103 dreamy bucket list destinations you’ll want to visit

What a wonderful world

From jaw-dropping natural wonders to stunning man-made structures and everything in between, our world is jam-packed with gorgeous sights everywhere you look. Whether it's canyons, waterfalls and mountains or quaint towns, impressive buildings and historic cities, there's plenty on the planet to please the eye. Join us on an armchair tour of the world's 103 most beautiful places.

Read on to discover the most gorgeous sights on Earth...

Acropolis of Athens, Athens, Greece

It's almost impossible to take your eyes off the rocky outcrop that looms above the sprawl of Athens and has dominated the city for millennia. The arresting ancient mound has several incredible classical ruins, but the Parthenon on its highest reaches is its most iconic structure. The classical temple, a symbol of the origins of democracy, was built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

The valleys of Antelope Canyon in Arizona were created over thousands of years by flash flooding, which eroded the sandstone pathways and shaped the distinctive curves you see today. What many don't know is that it's actually two separate slot canyons – Upper Antelope Canyon, or The Crack, and Lower Antelope Canyon, or The Corkscrew – but both make for a mesmerising sight.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto's most enchanting spots and it's easy to see why. The lush green stalks of bamboo rise tall, filtering the light from above and creating a magical atmosphere down below.

Part of the Arashiyama district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, it's a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty alongside the Moon Crossing Bridge, Tenryu-ji temple and the hamlet of Kiyotaki.

Moai, Easter Island, Chile

Far-flung Easter Island – one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth – is a remarkable place, made even more so by its mysterious moai. These giant stone-carved heads and torsos stand stoically on sites around the volcanic island.

It's widely thought, but not known for certain, that they were carved by the Rapa Nui people between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia

Stretching across an immense 4,086 square miles (10,583sq km), Salar De Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat – and a breathtaking natural mirror. The surface becomes reflective when water floods the plain, making it look as though everything is suspended in the clouds. The dream-like spot is located in Potosí, southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes.

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

It's hardly surprising that this surreal rock formation on the coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland is steeped in magical legends. The curious, near-perfect hexagonal columns are a marvel of nature. According to folklore, the causeway was built by Irish giant Finn McCool so he could cross over to Scotland to confront his rival Benandonner. However, scientists would have it that the basalt 'steps' were caused by intense volcanic activity some 50 to 60 million years ago.

Munnar, Kerala, India

High in the Western Ghats, this hill station and former resort for the upper echelons of the British Raj looks out over lush plantations and mist-covered hilltops. It's dotted by tea estates, which were originally established by the Scottish, and there are plenty of up-to-no-good elephants, which are often spotted (or heard) crashing through the greenery. The region is also famous for the elusive neelakurinji flowers, which only bloom every 12 years. The next event is due to happen in 2030.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China

It's not surprising the subtropical forests, deep ravines and towering sandstone buttes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park served as the inspiration for the film Avatar. The place most definitely resembles a lost world.

This ethereal spot is part of the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area in central China’s Hunan Province, and is home to rare species such as the ginkgo tree as well as unusual primates and birds.

Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia

A mesmerising swirl of bright white silica sand and striking azure waters located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays certainly look like paradise on Earth. It’s not hard to see why the 4.3-mile-long (7km) Whitehaven Beach, captured from above in this stunning shot, has been showered with awards and typically attracts visitors from all over the world.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

When one waterfall just isn’t enough, there’s Iguazu Falls – the world’s largest waterfall system that certainly makes for one of the most awe-inspiring sights. The chain of cascades, which encompasses more than 270 waterfalls and covers 1.7 miles (2.7km), straddles the border of Brazil and Argentina, and flows in a staircase formation. Its setting, in the heart of a national park thick with rainforest, is equally beguiling.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos is an isolated group of islands 605 miles (974km) off the west coast of Ecuador. Famous for being the place that inspired naturalist Charles Darwin’s work On the Origin of the Species, the diversity of wildlife here is mind-blowing. The Galápagos is home to over 300 different reptile species and birds such as the blue-footed booby, with 50% of the world’s breeding pairs living here.

Provence, France

The lavender fields of France's Provence region explode in a fragrant haze of purple from around mid-June up until August (although they're at their peak in early July). The biggest concentration of lavender fields is on the high plateau around Sault, at the foot of Mont Ventoux and around Apt and Gordes. Lavender is an important part of life in Provence as it has countless uses, from beauty products and soaps to aromatherapy, natural remedies and cooking.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

One of the world's most alluring buildings and India's most famous monument, the white marble mausoleum has become symbolic of enduring love. It was built in the 1630s by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

An exquisite example of Islamic architecture, it took about 22 years to complete with a workforce of around 20,000 people.

