Zhangye Danxia Geopark, China
Geology lovers and avid Instagrammers alike will be drawn to the otherworldly hues of the «Rainbow Mountains.» The colors were formed by the layering of sedimentary mineral deposits over millions of years, but it’s hard to look at the flowing reds, yellows, and oranges and not feel like you’re witnessing magic.
Venice, Italy
If traversing the canals with a be-striped gondolier sounds unbearably touristy, stick to the sidewalks and spectacular arched bridges to get your fill of this truly unique, wildly romantic floating city.
Banff National Park, Canada
The glacial lakes in Canada’s first national park have some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen. Even if you’re not particularly outdoorsy, you can still admire the views from one of the cozy and luxurious lakeside lodges throughout the park, like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
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Great Ocean Road, Australia
Head west from Melbourne on this coastal drive to see everything from the famous 12 Apostle rock formations, to koalas in Great Otway National Park as well as the charming seaside town of Lorne.
Machu Picchu
This World Heritage site is easily the most famous spot in Peru, and for good reason. The ancient terraced city’s astounding architecture and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains will leave you breathless (as might the nearly 8,000 foot elevation.)
Pamukkale, Turkey
Put every infinity pool you’ve ever seen to shame with these natural, snow-white hot springs overlooking the nearby city of Denizli. On top of the picturesque soak, Pamukkale is also home to the impressively preserved ruins of the ancient Roman spa-city Hierapolis where you can bathe like an emperor among the submerged centuries-old columns.
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Japan in Cherry Blossom Season
While Japan is beautiful year-round, the few weeks each spring when cherry trees across the country explode with blossoms is a particularly pretty time to visit.
Pitons, St Lucia
These two volcanic mountains are one of the most recognizable—not to mention beautiful—features on this Caribbean island. Enjoy the Pitons from the pristine white sand beach at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh has changed little since the Middle Ages. You could spend days here wandering around maze-like alleyways discovering the city’s colorful souks, palaces and gardens.
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Bora Bora, French Polynesia
With turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and overwater bungalows, this small island in the South Pacific is basically heaven on Earth.
Oia, Santorini, Greece
All of the Greek islands are undeniably beautiful, but head to the hillside town of Oia for some of the best views of the bright blue Aegean Sea.
Mù Cang Chải, Vietnam
Get off the beaten path in this rural district where the rice paddy-terraced mountains and twisting streams will make you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale.
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Tamil Nadu, India
Most travelers head to North India for its Mughal palaces and forts, but the Southern state of Tamil Nadu is where most of the country’s major Hindu temples are found, including the brightly-colored Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple seen here and the Meenakshi Temple Complex, which is so large it’s considered a mini-city.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
If you’re looking to get off the grid, head to Chile’s Patagonia region for some of the most beautiful mountain views you’ll ever see.
Forbidden City, Beijing, China
Located in the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace of China’s emperors for five centuries and is one of the most beautifully preserved examples of ancient Chinese architecture.
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Amalfi Coast, Italy
There are so many beautiful places in Italy it’s hard to pick just one—but the Amalfi Coast’s idyllic hillside towns, like Positano, bump it to the top of our must-see list.
Krabi, Thailand
Located on southern Thailand’s west coast, this province’s coastline is dotted with limestone cliffs and hundreds of islands just offshore in the Andaman Sea, making it one of the world’s most popular beach vacation destinations.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Each year starting in the end of November and peaking in early December, fields of bright purple Russell Lupins bloom across New Zealand’s South Island. One of the most beautiful spots to go Lupin-spotting is in Fiordland National Park, home to the equally gorgeous Milford Sound.
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Bagan, Myanmar
This ancient city in central Myanmar is made up of thousands (yes, thousands) of Buddhist temples and pagodas. One of the prettiest views is from above—we recommend going for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Before you can swim in these beautiful blue-green waters located near Grand Canyon National Park, you have to hike ten miles to get there. Trust us, it’s totally worth the trek.
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Lyndsey Matthews is the Destination News Editor for AFAR; previously she was a Lifestyle Editor across all of Hearst Digital Media’s brands, and a digital editor at Martha Stewart Weddings and Travel + Leisure.
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Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.
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Todd Plummer is a Boston based journalist covering culture and lifestyle. He is a seasoned entertainment reporter, travel writer, and is an alumnus of McGill University and St. John’s University School of Law.
Salar de Uyuni
The dried Uyuni salt flat is located in Bolivia, in the Andes, at an altitude of 3,650 m above sea level. The salt lake has no equal in the world, with an area of 10,582 km². It is now used not only for salt extraction but also as the main transportation route on the Altiplano plateau. It is one of the most beautiful and unusual places in Bolivia. The flat surface glistens dazzlingly in the sun, and from November to March, when the rainy season arrives, a thin layer of water covers it. And this is the best time to visit here. The flawless smoothness of the Uyuni creates an exact replica of the sky, making the horizon get lost in countless reflections. When traveling through the vast expanse of salt marsh, the Fisherman’s Island (Isla de Pescadores) with its giant and unimaginably ancient cacti is a must-see. And the Stone Forest (Valle De Rocas), a bizarre natural installation made of clumps reminding of Salvador Dali’s works, is also worth seeing.
It is necessary to prepare well for the trip. The temperature can drop below zero at night and rise to +70°C in the afternoon. There are unusual hotels for overnight stays. Everything in them, even the tables and beds, is made of kitchen salt.
Salar de Uyuni © Guido Amrein Switzerland / Shutterstock
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the most famous national park in the United States. It is located in the crater of a giant ancient volcano, and, as a consequence of its activity, you can see hot springs and violent geysers gushing out of the ground here. The nature of Yellowstone National Park is magnificent. It has dense forests and majestic canyons, lakes, waterfalls, noisy mountain rivers. The wildlife is also rich — bears, bison, wolves, elk, and antelope live here. The national park’s main attractions are the Old Faithful geyser (one of the most beautiful in the world), the Grand Canyon, Gibbon Falls, Yellowstone and Shoshone Lakes, and the Grand Loop Road Historic District.
Yellowstone National Park © Kris Wiktor / Shutterstock
Santorini
The Greek island of Santorini is the pearl of the Mediterranean and one of the most famous resorts in the country. There are many breathtakingly beautiful places in its small territory. These include the snow-white houses of the island’s cities, tiny villages picturesquely set on the mountain slopes, and wonderful beaches with black, red, and white pebbles. But most importantly, the unique sunsets, which have become the hallmark of Greece. Great directors and famous photographers have shot them countless times, making them famous all over the world.
For family vacations, it is better to choose hotels on the east coast of Santorini. There are safe beaches for children with a gentle entrance to the water and without big waves.
Enchanting view of the village of Oia © Feel good studio / Shutterstock
Fiordland National Park
New Zealand’s largest reserve, which was formed by an ancient glacier, occupies the southwestern part of the South Island. As it began to melt, the glacier literally squeezed its weight through the winding fjords and river tributaries. They make Fiordland the most beautiful of New Zealand’s 14 national parks. You can see stunning landscapes and unimaginable combinations of the green of the wild forests against the dark blue of the ice. A wide variety of wildlife inhabits the reserve. In its territory only, you can see the rarest birds that have become symbols of the islands — the kakapo, takahe, almost tame, and very playful kea. The most beautiful fjords of the reserve are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. They are especially spectacular in the early morning and at sunset.
Fiordland National Park © NICHAPA KLADNARONG / Shutterstock
Tianzi Mountain
Tianzi Mountain is one of the most unusual formations on the planet. Their ethereal appearance inspired James Cameron when shooting his famous film Avatar. They are part of China’s Zhangjiajie National Park, in Hunan province. There are many interesting natural sights to be seen here, but the floating mountains always take first place among them.
