TOP 50 BEAUTIFUL PLACES OF THE WORLD
- 1. ANGEL FALLS, VENEZUELA
This country overflows with natural wonders, including the world's highest waterfall – Angel Falls, with 3,212ft cascades, located in the UNESCO-protected Canaima National Park. Canaima is by far Veneuzela's most popular attraction, and the falls stretch an astounding 19 times higher than those at Niagara. Also, Pixar animators used the location as inspiration for the film Up, so it must be good.
2. ANTARCTICAAlthough 99 per cent of Antarctica is covered with ice, the scenery still manages to be diverse – surreal blue glaciers, active volcanoes, the rough waterways of the Drake Passage and 360-degree views of untouched snow. And those views are made even better when an emperor penguin or humpback whale makes an appearance.
3. ANTELOPE CANYON, ARIZONAThis slot canyon (and Instagram darling) is in the American south-west. Antelope Canyon’s Navajo name translates to ‘the place where water runs through rocks’ – an allusion to its creation through erosion. The narrow, undulating spaces between rock formations allow for vivid patterns when sunlight filters through the striated stone.
4. ATACAMA DESERT, CHILEHave you ever dreamed of exploring the moon? A trip to Valle de la Luna in Chile’s Atacama Desert is a much shorter flight. Years of erosion have left behind jagged peaks, dry riverbeds and a landscape startlingly similar to that of our favourite celestial body.
5. ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE, JAPANEvery traveller should experience the ethereal glow and seemingly endless heights of this bamboo grove on the outskirts of Kyoto. The experience even extends beyond the visual realm: in 1996, Japan's Ministry of the Environment included the Arashiyama spot as one of the top 100 Soundscapes of Japan, because of its creaking wood and rustling leaves.
6. AVENUE OF THE BAOBABS, MADAGASCARSeparated from continental Africa by 250 miles of water, Madagascar is the greatest adventure you haven't had yet. The island nation's secrets include giant moths, bug-eyed lemurs and places such as the surreal Avenue of the Baobabs, where the centuries-old trees reach heights of nearly 100ft.
7. THE AZORES, PORTUGALRoughly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago can inspire wanderlust with a single photograph. The verdant valleys, steep oceanside cliffs, rows of blue hydrangeas and scattering of waterfalls make the Azores a destination worth exploring – just make sure you visit before everyone you know beats you to it.
8. BANFF NATIONAL PARK, CANADAEasily one of the most beautiful spots in Canada, Banff National Park overwhelms with views of the Canadian Rockies and a regular cast of wildlife. The park is also known for its abundance of lakes, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and glacial Lake Minnewanka – each one more pristine than the last.
9. BORACAY, PHILIPPINESWith its gentle coastlines and transporting sunsets, it's easy to see why Boracay was voted one of the best islands in the world by our readers. Unfortunately, it closed for ‘rehabilitation’ last year to compensate for overcrowding and unregulated development, but has since reopened to a limited number of visitors per day.
10. BOULDERS BEACH, SOUTH AFRICALocated on the False Bay Coastline, about 17 miles south of Table Mountain, Boulders Beach shows off Cape Town's famous landscapes – bright blue water, granite boulders. It’s also known for its penguins. Many people come here to swim a few feet away from the adorable African penguin community, but feel free to just sit back and admire the coast as well.
11. CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICOHome to 67 national parks, more than 5,000 miles of coastline, plus deserts and snow-capped volcanoes, Mexico is so much more than the stuff of party-holiday clichés. Case in point: Cabo San Lucas. Venture outside of your all-inclusive retreat to experience the region's turquoise waters, marine life and legendary Arch of Cabo San Lucas, standing where the Gulf of California meets the Pacific Ocean.
12. CAPPADOCIA, TURKEYThis Turkish region, where entire cities have been carved into rock, is incredible on its own. But whenever hot-air balloons pepper the sky, its awe-inspiring level skyrockets.
