From natural wonders that attract the world's most unique wildlife to architectural stunners celebrating the evolution of mankind, our globe is dripping with beauty. From breath-taking waterfalls and jaw-dropping natural wonders to mysterious lost cities and quaint landmarks, you're never short on things to see or do.
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 humpback whales, with bottlenose dolphins, seals, and even penguins, in between. It is also home to the otherworldly Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that travels five miles through an underground cave system.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the port city is a mish-mash of cultures – Swahili, Asian, Arabic, European – while along the laid-back coast majestic dhows sail by all day long. Below, 30 of the most beautiful places in the world you should plan to visit in your lifetime.
01. Coastal Algarve, Portugal
The Coastal Algarve is a beautiful region located in the southernmost part of Portugal. It is known for its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and picturesque fishing villages. It is one of the best places on the planet to see the northern lights, making the country one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Some of the most popular destinations in the Coastal Algarve include Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, and Vilamoura. These towns offer a range of activities for tourists, including water sports, golfing, shopping, and dining.
The region is also home to several natural parks, including Ria Formosa Natural Park and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. These parks offer visitors the chance to explore the region's diverse flora and fauna, as well as its unique geological formations.
02. Shark Bay, Western Australia
Shark Bay is a world heritage site located in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, about 800 kilometers north of Perth. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse marine life, and unique geological features.
One of the most popular attractions in Shark Bay is the Francois Peron National Park, which covers a large part of the peninsula. The park offers visitors the chance to see a range of wildlife, including emus, kangaroos, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to the stunning red cliffs of the Peron Peninsula, which contrast sharply with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
03. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1000 kilometers west of Ecuador. They are known for their incredible biodiversity and unique wildlife, as well as their historical significance in the study of evolution.
The islands are home to a number of endemic species, including the Galápagos tortoise, marine iguana, and several species of finch, which famously inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Visitors to the Galápagos Islands can also see a variety of other wildlife, such as penguins, sea lions, and a wide range of bird species.
04. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America and is often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas."
Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century and is believed to have been a royal estate or religious site for the Inca emperor. The site was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham.
Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, which include a series of stone structures, terraces, and plazas. The site is known for its impressive stonework and intricate engineering, which allowed the Inca to construct buildings on steep, rocky terrain.
05. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is a stunning natural wonder located in the Gulf of Tonkin in northeastern Vietnam. It is known for its towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters, which are dotted with thousands of small islands and islets.
Visitors to Ha Long Bay can take a cruise or a kayak tour to explore the many islands and caves that make up the bay. Some of the most popular attractions include the Sung Sot Cave, which is known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and the Ti Top Island, which offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
06. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece
Sarakiniko Beach is a unique and beautiful beach located on the island of Milos in Greece. The beach is known for its white volcanic rock formations, which have been sculpted by the wind and waves over time.
The beach is also surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can also explore the various caves and rock formations around the beach, or simply relax on the smooth white rocks and enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
07. Namib Desert, Namibia
The Namib Desert is a large and ancient desert located along the coast of Namibia in southern Africa. It is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world, with some areas receiving less than 10mm of rainfall per year.
Despite its arid and inhospitable environment, the Namib Desert is home to a surprising variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can see a range of desert-adapted species, such as the endemic Namib Desert beetle, the oryx, and the desert elephant.
08. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are a popular natural attraction located on the western coast of Ireland, in County Clare. They are a series of sheer cliffs that rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
The cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Visitors can take a walk along the cliff edge on a well-maintained path, or take a boat tour to see the cliffs from below.
09. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park is a breathtaking natural reserve located in the southern region of Chile, near the border with Argentina. The park is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the iconic Torres del Paine granite towers, which rise over 2000 meters above sea level.
Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including guanacos, Andean condors, and pumas. Visitors can also see stunning glaciers and turquoise-colored lakes, such as Grey Glacier and Lake Pehoe.
10. Provence, France
Provence is a region in southeastern France known for its picturesque countryside, charming villages, and rich history. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the region's beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine.
Some of the most popular attractions in Provence include the historic city of Avignon, famous for its medieval walls and the Palace of the Popes; the stunning lavender fields in the Plateau de Valensole; and the scenic hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon.