Millions of years of erosion have destroyed the rock massifs, and then wind and water have ground them down. As a result, thin and very tall cliffs were left, resembling skyscrapers long abandoned and overgrown with greenery. Some of them are up to 1,200 meters high, and the clouds, descending to the valley, and the fog after the rain make these towers look incredible, as if they were floating in the air. At the same time, with the changes in wind and light levels, their appearance continually changes, creating the illusion of movement.
After the release of Avatar, a lot of tourists came here. Now Zhangjiajie National Park and its floating cliffs have become a trademark of China and have been recognized as a national treasure.
Tianzi Mountain © ThewayIsee / Shutterstock
Batu Caves
The giant Batu Cave Complex is located in Malaysia, 13 km north of downtown Kuala Lumpur. It is dedicated to Hindu shrines and is considered the main attraction and a place to visit the country. The Batu Caves were formed by natural processes but look so majestic that they seem to have been created by gods’ hands.
The underground system includes about 30 caves, but the most famous is the Temple Cave. It contains several sacred relics. You have to go up the famous colorful staircase with 272 steps. At the very beginning is a statue of the great Hindu god of war, Murugan. Its height is 42.7 meters. The Ramayana Cave is also open to tourists, with a statue of the ape-like god Hanuman on the way up, and two others, a museum and an art gallery with bas-reliefs, relief frescoes, and sculptures.
Vratwijaya statue at the entrance to the Batu Caves © Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock
Grand Canyon
The oldest national park in the United States, the Grand Canyon, is located in Arizona. Its main attraction is the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River, one of the recognized wonders of the world. This unique natural formation was declared a national monument of America in 1908. The canyon is not particularly deep, but it is surprisingly well-proportioned. The exposed rocks of its walls are a genuine archaeological atlas. Some of the layers date back to the Precambrian period, the time of the emergence and development of animal and plant life on Earth.
Grand Canyon National Park is the most visited national park in America because of its stunning panoramic views. More than six million tourists come here every year to take breathtaking photos from the dizzying observation decks, hike the trails, or go rafting in Colorado’s raging waters.
Grand Canyon © Erik Harrison / Shutterstock
Calanques National Park
Provence is the most beautiful region of France. There are many places to visit and see here: a charming seacoast with comfortable resorts, enchantingly beautiful lavender fields and vineyards, impregnable Alpine peaks, and pretty villages in the middle of picturesque fields. Calanques National Park is at the top of the list, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Calanques National Park is a unique landscape for the Mediterranean coast. These are narrow coves deeply cut into the shore and surrounded by cliffs. They are scattered all along the coastline, starting from Marseille, but the most beautiful are closer to the village of Cassis. Port-Miou and Port-de-Pin are the easiest to reach, but d’En Vau, with its tiny pebble-sand beach surrounded by cliffs, azure, calm waters, and invigorating, clean air, impregnated with the smell of pine, is considered the best.
It is best to start your trip no later than 8 AM. The road to Calanques is quite difficult and requires a good physical form. The trip will take from 40 minutes to an hour and a half with descents and ascents on slopes with huge stones and slippery gravel. You can get to d’En Vau Bay from Cassis by kayak, but then you won’t get to see the unique beauty of these places.
Calanques National Park © Gaspar Janos / Shutterstock
Temples of Bagan
Marco Polo called Bagan, located near Myanmar, one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world. There are about 2,200 Buddhist temples in the ancient capital of the Burmese Kingdom. In its heyday, in the XI-XIII centuries, there were twice as many. Pilgrims rushed to the city from all over Asia, and the monks and students studied astrology, medicine, philosophy, and other sciences here.
The huge complex is a grandiose open-air museum, Archaeological Park. It will take more than five days to study it in detail. The main temples you must visit include the Ananda Temple, Shwezigon, Thatbyinnyu, and Dhammayangyi (the most remote but the most bizarre of all the pagodas). You can admire the beauty of the surroundings from the observation decks on Ko Mauk Lake and in some temples. The most popular place to watch the sunrises and sunsets is on the top tier of Shwesandaw Pagoda.
The best way to get an idea of the scale and beauty of the Valley of a Thousand Pagodas is to take a hot air balloon tour.
Temples of Bagan © Avigator Fortuner / Shutterstock
Altai Mountains
The name Altai translates as «golden land.» It is a mysterious and unusually beautiful country of mountain spirits, covered in many legends. The famous Belukha Mountain, the Altai peak of the world, is located here. It offers a fabulous panorama of Altai, loved by artists and photographers from around the world.
Fans of extreme sports can go to the Multinskie Lakes. The combined route includes horseback riding, hiking, car rides, and kayak rafting. This unforgettable trip will take place in the surroundings of Katunskiy ridge peaks and will give a lot of impressions.
The hike across seven protected areas of Altai starts from Lake Manzherok and reveals the region’s natural and historical monuments. It includes the Tavda caves on steep cliffs, the Patmos island, the Kamyshlinsky Waterfall, the mysterious Geyser Lake, and the house-museum of Nicholas Roerich.
Altai’s mountain rivers give excellent opportunities for water tourism. There are routes of any category of complexity. And a trip to Karakol lakes is a great opportunity to get a real mountain tan, take a picture in a swimsuit on snow, and see luxurious alpine meadows.
Altai Mountains © daniilphotos / Shutterstock
Niagara Falls
The Niagara River’s famous waterfall complex is located on the border of the U.S. state of New York and the Canadian province of Ontario. It is a true wonder of nature and the most popular travel destination in the United States and Canada. Tremendous water streams fall from the cliffs from a height of 50 m and create a roar that can be clearly heard long before one can see a huge cloud of water spray.
The complex consists of three waterfalls, each of which has its name — Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. You can watch the mesmerizing waterfall from Table Rock Lookout, the deck of the boat Maid of Mist, or by booking a helicopter tour. There are also a lot of interesting things to see around the falls, including the Botanical Gardens of Niagara with a stunning tropical butterfly pavilion, the vintage Queen Victoria Park, and the amazing Niagara Glen Nature Park located at the bottom of the canyon.
From noon until sunrise, a rainbow occasionally appears over Niagara Falls. You can see it from the Canadian side near Horseshoe Falls.
Niagara Falls © Ong.thanaong / Shutterstock
Sagano Bamboo Forest
The Sagano Bamboo Forest is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto. It is often called Arashiyama, after the park where it is located. It is one of Japan’s most fascinating natural attractions and places to visit. A walk through its shady alleys has a distinctly calming effect. The trunks of the plants sway even in the slight breeze, producing a soft creak. Combined with the rustling of the leaves, it forms a kind of music. The Ministry of the Environment has included the Sagano Bamboo Forest in its list of 100 Sounds of Japan, everyday sounds of nature that should prompt you to stop and enjoy their tune. In addition, the bamboo grove was named the most beautiful forest in the world, and such a title is not easy to obtain. The Japanese worship what they consider to be perfection.
The best time to come to Sagano Bamboo Forest is early in the morning or late in the evening when there are few people and nothing to distract from the contemplation. On weekends, there are a lot of Japanese tourists. The park is open to visitors 24 hours a day, and admission is free.
Sagano Bamboo Forest © kunisan / Shutterstock
While writing this post about the most beautiful places in the world that we’ve visited, I did a Google search to compare what we think is beautiful to what the Internet thinks.
Most articles of other beautiful places stated “photos courtesy of Getty images” or photos courtesy of some other generic stock photography supplier. We actually spotted some of our photos in some of these lists – used without permission of course
So since people are using our stuff all anyway, we thought we’d write a list of beautiful places on earth that we’ve seen with our own. eyes, using our own images.
These are the places in the world that literally took our breath away when we saw them for the first time. I hope you enjoy the most beautiful places in the world…That we’ve been to.
