The Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit
In this article, I discuss 50+ top-rated the most beautiful places in the world to visit. So, continue reading and discover these prettiest & top-rated the most beautiful places in the world to visit!
There's no reason travel should never end, but many go looking for those awe-inspiring moments that stop them in their tracks, looking for sights that will stay with them forever. Every day, travelers find those experiences at the ruins of Machu Picchu or the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From the azure-blue lakes of Canada to the sandy beaches of the Seychelles, there is beauty in every corner of the world. Focusing 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.
01. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
There is no better way to experience the rugged natural beauty of Patagonia than in Torres del Paine National Park.
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to its namesake granite tower (the park's name is a combination of the Spanish word for "tower" and the Tehuelche word for "blue"), as well as sparkling lagoons and otherworldly glaciers.
02. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls straddles the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. "The smoke that thunders," as it's known to locals, and the surrounding area is home to white-water rafting, helicopter rides, big-game safaris and other thrilling adventures.
03. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Part of Australia's Whitsunday Coast, the star attraction is remarkable for its amazing combination of pure silica sand and bright blue-green water.
04. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
A stretch of giant baobab trees on a dirt road near Madagascar's west coast, remnants of a once-dense forest. Centuries-old giants cast especially well in the light of sunrise and sunset.
05. 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 even brighter by clear, sunny skies. However, from December to April, regular rains create a mirror effect that merges the lake and the sky. No matter when you see it, the Salar de Uni is one of the most fascinating sights on earth.
06. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
With hundreds of jungle-covered karst jutting out of emerald green waters, Ha Long Bay is a photographer's dream. Hop aboard a boat or kayak to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site's beautiful islands and surreal cave systems.
07. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Lake Atitlan in the Sierra Madres offers a blend of indigenous culture, waterside serenity and the joys of yoga. Cross the gorgeous crater lake by boat and explore various pueblos, shop local markets for Mayan crafts and sleep in treehouse accommodations.
08. Bagan, Myanmar
Dominated by thousands of temples, pagodas and stupas, the enormity of the Bagan archaeological area is truly difficult to grasp. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites on a bike (or e-bike to cover more ground). For an eagle-eye view, take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise to see the temples scattered across the lush landscape.
09. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica
This magical, misty and well-preserved cloud forest in northwest Costa Rica is the ultimate template for sustainable ecotourism. Along with its sister cloud forest, the Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde is a virtually untouched paradise home to thousands of plant, animal and bird species (including the resplendent quetzal), visible from forest trails and steel bridges hanging above the canopy.
10. Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles
Pinpointing the most beautiful Seychellois beaches is splitting hairs, but Anse Source d'Argent gets extremely high marks for its sugar-white sand framed by dramatic granite boulders and sparkling aquamarine waters. Sweet Beach is relatively secluded from the resort crowds of La Digue Island.
11. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Offering some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, the Grand Canyon truly deserves the word "breathtaking." The massive geological wonderland, a mile deep and up to 18 miles across, showcases countless layers of colorful rock and virtually hypnotic views.
12. Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius
A freestanding basaltic mountain above a bright blue-green Indian Ocean lagoon certainly makes for a spectacular sight. Viewed from above, the surrounding sand and silt create an optical illusion that appears to be a giant underwater waterfall at this mythical site. Thanks to its isolation and near-inaccessibility, Le Morne sheltered people fleeing slavery in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
13. Acadia National Park, Maine
From mist-shrouded rocky coasts to cone-capped mountains, Acadia is a wild place of sea, rock, and forest. Visitors flock to New England's only national park to hike, fish, climb, camp and experience the world's end.
14. Railay West Beach, Thailand
On the western side of Railay Peninsula, Krabi's famous karst meets a simply stunning jade-green lagoon. Vertical cliffs block access from Krabi's mainland, making Raleigh accessible only by boat, adding to its incredible charm.
15. Maasai Mara, Kenya
This famous wildlife reserve (next door neighbor to the Serengeti) is one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the world. The golden grasslands of the Mara stretch to the horizon, interspersed with majestic acacia trees and wildebeest and zebra – and their predators.
16. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The mighty Okavango, the world's largest inland delta, is a vast network of meandering waterways and fauna-attracting lagoons. Navigating through reed-lined channels in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and spotting hippos, leopards and elephants is one of the world's best travel experiences for nature lovers.
17. Cat Island, Bahamas
Cat Island is a secret nirvana hiding in plain sight in the Bahamas. Sparsely developed and off the main tourist track, Cat Island shines under the Caribbean sun with miles of sprawling nature trails and wonderful pink-sand.
18. Zhangye National Geopark, China
Distinctive rolling bands of russet against orange, cream, yellow, brown, and jagged peaks make this geological anomaly in Gansu, China look like a psychedelic scene from Mars.
19. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Dominated by the 3,000-square-mile ice cap of the same name, Vatnajökull is an Icelandic wonderland of cold, caverns, craters, glacier-filled calderas and waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous waterfall is Svartifoss, rising over hexagonal lava-rock columns.
