Earth is abundant with awe-inspiring and beautiful natural wonders waiting for you to discover.
According to Travel + Leisure, included in the 15 of the World’s Most Naturally Beautiful Countries are Iceland, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and the United States.
If you’re ready to conquer the world, here are the 51 most beautiful places in the world to travel to in 2023!
Key Takeaways
- The top three most beautiful natural places in the world are the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica, Grand Canyon in Arizona, and the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
- Some of the most beautiful places in Europe worth visiting are Venice in Italy, the Azores in Portugal, and Barcelona in Spain.
- A few unique places to visit are the Banff National Park in Canada, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Zhangye Danxia Geopark in China.
Most Beautiful Natural Places in the World
1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Costa Rica
With over 10,500 hectares in area, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful natural places in the world. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems in South America, with hundreds of animal species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and thousands of plant species. Aside from the biological diversity, it is a perfect mountain to touch the clouds.
2. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Grand Canyon in Arizona is unarguably one of the world’s top 10 places to visit because of its diverse biological ecosystems and an extraordinary geological phenomenon called “the Great Unconformity.” Aside from the rocky walls vertically dropping down to the ground, some scenic places are the Colorado River, the Instagram-worthy Horseshoe Bend, Navajo Bridge, and Antelope Canyon.
3. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
One of the most beautiful natural places in the world is found in Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park! The national park features white-capped mountain ranges, bright blue icebergs, beautiful lakes, greenish-brown lands, unpredictable weather, and wildlife. The park is well-recognized for its three granite towers over the garden and the Cuernos del Paine with its horn-shaped peaks.
4. Bagan, Myanmar
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar is one of the most popular places in the world, with historical monuments from different periods living up to the Buddhist traditions and beliefs up to this point. Some of the jaw-dropping preserved architectures worth visiting are the Ananda Pahto, Shwesandaw Paya, Thatbuinnyu Pahto, Dhammayangyi Pahto, and the Bagan Archaeological Museum.
5. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
Talking about powerful waterfalls, sprays, mists, and rainbows, it all points to the ever-rushing Victoria Waterfalls in the middle of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known as “The Smoke that Thunders,” this waterfall is not just one of the most potent waterfalls but the largest in terms of dimensions and flow rate. There’s no regret in seeing this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
One of the most beautiful natural places in the world is the Salar de Uyuni, located in Southwest Bolivia has an elevation of 11,995 feet above sea level and is considered the largest salt flat in the whole world, with 50-70% of the world’s lithium. The salt flat looks heavenly as it creates a vast mirror illusion reflecting the image of the clouds and the sky above. It feels like there’s no horizon in this place!
7. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Great Ocean Road is a 243-km long road dedicated to Australian soldiers who devoted their lives during World War II. But road transport is just one thing, but the highlights are the lookout points along the road, including the beaches, rocky cliffs, and picturesque towns. Some scenic natural places you can see along the way are the Hopetoun Falls, the famous 12 Apostles Coast, the Redwoods, and the Griffiths Island Lighthouse Walk, among many others.
8. Pamukkale, Turkey
If you haven’t seen a geological phenomenon where a terrace of thermal waters flowing down is formed, then Pamukkale in Turkey is a must-see! The cotton-like castle of Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s most recognized tourist spot destinations because of the white calcium cascade terraces of turquoise pools believed to have curative powers to heal many disorders and diseases.
9. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
What’s unique about Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is the thousands of limestone and shale islands which cover about a thousand square kilometers. You’ll also see many pristine beaches on each island, beautiful fishing villages, and caves like the Sung Sot Cave and Hang Trong with hanging sparkling stalactites.
10. Acadia National Park, Maine
Along the coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean is the Acadia National Park, famous for its coastal scenery, rock formations, picturesque beaches, and 158 miles of hiking trails. Here you can witness thousands of species of plants and glacier-covered granite peaks. It is not called the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” for nothing.
11. Railay West, Thailand
Railay West is a beautiful paradise in Thailand known for its soft white sand beaches, caves, food, sunset viewing, lagoon-like waters, and limestone cliffs, which most travelers aim for. Aside from its postcard-worthy scenery, expect to experience great nightlife as well.
12. Cat Island, Bahamas
Cat Island is one of the top spots worldwide to spend your holiday vacations because of its beautiful rolling green hills and mile-stretch pink sand beach accompanied with water activities like diving, kiteboarding, and such. From the name itself, it is not only humans inhabiting the island but there are hundreds of feline or cat residents too.
