People often ask me what’s the most beautiful place that I have ever seen. But this question is always difficult to answer. There are so many amazing destinations in the world, that you couldn’t possibly put them in one list. Even if you think you’ve seen it all, chances are there are still a few unique places that you haven’t experienced.
Table of Contents
- 20 AMAZING DESTINATIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
- 1. Torres del Paine, Chile
- 2. Laguna de Los Tres, Argentina
- 3. Iguazú Falls, Argentina
- 4. NaPali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
- 5. Grand Canyon, Arizona
- 5. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- 6. Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
- 7. Yosemite National Park, California
- 8. Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska
- 9. Lake Como, Italy
- 10. Hallstatt, Austria
- 11. Havasupai Canyon Waterfalls, Arizona
- 12. Petra, Jordan
- 13. Australian Outback in the Red Center
- 13. Loire Valley, France
- 14. Great Barrier Reef
- 15. The Pacific Coast, California
- 16. Taormina, Sicily
- 17. Tanzania, Africa
- 18. French Riviera
- 19. Yuanyang Terraced Fields, China
- 20. Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan
20 AMAZING DESTINATIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
In our 30 years of travel we visited some fantastic destinations which we’d love to share with you. So here they are, in no particular order:
1. Torres del Paine, Chile
Nothing can quite prepare you for your first glimpses of the Torres del Paine National Park, in Patagonia. It’s intimidating and utterly unforgettable. A paradise of pristine rivers, roaring waterfalls, massive ice fields, and vertiginous granite peaks. Patagonia is pretty much at the top of our list of the most beautiful nature destinations in the world. A destination definitely worth adding to your bucket list ideas.
2. Laguna de Los Tres, Argentina
The tiny turquoise lake at the foot of the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy in Argentinean Patagonia, is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to.
The majestic mountain complex has three peaks: Cerro Fitzroy (3,405m), Cerro Torre (3,128m), and Poincenot (2,558m). Hence the name of the lagoon at its foot – Laguna de Los Tres (the Lake of the Three).
3. Iguazú Falls, Argentina
You might have seen the photos of the Iguazu Falls before, or maybe read about it. But coming face to face with this mighty falls is like coming face to face with a dragon.
Located on the border of the Argentina province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parana, Iguazú National Park is one of the world’s most stunning natural sites.
4. NaPali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai’s Na Pali coast is arguably the most amazing confluence of land and sea on earth: cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs and water worn inlets.
Na Pali can be hiked, seen from a helicopter, or enjoyed from the boat. In my opinion, boating and hiking are the best ways to explore this 15-mile long pristine coast.
5. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is by far Arizona’s most recognizable landmark and at the top of the list of US National Parks. It’s also one of the closest National Parks to Las Vegas.
Measuring roughly 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon offers plenty of outdoor activities from hiking, to zip-lining, horseback riding and whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.
5. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Located in the Rocky Mountains, Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and Banff one of the most unbelievable places we’ve ever visited. Banff is the epitome of perfection. A place of beauty, tranquility and peace, where you instantly forget about your busy life and daily worries.
6. Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland at an elevation of 3,466 meters, the tall peak of Jungfraujoch will make you feel like you are in a different world. Icy air streams across your face, snow crunches under your feet, and the view nearly takes your breath away. Standing amidst this world of glaciers and everlasting snow makes your heart skip a beat.
7. Yosemite National Park, California
National parks are by definition astonishing destinations, but Yosemite is by far the most impressive national park I’ve ever seen. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is not just a great valley. It’s the strength of granite, the power of glaciers and the roaring of the waterfalls, all gathered together in a shrine of beauty and tranquility.
Yosemite National Park is best known for its deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and so much more.
8. Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska
If you are looking for truly untouched nature, Alaska is the place to go. Everywhere you look there’s beauty, majesty, and tranquility.
One of the most amazing destinations in Alaska are the pristine Misty Fjords. The huge granite cliffs rising straight up from the sea, the calm waters and the sheer beauty of the area around will astound you.
9. Lake Como, Italy
Located in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is one of Europe’s most unique destinations. A perfect mix of scenery, culture and seduction. Quaint villages, elegant villas and snow-capped mountains. This upscale resort area is known for its dramatic scenery set against the foothills of the Alps.
10. Hallstatt, Austria
The picture-perfect Hallstatt is probably one of the most scenic mountain villages in the world. Located in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt was once a very quiet place which could only be reached by boat or on foot, via narrow mountain trails.
Today however, Hallstatt has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Most tourist visit the village as a day trip from Salzburg.
11. Havasupai Canyon Waterfalls, Arizona
Hidden in the Grand Canyon of Arizona, the Havasupai Indian Reservation is not easy to reach. This gorgeous spot is for those who can ride a horse or enjoy hiking for 8 miles or more.
The area consists of a plateau dissected with deep, scenic canyons and turquoise waters. The color of the water is the result of having been stored underground – in limestone caverns or aquifers for thousands of years.
12. Petra, Jordan
Once the thriving capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, Petra was a major caravan centre during the Roman period. But in time the city’s importance declined and Petra was ultimately abandoned and forgotten.