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

One of the world's most famous waterways, Venice’s Grand Canal snakes through the heart of the famous floating city. At just over two miles long (3km), the Grand Canal is the main artery of Venice and flows past some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

This view, captured from the Ponte dell'Accademia, is undeniably one of the most stunning cityscapes in the world.

Palawan, the Philippines

An archipelagic province of the Philippines, located to the east of the country between Sulu Sea and South China Sea, Palawan is a regular on 'most beautiful island' lists. Steep, jungle-clad mountains rise up from the azure waters, creating hidden coves and deserted beaches. The marine life here is equally gorgeous: coral reefs are home to schools of colourful fish, while barracudas in Coron Bay have made shipwrecks their playground.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Stretching 249 miles (400km) from Torquay to Nelson along Australia's southern coast, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Hugging the dramatic Victoria coastline, the road passes by forests, rocky seashore platforms, wild surf beaches and towering cliffs with soaring views of the Southern Ocean-lashed coast and famous rock formations Twelve Apostles and London Arch.

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto, Japan

This Zen Buddhist temple is officially named Rokuon-ji, but it’s obvious how it earned its more popular moniker Kinkaku-ji, meaning Golden Temple. The building's warm yellow glow adds to its otherworldly beauty, as does its position at the edge of a mirror pond, giving the tiered structure the appearance of floating on the water. It was built as a rather opulent retirement villa for shogun (military dictator) Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397 and became a temple following his death in 1408.

Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

Mont-Saint-Michel is a tiny tidal island crowned by a medieval abbey and set in an incredible bay straddling Normandy and Brittany. One of Europe's most unforgettable sights, it's only accessible during low tide.

The fairy-tale abbey is mesmerising any time of day, but when the sunset paints it a pastel pink, it's at its most charming.

Alberobello, Puglia, Italy

It's almost impossible not to find a picture-perfect street in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. The small town in Italy's heel – Puglia – is famous for its unusual trulli homes, built from local whitewashed limestone and with conical roofs. The steps up to Piazza del Popolo reveal stunning views over the higgledy-piggledy town, with thousands of cone-shaped roofs piercing the typically blue sky above.

Mount Denali, Alaska, USA

High on many travellers' wish lists, Mount Denali is North America’s tallest peak, rising a dizzying 20,310 feet (6,190m) above sea level. Located in south-central Alaska, the native Koyukon Athabascan people named it Denali, which translates as The Great One.

However, in 1896, a gold prospector decided to name the mountain after then-presidential nominee William McKinley, spurring a naming dispute which lasted more than a century. After a 40-year stint of officially being called Mount McKinley, the name was changed back to Denali in 2015.

Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal

It might be called a palace, but Pena Palace is in fact a castle, and few are so heart-flutteringly pretty. Its butter-yellow turrets and brick-red towers rise above the treetops in hilly Sintra, just outside Lisbon.

The multicoloured beauty, an example of 19th-century Romantic architecture, was commissioned by King Ferdinand II and completed in 1854, and has been home to Portuguese royals through the years.

Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia

Few sights rival that of the sunrise over Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, with Mount Merapi in the distance. Yet there is a dark history behind the serene image: Merapi is volcanic, and many scientists now believe that eruptions and earthquakes between 928 and 1006 led monks to abandon Borobudur.

The Mataram Kingdom erected the temple in around AD 824, which means it enjoyed barely 200 years of use before the forest reclaimed it. The temple was brought to the West's attention by British and Dutch explorers in 1814.

Montmartre, Paris, France

The narrow alleys, little stairways and pretty squares of Montmartre might typically be crammed with tourists but it still offers some of the most mesmerising sights. It’s a steep walk into the cobbled roads of this little hilly neighbourhood within Paris, but it's more than worth it to stroll its atmospheric streets and to gaze down at the hubbub of the city.

Sunset is a great time to enjoy a long, lingering look at this most romantic of places before snapping up a table at a bistro for dinner.

Oia, Santorini, Greece

Greece is so blessed with natural and man-made beauty, it’s almost embarrassing. But it’s hard to think of a view that more succinctly sums up the country’s gorgeousness than the blue domes of Santorini island.

The most famous whitewashed buildings are in Oia, a clifftop village perched prettily by the Aegean Sea, whose azure hue perfectly matches those rooftops. Come sunset, it's indisputably magical.

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy

One of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world, the stunning marble facade of Santa Maria del Fiore is instantly recognisable. Located in Florence's Piazza del Duomo along with The Baptistery of St John and Giotto's Bell Tower, the cathedral is one of the most famous in the world.

One of its most notable features is Brunelleschi's Duomo – more than 500 years after completion it still remains the largest masonry dome in the world.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's flat-topped mountain is one of the most famous and admired peaks in the world. It's also one of the most ancient at over 260 million years old.