13. The Dead Sea
As the lowest point on Earth and one of the saltiest waters on Earth, with almost 35% of salt levels, the Dead Sea is truly remarkable and one of the most beautiful natural places in the world. The salinity level is unusual, which causes things to float naturally, even when you swim there. Unfortunately, scientists say the Dead Sea is continuously drying up due to too much exploitation and climate change.
14. Zion National Park, Utah
With over 4.3 million visits annually, Zion National Park is a natural beauty! Aside from its almost 610 meter-high steep red sandstone cliffs and expansive canyon, equivalent to 204 stories, here you can see the world’s most giant freestanding natural arches in the world. I bet you’ll have one of the best scenic drives along Zion National Park in Utah, seeing the forest trails, waterfalls, rivers, hanging gardens, and all the wildlife.
15. Meeru Island, Maldives
Maldives is known to have the best beaches in the world, and one of the standouts is Meeru Island. The 32-ha island is surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, palm trees, and a blue lagoon which you can tour around in just 45 minutes. With its reputation of giving the best authentic Maldives experience, expect to engage with world-class amenities like watersports and waterside restaurants.
16. Niagara Falls, Canada
Did you know that approximately 3,160 tons of water flow through Niagara Falls every second? Yes, right, it is one of the largest in the world, and with that volume combined with its stunning beauty, it is also one of the most beautiful natural places. Moreover, it also became the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” because of the grandiosity of the place, the activities you can try, and the overlooking restaurants and hotels you can try out with your partner.
17. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Just northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia is an island group on the Leeward Islands, the Bora Bora. The place is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world because of its world-class tourist spots like Matira Beach with its crystal clear waters, Lagoonarium, Mt. Otemanu, and Tupitipiti Point, all accompanied by exciting water activities.
18. Aurora Borealis, Iceland
There’s no other place in the world to see the northern lights than Iceland’s best! Head over to the country between September and April at midnight and witness how the solar wind’s ions mix with nitrogen and oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere. It is indeed a magical phenomenon!
Most Beautiful Places in Europe
19. Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the most beautiful places in Europe because it is not your ordinary town but a floating one. You can discover more or less 116 islands and roughly 150 beautiful canals connected by bridges. A stand out among the canals is the 4-km Grand Canal, which is the largest and the most recognized.
More than its canals, Venice is famous for its impressive and extraordinary architecture. Start with Venice’s most prominent church decorated with Byzantine art, St. Mark’s Basilica, and wander through the social grounds of St. Mark’s Square, Palazzo Ducale, Rialto Bridge, Clock Tower, and the Campanile.
20. The Azores, Portugal
Dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe,” the Azores is a perfect summer spot for swimming, diving, and surfing, with island structure sprouting out of a volcanic archipelago. All you can see on the island are greens and the ocean, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Visit the Immaculate paradise spots like Sete Cidades, Caldeira, and the Pico Natural Park, with splendid nature and a variety of fauna.
Don’t forget to experience the Terra Nostra Gardens with a geothermal pool, the beautiful beach of Porto Pim Bay, and the crater lake of Lagoa de Fogo.
21. Hallstatt, Austria
You can mistakenly consider the tiny village of Hallstatt as a boring town to explore, but it is the complete opposite! Everything is astonishing, from the spectacular lakeside views of Hallstatt to the terraced cafes and buildings of Hallstatt Old Town and Market Square situated along the mountain drops.
There’s a mix of artificial tourist spots like Hallstatt Skywalk and Admont Abbey and beautiful natural areas like the spectacular ice cave of Dachstein and the 7000-year-old salt mine.
22. Barcelona, Spain
No one beats Barcelona’s wondrous architecture and culture shown through its famous landmarks like La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Montserrat, Parc Guell, Arc de Triomf, and La Plaza Real. To experience Barcelona’s stunning beaches, head to the most famous Barceloneta Beach, Llevant Beach, Mar Bella Beach, and Bogatell Beach.
23. Amalfi Coast, Italy
If the vibes of a seaside town energize you, Italy is the country to go, especially the Amalfi Coast! It did not gain its name “The Divine Coast” for nothing, with its stunning and divine colorful seaside towns, towering mountains and cliffs, and white sand beaches with cobalt blue seas.
Never miss out on Positano’s pastel houses lining down from the hills to the beach, the Emerald Cave with sea waters shined by the sunlight, and the vibrant streets and stunning old structures of Amalfi town.
24. Capri, Italy
If there’s a paradise for celebrities, millionaires, and jet-setters, it’s Capri, Italy! The town is one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit. Some of the most beautiful places in Capri, Italy, are the little harbor named Marina Piccola for an experience of multiple beaches, the immaculate sea cave of Blue Grotto, the Botanical Gardens of Augustus, and the famous Faraglioni stacking the surrounding seas of Capri.
25. Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain
Las Salinas de Torrevieja is a salt lake covered in pink. What’s more interesting is that pink flamingos are seen everywhere! Saltier than seawater, this pink lake is not just the only tourist attraction but the surrounding 9000-acre nature reserve with present wildlife exceedingly various species of birds.
26. Kirkjufell, Iceland
Prepare to climb the most photographed mountain in Iceland, the Kirkjufell! This 463-meter-high mountain in the fishing town of Grundarfjörður might be one of the most beautiful mountains worldwide, but it can be deadly dangerous, as there have been a few tallied deaths of climbers. Aside from the mountain, another tourist attraction worth visiting within the vicinity is the majestic Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.
27. Eastern Carpathians, Romania
As a subsystem of the Alps-Himalaya system, the Eastern Carpathians in Romania is composed of beautiful mountain ranges with stunning landscapes, glacial lakes, vegetation, wildflowers, and even wildlife. You can also admire and wander through the old town villages, giving you a traditional country vibe.
28. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, featuring almost 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns, a product of basaltic volcanic eruption. But it is more than just a pile of basaltic rocks; it is also a sight of the legendary stories about the giants in Ireland.
29. Lofoten Islands, Norway
As the common ground for adventure seekers, the Lofoten Islands is not just one of the most beautiful places in Europe; it has so many outdoor activities you can engage in. Go for northern lights watching between September and March, climb the Svolværgeita mountains, horse riding at the beaches, and discover the wildlife safari. And one of the most prominent and beautiful fjords in the archipelago that you must see is the Trollfjord.
30. Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide because of its unique landscapes, stunning beaches, great weather, adrenaline-pumping activities, and the best sunset views worldwide. Swim at the Red Beach, cruise around the dormant volcano, hike from Fira to Oia, watch the sunset, and admire the white-washed architecture.
31. Kravica Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina
One of the largest waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Kravica Waterfalls is a top tourist spot! What makes this one of the world’s most beautiful places is the cascades flowing through. You can do a canoe safari, swim in the waterfalls, have picnic sessions, and eat at the restaurants and cafes at the nearby establishments.
32. The Dolomites, Italy
One of the best holiday destinations in Italy is a trip to the Dolomite mountain ranges, where you can witness mountainous landscapes, long and deep valleys, vertical rock formations, and sheer cliffs. You’ll enjoy the place because of the many outdoor activities like skiing, wall climbing, and hiking.
33. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The most noticeable thing about the Cliffs of Moher is the incredible rock formations and the sheer straight drop of the cliffs into the ocean! The Cliffs of Moher has been recognized by various travel websites including TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best 2023, Best Tourist Attraction in Clare Awards 2023, and Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction by Reader Travel Awards 2023. The 300 million-year-old cliffs have been featured in many Hollywood movies like Harry Potter, Leap Year, Between Land and Sea, and The Princess Bride.
34. Lapland, Finland
Everything is about snow in Lapland! If you want a one-of-a-kind winter experience, hop on the plane and travel to this northern part of Finland, where you see many igloos, snow hotels, snow villages, ice saunas, ski resorts, and year-round light phenomena.
It is one of the unique places to visit in the world because, during late November, the sun sets and rises not until January, so it’s dark in Lapland during these months.
35. Moravian Fields, Czech Republic
Like the one in Tuscany, Italy, Moravian Fields are stunning picturesque greenish-brown rolling hills. It is a large agricultural field full of vineyards covering almost the eastern part of the Czech Republic. You can even witness wildlife like boars, deer, and hares in this magical land.
36. Rakotz Bridge, Germany
They call Rakotz Bridge in Germany the Devil’s Bridge or Fairytale Bridge, but why? Legend says that the bridge was not constructed by men but by devil creatures. The photos of the Rakotz Bridge went viral all over the internet because of its perfectly semicircular shape, which is merely mesmerizing. It is now consistently recognized as one of the most beautiful places in Germany.
37. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Would you believe that the iconic Swiss Alps cover ⅔ of Switzerland’s geography? Incredible, right? No wonder it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world with its glaciers, alpine lakes and trees, and of course, the scenic white valleys. One of the most iconic parts is the Matterhorn, a favorite spot for hikers and skiers.
