Top 20 'Coast-Clinging' Backpacking Spots to discover for Epic Ocean Views in Summer 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
There's a special kind of magic that happens where the land gives way to the sea. It's a place of constant motion, of salty air that cleanses the soul, and of views that stretch into an infinite blue horizon. For backpackers, this edge of the world is a playground. It’s where rugged trails meet dramatic cliffs, and a hard day's trek is rewarded with a sunset that sets the entire ocean on fire. This isn't just travel; it's an immersive experience that stays with you long after the sand is washed from your boots.
As a traveler who has spent countless hours tracing coastlines on a map and on foot, I, Goh Ling Yong, find myself constantly drawn back to these powerful landscapes. The appeal is universal: the rhythmic crash of waves provides a natural soundtrack to your adventure, and the promise of a hidden cove or a panoramic viewpoint around the next bend is a powerful motivator. Whether you're a seasoned trekker looking for a multi-day challenge or a weekend explorer seeking a scenic escape, the world's coastlines offer something for everyone.
So, as you start dreaming of your Summer 2025 adventures, let's trade crowded city breaks for the wild, open spaces of the coast. I’ve compiled a list of 20 incredible "coast-clinging" backpacking spots that promise not just a journey, but a soul-stirring experience. Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready for some of the most epic ocean views on the planet.
1. The Lost Coast Trail, California, USA
The Vibe: This is California at its most raw and untamed. Forget the PCH crowds; the Lost Coast is a rugged, 39.5 km (24.6 miles) stretch of coastline so wild the highway builders had to divert inland. Backpacking here means navigating tide schedules, scrambling over slick rocks, and camping on black sand beaches with the roar of the Pacific as your only neighbor.
The Experience: This is a true wilderness trek that requires planning. You'll be completely off-grid, carrying all your supplies. The reward is unparalleled solitude, watching sea lions bask on offshore rocks, and feeling like you've discovered a secret piece of the world. The trail alternates between sandy beaches and overland sections that climb high above the surf, offering breathtaking panoramas.
Insider Tip: A tide chart is not optional; it's your lifeline. Several sections of the trail are impassable at high tide. Plan your daily mileage around the low tides to ensure safe passage. Also, bear canisters are mandatory for food storage due to the local bear population.
2. The Fisherman's Trail (Rota Vicentina), Portugal
The Vibe: Winding along the sun-kissed cliffs of southern Portugal, the Fisherman's Trail is arguably one of Europe's most stunning coastal treks. This route follows paths used by local fishermen to access the best fishing spots, meaning you're always just a stone's throw from the crashing Atlantic waves.
The Experience: The trail is well-marked and broken into manageable daily stages, leading you through charming fishing villages where you can grab a fresh seafood dinner and rest in a cozy guesthouse. The scenery is a constant spectacle of dramatic sea stacks, hidden beaches, and vast fields of wildflowers in the spring. It's a perfect blend of challenging hiking and cultural immersion.
Insider Tip: While the full route is fantastic, the section between Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe is a fan favorite for its relentless, jaw-dropping cliff-top views. Pack plenty of water, as shade can be scarce.
3. Abel Tasman Coast Track, New Zealand
The Vibe: Welcome to paradise. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a golden-sand, turquoise-water dream. This "Great Walk" meanders through lush native bush and dips down to idyllic, crescent-shaped beaches that look like they've been plucked from a postcard.
The Experience: This 60 km (37 miles) trail is incredibly versatile. You can hike the entire length, camping or staying in DOC (Department of Conservation) huts along the way. Or, you can mix it up by sea kayaking part of the route, allowing you to visit secluded lagoons and get up close with the local seal colonies. The tidal crossings add a fun element of adventure to the trek.
Insider Tip: Book your huts or campsites far in advance, especially for Summer (December-February in NZ). Water taxis are a great option for a one-way trip, allowing you to hike the track in one direction without backtracking.
4. Lycian Way, Turkey
The Vibe: History and mythology meet the Mediterranean on this ancient trail. The Lycian Way is a 540 km (335 miles) route that traces the coast of ancient Lycia, linking Fethiye with Antalya. You'll walk on Roman roads, discover ancient ruins half-swallowed by forests, and cool off in some of the most stunningly blue water imaginable.
