make sure you’re prepared. Having the 10 must-have day hike essentials can make your hike safer and more enjoyable.

From golden beaches to dramatic cliffs, here are 10 coastal hiking routes worth adding to your day-hike list.

Best Coastal Hiking Routes Around the World

1. Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), Italy

The Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Path, is one of Italy’s most famous coastal hiking routes.

Running along the Ligurian coast, the trail network links the five colorful villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Along the way, hikers are treated to Mediterranean views, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and steep cliffs above the sea.

However, the entire classic coastal route is not currently open as one continuous hike. The Corniglia–Manarola coastal section remains closed, although hikers can take an alternative route via Volastra. Trail conditions can also change because of weather or maintenance, so check the Cinque Terre National Park’s current trail status before setting out.

The famous Via dell’Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola is open again. It is an easy, approximately 1 km paved section, but access is one-way from Riomaggiore and requires a Cinque Terre Card and a reserved time slot.

Rather than trying to cover every village on foot, you can choose the open sections that suit your fitness and available time and use the train to travel between villages.

2. Kalalau Trail (Hanakapi’ai Beach section), Kauai, Hawaii, USA

The Kalalau Trail is one of Hawaii’s most famous coastal hikes, but you don’t have to tackle the entire 11-mile trail to experience its spectacular scenery. The 4-mile round trip from Kēʻē Beach to Hanakāpīʻai Beach follows the first section of the trail along Kauai’s rugged Nāpali Coast, with views of the Pacific Ocean, lush valleys and dramatic sea cliffs.

The trail can be steep, muddy and slippery, particularly after rain, so good hiking shoes are essential. At the end of the two-mile hike, you’ll reach wild and remote Hanakāpīʻai Beach. Swimming and wading here are not recommended due to unpredictable waves and dangerous rip currents.

This shorter hike offers a taste of the Nāpali Coast’s rugged beauty without committing to the much more demanding full Kalalau Trail.

IMPORTANT: Advance reservations are required to enter Hāʻena State Park and access the Kalalau Trail. Check current access requirements and trail conditions before your visit.

3. Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher offer one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal landscapes, with sheer cliffs rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean. At their highest point, the cliffs reach more than 700 feet (214 metres), with sweeping views towards the Aran Islands and Galway Bay on a clear day.

While the traditional coastal walk once connected Doolin and Liscannor, sections of the route are currently closed due to safety concerns. Visitors can still enjoy around 3.5 km (2.17 miles) of designated walking from the Cliffs of Moher Experience, including the route north past O’Brien’s Tower and viewpoints overlooking the cliffs to the south.

The weather here can change quickly, and strong winds are particularly important to watch for near the cliff edge. Stay on designated paths, obey barriers and check the current trail status before setting out.

Even without completing the original long-distance route, the combination of towering sea cliffs, Atlantic views and abundant birdlife makes the Cliffs of Moher one of Ireland’s most memorable coastal walks.

4. Abel Tasman Coast Track (Anchorage to Bark Bay), New Zealand

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, known for its golden beaches, turquoise waters and lush coastal forests.

The section from Anchorage to Bark Bay makes a beautiful one-way day hike. The 11.5 km (7.1-mile) all-tide route takes you through native coastal forest, across the 47-metre Falls River suspension bridge and past bays and tidal inlets before reaching the golden sands of Bark Bay.

The track is well formed, although there are some climbs along the way. At low tide, hikers can shorten the route by crossing the Torrent Bay Estuary, reducing the walk to 8.4 km (5.2 miles) and around three hours. An all-tide track around the estuary is available if the tide isn’t suitable for crossing.

With its combination of forest, beaches and sparkling coastal scenery, this section offers an excellent taste of the Abel Tasman Coast Track without committing to the full multi-day Great Walk.

5. Calanques National Park (Cassis to Calanque d’En Vau), France

The hike from Cassis to Calanque d’En Vau in Calanques National Park is one of the most picturesque coastal hikes in southern France.

Starting from Cassis, the route leads towards Port-Miou and Port-Pin before continuing to En-Vau. Along the way, you’ll encounter rugged limestone landscapes, Mediterranean vegetation and beautiful views of the turquoise sea.