1. Cappadocia, Turkey
We had seen the photos of Cappadocia before taking our first hot air balloon ride in Central Turkey but a photo doesn’t do justice to the beauty of Cappadocia’s landscape. Cappadocia is on our list of the best historical places in the world as well.
Seeing the hot air balloons soaring above the fairy chimneys and its lunar landscape felt like a dream. Cappadoccia is our number one pick out of all the beautiful places in the world that we visited.
Be sure to stay in a cave hotel when you do go to Cappadocia, it’s heavenly.
- Read about our balloon flight in Cappadocia
- Our Cappadocia Cave Hotel Tour
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini truly lives up to its reputation as a beautiful destination. It’s one of the most romantic places we’ve ever been and our favorite place to visit in Greece. Staying in a luxury cave hotel in Oia was a dream come true. Santorini is definitely the star of the Greek Islands and for good reason.
As I sat in the infinity pool overlooking the caldera, I felt as if there was no other place the epitomizes paradise as much as Santorini, Greece.
Read More:
- The Very Best Things to do in Santorini
- Where to Stay in Santorini: Best Hotels and Towns
- Santorini Photography Guide
- Iconic Santorini: A Cave Hotel Experience
- The Best Places to Visit in Santorini, Greece
3. Lake Louise, Canada
Each time Dave and I visit Lake Louise in Banff National Park we are reminded of why we always tell people it is the most beautiful place in Canada. With Victoria Glacier plunging into the turquoise waters of this glacier lake, Lake Louise is the perfect natural Canadian setting. Read more: The Best Things to do in Banff
The entire area of Banff is picture perfect and you’ll be mesmerized with each scene you encounter. We had an epic game of pond hockey on Lake Louise in the winter and it was just as beautiful in the summer. In fact, we like it better in the winter because there are no crowds!
- Plan your Lake Louise Visit:
- Canoe Lake Louise, Alberta
- Where to Stay in Banff
- The 52 Best Things to do in Alberta, Canada – The Ultimate Guide
- 12 Best Hikes in Banff National Park
4. Maldives
The sapphire blue waters of the Maldives are like nothing we’ve ever seen.
Secluded private islands house luxury hotels with over the water bungalow. The sand is soft and white as snow creating the perfect island paradise escape.
- See more of Maldives
- The Best Things to do in the Maldives
- Watch our video – The Beauty of the Maldives
5. Antarctica
Whenever people ask us what our favorite destination is, Dave always answers Antarctica. The reason? Because it is one of the most beautiful places to photograph on earth.
The different shades of blue ice and snow layer the landscape. Massive ice. formations the size of buildings drift through the deep blue water and the skies are crisp and clear. There is no place in the world quite like Antarctica.
- Read More:
- Beautiful Images of Antarctic Ice
- Things to do in Antarctica
- How to Pack for an Antarctic Cruise
6. Serengeti Plains, Tanzania
While Dave loves Antarctica, I (Deb) love Tanzania. And no place is as beautiful as the Serengeti.
The wildlife is outstanding, but the sunsets and landscape of great plains of Africa are second to none.
Every beautiful picture that you see of those African sunsets really are that gorgeous!
- See more from our time in Tanzania
- A Tanzania Safari
- African Safari Animals in Photos
- What to do in Tanzania
7. Sapa, Vietnam
It has been well over a decade since we visited Sapa in Vietnam, but it’s striking scene will always be etched in our minds. While hiking through the plunging rice terraces in high mountains on the border of China, I felt as if each turn was a picture in a National Geographic photo story.
- Read more from Vietnam
- Things to do in Vietnam from North to South
- Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam
8. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Before visiting Positano, I thought the Cinque Terre was the most beautiful place in Italy. But when I saw the plunging coastal cliffs of the Amalfi Coast as we drove to Positano, I was floored by its dramatic views.
The coastal views are spectacular and piece-de-resistance is getting to enjoy a glass of bubbly as we overlooked the colorful buildings overlooking the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Read more:
- Top Stops on the Amalfi Coast
- The Most Romantic Cities on the Italian Coast
9. Exuma Cays, Bahamas
Flying from Nassau in a small twin-engine plane offered incredible views of white sand beaches dotting the gin blue waters of the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas. There are 365 islands and atolls waiting to be explored with secluded beaches and crystal clear waters calling your name!
- Exuma Cays – Dream Trip to the Bahamas
- Thunderball Grotto in Exuma Cays – What you Need to Know
10. Krabi, Thailand
Krabi has become one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, but I’ll never forget seeing it for the first time in 2000. Located in the south of Thailand, Krabi is an island paradise with countless karst islands jutting out of the South China Sea.
Popular beautiful places in southern Thailand are Railay, Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.
- See more on Thailand
- Rock Climbing Krabi
- Amazing Things to do in Thailand
- Thailand Travel Tips
11. Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan was the first of the great and famous ancient ruins that we ever visited. This temple complex in Myanmar is filled with more than 2000 pagodas.
Sitting atop a high pagoda overlooking the range of temples was one of the most breathtaking scenes we had ever witnessed. Our hearts are breaking for the people in Myanmar and travel is not advisable there right now. But we hope that they can come out of this crisis soon and we can show them how much the world loves them.
- Read more about Myanmar here
- Amazing Bagan Ruins of Myanmar
- Best of Myanmar
12. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
For years we had seen pictures of this fairytale castle and didn’t know where it was. It wasn’t until we traveled to Bavaria in Germany last summer that we finally saw it with our own eyes, and it did not disappoint.
This castle is so perfect, Walt Disney modelled his Disney Castle after it. It is located just 90 minutes from Munich.
- Check out Bavaria:
- Best of Bavaria
- 14 Amazing Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen
13. Gobi Desert and Mongolian Steppe
While driving through Mongolia during the Mongol Rally, I couldn’t get over the vastness of the landscape.
I know that sounds strange to say, but the Mongolian Steppe is so wide open, that even the skies feel bigger here than anywhere else in the world.
- Read More about Mongolia
- Tips for Driving the Mongol Rally
- Mongolia in Photos
14. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador are one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Here you’ll find wildlife unlike anywhere else on earth due to their isolation. The diverse landscape ranges from lush forests to isolated beaches and arid deserts.
We fell in love with the beauty of this unique little corner of the world.
- Enjoy
- 27 Photos to Transport you to the Galapagos in Photos
- What it’s LIke on a Galapagos Tour
15. Tombstone Mountains Yukon
While driving the Dempster Highway of Yukon Canada, we commented on how much it looked like Mongolia.
Not a lot of people visit the Yukon, but if you do, you will agree that it is one of the most beautiful, lush and diverse. landscapes on earth.
Drive from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories to Dawson City for a great road trip and adventure!
- See the Beauty of the Yukon
- Driving the Dempster Highway
- The Sour Toe Cocktail – Dawson City’s Dead Toe Cocktail
16. Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw the Giant’s Causeway. There are other basalt formations around the world, but none seem as symmetrical as here.
The stone steps are so perfect, that it is almost possible to believe the legend that the Giant, Fionn McCool laid these stones to create a link to Scotland.
They look exactly like patio stones that a giant would lay.
- Read:
- The Legend of the Giant’s Causeway
- Things to do in Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Travel Guide
17. Petra, Jordan
While walking along the 2km long Siq to Petra we had no idea what to expect.
The narrow gorge path was filled with beautiful scenes, ruins and formations but it was when we turned the corner to view the Petra Treasury that I let out a gasp. It was so beautiful.
We had been to many ancient cities by this time and didn’t think we could be surprised by beauty anymore, but Petra caught us off guard.
Petra excited us and made us remember how travel can still surprise and delight.
- Read:
- Petra Jordan by Day
- 13 Exciting things to do in Jordan
18. Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Living close to Niagara Falls, we always compare waterfalls around the world to the one in our own backyard. But there is no comparison between the two. Iguazu Falls is in the middle of a jungle.
