20 amazing cliff side beaches around the world – WRIC

(CNN) Sandy stretches of flat beach are lovely, but they dont have anything on the dramatic scenery of a beachside cliff.

Finding your way around these 20 beach spots is often difficult.

Instead of simply driving up or walking out of your beach house, with these, youll probably have to hike, climb or boat in, and in some cases, the water is not even recommended for swimming.

But in every case, your hard work is rewarded by the rare beauty where rock meets the ocean.

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A short hike down an unpaved path leads to Halona Beach Cove. The beach on Oahu's southern shore had a role in the 1953 movie "From Here to Eternity." Courtesy CNN

There are two ways to get to Anguilla's Little Bay Beach: by boat or by cliff. There's a rope that runs the length of the cliff to help climbers down or you can navigate on your own using the natural grips of the rock. Tread carefully. Courtesy CNN

The wild South African cape that includes secluded Dias Beach was called the Cape of Storms by explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488. The beach is in Cape Point Nature Reserve. There's a scenic hike down to the shore, but the wild surf makes swimming dangerous. Courtesy CNN

You've got to be committed to reach Cape Leveque. Located at the end of Western Australia's Dampier Peninsula, you'll need a four-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the rough road. After the more than three-hour drive from Broome, swim, snorkel and relax amid the red cliffs and white sandy beaches. Courtesy CNN

Calanque d'En Vau, along the Mediterranean coast of France between Cassis and Marseille, is one of a series of steep, narrow coves and inlets cutting into the shore. The beach can be reached on foot or by boat. Courtesy CNN

Near Lagoa on southern Portugal's Algarve coast, Praia da Marinha features imposing rock formations and calm waters. There's parking above and a staircase down to the beach. Courtesy CNN

Erosion really is a wonder. On Spain's Galician coastline near Ribadeo, As Catedrais features naturally carved arches that resemble a cathedral. Courtesy CNN

Not all coastal cliffs are remote and windswept. Along the Calabrian Coast, in the toe of Italy's boot, the clifftop town of Tropea looks down on the clear Tyrrhenian Sea. Courtesy CNN

Natural arches have emerged from the chalky cliffs of Etretat, France, a scene that inspired Claude Monet and other impressionists. A wide beach fronts the resort town beyond this dramatic formation. Courtesy CNN

Perched over the Caribbean Sea, the ancient Mayan fortress city of Tulum provides a truly one-of-a-kind beach experience. Courtesy CNN

A steep rock wall surrounds Chiaia di Luna on the island of Ponza, the most visited of Italy's Pontine Islands. Courtesy CNN

Perched over the Caribbean Sea, the ancient Mayan fortress city of Tulum provides a truly one-of-a-kind beach experience. Courtesy CNN

The island of Fernando de Noronha is one of Brazil's national marine parks. The island's Baia do Sancho is a peaceful spot for snorkeling and sunbathing. Courtesy CNN

Only accessible by boat, secluded Navagio Beach on the Ionian Island of Zakynthos is one of Greece's most beautiful stretches of sand. Courtesy CNN

One of Barbados' most beautiful beaches, Bottom Bay is surrounded by coral cliffs. The surf is wild here, so swimming isn't advised, but picnicking in the shade of the palms is absolutely recommended. Courtesy CNN

Just north of Sidi Ifni along the coast of southern Morocco, the Atlantic has worn natural arches into the red stone cliffs of Legzira Beach. Go at low tide to explore. Courtesy CNN.

In the Philippine province of Palawan, limestone karst cliffs define the tucked-in beaches and lagoons of El Nido. Courtesy CNN

This is about as close as you'll get to McWay Falls unless you're an experienced kayaker. The falls tumble onto the beach in McWay Cove in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along California's iconic Highway 1 in Big Sur. Climbing down to the beach is prohibited, but the beach is all yours if you can get there by water. There are more accessible beaches nearby, but the short walk to this overlook is well worth it. Courtesy CNN

Low volcanic cliffs surround a small black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, off the famous Hana Highway in Maui. Courtesy CNN

Porto Katsiki's stunning setting draws crowds. Located on the Ionian Island of Lefkada, it's best to arrive early or late or visit during the off-season for a bigger slice of sand and a smoother arrival. The narrow road to the beach and the parking area above can get very tight. Many sunbathers arrive by boat. Courtesy CNN