The world is full of many stunning and surreal destinations.
There are a number of places on this earth where you have to stop and pinch yourself when you visit. However, there are some places in particular that make you feel that you’ve left the planet entirely. Here are 25 of the most beautiful places in the world.
Pulpit Rock, Norway
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway, Pulpit Rock is a steep and massive 604 metre cliff situated above the Lysefjord fjord and is considered one of the most spectacular viewing points in the world.
Easter Island, Chile
Covered in over 800 enormous (and mysterious) rock heads, this spectacular remote Polynesian island is full of unspoiled beauty and natural wonder. Beyond the spectacular human figures carved from stone, Easter Island also contains some of the world’s most spectacular volcanoes and beaches.
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
While it may not have the most creative name, located off the coast of Belize, this sensational submarine sinkhole is so large it can be seen from space. It is also a diver’s paradise with water 407 feet deep and over 980 feet wide and was a favorite destination of the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau.
The Wave, Arizona, USA
Known as “The Wave” due to its intersecting U-shaped troughs, Photographers from around the world flock here to take a photo of this surreal sandstone rock formation near the Arizona and Utah border on the Coyote Buttes slopes. This natural wonder dates back to the Jurassic Period and is so fragile in nature that a daily lottery system is used to distribute only 10 visiting permits per day.
Meteora, Greece
Meaning “middle of the sky” in Greek, this formation of monolithic pillars and hills are currently home to six monasteries. Visitors can not only bask in the beauty of these sacred sandstone peaks, but can also see the inside of the ancient cave-like monasteries perched on top of them.
The Great Wall of China, China
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this massive man-made structure stretches thousands of miles long and is known to make many visitors pick up their jaws. Not only are the views absolutely stunning as it’s atop a mountain ridge, but it’s even more awe-inspiring when you begin to think of all the human hands that built this iconic monument.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
This picturesque Polynesian island is the definition of a tropical island paradise. This breathtaking island is known for its magnificent turquoise waters, clear white sand beaches and lush greenery. As beautiful as the photos are, this favourite honeymoon destination is even more breathtaking in person.
Machu Picchu, Peru
This ancient Incan city situated 7,980 feet above sea level is a complex of palaces, temples and homes that act as evidence of the Inca Empire. It’s amazing that this well-known archeological site was never revealed to Peru’s conquering Spaniards and remained hidden until its discovery in 1911. Its preservation is largely attributed to this fact. While it may have once been isolated, it is now Peru’s most popular tourist attraction.
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Some of the most stunning scenes in all of the United States can be found in Glacier National Park. The park was founded in 1910 and at one million acres in size, it contains a few of the North American continent’s most stunning mountain lakes such as Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, Bowman Lake and Two Medicine Lake.
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Located on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border along the course of Zambezi River, this spectacular 354-foot-high is a feat of nature. Several hundred thousand visitors per year make the trip to either Zambia or Zimbabwe to enjoy majestic views of the falls from well-marked viewpoints. Adventure seekers can also get a more up close and personal look at Victoria Falls by taking a sunset river cruise, bungee jumping, white-water rafting and zip lining.
Pamukkale, Turkey
This stunning geological phenomenon meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish is the site of the well-preserved ruins of the Greek-Roman city of Hierapolis. These ancient host springs can be visited all year round, but if you want to actually bathe in them, the winter is your best bet.
Benteng Chittorgarh, India
Found on the southern part of the state of Rajasthan Berach River India, Chittorgarh—the largest fort in India—is spread over 700 acres and houses a variety of houses, regals palaces, temples and towers. Benteng Chittorgarh rises from the adjoining plains underneath, stands at a height of 180 meters, and is home to majestic palaces such as the Rana Kumbha Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace.
Venice, Italy
This picturesque Italian city, situated across a group of 117 small islands connected by canals and bridges is not surprisingly one of the world’s most popular romantic getaway destinations. It also provides one of the most unique urban transportation experiences as the gondolas offer a beautiful view of the city’s gorgeous venetian gothic architecture.
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, France
Perched on top of an island found in the bay where Normandy and Brittany merge, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is certainly a site to behold. Built in 708, the former Benedictine abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is an absolute masterpiece of medieval architecture. Also, the view of the bay from atop the abbey’s terrace towering 80 metres high is absolutely unforgettable.
Reed Flute Caves, China
Lit up by their artificial multicolored lights, the reed flute caves are an experience to behold! Considered one of China’s most popular tourist attractions, this striking limestone cave is filled with a stunning variety of stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations grown into a variety of whimsical and majestic shapes.
The Tunnel of Love, Ukraine
Believe it or not, one of the world’s most romantic places can be found near the city of Klevin in Ukraine. This lush tunnel of trees is the area’s most popular attraction and looks like it has come straight out of a fairy tale. Couples from all over Ukraine and other parts of Europe come to the Tunnel of Love in order to kiss and make a wish. As local legend has it, if a couple’s love is sincere, any wish made in the Tunnel of Love will come true.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Known for its bright white sands, Whitehaven Beach is a 7km stretch found along Whitsunday Island. Accessible by boat from the ports of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbor, as well as Hamilton Island, it is considered one of Australia’s nicest (and cleanest) beaches. Whitehaven can also be considered one of the world’s most stunning beaches as well.
The Fairy Po
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
Your next trip to the United Kingdom must include a trip to the Isle of Skye to witness a series of clear, cold pools and waterfalls that look like they’re straight out of Middle Earth. These fantastical clear blue pools of water on the River Brittle are absolutely stunning and are considered one of the United Kingdom’s best wild swimming locations and one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA
This natural rainbow-colored pool is found in Yellowstone National Park and is the third largest hot spring in the world. With its technicolor glow, it isn’t surprising that it is one of Yellowstone’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can see the spring up close by hiking on foot or by arranging a helicopter ride in order to get a bird’s eye view.
Ashikaga Flower Park, Japan
This stunning park features over 100-year-old wisteria trees spreading over a 600-tatami trellis area, as well as the 80 m-long white wisteria tunnel and more than 350 other wisteria trees when they’re in full bloom each spring. This transforms Ashikaga into a spectacular vision of pinks and purples and makes this one of the worlds most beautiful places.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Once described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world,’ Milford Sound, located on the west coast of the South Island, was carved by glaciers during the ie ages. It’s an outdoors lover’s paradise as sailing, canoeing and rafting are just a few of the adventure sports that can provide visitors with the best views possible.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The three great pyramids of Egypt are absolutely marvelous feats of architecture and are an absolute wonder to experience in person. Even better is if you arrive there by camel or on horseback.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The lush inland delta acts as an oasis in an otherwise arid nation. Located deep into Africa’s untouched interior, the Okavango Delta contains a varied ecosystem which includes palm islands, thick woodland and lush vegetation. With so much natural beauty, it’s no wonder it is often referred to as the “jewel” of the Kalahari.
Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
Formed by several ancient lakes, this gigantic salt flat—the largest in the world—spans an impressive 4,086 square miles. Salar De Uyuni becomes so reflective in Bolivia’s rainy season that it is even used to calibrate satellites. In this case, you can also consider it the world’s largest mirror as well.
Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada
Its stunning coastline and spectacular cliffs make this maritime destination in Canada’s east coast one of North America’s greatest natural sites. It is also the site of the world’s highest tides, which can measure 19 meters at high tide. Over time, the Atlantic Ocean has carved a dramatic coastline around the region that features hidden caves and sandy beaches. The Bay of Fundy features many hiking trails, scenic viewpoints and lighthouses to help visitors enjoy the area’s natural splendor.