11. Lake Louise, Canada
When Dave visits Lake Louise in the Banff National Park he is reminded why we always talk to people about its beauty. Louise Glacier plunges in turquoise sea waters from this glacier. Read all about the best things to do in Banff. The entire Banff region has beautiful views. In winter, the pond hockey on Lake Louise is epic but it is beautiful in summer too. We like this in winter because we do not need a crowding!
Lake Louise is a world-renowned glacial lake located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, which are fed by glaciers in the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Lake Louise may be the standout attraction, but Canada's first national park has bountiful offerings from scenic gondola rides to exclusive wildlife tours.
Visitors to Lake Louise can enjoy a range of activities throughout the year, including hiking, skiing, ice skating, and canoeing. During the summer months, hiking trails around the lake offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, while in the winter, Lake Louise Ski Resort provides some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America.
12. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach is a pristine beach located on Whitsunday Island, which is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park in Queensland, Australia. The beach is known for its pure white silica sand, which is so fine that it is said to squeak underfoot.
Visitors to Whitehaven Beach can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The clear turquoise waters of the beach are home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. The beach is also surrounded by lush tropical forest and is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.
13. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a massive natural wonder located in northern Arizona, USA. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon stretches over 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, with a depth of over a mile.
Visitors to the Grand Canyon can explore the canyon's unique geological formations and stunning vistas by hiking, biking, or taking a guided tour. Some of the most popular hiking trails in the Grand Canyon include the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail, which offer breathtaking views of the canyon from different vantage points.
The Grand Canyon offers the most spectacular landscapes in the world, and this area really deserves the word breath-taking. The vast geology wonderland is a mile deep and 18 km wide. There are countless layers of colorful rock and amazingly captivating views.
Grand Canyon National Park is the most visited rim and accessible year round There's a reason more than 5 million people choose to visit the Grand Canyon each year.
14. Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China
The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is a vast protected park located in the Hunan Province of China. It is renowned for its spectacular natural scenery, including towering sandstone pillars, deep gorges, and waterfalls, which are believed to have inspired the floating mountains of the blockbuster movie, Avatar.
Visitors to Wulingyuan Scenic Area can explore the park by hiking along the numerous trails that lead through the forest, across suspension bridges, and up to scenic viewpoints. The park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including rare species such as the Chinese giant salamander and the South China tiger.
15. Lake Nakuru, Kenya
Lake Nakuru is a shallow soda lake located in the Great Rift Valley region of Kenya. The lake is renowned for its diverse birdlife, including thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl that feed on the algae-rich waters.
The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and baboons, as well as predators such as lions and leopards. The lake is part of the Lake Nakuru National Park, which covers an area of about 188 square kilometers and is one of the most popular parks in Kenya.
In addition to the lake and its birdlife, the park is also known for its rhino sanctuary, which was established to protect both black and white rhinoceroses from poaching. Visitors to the park can go on game drives to spot the wildlife, as well as take guided walks, birdwatching tours, and even night drives to see nocturnal animals.
16. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful and scenic stretch of coastline in the Campania region of Italy, located in the southern part of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The coast extends for about 50 kilometers along the Tyrrhenian Sea, and is famous for its rugged cliffs, picturesque towns, and crystal-clear waters.
The Amalfi Coast is home to several charming towns, including Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and Praiano, each with its own unique character and attractions. Amalfi is the largest town on the coast, and is known for its stunning 9th-century cathedral and the famous Amalfi paper, which is still produced by hand using traditional methods.
Positano, with its pastel-colored houses perched on the cliffs, is one of the most iconic and photographed towns on the coast. Ravello, set high above the coast, is famous for its stunning gardens and panoramic views, while Praiano is a quieter town with a more relaxed atmosphere.
17. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a natural wonder located in western Madagascar. It is a dirt road lined with towering baobab trees, which are endemic to the island and can grow up to 30 meters tall and 11 meters in diameter. The avenue is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Madagascar's unique natural heritage.
