Maré, the highest of the Loyalty Islands, is renowned for its wild beauty and the diversity of its landscapes. Its superimposed coral terraces reach almost 426ft (130m) on the south coast ; further north, its coastline is bordered by deeply cut cliffs with coves of fine sand nestled between rocky headlands and long unspoiled beaches bordered by coconut trees (photo). Finally, basalt rocks outcrop in the island's central plain pierced by caves and natural pools.