It is wild and untamed and is an impressive set of 275 waterfalls plunging into a canyon that is 2.7 km long!
Standing on the boardwalk engulfed by the waterfalls and jungle was one of the most incredible scenes we had ever seen!
- More at
- The Best of Iguazu Falls
- Getting Soaked at Iguazu Falls
19. Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa has many beautiful places to visit, but there is something special about the beauty of Cape Town. This city is framed by the towering Table Mountain creating the most unique cityscape we’ve ever laid eyes upon.
It almost looks like someone has dropped a giant background behind the picturesque waterfront. With beaches, colourful colonial architecture, and a gorgeous seaside, this city has it all and it is gorgeous.
- Enjoy More
- The Very Best of Cape Town
- Things to do in South Africa
- 28 Reasons to Visit South Africa
20. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza can be seen from all over Cairo. They look like a mirage jutting up from the desert. When I first saw them while driving from the airport to our hotel, I didn’t think I was actually seeing the pyramids. That couldn’t be them, could it? It was!
The pyramids have never lost their mystique and allure and seeing them with our own eyes was a dream come true.
- 8 Must See Egypt Attractions
- The Red Pyramid of Egypt
- Egypt in Photos
21. Antelope Canyon, United States
You can’t take photography tours to Antelope Canyon anymore, but you can still see them.
The draw of this canyon is to witness the short window where the sun shines through an opening once per day to create a waterfall of light illuminating the layered rocks in this impressive cavern. It is truly a wonder of the world. Check out Antelope Canyon in Photos
22. The Himalayan Mountain Range, Nepal and Bhutan
We have seen a lot of mountains in our time and they are all beautiful, but there is something extraordinary about the world’s highest mountain range.
While trekking to Everest Base Camp, we actually commented that you almost feel that you could reach out and touch the heavens. Nothing compares to the beauty of the Himalayas.
- Read more:
- Trek to Everest Base Camp
- Everest Base Camp Tips
23. Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan
We had always wondered if the Himalayas were as beautiful as we remembered and then when visiting Bhutan, we were reminded just how striking they are.
We trekked deep into the mountains for views just as impressive as Everest, but even short climbs like this one to Tiger’s Nest Monastery was absolutely beautiful.
- 18 Things to do in Bhutan
- Bhutan Trek to Laya
- Himalayas in Photos
24. Ilulissat, Greenland
Many people think that Greenland is just one big slab of ice. But Greenland is filled with color and beauty. Nowhere did we see that more than when hiking out to the world’s most active calving glacier in Ilulissat.
The rainbow-colored houses of Illulisat make way for the deep green hues of the Arctic Tundra leading towards Margerie Glacier where beautiful and massive icebergs crash in the sea.
There is nothing like seeing the power of mother nature up close and personal.
- Incredible Greenland the Final Frontier
- Greenland – Where Ancient Culture Meets the Outside World
25. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is stunning. A cruise through the endless scene of limestone islands surrounded by turquoise and emerald green waters is a must when visiting Vietnam.
It was while hiking from the Cat Ba Cave to a high lookout that we were totally taken aback. When we looked down to see the scene of junk boats surrounded by karts, we knew, we were in someplace special.
- Ha Long Bay or Bai Tu Long, How Do you Choose
- Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam
26. Twelve Apostles, Australia
Australia has some incredible places to visit, but I think its most beautiful destination is the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road.
We hiked for four days along the dazzling coast before reaching the giant sentries standing guard in the sea. Take a helicopter tour to really take in its beauty.
- The Great Ocean Walk
- 23 Greatest Places to visit in Australia
27. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro was one of our greatest adventures and seeing Furtwangler Glacier with our own eyes was unbelievable. We didn’t notice its beauty until we started our descent, because all the way up, we were looking down at our feet!
As I watched Dave cross its path, I felt tears well in my eyes because of the immense beauty before me.
As the sun rose, the ice turned to a glowing shade of pink that we will never forget. It’s too bad I didn’t have my camera raised to take a photograph, but I did capture it on video.
- Watch our video on YouTube
- How Hard is it to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
28. Milford Sound, New Zealand
New Zealand is one of our favourite destinations on earth and the South Island has one of the most diverse landscapes in the world! You can see a lot in a short time.
Milford Sound in Fjordland National Park has some of the highest sea cliffs on earth rising 1,200 meters above the water. A cruise of Milford Sound is one of the top things to do in New Zealand.
Sheer rock faces rise up from the blue waters blending into the perfect blues skies dotted with fluffy clouds.
- 37 Awesome Things to do in New Zealand
- Cruise Around Milford Sound – Our video
29. Victoria Falls, Zambia
I know I have already included a great waterfall of the world by mentioning Iguazu, but Victoria Falls needs to be on this list as well. It is the world’s largest waterfall plunging down in one continuous curtain for 1.7 km. Seeing from a helicopter is a must. From above is the best way to really see its scope.
- Dream Trip -Things to do in Victoria Falls
- Watch the best of Victoria Falls
30. Lake Nakuru, Kenya
The Masai Mara may be Kenya’s top draw, but it was Lake Nakuru that we really fell in love with the beauty of Kenya. Known for the flamingos and pelicans that frequent its alkaline shores, Lake Nakuru is a picturesque location in Africa. It’s also one of the best places to see rhinos in Africa.
- Kenya’s Incredible Lake Nakuru
- 27 Greatest Places to visit in Africa
31. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
Iceland is known for its waterfalls and none are quite as famous as Seljalandsfoss. It is has been featured in so many movies including the recent Netflix comedy, Eurovision. Be sure to go behind the falls for this view.
- Not to Miss Iceland Waterfalls
- 13 Unique Places to Visit in Iceland
32. Costa Navarino, Greece
We had never even heard of Voidokilia Beach before visiting Costa Navarino, but when we saw this perfect horseshoe beach, we couldn’t believe that such a beach existed.
You can bicycle or hike up to a high lookout to see the stunning beach that looks exactly like the Greek letter Omega.
Costa Navarino – Ancient History & Natural BeautyGreek Food – A Complete Guide to the Best Greek CuisineWatch the Video: The Best of Costa Navarino
33. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Ireland is one of our favorite destinations on earth. It also has some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. It was difficult to choose what was the best and most beautiful of Ireland, so we thought we’d go with the most famous, The Cliffs of Moher. If you go at sunrise or sunset, you’ll avoid the crowds and experience amazing skies!
- 21 of The Very Best Things to do in Ireland
- 34 of the Best Things to do in Dublin, Ireland
34. Norway Fjords
Our Norway in a Nutshell cruise took us through one beautiful scene after another. Just when we thought the cliffs couldn’t get higher we’d turn a corner and there’d be another massive mound before our eyes. The reflections in the waters made for incredible views.
- Norway in a Nutshell – Scenic Train Rides to Fantastic Fjords
- Trolltunga Hike – Trekking to Norway’s Most Famous Landmark
- Watch the video tour – Beautiful Norway Fjords
35. Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Rio is an exciting city to visit, but when going up to the top of Christ the Redeemer, or taking a helicopter tour over the city, you really witness just how striking the coast is.
The beaches are some of the best in the world with famous names like Ipanema and Copa Cabana. The endless white sand is framed by the giant Sugarloaf and Two Brother’s mountains making for an epic scene.
I think Rio is the most beautiful city on earth, especially when you take its ocean and mountainous setting into consideration.
