Cliff Diving
Are you a fan of turquoise water and life-changing experiences? Here's a list of some of the most beautiful cliff diving locations in Europe.
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is back and bringing into focus its roster of some of the most beautiful and unique locations for the sport, scattered all over the world and graced by the some of the finest divers on the planet.
We'd be lying if we said that we viewers don't also dream of taking the leap from these spectacular cliffs and platforms, but some things are best left to the pros. However, if we were going to think about emulating the World Series action, below is a list of locations across Europe that should satisfy the appetite of anyone who wants to experience an adrenaline rush.
01
Lake Vouliagmeni – Greece
With dark blue water and bright white bays, just a few kilometres south of Athens is the winning combination of Lake Vouliagmeni. A place reserved for pro or very experienced divers who enjoy a special treatment, the water is constantly heated from a natural spring at the bottom, with a temperature that varies between 20°C and 29°C. Diving paradise!
It's like diving into a bathroom – but from a height of 27m – and if you dive successfully, tiny little fish are waiting for you below to tickle you and feed on the dead skin of your feet. A complete natural spa treatment! Get a fresh perspective when the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series kicks-off in this spectacular location on May 26.
02
Polignano a Mare – Italy
This stunning cove tucked between cliff faces of varying heights has become the spiritual home of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series – and when you go there you'll instantly see why. Beautiful blue waters, a beach and plenty of sheer drops where you can practice your cliff diving from any height you're comfortable with.
This year the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will be in Polignano a Mare on June 30.
03
Causeway Coast – Northern Ireland
If you're looking for cold water and hard-core ruggedness, then you'd have a hard time finding somewhere better than the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland. The wider region is recognisable to fans of Games of Thrones, having served as filming locations for the smash-hit TV series. If your vibe is more wild, then head for the dark choppy waters of the Atlantic coastline.
2024 will see the divers leap from the platform for the first time in Northern Ireland on Saturday, July 20.
04
The Calanques – France
The Calanques – an area of rugged terrain that lies between Marseille and Cassis to the east – are the Mount Olympus of French rock jumping. They're also the territory of Lionel 'Loulou' Franc, the world height record holder in cliff jumping, who leapt from 36m back in 2018. He also dives headfirst (which is something we very strongly do NOT recommend).
This region, which stretches for 20km, is the perfect place if you're looking for a somewhere to jump from a cliff on the French coast. Advice from Franc? Jump at noon. Apparently, when you jump at noon, because you are at the zenith, you can see your shadow in the water perfectly.
05
Lake Wolfgang in St Gilgen – Austria
High mountain ranges and deep, magical forests are only a small part of the amazing environment that surrounds Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) in Austria, definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. But that's not all. This lake is ideal for diving from cliffs whose heights vary from three to 27m, which is the official men's platform height at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Something for everyone's taste!
Note: The water is freezing cold, even in summer!
06
Vis and Dubrovnik – Croatia
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without Croatia and its famed jump spots. The best? Well-known Dubrovnik, with mythical places like Buza beach, which offers jumps from the walls of the fortress in the centre of town.
Besides Dubrovnik, there's also the island of Vis, the most remote island on the Croatian coast and one of the favourite places of legendary Colombian diver Orlando Duque.
07
Sisikon and Ponte Brolla – Switzerland
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series was born 25 years ago in Switzerland, so we invite you to pay tribute to the heroes of this region with an adventure to Sisikon, where cliff dives between 10 and 27m await you in Lake Uri. Plan B? A trip to Ponte Brolla and diving from incredible sharp, steep and rocky coves.
08
Porto Venere – Italy
Located in the Cinque Terre National Park and overlooking the Mediterranean, Porto Venere offers an incredible landscape filled with castles and remnants of the Roman Empire. In addition to these historical beauties, Porto Venere is also home to a number of steep coves that offer excellent terrain for learning how to fly in a bathing suit. Best place according to Orlando Duque? Behind the church of San Pietro!
Follow all the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series action live on Red Bull TV; starting in Greece on May 26.
Be sure to download the free Red Bull TV app and catch the CliffDiving action on all your devices! Get the app here