When you see some of these cliffside towns you will wonder how they seem to be defying gravity. They seem to cling so precariously - but hey, some of them have lasted very well for many centuries so I guess it's not up to us to worry - just take advantage of the fabulous sightseeing opportunities.
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Snapshot Survey
1. Ronda, Spain
Via Visit
Well the buildings look solid enough even if close to the edge - but those steps! Would you get me on them? Nooo!
2. Vernazza, Italy
Via Untitled, A little gem on ...
A little gem on the Ligurian coast. One of the famed "Cinque Terre"
Vernazza is undeniably picturesque, with its colorful houses perched precariously on rugged cliffs that plunge straight into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. This charming fishing village boasts a rich history, evident in its narrow lanes and ancient fortifications which whisper tales of bygone eras. The small, vibrant harbor is the heart of the town, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy fresh seafood and watch the sunset over the sea. With no cars allowed, a serene ambiance pervades - offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle of modern life.
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3. Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia
Via 30 Breathtaking Cliff-side Towns Taken ...
The town stretches up the cliffs from Lake Ohrid.
4. Rocamadour, France
Via aABeckerkoo : The Mane Attraction ...
A gorgeous medieval town in the Dordogne region of Southern France.
5. Positano, Italy
Via Travel
A favorite destination on the Amalfi coast for A-Listers.
6. Manarola, Italy
Via travelandleisure.com
Another of the Cinque Terre.
7. Al Hajarah, Yemen
Via Country House
Al Hajjara, sometimes spelt as Al Hajara, is a historical cliff city in the Yemen’s Haraz Mountains. It is one of the most impressive and easily accessible mountain villages in Yemen.
8. Myra, Turkey
Via List of Pictures: Rock-cut tombs ...
Turkey is so often forgotten when it comes to the matter of ancient civilizations but it has some incredible ruins.
9. Orvieto, Italy
Via Stairway with Potted Flowers -- ...
You'll love how the vineyards spread out below this Umbrian cliffside town.
10. Mendocino, California, USA
Via Unforgettable North American Coastal Villages ...
Mendocino Village hugs a beautiful coastal blufftop. Most of the town's charming wooden buildings date from the 1800s.
11. Masuleh, Iran
Via 30 Breathtaking Cliff-side Towns Taken ...
Masuleh was founded in the 10th century AD in the Alborz Mountains near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Amazingly the streets are built on the house roofs.
12. Riomaggiore, Italy
Via Amazingly Colorful Homes
Yes - you guessed it - another of the Cinque Terre.
Riomaggiore is a picturesque town located in the Cinque Terre region of Italy. It is known for its colorful homes that cling to the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The town is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist destination for its charming streets, delicious seafood, and stunning views. Riomaggiore is also a great starting point for hiking the famous Cinque Terre trails, which connect the five towns in the region. Despite its small size, Riomaggiore offers plenty to see and do, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a unique and beautiful experience in Italy.
13. Wadi Dawan, Yemen
Via Wadi Dawan, Yemen
There are so many incredible sighs in Yemen - but it's not safe to travel there.
The valley of Wadi Dawan offers a tapestry of breathtaking mud-brick mansions, towering over the ancient incense route. These centuries-old dwellings seem to defy gravity, etched into the arid cliffs of central Yemen. Despite the region's natural beauty and historical significance, travel advisories sternly warn against visits due to ongoing conflict. Yet, these structures remain, held in a moment of time, as life persists in the shadow of uncertainty. The dwellings serve as a poignant reminder of human resilience, each one a fortress suspended in the air, clinging to survival amidst adversities.
14. Tropea, Italy
Via 20 stunning cliffside beaches - ...
A charming place on the Calabrian coast (in the toe of Italy).
