Top 10 Natural Arches in the World

Arch monuments are among the most well-known landmarks all over the world. These are examples of beauty and perfection at their finest, with great intricacy and symmetry, and humanity is proud of these architectural accomplishments. But, whatever man does, Nature has already done it better and more deftly. That is why, in comparison to the world's stunning natural arches, man-made arches appear rather artificial, and even their perfection appears somewhat ordinary. The Top 10 Most Beautiful Natural Arches in the World are listed below.

10. Natural Arches National Park in Utah

Utah has not just one natural arch, but an entire National Park spread across 76,679 acres, with over 2000 natural landscape arches. It was established in 1929, and has since had many tourists, driving and walking between the arches. The most famous attraction in the park is the Delicate Arch. Other famous arches are Kolob Arch, Double Arch, Landscape Arch, etc. mostly carved due to erosion.

9. Spectacle Arches

The Algarve Coast is a spectacle of Southern Portugal. One of the most favourite areas here is the Praia da Marinha between Carvoeiro and Albufeira. The most visited landmark here is the double-arch called the Spectacle Arches, off the shore, formed when waves eroded the coastal sedimentary rock, amnily sandstone. The best view can be enjoyed by taking a boat trip along the coast in Lagoa.

8. Pont d’Arc

The Pont d'Arc is one of the most beautiful natural arches in the world, located near the town of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc in Southern France. The Ardèche River carved it, and the arch, along with the river section, is extremely popular with tourists, not only because it forms a natural entrance to the Ardèche Canyon, but also because it is a popular canoeing and kayaking area.

7. La Portada

The La Portada, located on Chile's coast, is one of the most amazing natural arches in the world. "The Gateway" stands in the Pacific Ocean, in the Antofagasta region, not far from the shore, and is a popular destination for both tourists and photographers. It is one of the country's protected natural monuments, made of andesite stone, sedimentary rock, sandstone, and fossils.

6. Durdle Door

The Durdle Door is a privately owned arch that projects from the Jurassic Coast of Dorset in England and is connected to the mainland by a 390 foot isthmus. The natural limestone arch is open to the public and can be reached on foot. Despite the steep path with steps from Lulworth Cove, hikers frequently choose to go. The arch, which dates back 140 million years, is a popular photography location.

5. Azure Window

The Azure Window is a limestone arch, located on the Gozo Island, which is a part of Malta. It was formed from the collapsing of two caves of limestone, as a result of sea erosion. In fact, even now, rock parts fall from under the arch. Experts believe that the condition of this arch is such that it is likely to collapse at any time within a few years. Currently, though, tourists like to swim around it.

4. El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

The El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is a sea arch, located at the southernmost tip of Baja California Peninsula, in the city of Cabo San Lucas, in Mexico. It is also referred to as Land’s End, since it is located such that the South Pole and the arch would be collinear if a line were to be drawn. This golden-coloured sea arch is seen from Cabo. This is where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

3. Moon Hill

Located outside Yangshuo in China, the Moon Hill is a natural arch set atop a hill that is 750 feet high. The arch, itself, is an excellent view from far away. Travellers can reach it following a 20 minute climb, and then walk through the arch. Some also prefer to take a longer walk by climbing all the way to the top of the arch, from where it is possible to enjoy an excellent view of the surroundings.

2. Shipton’s Arch

Shipton's Arch is named after Eric Shipton, an English mountaineer who discovered it in 1947. The Tushuk Tash, which means "Hole in Heaven," is another name for it. It is in China, northwest of Kashgar in the Xinjiang Province, and was only known to locals. This rocky arch, located on a pile of rubble, is the tallest natural arch at 1,200 feet and has a span of 212 feet.

1. Aloba Arch

At a length of 250 feet, Aloba Arch in the landlocked country of Chad in Central Africa is the longest natural arch in the world. It is also the world’s second tallest. It is one of the most unfrequented ones, owing to its remote location. It appears to have two stages. While the upper half is like a buttress at the end of a sandstone slab, the lowers section of softer stone was eroded by stream.

These amazing natural arches in the world are formed in rocks, and there are many more all over the world, like China, France, Utah, etc.