Now part of a national park, it's home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, including endemic species such as the Table Mountain ghost frog and a whopping 1,470 flower species.

Niagara Falls, USA and Canada

Niagara Falls isn’t the biggest or the tallest waterfall in the world, or even the US, but it's among the most famous – largely thanks to the dramatic confluence of its three broad, thunderous cascades. Located near Buffalo in New York State and splashing across the border into Canada, it’s made up of Horseshoe Falls (the biggest), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Its distinctive green-blue hue, caused by a mix of rock flour and mineral salts, also contributes to its global fame.

Rome, Italy

Packed with ancient monuments and picturesque piazzas, Rome’s historic core must be one of the world’s most seductive. There’s the imposing Colosseum, the creamy columns of the Pantheon, the world-famous Trevi Fountain and countless charming squares. The city is so full of beauty and breathtaking sights at every street corner, it's hard not to love it.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is famously so vast it can be viewed from space. Gorgeous both underwater and from dry land, it’s the world’s largest reef system, made up of nearly 3,000 reefs and encompassing more than 135,000 square miles (349,648sq km). And it’s made even more colourful thanks to whales, dolphins, sea turtles and thousands of species of fish that call it home.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

There are so many reasons to visit Slovenia, and Lake Bled, located 34 miles (55km) from the capital city Ljubljana, is certainly one of them. Flanked by the towering Julian Alps and close to Triglav National Park, this emerald-hued expanse is known for its ‘healing’ mineral-rich waters and alpine beauty. In the centre of Lake Bled lies the striking Church of the Mother of God, perched upon Slovenia’s only natural island.

Yosemite Valley, California, USA

Famed for its awe-inspiring vistas, cliffs and lush forests, Yosemite National Park is full of big-hitter attractions, but there's nothing quite like Yosemite Valley. Seen here from the Tunnel View viewpoint, you can really appreciate the jaw-dropping landscape in all its splendour.

Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England, UK

With its characteristic Cotswolds stone buildings and winding countryside roads, it’s no wonder Castle Combe has often been called the prettiest village in England. The historic site was first settled by Celts in ancient times, before becoming a regional hub for the wool industry during the Middle Ages.

Many of its landmarks, including a market cross, an old water pump and the Church of St. Andrew, were built during this period.

Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Thailand is sprinkled with incredible temples, but none are so stunning as Wat Rong Khun. Unusually, it’s privately owned and is more of an artwork than religious place.

Full of symbolism, the temple entrance is surrounded by a sea of grappling white hands representing human desire, while the temple's interior walls are decorated with politically motivated murals, depicting demons and Western idols like the Terminator, Superman and Kung Fu Panda.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

A demonstration of the power and beauty of nature, Bryce Canyon National Park is characterised by its crimson rock spires. Dynamic and distinctive, this canyon in Utah was formed by erosion over the course of about 15 million years. The hoodoos (the column-shaped rock formations) dazzle in shades of orange and red, coming together to create one of the most unusual landscapes on the planet.

Llyn Llydaw, Wales, UK

This classic shot opens up from the summit of Mount Snowdon and while the peak is pretty to look at, it’s this view of Llyn Llydaw that has previously been voted the UK’s best sight. The skinny, squiggly lake lies within Snowdonia National Park, cradled by emerald-green valleys and surrounded by mountains.

It’s also linked to the legend of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake.

Skazka Canyon, Kyrgyzstan

Located in remote Kyrgyzstan, this natural wonder's name means Fairy Tale Canyon, and with its bright red rock formations and winding sandy passageways, it’s easy to see why. One of the most striking sights in this central Asian country, it formed over thousands of years due to ice, water and wind erosion, leaving the landscape moulded into all sorts of shapes.

The Dark Hedges, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

Often regarded as one of the most enchanting places in Northern Ireland, this mythical tunnel of beech trees looks like a doorway into another world. Originally planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century as an impressive entrance for their Georgian mansion, today the trees are one of the country’s most-photographed natural wonders.

Avid fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones may recognise The Dark Hedges as the location for the Kingsroad.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Covering a spectacular expanse of almost 115 square miles (298sq km), Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It's celebrated for its 16 striking lakes, which are interconnected by a series of dramatic waterfalls that cascade down into a picturesque limestone canyon. The surrounding woodlands are renowned for their wildlife, including bears and wolves.

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Talk about opulence. In 1853 ruler Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II had the whole city of Jaipur painted pink for a visit from Edward, Prince of Wales and the future king of England. To this day, the Rajasthani capital retains its signature rose-tinted hue across historic buildings, homes and shops, and is one of the stops on the popular Golden Triangle circuit. Pictured here is Patrika Gate, one of the seven gates along Jaipur's city walls.