The Experience: You don't have to tackle the whole thing. The section around Kaş and Kalkan offers incredible day hikes and shorter multi-day segments. You'll pass through terraced fields, fragrant pine forests, and tiny villages, all with the shimmering sea as a constant companion. One moment you're exploring a 2,000-year-old tomb, the next you're swimming at a secluded beach.
Insider Tip: The best time to hike is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) to avoid the scorching summer heat. Carry more water than you think you'll need, and don't miss a swim at Kaputaş Beach, a true gem.
5. Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Vibe: Moody, mythical, and magnificently dramatic. Skye isn't a single trail but a whole island of coast-clinging adventures. Think jagged sea cliffs, mystical fairy pools, and sweeping green headlands that plunge into the steely North Atlantic.
The Experience: For backpackers, the Trotternish Ridge and the Quiraing offer some of the most iconic landscapes, with challenging hikes that reward you with otherworldly views. The coastal walk to Neist Point Lighthouse for sunset is an absolute must. Wild camping is widely permitted, allowing you to pitch your tent with a multi-million-dollar view for free.
Insider Tip: Scotland's weather is notoriously fickle. Pack for four seasons in one day, even in summer. A good waterproof jacket and sturdy, waterproof boots are essential.
6. The Otter Trail, South Africa
The Vibe: Often hailed as one of the finest hiking trails in the world, the Otter Trail is a 5-day, 45 km (28 miles) journey along South Africa's spectacular Garden Route coast. It's an intimate, immersive experience, as only 12 people are allowed to start the trail each day.
The Experience: This is a true backpacking adventure. You'll navigate river crossings timed with the tides, climb through ancient coastal forests, and descend to rocky shores teeming with marine life. Each night is spent in a simple but beautifully located wooden hut overlooking the Indian Ocean. The trail is named for the elusive Cape Clawless Otter, so keep your eyes peeled.
Insider Tip: Permits for the Otter Trail sell out a year in advance. You need to be online the moment they are released. If you miss out, look into hiking sections of the Garden Route as day hikes, which offer a similar flavour of the region's beauty.
7. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, Italy
The Vibe: Five impossibly picturesque villages clinging to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera, connected by a breathtaking coastal path. It’s the stuff of travel dreams—vibrantly colored houses, terraced vineyards, and the sparkling Ligurian Sea below.
The Experience: While the main "Blue Trail" (Sentiero Azzurro) can be crowded, the experience of hiking from one village to the next is unforgettable. The journey offers stunning coastal views at every turn. Reward yourself at the end of each leg with fresh pesto pasta and a glass of local wine in a harbour-side trattoria.
Insider Tip: To escape the biggest crowds, tackle the higher trails that connect the villages. The route from Levanto to Monterosso or the trail from Riomaggiore to Portovenere are more challenging but offer superior views and a fraction of the tourists. Buy the Cinque Terre Card, which covers trail access and train travel between the villages.
8. Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam
The Vibe: While not a traditional backpacking trail, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the ultimate coast-clinging experience from the water. Picture thousands of limestone karsts and isles jutting out of emerald-green water. It's a seascape that feels both ancient and alien.
The Experience: For a backpacker, the best way to see it is on a multi-day boat tour that includes kayaking. Paddling through quiet lagoons, exploring hidden caves, and sleeping on a boat under a sky full of stars is pure magic. You can kayak right up to the base of the majestic cliffs and discover beaches only accessible by water.
Insider Tip: For a more authentic and less crowded experience, opt for a tour that focuses on Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. These neighbouring bays have the exact same stunning scenery as Ha Long Bay but with significantly fewer tourist boats.
9. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
The Vibe: Jagged limestone cliffs erupting from crystal-clear turquoise water. El Nido is a tropical paradise that defines "epic ocean views." It's a haven for island-hopping, secret lagoons, and some of the world's most beautiful beaches.
The Experience: The primary activity here is the island-hopping "Tours" (A, B, C, and D). These boat trips are the quintessential El Nido experience, taking you to spots like the Big Lagoon and Secret Beach. For a true backpacker adventure, arrange a multi-day custom boat trip that lets you camp on deserted islands, a personal favorite experience on the Goh Ling Yong travel list.
Insider Tip: Rent a kayak from El Nido town or Corong-Corong beach and paddle to the nearby Cadlao Island. You can find your own deserted stretch of sand on Cadlao Lagoon and escape the tour boat crowds entirely.