The Avenue of the Baobabs is located in the Menabe region, between the towns of Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina. The road is about 260 meters long and is flanked by around 25 to 30 baobab trees, which are estimated to be up to 800 years old. The trees are an iconic feature of Madagascar's landscape and have cultural and spiritual significance to the local people.
18. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in central Croatia. The park is famous for its interconnected series of 16 lakes, which are fed by numerous waterfalls and cascades, creating a breathtaking landscape of turquoise blue waters, lush green forests, and rugged limestone cliffs.
The park covers an area of around 300 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including bears, wolves, and over 120 species of birds. Visitors to the park can explore a network of hiking trails and boardwalks that wind their way through the lakes and waterfalls, offering spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.
19. Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji, also known as Fujisan, is an active volcano located on the island of Honshu in Japan. It is the highest mountain in Japan, with an elevation of 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), and is one of the most iconic symbols of Japan.
Mount Fuji is a sacred site in Japan and has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. The mountain is also a popular destination for hikers and climbers, with thousands of people ascending it each year during the climbing season from July to early September.
20. Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest, Japan
Arashiyama is a beautiful district located in the western part of Kyoto, Japan. It is known for its scenic beauty, historic temples, and natural attractions, including the famous Bamboo Forest.
The Bamboo Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Arashiyama and is a serene and peaceful place to take a walk. The bamboo groves are towering, with tall and slender stalks swaying in the wind. Visitors can walk along the paths that wind through the groves, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the unique sound of the rustling bamboo.
21. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten archipelago breaks dramatically from the Norwegian Sea. Between steep and jagged mountain ranges are charming fishing villages and quiet beaches surrounded by secluded coves.
22. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The worlds largest barrier reef and its most life-like species offer snorkelling and dive experiences unmatched. The sensational underwater world consists of vast corals and incredible marine life. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia Although the Great Barrier Reef (aka the largest living thing on Earth) can be seen from space, the best vantage point belongs to the avid snorkelers and scuba divers who visit each year.
23. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Although purple, pink, and blue lupine blooms are not native to New Zealand (and originate in the Americas), they appear in particular on Oceania's South Island. The blooms are juxtaposed with the backdrop of the crystal clear water to create a breathtaking view of Lake Tekapo. Photographers.
24. Blue lagoon, Iceland
A few of Iceland's finest sites are apparently man-made. The Blue Lagoon's waters come from an underground geothermal system that flows by turbines to the lagoon through its aqueducts. Natural geologic layers provide water with a rich mineral content that travellers can take advantage of while soaking in the rich clay.
25. Cape Town, South Africa
Is there any chance you could see a penguin waddling around? Is it possible? There is not much reason to save up to go to Antarctica, though this is incredibly high on many bucket list lists. On the shores of the most spectacular beaches in South Africa, animals mix to find the perfect match. Getty Images.
26. Norway Fjords
Upon the Norwegian cruise, the sights were breathtaking. When I sat in my chair I looked at my camera. Reflecting on the water made for an extraordinary view.
27. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Africas highest peak is more striking than most known mountain ranges since it is a long-lived stratovolcano and does not belong to mountains. This means the 139,000 foot summit is soaring over wide flat plains on all sides and is therefore an illusionary piece of the Tanzanian landscape. It requires no technical mountaineering abilities and is able to take a hike without much technical training. The Getty.
28. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
Victoria Falls - an amazing natural marvel spanning Zimbabwe and Zambia borders is located in Victoria Falls. The smoke thunders, or thunder as locals call it, is surrounded by a range of destinations for whitewater rafting and helicopter rides, as well as big game safaris.
29. Railay West, Thailand
Krabi's most popular karsts meet a jade-green lagoon on its western side. The vertical cliff blocks access to the Krabi mainland and makes Railay accessible only via boat - adding a remarkable charm.
30. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The salty plateau has an elevation of 4000 square miles in Bolivia. In the rainy season the seaside is covered in endless white salt sheets that sparkle under clear sunny skies. November to March normal precipitations create mirror effects that mix lakes. Salar Uyuni is an incredible view.
Note: Considered to be as stunning as the Grand Canyon, and one of the most beautiful places in all of China, the mountains present dramatic colors of maroon, magenta, yellows and greens due to trace minerals within the sandstone.
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