13. CLIFFS OF MOHER, IRELANDFew places exemplify the raw, untamed appeal of Ireland’s west coast as this natural wonder, which tops 702ft at the highest point. And, while some might know them better as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride, in reality, the cliffs are located just south of Galway.
14. DENALI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKADespite controversies over name changes and a shrinking elevation, Denali's beauty is worth braving the extreme low temperatures. Take a road trip to see as much of the six-million acres of shimmering lakes and rugged mountains as you can.
15. DISKO BAY, GREENLANDGreenland is icy, mysterious and one of the most naturally striking places on the planet. Disko Bay perfectly illustrates the untouched essence of the island with its impressive icebergs, charming coastal settlements and common sightings of breaching humpback whales.
16. GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADORDo we really have to explain the appeal of the Galápagos? Make it your next travel goal to visit this stretch of Ecuador, with dinosaur-like giant tortoises lumbering through the tall grass and real-life blue-footed boobies. Our tip: a trip on the water is the preferred way to explore the islands. Celebrity Cruises’s Xpedition only ferries 100 passengers and holds nightly lectures by naturalists from Galápagos National Park.
17. GRAND CANYON, ARIZONAThe Grand Canyon National Park kicked off its centennial celebration this year, and all signs are pointing to it being an epic time to visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Plan to hike some of the park's most scenic loops – such as Horseshoe Bend and the South Rim Trail – for views of the rocky badlands of the Painted Desert, Navajo Nation and even a waterfall or two.
18. THE GREAT BARRIER REEF AND WHITEHAVEN BEACH, AUSTRALIAAlthough the Great Barrier Reef – 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. If you must resurface, do it at the Whitsundays – namely Whitehaven Beach, often considered to be one of the world's best beaches.
19. FAROE ISLANDSIf you haven't already heard of the Faroe Islands, you will soon. With its grass-roofed houses, rocky coastlines and abundance of puffins, the self-governed group of 18 volcanic islands is basically one giant photo opportunity. Mulafossur Waterfall might be the archipelago's most famous site – the cascade is like something from a fantasy novel, falling over the cliffs of Vagar Island to the ocean below, with the green hills of Gásadalur village as its backdrop.
20. FERNANDO DE NORONHA, BRAZILThis archipelago off the north-east coast of Brazil consists of 21 islands, with some of the best beaches and landscapes in the country. Think waterfalls, towering cliffs, stretches of white sand and – perhaps best of all – limited tourists.
- 21. HALONG BAY, VIETNAM
Halong Bay, located in north-east Vietnam, is best-loved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands, all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife. Board a Chinese junk boat to experience the beauty – and associated myths and stories – of the mist-shrouded emerald basin for yourself.
22. ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLANDWith fairy pools and endless, undulating hills, the magical Isle of Skye is the stuff dreams are made of (regardless of whether you've binge-watched Outlander or not). While the nature here is timeless, the island has a food scene that's totally modern – we can't think of a better place to sample Michelin-starred dishes.
23. LAKE BAIKAL, RUSSIAThe oldest and deepest lake on earth – it reaches a depth of one mile in some spots – is also home to the world's only freshwater seals. In winter, the lake transforms into a wonderland, with jagged ice caves encircling what amounts to the world's largest ice skating rink.
24. LAKE TEKAPO, NEW ZEALANDWhile purple, pink and blue-hued lupin flowers may hail from the USA, they seem to bloom the most vibrantly on New Zealand's South Island. At Lake Tekapo, in particular, the flowers juxtapose against the backdrop of the water to create one of the country's most stunning views.
25. LAGUNA COLORADA, BOLIVIAAbout a three-hour drive north of Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama, this salt lake in the shadow of the Andes is known for its blood-red waters – the result of algae that thrive in extreme heat. The place’s flamingos look their best from December to April, when they are breeding. Be sure to catch the water at sunset, when it’s at its reddest.