10. The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Vibe: A legendary roadway that winds through the breathtaking Cape Breton Highlands. While it's famous as a drive, the hiking trails that sprout from it are where the real magic happens for backpackers. The highlands meet the Gulf of St. Lawrence in a dramatic fusion of forested mountains and rugged coastline.
The Experience: The Skyline Trail is the most famous, offering an easy walk to a headland cliff with unbelievable sunset views and a high chance of spotting moose. For a more challenging trek, the Fishing Cove trail takes you down to a secluded cove where you can camp right on the ocean's edge.
Insider Tip: Drive the trail counter-clockwise. This keeps you on the outside lane, closest to the ocean, for the most vertigo-inducing and spectacular views.
11. The Jurassic Coast, England
The Vibe: Walk through 185 million years of history along this 154 km (96 miles) stretch of English coastline. The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its incredible geology, fossil-rich cliffs, and iconic landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
The Experience: The South West Coast Path runs the entire length of the coast. You can tackle a multi-day section, staying in charming pubs and B&Bs, or base yourself in a town like Lyme Regis for a series of day hikes. The constant ups and downs of the cliff path make for surprisingly strenuous but incredibly rewarding hiking.
Insider Tip: Go fossil hunting! The beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis are prime spots for finding ammonites and belemnites, especially after a storm. It’s a fantastic, free souvenir from your trek.
12. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Vibe: A chain of islands within the Arctic Circle where razor-sharp mountain peaks rise directly from the sea. In summer, the midnight sun bathes the landscape in a surreal, 24-hour golden glow. It’s a photographer's and hiker's paradise.
The Experience: Hiking here is steep and rewarding. The trek to the top of Reinebringen is a rite of passage, offering a world-famous view over the fishing villages and fjords below. Thanks to Norway's "right to roam" (allemannsretten), you can wild camp almost anywhere, making it a budget-friendly backpacking destination despite the country's reputation.
Insider Tip: Rent a car to have the freedom to explore the entire archipelago. While there is public transport, a car allows you to stop at countless unofficial viewpoints and trailheads that are simply breathtaking.
13. Tayrona National Park, Colombia
The Vibe: Where the dense, wildlife-rich jungle of the Sierra Nevada mountains tumbles down to meet the pristine, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tayrona is a protected paradise of giant boulders, coconut-palm-fringed beaches, and hidden coves.
The Experience: The main trail takes you on a sweaty but beautiful hike through the jungle, with howler monkeys cheering you on, before opening up to a series of stunning beaches. The most famous is Cabo San Juan, where you can sleep in a hammock in a hut perched atop a rock outcropping between two perfect beaches.
Insider Tip: Pack light, but bring plenty of cash and water. There are no ATMs in the park. To get that iconic hammock spot at Cabo San Juan, you need to arrive early in the day as they are first-come, first-served.
14. Oaxaca Coast, Mexico
The Vibe: A laid-back, bohemian stretch of Pacific coastline that has retained its authentic, backpacker-friendly soul. From the surf hub of Puerto Escondido to the tranquil, hippy enclaves of Mazunte and Zipolite, this coast is all about rustic charm and killer sunsets.
The Experience: The best "coast-clinging" here is done by exploring the headlands. The walk to Punta Cometa in Mazunte is a daily pilgrimage for travellers to watch the sun sink into the Pacific. You can spend your days hiking between hidden beaches like Playa Mermejita and your evenings enjoying fresh fish tacos on the sand.
Insider Tip: Take a local boat tour to see the coastline from the water. You'll likely encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and, in the winter months, even migrating whales.
15. The Great Ocean Walk, Australia
The Vibe: The on-foot version of the famous Great Ocean Road. This 104 km (65 miles) trail in Victoria takes you through towering eucalyptus forests, windswept heathlands, and along deserted beaches, culminating in the magnificent Twelve Apostles rock formations.
The Experience: This is a fantastic multi-day trek with dedicated hike-in campsites along the route. You'll be fully immersed in nature, with high chances of spotting koalas, wallabies, and echidnas. The roar of the Southern Ocean is your constant companion, and the views from the cliff-top sections are truly world-class.