Manarola, Liguria, Italy

Set amid rocky coastal cliffs, Manarola is one of the five fishing villages that make up the breathtaking Cinque Terre in northwestern Italy. It's probably the most recognisable of all five thanks to the pastel houses clinging to the cliffside.

Legend has it that they were painted in bright colours so returning fishermen could spot their homes more easily. The village is at its most stunning during sunset, when the low evening sun casts a honey hue over the pretty buildings.

Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

One of the world’s most precariously placed monasteries, Paro Taktsang (better known as the Tiger’s Nest) perches tentatively on a cliffside in the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is built around a cave in the cliff face that is said to have been used by Guru Padmasambhava for meditation in the 8th century. Legend has it he flew to the cave on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA

There's no way Yellowstone National Park's Grand Prismatic Spring could be left off this list. The vivid blue centre of the geyser is surrounded by bands of glorious colour, created by the heat-loving bacteria that live there. From above, the pool looks just like a surreal watercolour painting. With a depth of 164 feet (50m), the spring reaches temperatures of 70°C (160°F).

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

Most people who ascend to the ancient Inca city on a remote mountain ridge in the Sacred Valley are in awe of the spectacular sight. The most significant archaeological site in South America, it's thought the emperor Pachacutec built the soaring citadel in the clouds in the 15th century, although its mysteries abound. Despite the crowds of tourists that normally visit this ancient site, Machu Picchu is one of the world's most mesmerising sights.

Deadvlei, Namibia

This white salt pan, tucked within the Namib-Naukluft Park, is an otherworldly sight. Dotted with petrified trees and surrounded by rust-red dunes, the dry mineral pan of Deadvlei doesn't look like anywhere else on Earth. The contrasting colours of this landscape are simply breathtaking.

Angel Falls, Bolívar State, Venezuela

Located in the Guiana Highlands of Venezuela, this mammoth waterfall is dramatic and arresting in equal measure. The drop is more than 3,199 feet (975m), making Angel Falls the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. It cascades over the edge of the Auyán-Tepuí mountain, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Majestic and dominating, this natural wonder highlights the immense power of Mother Nature.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

This vast and ancient volcanic caldera in Tanzania's stunning Crater Highlands region is a spectacular sight. It's the world's largest inactive, intact and unfilled caldera. Surrounded by steep escarpment walls, the vast grasslands below are home to an extraordinary range of fauna and flora. Set within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having one of Africa's richest and most diverse concentrations of mammals.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England, UK

Set within Somerset’s gorgeous countryside, Cheddar Gorge is one of the UK’s most unique natural landscapes. Measuring an impressive 400 feet (122m) deep and three miles long (4.8km), it's the largest gorge in England. Characterised by limestone cliffs, its steep slopes were formed around one million years ago when melting glaciers carved out the rocks during the last Ice Age. The gorge was also where Britain’s oldest complete skeleton was found.

Nā Pali Coast, Hawaii, USA

We're not sure about you but we've never seen anything more incredible than the Nā Pali Coast in Hawaii. This dazzling shoreline is punctuated by razor-sharp sea cliffs, delicate winding valleys and cascading waterfalls.

If the eye-catching area reminds you of another age when dinosaurs ruled the world, it's no wonder – the coast was the backdrop for sci-fi classic The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

This row of fat-bottomed baobab trees is as bizarre and beguiling as the island’s tangerine-eyed lemurs, and probably just as frequently photographed. The Avenue of the Baobabs, on a dirt road between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar, is made up of majestic centuries-old trees, reaching up to 100 feet (30m).

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges’ compact size and perfect prettiness can make it seem a little unreal, like a classic postcard come to life or perhaps a toy town, albeit infused with the scents of beer, frites and sweet crepes. The city is all cobbled lanes, canals, medieval spires and looping bridges. Life centres around its squares: Burg, dominated by the 14th-century Gothic Town Hall; and Markt, home to one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the medieval Belfry (bell tower).

Kirkjufell, Iceland

We've all heard of Everest and Fuji, and while these peaks are mesmerising in their own ways, Kirkjufell in Iceland is altogether more ethereal. The 1,519-foot (463m) mountain can be found on the island's western coastline, an area defined by crystalline fjords, geothermal pools and dynamic waterfalls. It's the most photographed peak in all of Iceland.

Seychelles

An archipelago of 115 islands, this country in the Indian Ocean is home to some of the most pristine natural wonders in the world. Around 50% of its territory is allocated for conservation and it's one of the world's leading countries when it comes to the protection of threatened species. Thanks to the unspoiled beaches and jungles, Seychelles is also home to some of the largest seabird colonies in the world.

Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England, UK

Lofty fells, lakes, tarns, forests and waterfalls – this spellbinding landscape in the northwest of England is arguably the country's most stunning and dramatic natural attraction. Its extraordinary beauty has captivated and inspired many renowned artists and literary greats. The 885-square-mile (2,292sq km) Lake District National Park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Whether you're religious or not, the sight of the 98-foot (30m) sculpture of Christ rising above Rio de Janeiro's magical mountainous landscape with outstretched arms can't fail to stir you. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, this world-famous monument was the brainchild of a priest in the 1850s but it wasn't built until the 1920s.

Dedicated in 1931, the concrete Christ has surveyed the city from the top of the forest-clad Corcovado mountain ever since.

Hallstatt, Austria

Located in Austria's mountainous Salzkammergut region, Hallstatt is the most incredible storybook town you could ever imagine. The 16th-century traditional alpine houses are perched on a narrow cliffside facing Lake Hallstatt, with dramatic mountain views in the background. Equally attractive in both summer and winter, it's one of Europe's most-photographed towns.

Five Flower Lake, Sichuan Province, China

China's Jiuzhaigou Valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for very good reason and Five Flower Lake is perhaps its most dazzling feature. This serene lake is considered holy by many, thanks to its changing colours and the fact it doesn't freeze, even in winter.  Yet the mystery behind this unique wonder can be easily explained – it's home to hot springs and the pool has aquatic plants which change colour when exposed to sunlight.

Monument Valley, Arizona and Utah, USA

The Mars-like landscape of Monument Valley is one of the most famous views in the USA. Sitting astride the Utah-Arizona border, the desert area, part of the Navajo Nation, is studded with towering buttes and shard-like pinnacles. The most famous formations are the East and West Mitten Buttes, which both rise to more than 6,000 feet (1,829m).

Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain

Still under construction, Gaudi’s most celebrated work normally draws millions of visitors to see its unfinished grandeur every year. The elaborate building’s most impressive part is its dramatic Nativity facade, which was created under the personal supervision of Gaudi himself and has thousands of intricate carvings depicting and related to the birth of Christ.

Pamukkale, Turkey

The town of Pamukkale in Turkey is celebrated for its natural travertine terraces which cascade down its hillside like clouds. These 17 mineral-rich thermal pools are part of an ancient Roman spa city.

The pools are formed by calcium carbonate deposits on the surface of the water and are said to have healing properties.

Las Lajas Sanctuary, Narino, Colombia

The most striking feature of this Catholic church is its setting: the grey stone structure spans a forested gorge 150 feet (46m) above a river. Its story is one of miracles and determination, beginning in 1754 when a mother and daughter, sheltering from a storm, saw an image of the Virgin Mary in the rocks.

According to the story, the daughter was cured of her muteness and deafness. After hearing of the miracle, a blind man spent 10 years collecting funds to build a chapel in the spot – and his sight returned.

Inspired by these marvels, the vertiginous church was finally built between 1916 and 1949.

Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris, Scotland, UK

Tucked away on the western shores of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre Sands is easily one of the most untouched places in the country. With miles of pristine white sand and eye-poppingly blue waters, it's often voted the most beautiful beach in the UK. Framed by the soaring peaks of the North Harris mountain range, the beach is Scotland’s version of a tropical paradise.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA

Mystical and magical, the expansive desert of White Sands National Park is one of nature’s most unusual marvels. Covering 275 square miles (712sq km) inside New Mexico's Tularosa Basin, the dunes are formed from gypsum sand – a rare mineral found in only a few locations on Earth. The sand dissolves in water but luckily the state's dry climate is the perfect breeding ground for this unique and wonderful material.

Lofoten, Norway

With its cliff-edge houses, deep fjords and rugged granite mountains surging out of the sea, Norway’s Lofoten archipelago is unapologetically untamed. The landscape is just as breathtaking on stormy days – when waves swirl ominously around the coastline – as it is on clear and serene days, when the sea acts as a mirror for Lofoten’s towering peaks. Pictured here is the ultra-photogenic island village of Hamnoy.

Mount Fuji, Japan

The perfect snow-capped cone of Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, is a defining symbol of the nation, interwoven in its culture and religion. Revered over the centuries, the mountain, located around 60 miles (97km) west of Tokyo, is seen as many things, including a living being and the home of spirits, deities and the spirits of ancestors.

Today, climbing the peak is seen as a path to transcendence by Japan’s two major religions, Shinto and Buddhism. Their shrines line its sacred slopes and torii gates mark the transition from the profane to the holy.