Tropea beckons with its dramatic cliffs plummeting into the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the town's ancient architecture. Known as the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian', this hidden gem boasts stunning beaches accompanied by a history that spans millennia. The Santa Maria dell'Isola Monastery perches atop a promontory, a testament to the town's rich past, while narrow streets unveil local cuisine that could only rival the scenic vistas. This coastal beauty encapsulates southern Italy's allure, drawing visitors who long for a fusion of cultural depth and serene coastal living.
15. Castellfollit De La Roca, Spain
Via 5 Amazing Towns on Perilous ...
A 1,000 person village perched on a spit of land with cliffs on both sides
16. Bonifacio, Corsica
Via 20+ Of The Most Stunning ...
Bonifacio is the setting of Guy de Maupassant's short story, Vendetta.
17. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Via Favorite Places & Spaces
Dubrovnik has one of the oldest "old town"s in Europe.
Dubbed the "Pearl of the Adriatic," this majestic coastal city thrives on its rich medieval history. The ancient city walls, once a fortification against invaders, now stand as a monumental reminder of the past and offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik's timeless streets are lined with Renaissance-inspired architecture, charming cafés, and unique boutiques, embodying the perfect blend of history and contemporary culture. Whether it's exploring the baroque St. Blaise Church, soaking up the sun at Banje Beach, or walking the storied paths of Fort Lovrijenac, there's an endless allure to this cliffside wonder.
18. Valparaíso, Chile
Via PHOTOS: Castles Can Be Cliffhangers ...
The colorful city is connected by funiculars and long climbs of steps.
19. Oia, Santorini, Greece
The Greek island of Santorini is a photographer’s paradise
Santorini's Oia is renowned for its sunset views, whitewashed buildings with blue domes, and serpentine streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. Perched atop dramatic cliffs, it overlooks the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, offering breathtaking panoramas that encapsulate the essence of Greek beauty. Visitors often gather in the evenings to witness the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, while the old-world charm of this cliffside town creates an ambiance of pure romance and wonder, remaining etched in one's memory long after departure.
20. Azenhas do Mar, Portugal
Via If I were a traveling ...
Magic and mystery on Portugal's Atlantic coast
21. Mont St. Michel, France
Via TOP 10 Breathtaking Castles Around ...
A tidal island (tides vary as much as 50 feet) located off the coast of Normandy
22. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Via Tunisia
A popular tourist destination.
23. Velika Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Via 18 Of The Most Stunning ...
Famously know as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this city has beautiful views and endless examples of historical architecture.
24. Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
Via A few things I adore ...
An exclusive residential area and is home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa as well as a magnificent beach.
25. Tenby, Wales
Via Tenby over North Beach Painted ...
One of my very favorite places in the UK.
26. Cuenca, Spain
Via 10 Spectacular Cliff-Side Villages in ...
You can see why they call the buildings here the "hanging houses".
27. Dover Heights, Sydney, Australia
Via Luxury Cliff-Top Homes of Dover ...
A suburb of Sydney with some gorgeous individual homes overlooking the ocean.
28. Acapulco, Mexico
Via 10 Incredible City Cliffs around ...
Known for its amazing cliffs and the daredevil divers.
29. Mesa Verde, USA
Via 10 Incredible City Cliffs around ...
These ancient dwellings are part of the largest archaeological preserve in the United States.
30. Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali
Via 10 Incredible City Cliffs around ...
The Bandiagara Escarpment is a sandstone cliff dotted with ancient cave dwellings of the Tellem people.
31. Jodphur, India
Via Castles, Homes & Cottages
The picture is actually of Mehrangarh Fort which is located 400 feet above the city, which itself sprawls up the mountainside.
32. Berat, Albania
Via 30 Breathtaking Cliff-side Towns Taken ...
The aged town crawls up the sides of the Tomorr Mountains.
33. Mostar, Bosnia
Via Places I wanna go, things ...
The bridge in the picture became a symbol of the war when it was destroyed in the Bosnian Conflict. It was rebuilt in 2004.
Living in any of these towns must be an experience - amazing views, tall narrow streets, tons of history ... would you prefer to live or visit?
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