1. Metéora, Greece
Meaning “suspended in the air”, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of
Metéora, in the Pindus Mountains of central Greece, spans six Orthodox
monastery museums. A total of two dozen were built in the 14th century
but most of were destroyed during the Ottoman occupation and Second
World War. A famous landscape from the James Bond film For Your Eyes
Only, Metéora provides a peaceful haven not only for monks, but also for
tourists that choose to take a hike up the mountains to see these gems.
All six monasteries are connected through asphalt roads and are
accessible by steps hewn into the rock. You will need at least one full
day to visit Metéora, but the experience is certainly worth the time and
effort.
2. Cuenca, Spain
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
is a wonderful destination in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. What makes it
unique is its location on a steep cliff with some superb 15th century
“hanging houses”. Take pictures of the beautiful scenery, then head to
Plaza Mayor in the Old Town for a tapas and drinks in one of the
numerous bars and pubs. While in Cuenca, don’t miss the Ciudad Encantada
(“Enchanted City”), a site with otherworldy geological formations.
3. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is composed of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola
and Riomaggiore, five small villages built on a precarious stretch of
rocky Liguria coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the
car-free area is accessible by train, eco-friendly electrical bus,
ferry, bike and of course, on foot. Each town has its own quaint charm:
Riomaggiore is home to many artists and great beaches; Vernazza is a
natural harbour overlooked by a ruined castle; Monterosso has gorgeous
sandy beaches and excellent seafood; Corniglia sits on a hilltop,
attracting many hikers and Manarola offers remote rocks for private
sunbathing. Visitors will have to pay a small entrance fee to help
preserve Cinque Terre’s beauty, but it is definitely worth it.
4. Bonifacio, Corsica, France
Set on Corsica’s southernmost point, Bonifacio owes its charm to
medieval houses built on dazzling limestone cliffs. Built by the
Genoese, Bonifacio’s Old Town is a fascinating maze of narrow streets,
where you can wander around for hours. More Italian than French, the
town has strong Renaissance influences and an old dialect from the times
of the Genoese is still spoken to this today. Bonifacio’s natural
harbour has been transformed into a chic marina, where tens of yachts
from the Mediterranean come to drop anchor. You will find a vibrant
display of trendy bars, restaurants and hotels, with a landscape of
superb unspoilt beaches and rugged mountains. This all results in high
prices and large crowds all through the summer months.
5. Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain
This small village in Girona, Catalonia is set on a steep cliff
overlooking the Fluvià river. The basalt cliff the village is on is a
result of two lava flows that took place thousands of years ago. Due to
its unique location, Castellfollit de la Roca is illuminated after
nightfall until midnight for 6 months throughout the year. The village
was built during medieval times with dark, narrow streets and houses
made from volcanic rock. Apart from its spectacular location,
Castellfollit is a gateway to the Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of
the Garrotxa, where you can admire beautiful volcanic scenery.
6. Mont Saint-Michel, France
Located on a cone-shaped island in Normandy, France, Mont Saint-Michel
is the small islet home of a Gothic castle built during medieval times
and several monastic buildings originating from the 13th century. The
structure that trumps the rest is a beautifully-preserved Romanesque
church made of pure granite. Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most
popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France, attracting over four
million visitors a year. Apart from its castle and monasteries, there is
a small town at the base of the island offering good accommodation and
scrumptious meals.
7. Santorini, Greece
The Aegean Sea gem of Santorini is part of the Cyclades volcanic
archipelago. A good deal of the the island’s architecture, from
Santorini hotels to private villas, is built on high cliffs. As a result
this island of natural white, black and red beaches offers remarkable
views.
8. Siurana, Spain
Unless you practice mountain-climbing, you most probably have not heard
of Suriana – a superb small village set on a cliff edge, bathed by
clouds. For climbers, the Girona, Catalonia town with steep limestone
walls is a must. An affordable campground lures a wide variety of
travellers. Once there, don’t miss Siurana’s old village, formed of
centuries-old buildings, crowned by a beautiful church perched on a
mountain top.
9. Ronda, Spain
Within the province of Málaga, Spain, Ronda is a supremely popular
tourist destination that retains much of its historic charm. The town is
divided in two by a river gorge and connected by the Puente Nuevo. On
one side, you will find many historic buildings in the old Moorish town,
while on the other – El Mercadillo – lies a more modern settlement.
Visit the art museum in Old Ronda or follow the cobbled alleys to Plaza
Duquesa de Parcent, a superb public space with numerous historical
buildings. Palacio de Mondragón, the home of the Moorish King Abb el
Malik, is one of Ronda’s highlights, offering its visitors a look into
the city’s past, as well as beautiful gardens and courtyards for a
relaxed stroll. The Arab baths dating back from the 13th century can be
found below the city.
10. Rocamadour, France
Rocamadour and Ronda have a lot in common. The spectacular town in
southwest France is a Christian pilgrimage site, with chapels and
churches set high on a rocky plateau. The town’s sanctuary of the
Blessed Virgin is accessible via a 216-step stairway which many pilgrims
climb on their knees. Do not miss the city’s caves, with art from the
Paleolithic era, and the delicious local cheese.
Source :- http://worldtoptenthings.blogspot.in/2011/09/world-10-spectacular-cliff-side.html
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