The Blue Tears craze that started in Matsu continues to spread. This Taiwanese wonder, once listed by CNN as one of the world’s fifteen most spectacular sights, captivates everyone who sees it. But did you know there are many other stunning blue wonders around the world that rival the Blue Tears? Want to find out more? Join us as we uncover these magical blue holes that are so beautiful they’ll bring tears to your eyes.
1. Grotta Azzurra (Blue Cave), Capri, Italy
Italy’s famous Grotta Azzurra is located on the island of Capri in the south. It’s a sea cave that can be accessed by small boat during low tide. The blue glow is caused when sunlight enters the cave from below and travels through the water—the blue light travels fastest, making the sea surface appear to glow. This stunning blue has even been described as the color of divine creation.
2. Blue Grotto, Malta
Besides Italy, the small Mediterranean nation of Malta also boasts a beautiful blue cave. Along with two other attractions—Azure Window and Blue Lagoon—it's considered one of the three must-see blues in Malta, located respectively on the main island, Gozo, and Comino.
First, Malta’s Blue Grotto, like Italy’s, is a phenomenon caused by sunlight shining into the cave. The crystal-clear seawater inside makes you feel as if you’re floating in mid-air, with direct views of the ocean floor. Azure Window is actually a sea cave, famous for its almost unreal deep blue waters. Meanwhile, Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon is so clear it looks Photoshopped—and the best part is, you can swim in it and admire the spectacle up close.
3. Vadoo Island, Maldives
The Maldives, known as a paradise for vacationers, features a bioluminescent beach on Vadoo Island, locally called Blue Sand. The glowing effect comes from a type of bioluminescent plankton that emits a blue light when disturbed, washing ashore like sparkling stars on the sand.
4. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located on New Zealand’s North Island. This limestone cave system has existed for 30 million years. In Māori, “wai” means water and “tomo” means cave. The blue glow inside comes from the unique New Zealand glowworm (Arachnocampa luminosa). You can take a slow boat ride through the cave and immerse yourself in a Milky Way-like world surrounded by blue light.
5. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Greece
Greek island beauty in Santorini isn’t anything new, but Navagio Beach on Zakynthos Island holds the title of the most beautiful beach in the world. Just how beautiful? So beautiful it reportedly inspired Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo to get married after filming Descendants of the Sun there. The water at Navagio Beach is an unbelievably vibrant blue—you can swim in it or take a boat tour around the nearby sea caves.
*Pro Tip:Avoid visiting at noon, when crowds are highest and UV rays are strongest.
6. La Jolla Cove, United States
La Jolla Beach, also known as Seal Beach, is located in San Diego, Southern California. This rocky shoreline beach features crystal-clear blue waters and scenic walking paths along the coast, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Aside from the pristine water, the beach is also home to many adorable seals. Please note: while the seals are undeniably cute, do not feed them, touch them, or try to take selfies with them—no way. Quietly admiring them is the best way to respect nature.
Bonus Feature | Blue Tears Aren’t Only in Matsu
Thailand: Matchanu Shrine, Samut Prakan Province
Asia isn’t just home to Matsu’s Blue Tears—Thailand has them too. Samut Prakan is a coastal city in central Thailand and a major hub for seafood distribution. At night, the ocean near Matchanu Shrine glows blue, resembling a scene from the animated movie Atlantis. It’s truly a breathtaking sight.
Japan: Toyama Bay
Toyama Bay in Japan also has glowing beaches at night, but the glow isn’t caused by plants—it’s from a type of bioluminescent squid. These firefly squids normally live in the deep sea and only come ashore in Toyama Bay late at night in spring to spawn.
Finally, a reminder: these beautiful sights are gifts of nature, and being able to witness them is our good fortune. While enjoying them, we must also protect them—otherwise, these wonders may eventually disappear due to human damage. The best time to see the "blue tears" of Matsu is from April to June, and you can check the locations on the official website of Lienchiang County Government.Official websiteSearch.
By Jess Han | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team