11 of the Most Beautiful Places In the World

Beauty can be found in every corner of the world, no matter where you go. But these places have stood out time and time again, drawing visitors from all over the world. Soaring mountains, picturesque towns, and bright turquoise waters all have their own unique appeal and are all equally stunning.

If you’re looking for your next adventure, these 11 places are sure to make your trip a spectacular one.

Grand Canyon, USA

Spanning over 1.2 million acres, the Grand Canyon is one of the biggest nature marvels in the United States. The Colorado River carves through the gorge creating astonishing vast canyons. To be more precise, the Canyon runs 277 miles long, 18 miles wide at most, and is a mile deep. The South Rim is the most popular with visitors, especially those who are visiting for a short amount of time.

The Alps, Europe

Pictures really can’t describe the magnitude and beauty of the Alps. The bright green valleys give way to the colossal mountains creating picturesque scenes. While many would say the Alps are most beautiful in Switzerland, you can’t go wrong with seeing them in any European country they run through. The Dolomites are a particularly impressive part of the mountain range as well, with tall jagged peaks, even though they are called by a different name.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Known for being Ireland’s most scenic attraction, the cliffs rise high above the ocean, up to 702 feet at their highest point. They are home to many species of wildlife including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. Whether you explore by taking a walk at the top, or take a boat ride at the base, this nature wonder is breathtaking either way.

Italy

The rolling hills of Tuscany, the tumbling towns on the rugged coast of Amalfi or Cinque Terre, the canals flowing through Venice, and the capitol city of Rome all have one thing in common. There are stunning views around every turn. You can’t go wrong visiting any part of this country, whether you’re exploring the main cities or going off the beaten path.

Banff National Park, Canada

Vibrant turquoise hues of the lake against the majestic mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for exploration in this park. While Lake Louise is the most well known and visited in the area, there are other things to do in this expanse of over 1.6 million acres. Spotting abundant wildlife, taking a mountain drive, hiking to higher elevation, riding the gondola, or enjoying the natural mineral water springs are just some of the ways to enjoy this beautiful destination.

Sahara Desert

The endless dunes of sand can feel otherworldly but stunning none the less. The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world covering 3.6 million square miles, which is comparably, about the size of the United States. Although sandy dunes mostly come to mind when thinking of the desert, mountains, plateaus, salt flats and other topographical features are part of the Sahara. The temperatures are extremely hot during the day and extremely cold during the night, but despite that there are hundreds of plant, mammalian and reptilian species that call this desert home.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world, there’s no doubt why this lush island with brilliant blue water is at the top of the list. The tropical luxury continues into the over-water bungalows that provide a stay right out on the ocean as your own little spot of paradise. Exploring the recognizable Mount Otemanu, relaxing on a beach, or snorkeling the stunning waters are some of the best ways to take in this beautiful destination.

Hawaii

With spectacular beaches, lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and incredible volcanos, Hawaii offers beautiful scenery on its main islands. Every island has its own unique personality with a wide range of things to do. Oahu is the most populated but still has plenty of nature gems, Maui is lined with rugged mountains and lush rainforests, and Kauai is full of waterfalls, red desert, and dramatic sea cliffs. Of course, all of it is surrounded by stunning blue waters at every turn.

Santorini, Greece

Being one of the most popular Greek islands, Santorini attracts many visitors from around the world. The white buildings against the slope, tumbling into the blue waters create incredible panoramic views. Watching the sunset is one of the best things to do on the island and can be done so from a restaurant seat or from your very own private pool.

Iceland

This country is full of diverse landscapes but each one is as beautiful as the next. From mountains and valleys, to canyons, waterfalls and basalt column rock formations, Iceland is an adventurer’s dream. The glacier caves, with ice walls permeating with stunning blue colors are not to be missed while visiting this country as well. The blue colors are also present in the iconic Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa rich in silica and minerals. Not to mention, the breathtaking northern lights are a cherry on top of the already beautiful northern island.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

The Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are a series of lakes that are connected by waterfalls that spill into each other. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that include 16 lakes and about 90 waterfalls. Bright turquoise waters that spill into the lush greenery stun all visitors from around the world. You are able to get to different areas of the park by walking the wood paths that lead all around the park.