- The Top 18 Most Excellent Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
- Sugarloaf Mountain Views in Rio Video
- The Very Best of Rio video
36. Grand Canyon, USA
I’m not going to lie. When visiting the Grand Canyon, I wasn’t expecting much. I thought it would be a cheesy tourist trap, but it lives up to the hype! There is a reason the Grand Canyon is featured in so many movies, it is spectacular. A road trip through California and Arizona brought us to this place, and I am so glad that we saw it with our own eyes. Read: The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona
- The Absolute Best Things to do in The Grand Canyon
- Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary
- The Quintessential California Road Trip Itinerary
- Route 66 – America’s Historic Highway
- Best Places to visit in the USA
37. Huacachina, Peru
Most people think of the Middle East when picturing deserts, but our first real desert experience was in Peru, and it blew our minds. We didn’t know that sand dunes could be so high! Staying in the desert oasis and climbing up to the top of the sand dunes was amazing. We were overwhelmed with the endless shadows rolling before our eyes.
- 24 Best Things to do in Peru
- What Expect when Hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru
- Torres del Paine National Park – 5 Days in Patagonia
38. South Dakota Badlands
Who knew that South Dakota has so much to offer. We were invited on an Instagram trip to the state a few years ago thinking we’d have trouble finding interesting photos to capture. It turned out that South Dakota is photogenic at nearly every turn. There’s more to it than Mount Rushmore. The Badlands are truly spectacular read all about it here.
- 19 Wondrous Pictures of South Dakota
- Things to do in South Dakota – 10 Not to Miss Attractions
- A Video tour of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse
39. Maui Bamboo Forest
Most people will say the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Japan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. But we haven’t been there. However, we have been to many other bamboo forests throughout Southeast Asia. None of them compare to Maui’s Bamboo Forest.
Located along the Pipiwai Trail along the Hana Highway there are other beautiful things to see including high cascading waterfalls. But the bamboo forest is really an incredible site.
- 17 Fantastic Road To Hana Stops
- Where to Stay in Maui
- 22 Unique Adventures in Maui
- 26 Best Things to do in Maui
40. Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is popular for diving and snorkelling, but seeing from above was the most beautiful way to experience it. The green coral reef dotted the waters of the coral sea. With hundreds of islands and atolls stretching over 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 square miles) it is one of the great places to fly over in the world.
- 18 Great Things to do in Queensland
- 23 of the Most Iconic Places to Visit in Australia
41. Isle of Skye
Driving the North Coast of 500 showcased so many beautiful places in Scotland.But it was when taking a detour to the Isle of Skye that we managed to view one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its fairy pools have long attracted visitors, and we were excited to see the Old Man of Storr.
- North Coast 500 – The Ultimate Trip Guide to Scotland’s Epic Drive
- Dunnet Head, Scotland: Panoramic Views, WWII Bunkers, and a Lighthouse
42. Vik, Iceland
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Iceland it is difficult to choose. I mean, the waterfalls are endless, the hot springs are so inviting and the lava fields and volcanic coast are picture-perfect. How do you choose? It’s not easy but Reynisfjara Beach on the coast of Vik is so often featured in movies and tv series it must be special.
The black sand beach, the basalt columns, and the enormous sea stacks are out of this world. It’s often stormy and moody creating an ominously beautiful scene.
- 13 Unique Places To Visit In Iceland
- The Blue Lagoon in Iceland – Is it Worth the Visit?
43. Meteora, Greece
Greece deserves its own “beautiful places to visit” list, but for now, I must include this awe-inspiring view. The Monasteries of Meteora date back to the 9th century but the monoliths were formed over thousands of years. Located in central Greece, these isolated monasteries sit atop giant pillars jutting out of the lush valley. This is so beautiful it was used as the setting for the city in the clouds in the Game of Thrones.
- Meteora Monasteries of Greece – Magic Monoliths in Photos
- Interesting and Fun Facts About Greece
44. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Canada has many picturesque fishing villages, but nothing quite compares to Lunenberg in Nova Scotia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is so strict that residents and businesses cannot change the colours or designs of their houses.It’s a good thing too, because this is the most beautiful town in Canada. (in my opinion).
- The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary
- Nova Scotia Pictures that Will Make You Want to Visit Right Now
- Explore the Nova Scotia South Shore – Halifax to Yarmouth
45. Mount McKinley, United States
Alaska is North America’s final frontier and there are striking scenes at every turn. But it is Mount McKinley in Denali National Park that takes the cake. Seeing it from the ground is impressive, but flying up to see it from a bird’s eye view is out of this world.
- Things to do in Alaska Before Your Cruise
46. Zanzibar, Tanzania
After climbing Mount Kilimanjaro we hopped a flight to the paradise island of Zanzibar. It was after leaving Stone Town for the beaches of Nungwi that we fell in love with the beauty of this island.
When the tide goes out to reveal layers of colour on the ocean floor it reveals the deepest shades of green. When the tide is in, the turquoise water is just as beautiful as it crashes against the pure white sand.
- Read: Discover The Best Beaches in Zanzibar
47. Li River, China
The Li River in Yangshuo China is one of the most picturesque scenes we’ve ever witnessed.
Taking a bamboo raft down the Li River really allowed us to take in the beauty of the surrounding karst formations that make this enchanting part of China so famous.
- Read More from China
- Bamboo Raft the Li River
- Why go Off the Beaten Path in China
- Great Things to do in China
48. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Most people suggest the Namib Desert and sand dunes of Sossusvlei. But while cycling through Namibia, we had our heads down until reaching Fish River Canyon. With a night off to relax and take in the view, I’ll never forget overlooking the endless ravine spanning 100 miles before our eyes.
- Namibia Travel Guide
49. White Desert, Egypt
Massive white formations dot the desert landscape. of Western Egypt, creating a surreal scene. We stayed overnight in a Bedouine camp surrounded by monoliths resembling mushrooms, camels, and hawks. We were surprised to see that when we touched the rock, it was actually made of chalk. As the sun went down the sky exploded in colours creating one of the most beautiful desert scenes we had ever witnessed.
Read more: White Desert of Egypt
50. Pinnacles, Borneo
Oh, how we would love to go back and photograph the pinnacles. But. we wonder if we could do the hike today! This two day trek takes you to the middle of Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysian Borneo to see the most beautiful display of pinnacles we’ve ever seen.
Like so many places we mention on this list, the Pinnacles don’t seem real. When looking down upon them, they seem like a painting in the jungle. The sharp limestone edges peek out of the green forest like a dream.
- The Pinnacles of Borneo, an Adventure in Sarawak
- Great Things to do in Borneo – Malaysia’s Wild Jungle Island
And these are the most beautiful places in the world that we’ve seen. Where have you been on earth that is beautiful? We’d love hear from you to help plan our future travels.
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There are never-ending reasons to travel, but many go to seek those awe-inspiring moments that stop them in their tracks, searching for the sights that will stay with them forever. Every day, travelers find those experiences among the ruins of Machu Picchu or at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From sky-blue lakes in Canada to sandstone beaches in Seychelles, beauty abounds in every corner of the Earth. Focusing largely on national parks, mountains, beaches, deserts, and other natural wonders, we’ve compiled the world’s most beautiful places to inspire your next dream destination.
Join us for a journey to some of the most beautiful places in the world, like the red rocks of the Grand Canyon and the abundant, colorful life of the Great Barrier Reef.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
There’s no better way to experience Patagonia’s rugged natural beauty than in Torres del Paine National Park. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to its namesake granite towers (the park’s name is an amalgam of the Spanish word for “towers” and the Tehuelche word for “blue”), as well as sparkling lagoons and otherworldly glaciers.
