Facts about nature

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe

 
Sandra Ropero Portilo
By Sandra Ropero Portilo, Environmentalist. November 28, 2023
The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe

A sea cliff is a geographic landform characterized by a steep or vertical slope on the coastline of a country or other area. It is formed by the erosion of layers of rock or soil by the sea water. The exposure of harder or resistant layers that remain creates a steep wall. Cliffs can be found in various locations, such as on the coast, along rivers or in mountainous areas. Cliffs can vary in height from a few meters to hundreds of meters.

There is no definitive and universally accepted list of the ten highest cliffs in Europe, as measurements may vary and new data may emerge. However, our thedailyECO list of the 10 highest sea cliffs in Europe are generally considered to be the highest by many geographers. We provide names and photos of each one.

You may also be interested in: What is the Great Blue Hole?

Contents

  1. Cliffs of Cape Enniberg (Faroe Islands, Denmark)
  2. Slieve League Cliffs (Ireland)
  3. Hornelen Cliffs (Norway)
  4. Cliffs of Liencres (Spain)
  5. Cliffs of Capo Vaticano (Italy)
  6. Cliffs of Cabo Girão (Madeira, Portugal)
  7. Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)
  8. Cliffs of Orduña (Spain)
  9. Preikestolen Cliffs (Norway)
  10. Cliffs of Cabo Machichaco (Spain)
See more >>

Cliffs of Cape Enniberg (Faroe Islands, Denmark)

Located in the Faroe Islands, an autonomous archipelago under the sovereignty of Denmark, the cliffs of Cape Enniberg are located on the island of Viðoy. They exceed 750 meters, which makes them one of the highest cliffs in Europe.

These cliffs are notable for their impressive height and remote, rugged location. The Faroe Islands coast is known for its majestic cliffs and natural beauty.

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Cliffs of Cape Enniberg (Faroe Islands, Denmark)

Slieve League Cliffs (Ireland)

Known as Sliabh Liag in the original Gaelic, these cliffs are part of the mountain of the same name. Meaning ‘mountain of the stone pillars’, they are located in Country Donegal on the northwest coast of Ireland. Regarded as some of the highest cliffs in Europe, they can reach as high as 601 meters.

The Slieve League cliffs offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and are one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations. Its imposing profile and the hiking trails that lead to the heights offer unique experiences to visitors.

Learn about some other geographical features which are commonly associated with Ireland in our article on what are peatlands?

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Slieve League Cliffs (Ireland)

Hornelen Cliffs (Norway)

These very steep European cliffs are located on the west coast of Norway, near the town of Bremanger. They reach heights that exceed 860 meters .

Hornelen is known as the highest cliff in Europe by a vertical drop. Its impressive height and location on the rugged Norwegian coast make it a stunning destination for nature lovers, especially those who enjoy a hike.

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Hornelen Cliffs (Norway)
Image: Outdoor active

Cliffs of Liencres (Spain)

These tall cliffs are located on the coast of Cantabria, Spain. They are cliffs that have heights that reach up to 100 meters.

Although not as high as some other European sea cliffs, those at Liencres offer stunning coastal scenery. The Cantabrian coast is known for its cliffs, beaches and natural beauty.

Discover more about the origins of sea cliffs with our article on how mountains are formed.

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Cliffs of Liencres (Spain)

Cliffs of Capo Vaticano (Italy)

These sea cliffs are located on the coast of Calabria, Italy, near the city of Tropea. They reach heights of up to 124 meters.

The cliffs of Capo Vaticano offer panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and are known for their scenic beauty. The region is famous for its crystal clear waters and rock formations. As with all sea cliffs, the cliffs of Capo Vaticano can be dangerous to sailors. This necessitated a famous lighthouse here which was built in 1885, but is now fully automated.

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Cliffs of Capo Vaticano (Italy)

Cliffs of Cabo Girão (Madeira, Portugal)

These sea cliffs are found on the island of Madeira, Portugal. These cliffs have a vertical drop of approximately 580 meters, they are some of the highest European cliffs.

Cabo Girão is known for having one of the highest suspended observation platforms in the world and the highest cliff skywalk in Europe. It offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Madeira. They do so by using transparent glass to look at the water and land below. It is not for those of us with a fear of heights.

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Cliffs of Cabo Girão (Madeira, Portugal)

Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)

Another of the highest sea cliffs in Europe can also be found in Ireland, this time in County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher extend for approximately 14 kilometers along the coastline. Reaching heights of up to 214 meters, they are one of the most visited destinations in Ireland.

The Cliffs of Moher are known for their towering limestone walls and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The viewing platform at the top offers panoramic views of the coast and the Aran Islands. In addition to its natural beauty, the area is home to rich marine life, including seabirds that nest on the steep slopes.

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)

Cliffs of Orduña (Spain)

These tall sea cliffs are located on the coast of the Basque Country, in northern Spain. They have heights that exceed 200 meters.

The Orduña Cliffs, also known as Ogoño Cliffs, offer stunning views of the Bay of Biscay. The combination of the rugged rocky coastline and the ocean waters make this place a stunning natural landscape. In addition to enjoying the panoramic views, visitors can explore nearby trails that wind along the cliffs.

Learn more about how coastlines influence ecosystems with our article on what are icebergs?

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Cliffs of Orduña (Spain)

Preikestolen Cliffs (Norway)

These sea cliffs are located in southwestern Norway, near the Lysefjord. Also known as the Pulpit, it has a height of around 604 meters above the Lysefjord.

Preikestolen is famous for its flat, square clifftop platform, which offers spectacular views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. The hike to Preikestolen is a popular experience for hikers and nature lovers. Although it is not the highest sea cliff in Europe, its unique location and the natural viewpoint at the top make it an emblematic place.

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Preikestolen Cliffs (Norway)

Cliffs of Cabo Machichaco (Spain)

Located on the coast of the Basque Country, near the town of Bermeo, Spain. These cliffs have heights that exceed 240 meters.

The Cliffs of Cape Machichaco are known for their rugged beauty and panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. The combination of towering cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean provides a stunning landscape. In addition to the natural beauty, the area is rich in maritime history and is known for the wreck of the German steamer Gneisenau in 1900.

After discovering these famous sea cliffs in Europe, we encourage you to learn about the world's ocean ecosystems with our articles on what is the difference between seas and oceans and what is an atoll and how is it formed?

The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe - Cliffs of Cabo Machichaco (Spain)

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The Highest Sea Cliffs in Europe