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Coastlines are one of the most alluring of our
planet's geographical features. The clash of land and water is often
mesmerizing, as are the plants, animals and human activities that
flourish along a shore.
In classic novella "Heart of Darkness," seafaring author Joseph Conrad
wrote that all coasts are shrouded in mystery, with an invitation to
"come and find out" what they have to offer.
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Known as Lycia in ancient times, the big bend along Turkey's southwest
shore is one of the lesser known gems of the Mediterranean Sea which
flaunts many attractive coastlines.Its bays really are turquoise,
especially otherworldly lagoon Ölüdeniz, or "Dead Sea," near the
amazingly photogenic Fethiye. Sailing is a great way to discover the
coast's many secluded bays and coves. |
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Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland
Long before popular TV series "Games of Thrones" was filmed here, the
Antrim Coast was renowned for its stark, natural beauty. The Giant's
Causeway, an estimated 40,000 basalt columns created by an ancient
volcanic eruption, is one of its stand out sites. Visitors can hike the
shore on the Causeway Coast Way, a 51-kilometer trail that includes the
vertigo-inducing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
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Malabar Coast, India
Stretching from Goa to India's southern tip, the fabled Malabar Coast
was once renowned in for its fabulous riches and wealthy seaports.
Nowadays travelers come here to relax on its sun-splashed beaches,
cruise the coastal canals in luxury houseboats and slumber in the posh
oceanfront resorts of Goa and Kerala.
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Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Where else can you see lion stalking sea lions and elephants thundering
down a beach but this super-secluded stretch of the Namibian coast north
of Swakopmund? Scattered with shipwrecks, sand dunes and remote fishing
camps, the Skeleton Coast is also great for safaris of the surfing or
wildlife kind.
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Garden Route, South Africa
This stretch of coast takes its name from the unique fynbos vegetation
that blankets many of its hills, vales and headlands. While there are
certainly swank beach resorts here, the main allure is unencumbered
nature and outdoor adventure, marine mammal encounters, wilderness hikes
like the Otter Trail, and the world's highest commercial bungee jump,
measuring 216 meters.
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Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia's most eclectic coast stretches 243 kilometers between Torquay
and Warrnambool along the southern shore of the state of Victoria.
Although it's most renowned for spectacular sea stacks the Twelve
Apostles, this stretch of waterfront also boasts the lauded Bells Beach
of surfing fame, wildlife rich Cape Otway, and historic sites like
Flagstaff Hill.
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Nā Pali Coast, Hawaii
It's no wonder Steven Spielberg chose Kauai's north shore to shoot the
original "Jurassic Park" movie, Nā Pali just feels primeval. With cliffs
rising up thousands of feet that plunge straight into the ocean,
secluded jungle waterfalls and beaches that can only be reached by
hiking for half a day, it's a stunning sight to behold. Kayak camping
the coast is the best way to experience its edgy, end of the Earth vibe.
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Andaman Coast, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar
While the Andaman Coast is most closely associated with Thailand's
southwest shore, it actually elongates all the way from southern Myanmar
to northern Malaysia. Along the way are popular beach resorts like
Phuket, Krabi and Langkawi, legendary dive spots like the Similan
Islands, as well as under the radar treasures such as Myanmar's Mergui
Archipelago.
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