26. MACHU PICCHU, PERUThis site’s intricate stone ruins, the work of 15th-century Inca rulers, and natural setting make it a magnificent place to visit. Found at the top of a flattened mountain peak, the ancient wonder of the world benefits from the mountain scenery of Huayna Picchu, lush greenery and a barrier of Andean peaks that, despite the landmark's fame, make you feel as if you've stumbled upon a secret space.
27. MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALANDNew Zealand is no stranger to breathtaking landscapes, particularly on the west coast of the South Island. Case in point: Milford Sound, a mountainous fjord where you can live out every The Lord of the Rings fantasy.
28. MOUNT KILIMANJARO, TANZANIAAfrica's highest peak seems more striking than many other famous ones, because it's an ancient stratovolcano that's not part of any mountain range. That means the 19,000ft summit drops down to vast, flat plains on all sides, making it a mirage-like blip on Tanzania's widespread topography. As an added bonus, it requires no technical mountaineering skills to climb, so even novice hikers can cross this item off their bucket lists.
29. MOUNT FUJI, JAPANIt's hard to pick the single most stunning place in Japan, but 12,388ft Mount Fuji might just take the prize. Visit Lake Kawaguchiko in the spring for some of the best views of the mountain and postcard-worthy cherry-blossom trees. Or if you're an avid hiker, plan a trip from mid-July until the end of August, when the snow melts enough to allow access to Fuji's summit.
30. NAMIB DESERT, NAMIBIAWith its otherworldly landscapes and isolated lodges – not to mention populations of rhinos, giraffes and elephants – Namibia is like nowhere else on Earth. In fact, its red sand dunes and skeletal trees might make you think you’re on Mars rather than in south-west Africa.
31. NA PALI COAST, HAWAIIKauai has one of the world's most gorgeous coastlines, with towering waterfalls and isolated crescent beaches. Just be prepared to put in a little effort to soak up its wonders: Na Pali can only be seen from a helicopter, catamaran or on rather gruelling hike.
32. OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANAThe lush Okavango Delta – a 49-million-acre river delta in northern Botswana – is like a real-world Eden, where cheetahs, zebras, buffalo and rhinos roam freely. Visit during Africa's winter (our summer), after the rains when the delta floods: the savanna’s grasses are low, while growth along the waterways attracts tons of wildlife.
33. PAMUKKALE, TURKEYThe 17 tiered pools of Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish, are as beautiful as hot springs get. The stacks of white travertine – a form of limestone – overlook the city of Denizli while the 35°C still waters reflect the cerulean Aegean sky.
34. THE PITONS, ST LUCIAThe scenery of St Lucia can be summed up by one jaw-dropping site: a duo of striking spires known as the Pitons. The two volcanic peaks – Gros Piton and Petit Piton – are the top spots on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. A singular experience has to be hiking them, an activity which takes the better part of a day; or, if you prefer to keep your feet at sea level, plop a towel down at Sugar Beach, set dramatically (and conveniently) between the two mountains.
35. PLAYA DE LAS CATEDRALES, SPAINAs a destination on Europe's Iberian Peninsula, Spain is renowned for its island paradises and semi-remote beaches. Our go-to is Playa de Las Catedrales, a small stretch of sand on the Galician coast where natural stone arches form a walkable cathedral at low tide.
36. PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK, CROATIAIf you can make it through the crowds of selfie-taking tourists, you'll discover that Plitvice Lakes National Park more than lives up to the hype. The 16 terraced lakes of Croatia's most popular site are connected by waterfalls and vary in shades of blue, resulting in a scene that defies the imagination.
37. PROVENCE, FRANCESeemingly endless lavender fields make Provence one of the prettiest (and best-smelling) places in France. Distilleries – where the essential oil from the flowers are bottled or used to make soaps, lotions and creams – dot the area, but the unreal purple views are its real pride.