Petra, Jordan

The startling beauty of the ancient hand-hewn sandstone city of Petra cannot be overestimated. Established in 213 BC, it was once the capital city of the Arab Nabateans who were famed for their skill at carving buildings into rocks.

Despite now being firmly on the tourist trail, this age-old wonder remains astonishing.

Sigiriya, Matale District, Sri Lanka

Jutting out of the plains and forests of northeast Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is one of the country’s most spellbinding sights. Built by king Kashyapa I in the 5th century, the name of the imposing rock fortress means Lion’s Rock. The only way to access the UNESCO World Heritage Site is through a passageway hewn in between a giant pair of lion paws.

Ik Kil, Yucatan, Mexico

Ik Kil, a natural cenote (or sinkhole) in Yucatan, Mexico, was formed during heavy tropical rainfall which made its original limestone ceiling collapse. It's a picturesque natural attraction that really looks like it could be a passageway into a lost world. The spot is considered sacred by the Mayan people and a swim in the pool's mesmerising green waters is truly magical.

Reflection Canyon, Utah, USA

The state of Utah has a bounty of scenic vistas, from the jagged rocks of Bryce Canyon to the green peaks of Wasatch Mountain State Park up north. But one of the most impressive bird's-eye views is of Reflection Canyon, a dramatic rock formation in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Here the remote canyon can be seen in all its glory.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany

This castle's stunning architecture and hilltop location isn't rivalled by many other fortresses and is arguably one of Europe's most famous. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria to use as a private retreat from public life, the castle and its dreamy towers and turrets, which could have been plucked straight from a fairy tale, served as inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar

Cast your eye across the ancient city of Bagan and be spellbound by its otherworldly beauty. An incredible number of temples, palaces, pagodas and monasteries lie cheek-by-jowl along the Irrawaddy River. In fact, Bagan has the most concentrated area of Buddhist religious structures in the world and each one has its own unique charm and history.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

However you look at it, this huge, thundering waterfall on the Zambezi River is pretty incredible. Straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia, with cascades more than 5,500 feet (1,700m) wide and 355 feet (108m) tall, it’s one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

It’s also among the loudest, making such a racket and creating such a cloud of mist that the Kalolo-Lozi people named it Mosi-oa-Tunya, or The Smoke That Thunders.

Maroon Bells, Colorado, USA

The Elk Mountains in Colorado are crammed full of inspiring viewpoints and enchanting landscapes. Yet of all of them, nowhere is quite like the Maroon Bells. Two of the highest peaks in the region, these soaring mountains reflect in Crater Lake during sunny days, creating a natural mirror that captures this untouched landscape.

Marble Caves, Aysen, Chile

It's easy to see how this remote wonder earned its name. The calcium carbonate caves have been chiselled out by the sea over thousands of years, and the resulting swirls of turquoise, mint and smoky grey look just like marble. Their far-out location on the General Carrera Lake in Patagonia means they've stayed largely untouched and unspoiled.

Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain

Taking over 30 years to build, Puente Nuevo is the newest of a trio of bridges that stretch over the El Tajo gorge. Completed in 1793, it connects the city's old and new towns. There’s also a history museum here dedicated to the bridge whose building once served as a prison. It's certainly a one-of-a-kind sight.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany

Translating as the 'red fortress above the Tauber river', the ancient, red-roofed village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber leaves a lasting impression. Set along southern Germany’s Romantic Road, it's one of many medieval storybook settlements with defensive towers, narrow timber-clad houses and cobbled streets.

If wandering around the picturesque place isn't enough, there's plenty to entertain visitors, including museums, gardens, enticing shops and buzzy cafes.

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

As harsh, desolate and eerie as its name suggests, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is the epitome of untamed natural beauty. Located between the former German colonial town of Swakopmund and the Angolan border, the 311-mile (500km) coastline encompasses towering sand dunes, crashing waves fuelled by the icy Benguela Current, and the scattered remains of animal bones and shipwrecks which give the region its moniker.

Helmcken Falls, British Columbia, Canada

Here to prove that not all waterfalls were made equal, Helmcken Falls in British Columbia is a sight to behold. Positioned on the Murtle River within Wells Gray Provincial Park, this 462-foot (141m) wonder was brought to wide attention in 1913 by Robert Henry Lee. Helmcken is by far one of the most scenic spots in all of North America and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the titan from a viewing platform on the rim of the canyon.

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

A rugged landscape of jagged peaks, shimmering lakes, ancient forests and vast glaciers, Patagonia is a region that captures the imagination and has an irresistible appeal for adventurers. The three sharp granite towers that rise bewitchingly in the background of this image are one of the vast national park's most striking landmarks. Known as Torres del Paine, they formed over 12 million years ago.

Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia

The imposing beauty and spiritual significance of this mammoth monolith, which thrusts out of the red dirt in the desolate centre of Australia, is unnerving. Surrounded by the Red Centre's untamed wilderness as far as the eye can see, there's something truly primeval about the ancient sandstone boulder. It's a hugely sacred site for the Anangu people – the custodians of the land – and one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Milford Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand

With soaring snow-capped mountains, dazzling waters and lush rainforest, the majesty of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park gives Norway a run for its money. The jewel in the crown of this magical region in the island's southwest corner is Milford Sound, one of 14 fiords.

Writer Rudyard Kipling was definitely onto something when he called it the "eighth wonder of the world”.

Stuolagil Canyon, Iceland

Prehistoric in appearance, Stuolagil Canyon is one of the world's most underrated treasures. Often overlooked in favour of Iceland's better-known attractions, this spectacular gorge is the country's best-kept secret. The canyon was formed when a powerful glacial river pushed its way from the highlands to the north of the island, cutting through ancient volcanic rock as it went. The result, we're sure you'll agree, is out of this world.

Manhattan, New York, USA

Manhattan’s jagged, glinting, gleaming cityscape is one of the world’s most famous and recognisable vistas. It looks gorgeous in any light, from the pale haze of dawn to sunset and after dark, when New York City’s bright lights shimmer over the broad Hudson River. And it's not just the skyline.

From the glorious green space that is Central Park and the famous cables of the Brooklyn Bridge to the city’s famous brownstones, every inch of the Big Apple is ridiculously photogenic.

Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam

Featuring a constellation of roughly 1,600 limestone karst islands, Ha Long Bay takes its name from an ancient legend about the dragon Ha Long, who is thought to act as protector of the Vietnamese people. It’s not hard to see why local people turned to myths and legends to make sense of the landscape here: mist-draped and suffused with emerald light in this atmospheric shot, the sprawling archipelago looks every bit as otherworldly as the ancient tales suggest.

Giethoorn, Overijssel, the Netherlands

Just northeast of Amsterdam, bordering Overijssel’s Weerribben-Wieden National Park, is a remote Dutch village hailed for its heavenly waterways. Founded around 1230, Giethoorn’s canals are thought to have been created by monks to transport peat through the area. Today, the village is famed for having no roads – its thatched farmhouses are connected by a maze of canals flanked by over 150 wooden bridges.

Prokletije, Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro

There's no denying the beauty of the Alpine landscapes of Switzerland, France and Italy, but many overlook the unmatched majesty of Prokletije, also known as the Albanian Alps. Positioned in the western Balkan peninsula, this incredible mountain range extends through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Dotted with quaint villages, lush woodlands and rambling mountain passes, this region is an extraordinary spot for a hike.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland

Witness nature at its most awe-inspiring from these towering cliffs on the west coast of Ireland. Reaching heights of up to 702 feet (214m), these are some of the tallest cliffs in Europe and definitely the most majestic. The panoramas from the cliff edge are jaw-dropping: the crashing Atlantic Ocean, surreal sea stacks and dramatic Irish skies.

Khiva, Uzbekistan

Encircled by walls laid in the 10th century, Itchan Kala (Khiva’s Inner City) has a singular collection of historic buildings, giving a fascinating insight into Central Asian Islamic architecture. But more than any individual sight – like the Kalta Minor Minaret, sumptuous Tosh Hovli Palace or ornately tiled Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum – Itchan Kala’s most astounding feature is how well-preserved it feels. Its mud-walled streets and courtyard homes seem barely touched by modern life.

Burano, Veneto, Italy

Looking out to the Venetian lagoon, Burano's eye-catching houses line the streets and canals in a colourful maze. It's thought that the island got its signature look back in the day when fishermen painted their houses as brightly as possible, so they would be easier to spot in the thick fog so common on the lagoon.

A popular day-trip destination from Venice, Burano is also famous for its artisan lace-making.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

This fabled natural wonder needs little introduction. The canyon, carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years, plunges a mile (1.6km) deep and stretches on for some 277 miles (446km). It's a picture of burnt red bluffs, broken up with bands of green, pink and orange. Lucky are the bighorn sheep, mountain lions and elk that call this rocky expanse home.

Cappadocia, Turkey

A group of brightly coloured hot air balloons are seen here gliding over the historic landscape of Cappadocia in central Turkey. The unique rock formations in this region have been shaped by erosion and volcanic activity, and are known as fairy chimneys. Thanks to the unusual landscape below, Cappadocia is a popular destination for hot air balloon enthusiasts as well as those who wish to marvel at the rocks from above.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

It's tricky to pinpoint the most eye-catching aspect of Abu Dhabi’s spectacular mosque, completed in 2007. Could it be the piercingly tall minarets, or the 80 marble domes that form the roof? Perhaps it’s the gold-topped pillars or the sheer amount of pure white marble that makes up the modern Islamic masterpiece.