Unique Places To Visit In the World
38. Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park Offers tons of fun-filled activities where you can explore the picturesque beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Go for a hike on their trails, leading to beautiful vistas and clear blue lakes. Don’t forget to visit landmarks like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and lastly, take part in their outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
39. Machu Picchu, Peru
Peru is blessed to have divine places like Machu Picchu, a UNESCO world heritage site that offers unforgettable vacations. Take your time to appreciate the stunning Andean landscapes. After that, you can marvel around the ancient Inca citadel for an adventure undoubtedly filled with learning and fun. You can also hike and see the Inti Watana stone as you continue your journey.
40. Las Coloradas, México
Las Coloradas is located in the Yucatan Peninsula. Experience its natural beauty, one of the unique lakes in the world, take a stroll around its shore, and take beautiful pictures around its surreal pink color hues. Lastly, you can observe the lively birdlife around the area.
41. Tu Le Valley, Vietnam
A total jam packed vacation offered by Tu Le Valley has a first-hand experience of their culture through their hill tribe communities, hike through their emerald rice terraces filled with limestone peaks, and finish your day at their relaxing hot spring.
42. Petra, Jordan
Petra offers many fun-filled activities to start your journey in its iconic rose-red sandstone architecture, including Monastery and treasury, which will surely captivate your heart. Discover the rich history of Nabataeans. Finally, visit Al-Khubtha and be mesmerized by its stunning trails.
43. Tianzi Mountains, China
Pure adventure awaits when you visit the Tianzi Mountains and experience their outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife observation. You can also enjoy the landscape filled with deep ravines and lush green forests of the area riding a cable car.
44. Nazca Lines, Peru
Take a trip to the past when you visit Nazca Line, wander through geoglyphs etched on the desert floor; you can also experience an exhilarating flight over the lines for an unmistakable bird’s eye view, and lastly, explore the Chauchilla Cemetery, which houses well-preserved mummies.
45. Socotra Island, Yemen
Offering an unforgettable experience, Socotra Island in Yemen is a one of its kind destination. You can explore the UNESCO-protected Dragon’s Blood Trees. Make sure to bring your swimming outfits and explore the clear waters. And see the beaming marine life on their beaches. Lastly, go on a hike through their remote and beautiful canyons.
46. Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines
With over 1000 perfect cone-shaped hills that change color depending on the climate, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines, is one of the best places you can visit. You can do several activities in the area, including guided wildlife tours and ATVs. Rides or zipline, or you can relax and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the Chocolate Hills.
47. Zhangye Danxia Geopark, China
Take pictures, have a quick walk, or enjoy the view. You can do those things in Zhangye Danxia Geopark, China; with its picturesque colorful rock formations formed a million years ago, you will have an incredible journey. They also offer walking trails and enjoy viewpoints of their breathtaking landscapes. It provides endless photography and fun activities, making it a must-visit destination.
48. Glass Beach, California, USA
Glass Beach in California is the epitome of how powerful nature is with its unique coastal shores that feature the vivid colors of glass smoothened by the sand over time. Who would have thought that pollution could be this beautiful? You can collect those beautiful glass pieces and take them home as a remembrance and take fantastic photos of its magnificent coastline.
49. Fly Geyser, Nevada
The stunning Fly Geyser is undoubtedly a bucket list-worthy destination. Through guided tours, you can roam around the area and see the lively colors of geysers caused by continuous—eruptions of hot waters. Although the place is private property, you can still go and have a tour through guided tours.
50. The Catacombs, Paris, France
Marvel around the Catacombs of Paris; you can explore the underground burial pit with over six million remains. It might be spooky for some, but it showcases the rich history of Paris. Your journey may take you to different tunnels neatly arranged with human bones and skulls.
51. Spotted Lake Khiluk, British Columbia
Roam around the mineral-rich Spotted Lake, also known as Khiluk, and blessed with marvelous geological formations and colorful pools that change their appearance depending on the season. You can also learn about their cultural heritage and take beautiful photos. It is also culturally significant for the indigenous. Okanagan.
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FAQs
Many people consider Italy a country with beautiful tourist spots, unique places like Venice, Rome, and Florence, and stunning tourist destinations like Tuscany and Amalfi Coast. But remember that Choosing the most beautiful country is always subjective and relies on one preference.
Beauty is always on the side of one preference and impression indeed. It is a big world that has a lot of beautiful places. Still, Maldives is one of the best contenders on the most beautiful site on Earth with its crystal clear turquoise waters, breathtaking coral reefs, and the romantic sunset that kisses goodbye to the sea. No doubt a lot were captivated by its beauty.
The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, with over 10,000 square kilometers of salt flat on Earth, is the largest, creating beautifully bizarre landscapes and optical illusions because it reflects the sky.
Known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise beaches, and breathtaking tropical paradise, Whitehaven Beach is often considered the most beautiful beach in the world.
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