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.
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"
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.
13. Wadi Dawan, Yemen
Via Wadi Dawan, Yemen
There are so many incredible sighs in Yemen - but it's not safe to travel there.
14. Tropea, Italy
Via 20 stunning cliffside beaches - ...
A charming place on the Calabrian coast (in the toe of Italy).
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.
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
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?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes cliffside towns so fascinating?
- Honestly, it's the sheer audacity of these places! Imagine building on the edge of a cliff with stunning views. They're like something straight out of a fairytale, full of history and breathtaking scenery.
- Are there any famous cliffside towns in Italy?
- Oh, absolutely! Italy is renowned for its cliffside towns. Places like Positano and Manarola in the Amalfi Coast are simply iconic. Their beauty is unmatched, and the culinary experiences are to die for!
- How do these cliffside towns manage to stay intact?
- It's a mix of architectural genius and sheer willpower, I think. They've been standing for centuries, thanks to smart designs and constant maintenance. It’s kind of like they’re clinging on for dear life, isn’t it?
- Are there any cliffside towns that are lesser-known but worth visiting?
- Absolutely, there are hidden gems like Bagnoregio in Italy. It's a medieval hilltop village that's dreamy and not overrun by tourists. It's like stepping back in time.
- What's the best way to experience a cliffside town?
- Walking around and getting lost in their winding streets is the best way. And don't miss out on trying a local café with an unforgettable view. Trust me, you'll want to sit and soak it all in for hours!