It could equally be the chandeliers that shimmer in the main prayer hall, or the detailed floral designs laid into the floor. All of this together, though, places it among the most beautiful buildings in the world.

Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark

Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the brightly coloured houses that line Nyhavn’s canal might be a beloved sight in the city today, but they weren't always this salubrious. The pretty district in Copenhagen was originally home to the city’s poor and full of rowdy pubs, which were often frequented by unruly sailors and women of the night. Today, it's the Danish city's most famous sight filled with restaurants and cafes.

Seven Sisters, East Sussex, England, UK

A striking string of chalk cliffs topped with a crown of green, the Seven Sisters have fascinated visitors since Victorian times when Eastbourne and Seaford, the towns between which they are sandwiched, became popular seaside resorts. The landscape is incredibly dynamic today, especially at Birling Gap, a coombe rock bay that erodes at a faster rate than the surrounding chalk cliffs.

Pink Granite Coast, Brittany, France

The unique colour of these rocks – a range of rosy tones from amber to coral, offset by the crystalline teal of the ocean – is created by an exceptionally rare natural combination of quartz and feldspar. The Pink Granite Coast, with its enchanting palette and amazing formations, runs along more than six miles (10km) of coastline in Brittany.

Zhangye National Geopark, Gansu Province, China

The rainbow-hued mountains in Zhangye National Geopark look just like an artist's paint palette. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning formation was created by natural erosion, when layers of sand, silt, iron and minerals blended together to create a kaleidoscope of colours. The incredible park appears to have been decorated by Mother Nature herself.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s 13th-century old town looks more like an oversized sculpture than a city. From its apricot and honey-hued rooftops to its wide, marble roads, it’s almost too pretty to be true. Thick, immaculately preserved stone walls encompassing the old town are lined with walkways that give clear views in every direction, from hillsides with hotels and houses to the Adriatic Sea.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia's famous lost jungle city is among the most incredible and largest archaeological sites on Earth. The majestic temples and monuments of Angkor were built between the 9th and 14th centuries, when the Khmer civilisation was at the height of its power. The largest and most famous temple in the sprawling complex is the majestic Angkor Wat.

Lhasa, Tibet

The Holy City, the Place of the Gods, the centre of Tibetan Buddhism – Lhasa has a lot to live up to. But it would be hard not to be moved by the first sight of Potala Palace or the fervour of pilgrims walking the Barkhor circuit around the Jokhang temple in winding, incense-scented alleys.

Perhaps it’s the altitude, but Lhasa seems to have something magical about it.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda

A beach with pink sand sounds pretty dreamy – and, combined with turquoise sea and bright blue skies, it’s easy on the eye too. Bermuda is known for its unique, rose-hued stretches of sand, created by millions of pieces of crushed coral and shells. The wide sweep of Horseshoe Bay is one of the best, with pale pink-gold sand hemmed in by rocky headlands. Explore the bay’s caves by paddleboard or head to a beach bar and watch the sunset while sipping a rum swizzle.

Paradise Bay, Antarctica

If ever there was a place with beauty amid the bleakness, it’s this stark landscape at the end of the world. Near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, Paradise Bay is rimmed by snowy mountains, with glaciers towering over the steel-blue sea. In this icy dreamland, humans are far outnumbered by penguins, seals and – if you’re lucky to spot them – pods of orcas hunting their dinner.

Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada

The surface of Moraine Lake, a highlight of Banff National Park, dances its way through the day with altering shades of soft teal, milky turquoise and icy sapphire. Its pristine appearance looks even more dramatic against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains and shores edged with pine trees.

Ice forms on the glacial-fed lake in winter and in early spring, floes often break off and shimmer under the water’s surface for an extra layer of beguiling beauty.

The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Built by the Islamic monarchs of Andalucia on a leafy plateau above the city of Granada, the majestic Alhambra is a sight to behold. This fortified palace was primarily constructed between 1238 and 1358, though several sections were reworked when Spain reverted to Christianity in the 16th century.

But the Arabesque influence still looms large in the Alhambra's architectural details and decor, like its elaborate archways, painted tiles and reflecting pools.

Atacama Desert, Chile

The world's driest non-polar desert (and its oldest of any kind) is the closest you can get to walking on the moon without leaving Earth. The lunar-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert, which spans around 600 miles (1,000km) of western Chile between the Pacific coast and the Andes Mountains, were even used by NASA to test equipment for outer space.

Far from being a lifeless abyss, it is marked by lakes, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers and dancing dark skies.

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