Insider Tip: The section from Princetown to the Twelve Apostles is the grand finale and can be done as a spectacular final day's hike. Starting early allows you to arrive at the famous viewpoint before the tourist buses do.
16. Krabi Province, Thailand
The Vibe: The quintessential Southeast Asian coastal landscape. Think sheer limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and long-tail boats puttering between islands. Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, is the epicentre for backpackers and rock climbers.
The Experience: While here, hike to the Railay Viewpoint. It's a short, steep, and often muddy scramble, but the panoramic view of the peninsula's two main beaches is absolutely worth the effort. From there, you can continue to the hidden Princess Lagoon. Kayaking around the dramatic karsts is another essential coast-clinging activity.
Insider Tip: Use Ao Nang as a cheaper base and take long-tail boats to explore Railay and the surrounding islands on day trips. This gives you more food and accommodation options while still providing easy access to the best scenery.
17. Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
The Vibe: A wild and rugged coastline that showcases some of Britain's most spectacular maritime scenery. This National Trail covers 300 km (186 miles) of soaring cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and charming fishing harbours.
The Experience: The path rises and falls dramatically, offering a serious workout with epic rewards. You'll encounter Iron Age forts, seabird colonies, and some of the cleanest beaches in Europe. The sheer variety of the landscape, from the limestone cliffs in the south to the volcanic headlands in the north, keeps things interesting.
Insider Tip: The section around St David's Head is particularly stunning. Here, you can experience the wildness of the coast and visit the tiny, charming city of St David's, home to a magnificent cathedral.
18. Kalalau Trail, Kauaʻi, USA
The Vibe: The holy grail of coastal hikes. This notoriously challenging 18 km (11 miles) trail traverses the spectacular, sheer cliffs of the Nāpali Coast. It's a journey into a remote, tropical paradise that feels untouched by time.
The Experience: This is a demanding and potentially dangerous trek that requires a permit, which must be secured months in advance. The trail clings to high cliffs, crosses streams, and winds through lush valleys before ending at the secluded Kalalau Beach, where you can camp under the fluted peaks.
Insider Tip: You can experience a taste of the trail without a permit by hiking the first two miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach. For an even bigger challenge, you can continue another two miles inland from the beach to the stunning Hanakāpīʻai Falls.
19. Paracas National Reserve, Peru
The Vibe: A surreal and stunningly beautiful landscape where the golden desert meets the deep blue Pacific Ocean. The Paracas National Reserve is a unique coastal environment, home to massive sea lion colonies, Humboldt penguins, and millions of seabirds.
The Experience: Renting a bike or an ATV in the town of Paracas is the best way to explore the reserve's dusty tracks. You can cruise along the cliff edges, stopping at viewpoints like the "Catedral" sea arch and the vibrant Playa Roja, a beach with incredible deep red sand. The contrast of desert and ocean is unlike anywhere else.
Insider Tip: Combine your visit to the reserve with a boat tour to the nearby Ballestas Islands, often described as the "poor man's Galápagos," for incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
20. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Vibe: A sun-drenched paradise of sparkling sapphire water, ancient walled cities, and over a thousand islands dotting the Adriatic Sea. It's the perfect setting for a blend of coastal hiking, island hopping, and cultural exploration.
The Experience: While not a single long-distance trail, backpacking the Dalmatian Coast is about creating your own coast-clinging adventure. Hike up Marjan Hill in Split for panoramic city and sea views. On the island of Hvar, walk through lavender fields to discover hidden coves. On Korčula, cycle or walk along coastal paths that link sleepy fishing villages.
Insider Tip: Use the extensive and affordable ferry network to hop between islands. This allows you to experience the unique character of several different islands—from the party vibe of Hvar to the tranquil nature of Mljet National Park—on a single backpacking trip.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
The world is laced with incredible trails that hug the ocean, each offering a unique perspective and an unforgettable experience. From the arctic fjords of Norway to the tropical jungles of Colombia, these coastal routes are a powerful reminder of nature's beauty and grandeur. They challenge our bodies, quiet our minds, and fill our souls with a sense of wonder.
So, as you plan for Summer 2025, which coastline is calling your name? Will you be tackling a rugged multi-day trek or hopping between sun-drenched islands?
I'd love to hear from you. Drop your favorite coast-clinging spot in the comments below—or let me know which one from this list you're adding to your bucket list!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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