38. RAJA AMPAT ISLANDS, INDONESIAThis chain of more than 1,500 islands is strung along nearly 29,000 square miles off the western coast of West Papua. The views here are downright prehistoric: lava peaks covered in green jungle; palms sprouting out of sheer cliff walls; mist drifting in and out of deep canyons. The biodiverse archipelago is easily one of the most captivating destinations on the planet.
39. REYNISFJARA, ICELANDIf the moon had a shoreline, it would probably look something like Reynisfjara. Just a 20-minute drive from Vik in southern Iceland, jet-black sand and spectacularly shaped basalt columns make this beach one of the most impressive sites in an already impressive country.
40. SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIASouth-west Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world and is about as surreal as landscapes come. When dry, it’s a sheet of blindingly white salt tiles. And during the wet season, the shallow lake mirrors the sky, creating a dreamy illusion.
41. SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIATanzania's portion of the Serengeti is the ideal location for an African adventure. Visit between January and March to witness the annual Great Migration, a phenomenon that sees 1.5 million wildebeest sweep through East Africa on a 1,200-mile journey. Even better? Watch the stampeding animals from a safari lodge such as Singita Mara River Tented Camp or Mwiba Lodge.
42. SOCOTRA, YEMENNearly 350 miles off the south coast of Yemen, Socotra has both the remoteness and surrealism of some strange, distant planet. The UFO-like dragon's blood trees are the island's most notable feature – we dare you to find those in your friendly neighbourhood park.
43. TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILEWith its granite pillars, azure lakes and steppes filled with grazing guanacos, Torres del Paine is one of the most spectacular places in the entire Southern Hemisphere. It also happens to be an extremely popular destination for hikers: the ultra-ambitious can travel the Full Circuit – crossing the entire park – in nine days.
44. TROLLTUNGA, NORWAYAny Pinterest or Instagram user has probably seen a photograph of Norway's Trolltunga (or Troll's Tongue). The protruding rock sits about 2,300ft above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, tempting travellers to inch out to the edge. Unfortunately, it has fallen prey to ‘death by popularity’ and local organisations have called for tourist caps to protect the site. But even if you don't get your once-in-a-lifetime shot on the rock's edge, you can still soak up some epic fjord views from the surrounding mountains.
45. UBUD, BALIAs crowded as Ubud can get, the town is only minutes from dozens of authentic villages and peaceful countryside views. Rent a motorbike or bicycle at your hotel and get lost in the tangerine groves and rice paddies, kept alive by farmers just as previous generations have done for millennia.
46. ULURU, AUSTRALIANo matter how you choose to view the 700-million-year-old Uluru (or Ayers Rock) – from above by hot air balloon, across the desert on a motorcycle, hiking at the base during the technicolour sunset – witnessing its majesty should be on every traveller's list.
47. VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWENothing compares to standing in front of the world's largest waterfall, which stretches in length for a full mile. Visit between February and May after the region's rainy season for the clearest views of the 500 million litres of water that pour over the falls every 60 seconds.
48. WULINGYUAN SCENIC AREA, CHINAScenic might be an understatement in this case. This 100-square-mile attraction in China's Hunan Province contains thousands of sandstone pillars that are nature's version of skyscrapers – some are even taller than the Empire State Building's midpoint.
49. ZAKYNTHOS, GREECEFar less crowded than sister spots Mykonos and Santorini, Zakynthos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Greek islands – particularly Navagio Beach. Sheltered by cliffs, Navagio is only accessible by boat and draws its name, Shipwreck, from a freighter that ran aground, was abandoned and still rests on its white sands today.
50. ZHANGYE DANXIA LANDFORM, CHINAThese striped, multicoloured mountains are nature's answer to CGI. Red sandstone and mineral deposits have been building up in China's Danxia Landform Geological Park for more than 20 million years, causing the surreal layered effect.
This piece was originally published in 2015 and has been updated.
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