Bagan, Myanmar
It’s hard to truly grasp the magnitude of Bagan Archaeological Zone, dominated by thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site on a bike (or e-bike to cover even more ground). For an eagle’s-eye view, take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise to see the temples scattered across the lush landscape.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica
This magical, misty, and well-preserved cloud forest in northwestern Costa Rica is the ultimate template for sustainable ecotourism. Along with its sister cloud forest, Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde is the practically untouched paradise home to thousands of plant, animal, and bird species (including the radiant quetzal), visible from jungle paths and nail-biting steel bridges hanging over the canopy.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Pinpointing the most beautiful Seychellois beach is like splitting hairs, but Anse Source d’Argent gets extremely high marks for its sugar-white sand framed by dramatic granite boulders and sparkling aquamarine water. The sweet shoreline is relatively secluded from the resort crowds on La Digue Island.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Don Eim/Travel + Leisure
Offering some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, the Grand Canyon truly merits the term «breathtaking.» The vast geologic wonderland, one mile deep and up to 18 miles across, displays countless layers of colorful rock and practically hypnotic vistas.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls spans the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders. «The smoke that thunders,» as it is known to locals, and its surroundings, are hubs for white-water rafting, helicopter rides, big-game safaris, and other thrilling adventures.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach is arguably one of the loveliest shores in the world. Part of Australia’s Whitsunday Coast, the star attraction is remarkable for its amazing combination of pure silica sands and vivid blue-green waters.
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
On a dirt road near Madagascar’s west coast is a stretch of enormous baobab trees, all that remains of a once-dense forest. The centuries-old giants are especially magnificent cast in the light of a sunrise and sunset.
Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
The world’s largest salt flat covers 4,000 square miles of the Bolivian Altiplano. In the dry season, it’s an endless white sheet of salt tiles made all the more dazzling by clear, sunny skies. From December to April, however, regular rains create a mirror effect that merges lake and sky. No matter when you see it, Salar de Uyuni is one of the most captivating sights on earth.
Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
With hundreds of jungle-covered karsts springing out of emerald green waters, Hạ Long Bay is a photographer’s dream. Hop on a boat or kayak to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s beautiful islands and surreal cave systems.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Nicholas Schmidt/Travel + Leisure
Lake Atitlán in the Sierra Madres offers a combination of Indigenous culture, waterside serenity, and yoga bliss. Cross the gorgeous crater lake by boat and explore various pueblos, shop local markets for Mayan crafts, and sleep in treehouse accommodations.
Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius
A freestanding basaltic mountain hulking over a bright blue-green Indian Ocean lagoon certainly makes spectacular scenery. When viewed from above, the surrounding sand and silt form an optical illusion that appears to be a massive underwater waterfall at this mythic place. Thanks to its isolation and near-inaccessibility, Le Morne sheltered people who escaped enslavement during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Acadia National Park, Maine
From rocky shorelines shrouded in mist to conifer-cloaked mountainsides, Acadia is a wild place of sea, stone, and forest. Visitors flock here to hike, fish, climb, camp, and experience the end-of-the-world feel in New England’s only national park.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The mighty Okavango, the largest inland delta in the world, is a vast network of winding waterways and animal-attracting lagoons. Navigating through reed-studded channels in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and spotting hippos, leopards, and elephants is one of the world’s great travel experiences for nature lovers.
Railay West Beach, Thailand
Dmitrii Guldin / Getty Images
On the Railay peninsula’s west side, Krabi’s famous karsts meet a simply stunning jade-green lagoon. The vertical cliffs block access from the Krabi mainland, making Railay reachable only by boat, adding to its incredible appeal.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
This famed wildlife preserve (next door neighbor to the Serengeti) is one of the world’s most enchanting ecosystems. The Mara’s golden grasslands stretch to the horizon, interrupted by graceful acacia trees and rumbling throngs of wildebeest and zebra — and their stalking predators.
Cat Island, The Bahamas
Cat Island is a secret nirvana hiding in plain sight in the Bahamas. Sparsely developed and off the main tourist track, Cat Island is resplendent in miles of nature trails and wondrous pink-sands sprawling under the Caribbean sun.
Zhangye National Geopark, China
Distinct rolling bands of orange, cream, yellow, brown, and russet against jagged mountain peaks make this geological anomaly in Gansu, China look like a psychedelic scene on Mars.
Glencoe, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands are filled with astonishingly scenic glens, but Glencoe is perhaps the most famous (and infamous, due to a brutal 17th-century massacre). Today the valley is a haven for hikers, mountaineers, and whiskey lovers — the 19th-century Ben Nevis Distillery is a short drive away.
Mount Kōya, Japan
The Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded this mountaintop temple town in 819. Today, the sacred and serene place is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contains more than 100 temples, including head temple Kongobuji, featuring gorgeous gilded sliding doors and ceilings carved with flowers. Within the ancient complex is a mausoleum and cemetery surrounded by a cedar forest with old growth trees up to 600 years old.
Dead Sea, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel
Name aside, the Dead Sea is a lake and one of the world’s saltiest, at that (in fact, the saline water has such a high density that it keeps bathers afloat). Set between Jordan, Palestine, and Israel at the Earth’s lowest elevation, it’s known for its beautiful clear and tranquil waters (nearly 10 times more saline than the ocean) and surrounding mineral formations, sandy beaches, nature preserves, natural pools, and waterfalls.
Zion National Park, Utah
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Glorious Navajo Sandstone cliffs, rainbow-colored canyons, and incredible biodiversity make Zion one of the most popular (and most scenic) national parks in the U.S.
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Dominated by a 3,000-square-mile ice cap of the same name, Vatnajökull is a chilly, Icelandic wonderland of caves, craters, glacier-filled calderas, and waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous falls is Svartifoss, surging over hexagonal lava-rock columns.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale’s electric-blue thermal pools and white travertine formations, naturally formed by slowly crystallizing calcium carbonate, make for gorgeous vacation photos.
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Hawaii
Nā Pali translates to «the cliffs» in Hawaiian, a deceptively simple name that might not fully prepare travelers for the epic glory on view. The staggering coastline is too rugged and vertical for road access, so the only way to see it is by boat, air, or seriously intense hiking trails.
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Ascending iconic Table Mountain tops the list for most travelers in Cape Town. Adventurous hikers can go on foot, but there’s also an aerial cableway that gently sweeps up to the 3,563-foot summit. Either way, the top offers insane panoramic views of the South African capital and the Atlantic.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Built nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel whose engineering ingenuity and head-spinning views rival the extraordinary beauty of its Sacred Valley setting.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Picture a serene alpine lake fringed with soaring Alps. Now add in a walkable medieval town and you’ve got the setting for this long-popular Swiss destination. Don’t miss Mount Pilatus (via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway) and the Rigi for nature trails and a famous viewpoint overlooking three lakes.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway may lack Highway 101’s ocean scenery, but it trades Pacific views for peaceful Appalachian beauty. Stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park, the 45 MPH, no-trucks route winds past overlook after overlook, letting road-trippers marvel at the mountains’ dreamy blue hue.
Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
This isn’t a tropical island getaway with a wild party scene or string of upscale resorts. Pulau Tioman is more of a floating nature preserve, with local character and a strong sense of environmental conservation (coral rehab and sea turtle preservation are major focuses for the island’s Juara Turtle Project). The island, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea, is popular for its dive sites, shipwrecks, and tropical rainforest.
Damaraland, Namibia
Damaraland region is an almost-mystical vision of red-earth desert plains, flat-topped mountains, petrified forest, and well-preserved ancient Bushmen rock paintings. Though it looks like a scene from Mars, Damaraland is rich in wildlife, home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and the critically-endangered black rhino.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil
Altogether, the 275 cascades on the Argentina-Brazil border form a mind-blowing, panoramic waterfall. The overwhelming sight, combined with the sound and energy of water rushing at up to 450,000 cubic feet per second in the rainy season, is pure magnificence.
Matira Beach, French Polynesia
The South Pacific calls up many visions of spectacular beaches. Bora Bora’s Matira Beach gets singled out for its miles of pearly white, flour-fine sand and breathtaking bright turquoise lagoon.