READ NEXT: Useful Things to Know Before Visiting Jordan
Since it wasn’t marked on any modern maps, Petra remained ‘hidden’ to the Western world for more than 500 years. Today Petra is one of the world’s most amazing destinations and the very reason why most people travel to Jordan these days.
13. Australian Outback in the Red Center
One of the most beautiful destinations in the world is the Australian Outback, a vast and remote territory that stretches from the northern to southern Australian coastlines.
Perhaps the most spectacular region of the Australian Outback is the Red Center, a dry area that encompasses mountain ranges, desert plains, and Aboriginal sacred sites. This largely intact natural environment is home to a number of landmarks and national parks that are best explored on a road trip.
13. Loire Valley, France
Located in central France, just two hours away from Paris, the Loire Valley has always been a magnet for the French elite. Lured by the region’s spectacular scenery and fine wines, many aristocrats and kings of France came to live in the lush countryside of the Loire Valley, building fairy tale chateaux and impressive Renaissance-era mansions.
14. Great Barrier Reef
Considered one of the original Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is without a doubt a magical place. Whether you like gazing at the marine life, sail along the reef, or unwind on the beach in the tropical breeze, the Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Great Barrier Reef spanns over 2,300km and can be visited from many islands and ports like Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, and others.
15. The Pacific Coast, California
One of the most dramatic stretches of coastline the world is without a doubt the California’s Pacific Coast drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This famous coastal region is dotted with tiny picturesque towns, redwood forests, state parks, and rich marine wildlife. The Pacific Coast is one of the top destinations in the United States.
16. Taormina, Sicily
Of all the amazing towns in Sicily, Taormina is perhaps the most amazing one. The city enjoys a spectacular location, surrounded by tall mountains and iconic beaches. and a dramatic coastline.
In contrast with other Sicilian towns, Taormina sits high up on a promontory overlooking a dramatic coastline. The city is a must on every European bucket list.
17. Tanzania, Africa
Tanzania is many things to many people. To safari lovers it means gazing at elephants, lions, leopards, and rhino in the Serengeti National Park. To outdoor enthusiasts it means the vast majesty of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
This culturally diverse country that is home to 126 tribes, each speaking their own language, is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Africa.
18. French Riviera
The French Riviera (or Côte d’Azur) is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, due to the region’s sunny weather and amazing scenery. The beautiful coast has always been a magnet for the European elite who has been gathering here during the cold winter months since the 1940s.
The French Riviera stretches along the coast from Menton to Théoule sur Mer and up into the Southern Alps. Some of the most famous cities on the French Riviera include Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and the small state of Monaco. There are also over 14 natural parks, Roman ruins, and countless perched medieval villages in this area.
19. Yuanyang Terraced Fields, China
The picture-perfect Yuanyang is considered the largest and most spectacular Rice Terrace in the world. Located on the slopes of Ailao Mountain in the province of Yunnan, China, these amazing rice terraces were built about 2500 years ago, by the ancestors of Hani people.
But what makes them so unique? The water from the rain and from the mountain springs around flows down to the rice terraces and the whole cycle repeats itself perpetually. However, without the hard work of maintaining the terrace walls and irrigation system, the precious topsoil would wash down the hillsides.
20. Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan
The Wadi Rum is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world and an absolute must, if you travel to Jordan. This desert valley located the southern part of of the country is also known as “Valley of the Moon.”
Unlike other deserts in the world, the Wadi Rum it’s not so much made of sand dunes, but rather of soaring cliffs and granite mountains. The only inhabitants of this area are a few Bedouin tribes and their goats and camels.
Elaine J Masters
Love your photos and I was so pleasantly surprised to see the pinnacle from Misty Fjords. We cruised by while staying with fishing friends from Ketchikan. So much beauty in the world!
Anda Galffy
I agree, Elaine, and so little time to see it all.
Indra
I visited the Pacific Coast, Grand Canyon, Yuanyang, and Kauai.Hope to do the others sometime
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Such beautiful photos and a great list! I have been to only 3 (Great Barrier Reef, Yosemite and Grand Canyon). Banff and Iguazu Falls are so high on my list. There are so many incredible places we have yet to visit. Thanks for the inspiration!
Anda Galffy
You are welcome Mary. Banff and Iguazu Falls and perhaps the most grandiose from my list so you should definitely strive to visit them.
Anda Galffy
I was there over 15 years ago, when my brother in law used to live in New Caledonia. He and my husband are great scuba divers and visiting the Great Barrier Reef was their dream. In fact the photos have been taken by my brother in law.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
I’ve only been to a few of these places, so I need to get moving and see the rest. Iguazu Falls would be incredible to see (and hear) in person, I’m sure. I’ve snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, but frankly, I think I may not have been in the best spot. We were in a place that, it turns out, is best known for its sea grass and turtles. I had been hoping fore more coral.
Jacki
I loved reading through this post! I have been to a few but am dying to see the rest of them, great photos.
Ruth
So many great places in here. I have only been to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite but look forward to visit the other places. The Havasupai Canyon is not that far from Southern California but the 8 to 10 mile hike sounds scary (more if you think you have to carry all your camping stuff with you).
Anda Galffy
You can take a horse down to the Havasupay Canyon, but it’s kind of scary. The road is very narrow and the horses stumble all the time making it feel that you are going to fall into the ravine.