The Most Incredible Piers in the World

Summer is the perfect season to head to the seaside, take a relaxed walk, and enjoy an ice cream by the water. If that coastal town also has a pier, the experience becomes even more enjoyable. However, not all piers are the same. Originally built as docking points for ships and ferries—designed to remain usable even at low tide—piers gradually evolved into leisure destinations.

As day-trippers began arriving in large numbers, many pier owners realized the potential for entertainment and commercial spaces, transforming empty walkways into lively attractions.Today, many historic piers have been filled with modern amusement arcades, souvenir stalls, and children’s rides. Famous examples include Blackpool Pier in the UK and Santa Monica Pier in the United States. While popular, those well-known locations are not the focus here. Instead, this selection highlights piers that stand out for their uniqueness, history, or architectural charm.

1. Ryde Pier — Isle of Wight, England

The original Ryde Pier dates back to 1814, making it one of the oldest surviving piers in the world and the second-longest in the UK after Southend. It was initially constructed to receive ferry passengers from the mainland. As the Isle of Wight became a popular holiday destination, additional structures were added alongside it. Eventually extending over half a mile, the pier once supported tram services—first horse-drawn, later motorized—carrying visitors to the town’s seafront. Vehicle access remained possible until its closure in 2010.

2. Progreso Pier — Yucatán, Mexico

Stretching nearly four miles, Progreso Pier is considered one of the longest piers in the world. It began in the 1930s as a wooden structure and later expanded significantly before being rebuilt in concrete in the 1980s. Originally intended for cargo shipping, it now serves as a major cruise ship docking point. While it is not fully open for walking due to its operational use, it plays an important role in tourism to Mexico’s Yucatán region and nearby Mayan sites.

3. Kastrup Sea Bath — Denmark

Located near Copenhagen, this pier is more than a simple walkway—it also functions as a public sea bath. Its flowing wooden design blends naturally into the shoreline and changes appearance depending on the viewing angle. The structure provides wind protection, seating areas, and changing facilities, offering a swimming experience directly in the Baltic Sea rather than a traditional pool environment.

4. St Kilda Pier — Melbourne, Australia

Extending into Port Phillip Bay, St Kilda Pier serves multiple purposes. It acts as a marina breakwater, ferry stop, and historic seaside walkway. The pier also features a café and connects to a protected rocky area that is home to a colony of little penguins. This combination of wildlife, leisure, and maritime function makes it one of Melbourne’s most distinctive coastal landmarks.

5. Sellin Pier — Rügen, Germany

Sellin Pier is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque piers in Europe. First opened in 1906, it features a charming restaurant at its end and a wooden walkway that allows visitors to reach it without getting wet or sandy regardless of tide conditions. The pier has been rebuilt several times due to winter ice damage in the Baltic Sea, yet it remains a stunning seaside landmark.

6. Southend Pier — England

Although often described as the world’s longest pier, Southend Pier is actually the third longest, stretching 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary. Originally opened in 1830, it was later rebuilt in iron in 1889. Visitors can either walk its full length or take a narrow-gauge train. At the end, there is a cultural and arts space that adds a modern touch to this historic structure.

7. Clevedon Pier — England

Located in the Bristol Channel, Clevedon Pier is often praised as one of the most beautiful piers in Britain. Its elegant design, soft lighting, and small café at the end create a peaceful atmosphere with views toward Wales and the Severn Bridge. After a partial collapse in the past, thousands of commemorative plaques were installed by donors who helped restore it.

8. Zhanqiao Pier — Qingdao, China

Dating back to 1892, Zhanqiao Pier extends into the Yellow Sea and was originally built for naval use. Today it serves as a leisure attraction. At its end stands an octagonal pavilion offering panoramic harbor views. During storms or high tides, waves crash dramatically over the structure, making it a popular photography spot.

9. Scheveningen Pier — Netherlands

This modern, multi-level pier extends into the North Sea and features an unusual design resembling industrial structures or futuristic architecture. It includes a Ferris wheel, bungee jumping platform, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Visitors can even stay overnight in accommodations located at the end of the pier.

10. Busselton Jetty — Australia

At 1.14 miles long, Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere. Built in 1853 for timber export, it is now a major tourist attraction. The pier includes a heritage railway and an underwater observatory, allowing visitors to view hundreds of marine species beneath the structure.

11. Los Muertos Pier — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Unlike many historic piers, Los Muertos Pier was redesigned in 2013 with a modern architectural style. Its flowing structure leads out to sea and features a central sail-like sculpture. At night, colorful lighting enhances its futuristic appearance, making it a striking coastal landmark.

12. Rotonda a Mare — Italy

Built in 1933 in Senigallia, this Art Deco structure replaced an earlier pier destroyed during war. The circular pavilion at its end has hosted concerts and events, adding cultural significance to its seaside location along the Adriatic coast.

13. Umhlanga Pier — South Africa

Located near Durban, this short pier has a distinctive rib-like design inspired by a whale skeleton. Although unusual in appearance, it serves an environmental purpose by improving water circulation in the area. It has even been recognized internationally for its unique architecture.

14. Llandudno Pier — Wales, UK

Stretching over 2,200 feet into the Irish Sea, Llandudno Pier is a classic Victorian seaside structure. Built in 1877, it features ornate railings, traditional lamps, food stalls, and some amusement attractions, while still preserving much of its historic character. It is also a popular spot for fishing and sunset views.

15. Naples Pier — Florida, USA

Originally constructed in 1889, Naples Pier once served visitors arriving at a historic hotel. Today, it remains a simple yet elegant wooden walkway extending into the Gulf of Mexico. With minimal commercial development, it is especially known for peaceful walks and sunset views. Despite damage from hurricanes over time, it has been carefully restored and preserved.