Cirque de Gavarnie, France
Cirque de Gavarnie is a popular hiking destination in the Pyrenees, and one of its most beautiful. Called «the colosseum of nature» by Victor Hugo, the Cirque is a ring of sheer granite mountain walls enclosing a picture-perfect green valley. It’s astounding even before you add in three-tier Gavarnie Falls pouring over a 922-foot drop.
Shark Bay, Australia
Shark Bay: where the red earth of Australia’s westernmost point meets the teal waters of the Indian Ocean. The bay is home to one of the largest and richest beds of seagrass in the world, as well as stromatolites — rocky-looking, cauliflower-shaped microbial reefs and some of the oldest life forms on Earth.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten archipelago bursts dramatically out of the Norwegian Sea. Between the jagged peaks and steep slopes are quaint fishing villages, secluded coves, scenic backpacking and biking trails, and dreamy white-sand beaches.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, Los Cabos’ symphony of natural features — desert, mountains, sea, and plenty of sunshine — and yes, raucous party scene, have made it one of the most popular vacation destinations in North America. Its cobalt blue waters are a hub for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching.
Taormina, Sicily
Taormina has all the elements for a gorgeous Mediterranean destination: ancient ruins, a charming old town, and a setting backed by Mount Etna, an active volcano you can summit by foot.
Dal Lake, India
The snow-capped Zabarwan Range rise above Kashmir’s romantic Dal Lake, a long-time Himalayan escape for Indians fleeing the south’s heat. During the summer, veranda-clad cedar houseboats bob along the lake’s western edge while floating markets and brightly-painted taxi boats drift by.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The world’s largest barrier reef is an unrivaled experience for snorkelers and divers. The sensational underwater world is made up of 2,900 individual reefs, 900 islands, and a mind-boggling diversity of marine life.
Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan
Near the foot of the world’s ninth-highest mountain (Nanga Parbat), Fairy Meadows offers sublime mountain scenery and wildlife, including brown bears, markhor, and Himalayan ibex. Be forewarned: The road to get there has been dubbed the second deadliest road on the planet by the World Health Organization. To get to Fairy Meadows, you’ll have to be escorted by locals, in groups of six people at a time.
Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China
Thousands of tapering quartz sandstone formations spiral skyward in this 100-square-mile stretch of karst terrain. Beneath the towers lie valleys, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural bridges, and dense green forest.
Banff National Park, Canada
Canada’s oldest national park showcases the majesty of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Banff is known for its staggering peaks, dense pine forests, hot springs, animals (grizzlies, bighorn sheep, and moose all call the park home), and almost eerily azure glacier-fed lakes, such as the postcard-perfect Peyto Lake.
Wadi Rum Reserve, Jordan
Wadi Rum is a stunning red-desert landscape filled with canyons, dunes, mountains, springs, archeological sites, and stone archways (brave hikers can cross the largest, Burdah Rock Bridge, which is more than 200 feet above the ground).
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, New Zealand
Glaciers carved this awe-inspiring valley, leaving behind craggy peaks with sheer drops into glistening waters. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Te Wahipounamu, Milford Sound is blessed with waterfalls, rainbows, rainforest, and a diversity of wildlife — everything from black coral to bottlenose dolphins, with seals and even penguins in between.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Blissfully isolated 217 miles off the Brazilian mainland, this lovingly-preserved archipelago offers pristine beaches and clear waters abundant in marine life perfect for world-class snorkeling.
The Algarve, Portugal
Surrounded by the Atlantic to the south and west, Portugal’s Algarve region looks and feels like a wild respite. Wind-sculpted cliffs and headlands frame big, sandy beaches popular with surfers and dotted with secret coves and grottoes.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Solitary Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most stunning icons, rising more than 19,000 feet from coffee and banana farms up to snowy volcanic peaks. Along the way, hikers trek through distinct climate zones, from rainforest to high-altitude desert to the arctic-like summit (aka «the roof of Africa»).
Mount Fuji, Japan
Both an active volcano and an icon of serenity, Mount Fuji is one of the world’s most magnificent sights. You can hike to the sacred landmark’s summit for sweeping views or simply gape at it from Lake Kawaguchi and elsewhere in the beautiful Five Lakes region. Head to the spa town of Hakone in winter to pair crisp Fuji views with steaming hot springs.
Li River, China
The Li River carves through the lowland farms and jagged karst terrain of northwestern Guangxi, creating some of China’s most picturesque scenery (the area is so pretty, it appears on the 20 yuan banknote). A four- to five-hour river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most popular way to experience Li River, though travelers wanting more autonomy can rent bamboo rafts or hike — the natural moon-shaped arch of Moon Hill makes a glorious lookout.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como has been one of Italy’s most popular vacation spots since the time of the Roman emperors. This unabashedly high-rolling resort area still attracts a posh crowd with its lush gardens, cinematic palaces and villas, and sun-soaked alpine shores. Take the funicular to the tiny village of Brunate for an amazing panorama.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Like so many of Earth’s most stunning sights, Crater Lake is the result of earth-altering, volcanic forces. Its 1,943-foot depth makes it the deepest lake in the U.S., filled with mesmerizingly deep blue waters fed by rain and snow. View its perfection from hiking trails, boat tours, and the 33-mile Rim Drive around the caldera. (Keep in mind, some attractions like boat tours and the scenic Rim Drive close for the winter season.)
Big Sur, California
Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure
Even considering California’s 840 miles of monumental coastline, it’s hard to rival the beauty of Big Sur. Thick redwood forest, foggy canyons, and rocky cliffs tumbling into the Pacific define this area (the name refers to both the town and the coastal region), made all the more famous for its freewheeling NorCal vibes and Old Hollywood history.
Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee
With half a million acres split by Tennessee and North Carolina, this famous park’s wondrous mountain scenery encompasses hardwood forests, steep-sided ravines cut through by rivers and streams, and brilliant wildflowers in bloom from spring to fall. Hikers have 150 trails available to them, from the Appalachian Trail’s Charlies Bunion hike to the more challenging Rainbow Falls route.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The scenery alone — waterfalls, calderas, misty bamboo forests — makes Volcanoes National Park a worthy contender of any travel list. The mystical setting is all the more special for hosting buffaloes, birds, golden monkeys, and the elusive mountain gorilla.
Editor’s Note: Monthly Ticket is a CNN Travel series that spotlights some of the most fascinating topics in the travel world. In March, we’re heading to the great outdoors.
CNN
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The world’s a spectacular place, full of hidden and overt beauty in every corner.
But beauty’s also subjective. It’d be impossible to get a unanimous decision on the most beautiful places around the world, but we believe this list is a good start to plan your travels.
CNN Travel has rounded up the best of the best.
From lush African forests to vast Latin American deserts, watery Balkan paradises to ancient Middle Eastern cities, here are our picks for the world’s top breathtaking, beautiful destinations:
Dense, lush and otherworldly, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the last redoubts of the mountain gorilla. Several hundred call this UNESCO-protected national park home, with the chance for visitors to trek to and meet habituated groups.
Its biodiversity extends far beyond its most famous inhabitants, however; almost 350 bird species and around 220 butterfly species can be found within its 331-square-kilometer expanse.
Thanks to its relative inaccessibility in the heart of Kenya, Samburu is a haven for some of Africa’s most beguiling wildlife.
The grassland and acacia-dotted landscapes of its national reserve are home to the endangered reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra, as well as the pioneering Elephant Watch Camp.
At 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), Mount Toubkal lays claim to the title of “the roof of North Africa.”
The path to its summit zigzags across empty valleys, past holy shrines and up steep snowfields before emerging onto a ridge that falls away to give climbers unrivaled views across the Atlas Mountains. It’s a peaceful world away from the buzz of nearby Marrakech.