20. Pamukkale, Türkiye
Pamukkale's electric-blue thermal pools and white travertine formations, naturally formed by slowly crystallizing calcium carbonate, make for beautiful vacation pictures.
21. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Hawaii
Na Pali translates to "The Cliffs" in Hawaiian, a deceptively simple name that doesn't quite prepare travelers for its epic glory. The stunning 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.
22. Table Mountain, Cape Town
Ascending the iconic Table Mountain is top of most travelers' lists 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.
23. Machu Picchu, Peru
Built nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel whose engineering prowess and dizzying views rival the extraordinary beauty of its Sacred Valley setting.
24. Lucerne, Switzerland
Picture a tranquil alpine lake surrounded by soaring Alps. Now add in a walkable medieval town and you've got the setting for this long-popular Swiss destination. Don't miss a famous viewpoint overlooking Mount Pilatus (via the world's steepest cogwheel railway) and a nature trail overlooking Rigi and the Three Lakes.
25. Glencoe, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands are filled with amazingly scenic glens, but Glencoe is perhaps the most famous (and infamous, due to a brutal massacre in the 17th century). Today the valley is a haven for hikers, climbers and whiskey lovers — the 19th-century Ben Nevis Distillery is a short drive away.
26. Mount Koya, Japan
Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded this hilltop temple town in 819. Today, the sacred and serene site is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contains more than 100 temples, including the main shrine Kongobuji, with its magnificent gilded sliding doors and carved ceiling flowers.The ancient complex includes a mausoleum and cemetery surrounded by a 600-year-old There are old growth trees.
27. Dead Sea, Jordan, Palestine and Israel
Aside from the name, the Dead Sea is a lake and one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, at that (in fact, the concentration of salt water is so high that it keeps bathers afloat). Set between Jordan, Palestine and Israel at the lowest elevation on earth, it is known for its beautifully clear and calm waters (about 10 times more saline than the sea) and surrounding mineral formations, sandy beaches, nature reserves, natural pools and waterfalls.
28. Zion National Park, Utah
The majestic Navajo sandstone cliffs, rainbow-colored canyons, and incredible biodiversity make Zion one of the most popular (and most scenic) national parks in the United States.
29. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway may lack the ocean views of Highway 101, but it trades Pacific Ocean views for peaceful Appalachian beauty. The 469-mile stretch from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park winds through overlook after overlook of the 45 MPH, truck-free route, leaving road-trippers in awe of the dreamy blue hues of the mountains.
30. Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
It's not a tropical island with a wild party scene or a string of high-end resorts. Pulau Tioman is a floating nature reserve, with a strong sense of local character and environmental conservation (coral rehabilitation and sea turtle conservation are the main focus of the island's Juara Turtle Project). Located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea, the island is popular for its dive sites, shipwrecks and tropical rainforest.
31. Damaraland, Namibia
The Damaraland region is an almost mystical landscape of red-earth desert plains, flat-topped mountains, petrified forests and well-preserved ancient Bushmen rock paintings. Although it looks like a scene from Mars, Damaraland is rich in wildlife, home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and the critically-endangered black rhinoceros.
32. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands jut out dramatically from the Norwegian Sea. Jagged peaks and steep slopes include quaint fishing villages, secluded coves, scenic backpacking and biking trails, and dreamy white-sand beaches.
33. Los Cabos, Mexico
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, Los Cabos' symphony of natural features — desert, mountains, ocean and plenty of sunshine — and yes, a raucous party scene make it one of North America's most popular vacation destinations. Its cobalt blue waters are a center for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and whale watching.
34. Taormina, Sicily
Taormina has all the ingredients for a fantastic Mediterranean destination: ancient ruins, a charming old town, and a setting backed by Mount Etna, an active volcano that you can summit on foot.
35. Dal Lake, India
The snow-capped Jabarwan range rises above Kashmir's romantic Dal Lake, a longtime Himalayan escape for Indians fleeing the heat of the south. In summer, porch-clad cedar houseboats bob along the western edge of the lake while floating markets and brightly painted taxi boats float by.
36. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The world's largest barrier reef is an unparalleled experience for snorkelers and divers. The sensational underwater world consists of 2,900 distinct reefs, 900 islands and a mind-boggling variety of marine life.
37. Fairy Meadows National Park, Pakistan
Near the foot of the world's ninth-highest mountain (Nanga Parbat), Fairy Meadows offers magnificent mountain views and wildlife, including brown bears, markhor and Himalayan ibex. Be careful: the road to get there has been identified by the World Health Organization as the second deadliest road on the planet. To get to Fairy Meadows, you must be escorted by locals in groups of six at a time.
38. Banff National Park, Canada
Canada's oldest national park showcases the majesty of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Banff is known for its awe-inspiring peaks, dense pine forests, hot springs, animals (grizzlies, bighorn sheep and moose all call the park home) and almost unknown glacier-fed lakes like postcard-perfect Peyto Lake.