The trail becomes steep and rocky as you approach En-Vau, making sturdy footwear essential. At the bottom, the narrow inlet is surrounded by towering white limestone cliffs and a small pebble beach, where you can cool off in the clear Mediterranean water.

Despite its wild setting, En-Vau can become very crowded during summer. Visiting outside the peak summer months offers a better chance to enjoy the dramatic scenery with fewer people.

6. Fira to Oia Hike, Santorini, Greece

The Fira to Oia hike on the island of Santorini is one of Greece’s most famous coastal walks, offering spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and Santorini’s volcanic caldera.

The 6.5-mile (10.5 km) one-way trail follows the caldera rim from Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli before continuing towards Oia. Along the way, you’ll pass whitewashed villages, picturesque churches and countless viewpoints overlooking the sea.

The route combines paved village paths with dirt and rocky trails, with several climbs and descents along the way. There is also very little shade on the more exposed sections, making an early start particularly important during the warmer months.

The hike ends in Oia, where you can explore the village and its famous caldera views. With its combination of volcanic landscapes, traditional villages and sweeping sea views, this is one of the best ways to experience Santorini on foot.

7. Great Ocean Walk (Princetown to Twelve Apostles), Australia

The final section of the Great Ocean Walk from Princetown to the Twelve Apostles offers spectacular views of Victoria’s rugged southern coastline without committing to the full multi-day trail.

The 7 km (4.3-mile) one-way hike takes you through coastal landscapes towards the towering limestone cliffs of Port Campbell National Park. As you approach the end of the walk, you’ll catch your first views of the famous Twelve Apostles rising from the Southern Ocean.

The trail finishes at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, where you can continue to the viewing platforms for panoramic views of the limestone stacks and coastline.

This relatively short section is a great choice for hikers who want to experience one of the highlights of the Great Ocean Walk as a manageable day hike.

If you want to extend the hike, continue around 1.1 km along the Great Ocean Walk to Gibson Steps, where you can descend to the beach when conditions allow.

8. Robberg Nature Reserve – Point Circuit, South Africa

Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Bosluiskop (ZA), Robberg Nature Reserve, Strand — 2024 — 2177-80” / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Point Circuit in Robberg Nature Reserve is a spectacular coastal hike around the rugged Robberg Peninsula near Plettenberg Bay.

The 5.7-mile (9.2 km) loop follows the peninsula through a varied landscape of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and coastal vegetation. Along the way, you’ll get sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and may see the large colony of Cape fur seals that lives along the peninsula.

The route continues towards the Point before returning along the southern side of the peninsula. Some sections involve steep climbs and rocky terrain, making this the most challenging of Robberg’s three hiking routes. You’ll also encounter the reserve’s huge sand dune and secluded stretches of coastline along the way.

Wildlife is another highlight, with seabirds commonly seen around the peninsula and southern right whales sometimes visible offshore during their migration season.

With its combination of cliffs, beaches, wildlife and dramatic ocean scenery, the Point Circuit is one of South Africa’s most rewarding coastal day hikes.

9. Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove, England, UK

The hike between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove is a short but spectacular section of England’s Jurassic Coast, offering dramatic cliffs, rolling hills and sweeping views across the English Channel.

The route follows the South West Coast Path between two of the area’s most famous landmarks. Durdle Door is a striking natural limestone arch formed by coastal erosion, while Lulworth Cove is known for its almost circular shape and distinctive geology.

Despite the relatively short distance, expect some steep climbs and descents along the way. You can also descend to the beach at Durdle Door before continuing along the coast, adding another perspective of the famous rock formation.

This is an excellent coastal hike for anyone who wants to experience some of the Jurassic Coast’s most recognizable scenery without committing to a long-distance walk.

10. Tomales Point Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

The Tomales Point Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore offers a spectacular coastal hike with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The 9.5-mile (15 km) round trip follows an open ridgeline along the peninsula, with panoramic views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay and the rugged Pacific coastline. The trail also passes through the Tule Elk Reserve, making this one of the best places in Point Reyes to see tule elk in their natural surroundings.