China’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province is known for its towering sandstone pillars.
Best explored on foot, its back trails make for an easy way to escape the crowds and find the best views. As the mists descend, it’s easy to see why this area has long been an inspiration for traditional Chinese paintings.
Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular natural attractions in Southeast Asia and one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam.
With 1,969 islets of hulking limestone and deep, green waters that are home to myriad floating villages, this is a place where time slows to a standstill.
Sail on a junk boat or pick up a kayak, and get lost in the quieter reaches of this vast and fascinating corner of the South China Sea.
At the northerly tip of the Philippine island of Palawan, El Nido is the ideal base for a diving adventure. Bacuit Bay, to the west, is the best place to start, with lagoons and shallow bays playing home to an unbelievable array of marine life.
Its beaches aren’t too shabby either: Nacpan Beach is a true slice of paradise; azure waters and pristine white sand satisfy even the most discerning of beach bums, while the peaceful town of Sibaltan in the east offers tropical relaxation in a setting that feels impossible to beat.
With its otherworldly landscapes and close connections to native Maori culture, Rotorua is New Zealand’s crowning glory.
Hot Water Beach, on the shores of Lake Tarawara, is the ideal place for a dip in the geothermal-heated waters. Hike through 60-meter (197-foot) high California Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest and catch sight of the region’s lakes, the kind of view that feels as if it can never be matched when you’re taking it all in.
Formerly known as the Olgas, Kata Tjuta, in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, is one of the most sacred sites in Aboriginal culture.
The Anangu people, who have lived here for over 22,000 years, manage the land with Australian park authorities. The site’s stone domes are best explored as the light changes at sunrise and sunset – dedicated tours led by Anangu people explain the significance of the “Many Heads” and their place in their traditional myths, known as Dreamtime tales.
The sand of its 1,200 islands is as white as it gets, the water a deep blue that puts all other seas in the shade. The Indian Ocean nation of the Maldives has developed into the world’s premier tropical hotspot for a reason.
Best of all, there’s plenty of beach to go around, with over 100 private resorts and welcoming, affordable guesthouses around the Male and Ari atolls. Sip on a cocktail, take a swim or dive to some of the finest coral reefs on the planet, where schools of fish sweep and sharks hide in the depths.
Growing up with Petra, Jordan, as a playground
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The perfectly preserved ancient Nabatean city of Petra is renowned for the narrow passage of the Siq, which leads to the famous Treasury, or Al Khazna.
Explore its temples, tombs and alleyways on a camel or strap on your walking boots and hike around its walkways for a truly mesmerizing experience.
With the clearest skies on the planet, Chile’s Atacama Desert is the ultimate destination for stargazing. It’s Earth’s driest desert, meaning cloud cover is nonexistent, so even without a telescope, you’ll get views of the night sky that’ll take your breath away.
The landscape is stunning, too, with deep craters and smoldering volcanoes visible on the horizon as the sun goes down.
Shrouded in near permanent cloud, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica is the most magical corner of this small, biodiverse country.
Its muggy, damp environment is a haven for an astonishing array of birds, big cats and insects. Keep a keen eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of Earth’s most beautiful birds. The winding trails through lush undergrowth make it easy to explore, too.
Accessible only by foot, Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is one of the most fascinating ancient ruins on Earth. Believed to pre-date Peru’s Machu Picchu by as much as 650 years, the city’s terraces and statues attract far fewer visitors, making it much less hectic to explore.
The hike to Ciudad Perdida itself is one of the greatest hikes in the world, a multiday adventure through lush rainforest that is unforgettable as it is challenging.
Dominica is known as “nature island” for a reason. This tiny Caribbean state, focused on hot springs and rainforest treks rather than flopping on the beach, is nothing like its neighboring islands.
Boiling Lake, in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is accessible via steep, mountainous paths, an ethereal body of water that is well worth the hike. For divers, Champagne Reef, with its explosions of colorful plants and fish, is a true paradise.
In the middle of the Arctic Ocean, between the North Pole and mainland Norway, the Svalbard Islands are the perfect destination for polar exploration.
The thousands of polar bears make Svalbard one of the best places in the world to see these increasingly elusive creatures up close, while its dark wintry skies are regularly cloaked in the Northern Lights. Ride a snowmobile or take a husky ride across the monochrome snowscape.
The glistening blue water. The soaring backdrop of the Julian Alps. The famous church perched on an island at its center. It’s no surprise that Lake Bled has developed into one of the hottest destinations in Europe in recent years.
That means big crowds in summer, but don’t be put off. Ripe for hiking and swimming adventures, this is a corner of Slovenia that demands to be explored.
Turkey’s Mediterranean coast gets all the attention when it comes to getting some much-needed rest. But Cappadocia, deep within the Anatolian plains at the country’s center, is the country’s greatest gem.
The Fairy Chimneys near Gerome are the area’s most enduring sight, with ancient churches and monasteries carved into the bizarre geological formations. Its underground cities are also essential stop-offs.
Perched on Italy’s gorgeous Amalfi Coast, Positano is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. Known for its gorgeous boutique hotels and waterside restaurants, not to mention the Byzantine Church of Maria Assunta, it makes for the perfect summer getaway.
Make sure to appreciate its full form by taking a boat out from the pebble beach for excellent sunset views.
Dramatics mountains, moody weather and ancient lakes have all helped make the UNESCO-protected Lake District an inspiration for artists, dreamers and wanderers.
Wordsworth and Coleridge’s poetry helped turn this stunning corner of England into a tourist’s haven, while the hand-drawn guide books and maps of rambler Alfred Wainwright have made it a must-do for walkers and those looking to escape the bustle of the city.
Croatia’s status as the ultimate European outdoor escape has long been assured. And in Plitvice Lakes National Park, which has enjoyed protected status since 1949, lies one of the most arresting sights in the world: 16 lakes connected via waterfalls that are constantly changing the formation of the tufa rocks over which they flow.
A vast network of paths and boardwalks around the lakes make it easy to explore, with lush woodland and beguiling wildlife at every turn.
With over 2,000 miles (3,220 kilometers) of coastline, almost 10,000 lakes and acres of soaring mountains, Vancouver Island is like Canada in miniature.
Its surfing is world-class, while visitors can join a summer boat tour for possible orca sightings. Land lovers have plenty to appreciate about the backtrails criss-crossing the island, encouraging exploration by bike or on foot. Head toward the forest on the trail of Roosevelt elk and grizzly bears for more thrills.
Home to North America’s highest peak, Denali National Park is one of the most tranquil places on Earth. Its six million acres of wild space make for the perfect escape, whether on a mountaineering adventure or a bus ride along the Denali Park Road.
In September and October, look out for moose engaged in the annual “rut” – males battling for dominance, often in fights to the death. Grizzly bears can be seen throughout the year, too. Come in winter for a chance to catch sight of the Northern Lights.
No river meander captures the imagination as much as Horseshoe Bend. Here, the Colorado River turns back on itself having spent thousands of years carving a route through the desert.
Close to the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, it’s within easy walking distance of the nearest road, making it a breeze to grab a quick snap from the lookout above the outer edge of the bend.
Renowned for its rich fossil beds, Badlands, named by the native Lakota tribe for its arid and extreme terrain, is unlike anywhere else in the United States.
The short Door Trail affords superb views of the surreal rocky peaks that cover the landscape. It’s possible to camp here, watching the sun rise and color the rocks in brilliant hues.
Monument Valley is the Wild West of the imagination. Its bright red mesas and buttes, standing high above the desert, are the stuff of legend.
Ideal for a road trip, iconic Route 163 offers some of the best views of this protected land. It’s possible to get up close on horseback tours and live out those Western movie dreams.
This article was first published in April 2019 and updated in March 2023.