39. Wadi Rum Reserve, Jordan
Wadi Rum is a stunning red-desert landscape filled with canyons, dunes, cliffs, springs, archeological sites and rock arches (adventurous hikers can visit the largest, the Burdah Rock Bridge, which is more than 200 feet above the ground).
40. Milford Sound/Popiotahi, New Zealand
Glaciers have carved this awe-inspiring valley, leaving behind craggy peaks with sheer drops into sparkling water. Part of Wahipunamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Milford Sound is blessed with waterfalls, rainbows, rainforests and a diversity of wildlife — from black coral to bottlenose dolphins, to seals and even penguins.
41. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Blissfully isolated 217 miles from the Brazilian mainland, this lovingly-preserved archipelago offers beaches and plenty of clear water, abundant with marine life perfect for world-class snorkeling.
42. Algarve, Portugal
Surrounded by the Atlantic to the south and west, Portugal's Algarve region looks and feels like a wild vacation. Wind-sculpted cliffs and headlands are huge, sandy beaches popular with surfers and dotted with secret coves and grottoes.
43. unt Fuji, Japan
Both an active volcano and an icon of serenity, Mount Fuji is one of the most magnificent sights in the world. You can climb to the top of the sacred landmark for beautiful views or hike from Lake Kawaguchi and elsewhere in the beautiful Five Lakes region. Visit the spa town of Hakone in winter for views of crisp Fuji with steaming hot springs.
44. Li River, China
The Li River carves through the lowland farms and jagged karst terrain of northwest Guangxi, creating some of China's most picturesque scenery (the area is so beautiful, it appears on the 20 yuan note). A four- to five-hour river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most popular way to experience the Li River, though travelers can rent a more autonomous bamboo raft or hike — the natural moon-shaped arch of Moon Hill makes a glorious lookout.
45. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como has been one of Italy's most popular vacation spots since the days of the Roman emperors. This quietly high-rolling resort area still attracts a pleasant crowd with its lush gardens, cinematic palaces and villas, and sun-drenched Alpine coast. Take the funicular to the small village of Brunet for an amazing panorama.
46. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Like many of Earth's most stunning sights, Crater Lake is the result of earth-changing, volcanic energy. Its 1,943-foot depth makes it the deepest lake in the United States, filled with enchanting deep blue water fed by rain and snow. See it to its fullest from hiking trails, boat tours and a 33-mile rim drive around the caldera. (Remember, some attractions like boat tours and scenic rim drives during the winter season.)
47. Big Sur, California
Even considering California's 840 miles of monumental coastline, it's hard to compete with the beauty of Big Sur. Dense redwood forests, misty canyons, and rocky cliffs jutting into the Pacific Ocean define the region (the name refers to both the city and the coastline), made more famous for its free-wheeling Norcal vibes and old Hollywood history.
48. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee
Divided by half a million acres by Tennessee and North Carolina, this famous park's stunning mountain scenery encompasses hardwood forests, steep cliffs cut by rivers and streams, and brilliant wildflowers blooming from spring to fall. The Appalachian Trail has 150 trails available to hikers, from the Charlies Bunyon Hike to the more challenging Rainbow Falls Route.
49. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The solitary scenery — waterfalls, calderas, misty bamboo forests — make Volcanoes National Park a worthy contender on any travel list. The mystical environment is even more special as it hosts buffaloes, birds, golden monkeys and the elusive mountain gorillas.
50. 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 to snowy volcanic peaks. Along the way, hikers travel through distinct climate zones, from rainforests to high-altitude deserts to arctic-like peaks (aka the "Roof of Africa").
51. Wulingguan Scenic Area, China
Thousands of tapering quartz sandstone formations spiral skyward in this 100-square-mile stretch of karst terrain. Below the tower are valleys, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural bridges and dense green forests.
52. Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil
In all, 275 cascades form a mind-blowing, picturesque waterfall on the Argentina-Brazil border. The overwhelming sight combined with the sound and power of the water at 450,000 cubic feet per second during monsoons is pure majesty.
53. Matira Beach, French Polynesia
The South Pacific calls for many views of spectacular beaches. Bora Bora's Matira Beach stands out for its miles of pearly white, flour-fine sand and breathtakingly bright turquoise lagoon.
54. Cirque de Gavarnie, France
Cirque de Gavarnie is a popular hiking destination in the Pyrenees and one of its most beautiful. Called "Nature's Colosseum" by Victor Hugo, Cirque is a ring of sheer granite mountain walls enclosing a picture-perfect green valley. It's amazing even before you add the three-tiered Gavarnie Falls pouring a 922-foot drop.
55. Shark Bay, Australia
Shark Bay: Where the red earth of Australia's westernmost point meets the Indian Ocean's tidal waters. The bay is home to one of the world's largest and richest seagrass beds, as well as stromatolites – rocky-looking, cauliflower-shaped microbial reefs and some of the oldest life forms on Earth.