While the first three miles are maintained, the final section towards Tomales Point is unmaintained, sandy and sometimes overgrown. The distance and exposed conditions make the full hike more challenging than the relatively gentle terrain might suggest.

At Tomales Point, dramatic coastal bluffs overlook the Pacific Ocean. Stay on the main trail and well back from cliff edges, as sections of the bluffs are unstable and prone to collapse.

With its combination of wildlife, wildflowers and expansive ocean views, Tomales Point is one of California’s most rewarding coastal day hikes.

What Makes a Coastal Day Hike Great

Coastal day hikes offer a unique combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and sensory experiences. Here are the key elements that elevate a coastal hiking route from good to truly great:

Great coastal hikes showcase stunning views of shorelines, seas, and surrounding landscapes. Think dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and sweeping ocean vistas that take your breath away.

The best hikes often feature a variety of terrains and ecosystems. You might transition from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, or from coastal forests to open bluffs, keeping the journey interesting at every turn.

Distinctive elements like sea arches, hidden coves, tidal pools, or unusual geological formations add a sense of discovery and wonder to the hike.

Opportunities to observe coastal wildlife and unique plant species can transform a hike into a memorable nature experience.

Some of the finest coastal hikes offer glimpses into local culture or history, such as lighthouses, fishing villages, or ancient ruins, adding depth to your journey.

While a challenge can be rewarding, great day hikes should be accessible to reasonably fit hikers and feature well-maintained trails for a enjoyable experience.

The best trails allow hikers to experience nature’s beauty while remaining safe with proper precautions, considering factors like tides, cliff edges, and weather conditions.

A truly great coastal hike engages all the senses – from the sound of crashing waves to the smell of sea air, creating a fully immersive experience.

Great coastal hikes offer plenty of opportunities to capture and share breathtaking views and memories.

Depending on personal preference, some hikers may value the serenity of a less-traveled path, while others might enjoy a more popular trail with a sense of community.

These factors were considered in curating the list of the 10 best coastal day hikes in the world. Each trail offers a unique and memorable experience, promising outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers an adventure they won’t soon forget.

Safety should always be a top priority when heading out on a coastal hike. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, consider the following tips:

Which Coastal Hike Will You Tackle First?

There’s nothing quite like a coastal day hike—the fresh ocean air, dramatic cliffs, and endless sea views make every step unforgettable.

Whether you’re tackling Hawaii’s rugged cliffs or strolling England’s scenic shores, these hikes offer adventure, beauty, and memories to last a lifetime.

From New Zealand’s turquoise waters to California’s wild coastline, these trails prove that the best way to experience the ocean is on foot. Which one will you explore next?

FAQs

1. What is the best coastal hiking route for beginners?

The Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand is a great choice for beginners. It offers well-maintained trails, stunning ocean views, and manageable elevation changes. Plus, you can break the hike into shorter sections and even take water taxis between points.

2. What should I bring on a coastal day hike?

You should always bring:

• Plenty of water
• Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
• Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
• A lightweight rain jacket in case of unexpected weather
• A map or GPS device for navigation

For a complete checklist, check out 10 Must-Have Day Hike Essentials.

3. Are coastal hiking trails safe?

Yes, but it’s important to be prepared. Watch out for:

• Unstable cliffs and loose rocks
• Changing tides that can block paths (especially in places like Kalalau Trail)
• Sudden weather changes—always check the forecast before heading out

Staying on marked trails and carrying the right gear will keep you safe.

4. When is the best time to go on a coastal hike?

It depends on the location!

• For warm-weather destinations (Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand), spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
• For cooler climates (Ireland, Iceland, Canada), summer is the best time to avoid extreme cold and rain.

5. Can I hike coastal trails year-round?

Some coastal trails are accessible year-round, but weather conditions vary:

• Tropical regions (Hawaii, South Africa) are great all year, but summer can be hot and humid.
• Northern locations (Canada, Iceland) may be snow-covered in winter, making some trails dangerous or inaccessible.

Always check seasonal trail conditions before planning your hike.