25 of the most beautiful places around the world
(CNN) — The
world's a spectacular place, full of hidden and overt beauty in every
corner. But beauty's also subjective. It'd be impossible to get a
unanimous decision on the most beautiful places around the world, but we
believe this list is a good start to plan your travels.
We've rounded up the best of the best.
From
lush African forests to vast Latin American deserts, watery Balkan
paradises to ancient Middle Eastern cities, here are our picks for the
world's top breathtaking, beautiful destinations:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Dense,
lush and otherworldly, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the last
redoubts of the mountain gorilla. Over 400 call this UNESCO-protected
national park home, with the chance for visitors to trek to and meet
habituated groups. Its biodiversity extends far beyond its most famous
inhabitants, however; 348 bird species and 220 butterfly species can be
found within its 331-square-kilometer expanse.
Samburu, Kenya
Thanks
to its relative inaccessibility, Samburu, in the heart of Kenya, is a
haven for some of Africa's most beguiling wildlife. The grassland and
acacia-dotted landscapes of its national reserve are home to the
endangered reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra, as well as the
pioneering Elephant Watch Camp, run by conservationist Saba
Douglas-Hamilton.
Mount Toubkal, Morocco
At
4,167 meters, Mount Toubkal lays claim to the title of "the roof of
North Africa." The path to its summit zigzags across empty valleys, past
holy shrines and up steep snowfields before emerging onto a ridge that
falls away to give climbers unrivaled views across the Atlas Mountains.
It's a peaceful world away from the buzz of nearby Marrakech.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
Tourists take on the Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
VCG/Getty Images
China's
first UNESCO World Heritage site, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in
Hunan Province is known for its towering sandstone pillars. Best
explored on foot, its back trails make for an easy way to escape the
crowds and find the best views. As the mists descend, it's easy to see
why this area has long been an inspiration for traditional Chinese
paintings.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Its
enduring popularity has made Ha Long Bay one of the hottest natural
attractions in Southeast Asia. But that doesn't stop it from being the
most beautiful place in Vietnam. With 1,969 islets of hulking limestone
and deep, green waters that are home to myriad floating villages, this
is a place where time slows to a standstill. Sail on a junk boat or pick
up a kayak, and get lost in the quieter reaches of this vast and
fascinating corner of the South China Sea.
El Nido, Philippines
At
the northerly tip of the Philippine island of Palawan, El Nido is the
ideal base for a diving adventure. Bacuit Bay, to the west, is the best
place to start, with lagoons and shallow bays playing home to an
unbelievable array of marine life. Its beaches aren't too shabby either:
Nacpan Beach is a true slice of paradise; azure waters and pristine
white sand satisfy even the most discerning of beach bums, while the
peaceful town of Sibaltan in the east offers tropical relaxation in a
setting that feels impossible to beat.
Rotorua, New Zealand
With
its otherworldly landscapes and close connections to native Maori
culture, Rotorua is New Zealand's crowning glory. Hot Water Beach, on
the shores of Lake Tarawara, is the ideal place for a dip in the
geothermal-heated waters. Hike through 60-meter-high California Redwoods
in Whakarewarewa Forest and catch sight of the region's lakes, the kind
of view that feels as if it can never be matched when you're taking it
all in.
Kata Tjuta, Australia
Formerly
known as the Olgas, Kata Tjuta, in the heart of Australia's Red Centre,
is one of the most sacred sites in Aboriginal culture. The Anangu
people, who have lived here for over 22,000 years, manage the land with
Australian park authorities. The site's stone domes are best explored as
the light changes at sunrise and sunset -- dedicated tours led by
Anangu people explain the significance of the "Many Heads" and their
place in their traditional myths, known as Dreamtime tales.
The Maldives
The
sand of its 1,200 islands is as white as it gets, the water a deep blue
that puts all other seas in the shade. The Indian Ocean nation of the
Maldives has developed into the world's premier tropical hotspot for a
reason. Best of all, there's plenty of beach to go around, with over 100
private resorts and welcoming, affordable guesthouses around the Male
and Ari atolls. Sip on a cocktail, take a swim or dive to some of the
finest coral reefs on the planet, where schools of fish sweep and sharks
hide in the depths.
Petra, Jordan
While
the ancient city of Petra is simply a famous archaeological site to
most of the world, for university professor Sami Alhasanat, it's home
The
perfectly preserved ancient Nabatean city of Petra is renowned for the
narrow passage of the Siq which leads to the famous Treasury, or Al
Khazna. Explore its temples, tombs and alleyways on camel back or strap
on your walking boots and hike around its walkways for a truly
mesmerizing experience.
Atacama Desert, Chile
With
the clearest skies on the planet, Chile's Atacama Desert is the
ultimate destination for stargazing. It's earth's driest desert, meaning
cloud cover is nonexistent, so even without a telescope, you'll get
views of the night sky that'll take your breath away. The landscape is
stunning, too, with deep craters and smoldering volcanoes visible on the
horizon as the sun goes down.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica
Shrouded
in near permanent cloud, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa
Rica is the most magical corner of this tiny, biodiverse country. Its
muggy, damp environment is a haven for a truly astonishing array of
birds, big cats and insects. Keep a keen eye out for the resplendent
quetzal, one of Earth's most beautiful birds. The winding trails through
lush undergrowth make it easy to explore, too.
Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
Accessible
only by foot, Colombia's Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is one of the most
fascinating ancient ruins on Earth. Believed to pre-date Peru's Machu
Picchu by as much as 650 years, the city's terraces and statues attract
far fewer visitors, making it much less hectic to explore. The hike to
Ciudad Perdida itself is one of the greatest hikes in the world, a
multi-day epic adventure through lush rainforest that is unforgettable
as it is challenging.
Dominica
Dominica
is known as "nature island" for a reason. This tiny Caribbean state,
focused on hot springs and rainforest treks rather than flopping on the
beach, is nothing like its neighboring islands. Boiling Lake, in the
Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is accessible via steep, mountainous
paths, an ethereal body of water that is well worth the hike. For
divers, Champagne Reef, with its explosions of colorful plants and fish,
is a true paradise.
Svalbard, Norway
Kongsbreen Glacier on Spitsbergen island in the Svalbard archipelago.
Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images
In
the middle of the Arctic Ocean, between the North Pole and mainland
Norway, the Svalbard Islands are the perfect destination for polar
exploration. The thousands of polar bears make Svalbard one of the best
places in the world to see these increasingly elusive creatures up
close, while its dark wintry skies are regularly cloaked in the Northern
Lights. Ride a snowmobile or take a husky ride across the monochrome
snowscape.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
The
glistening blue water. The soaring backdrop of the Julian Alps. The
famous church perched on an island at its center. It's no surprise that
Lake Bled has developed into one of the hottest destinations in Europe
in recent years. That means big crowds in summer, but don't be put off.
Ripe for hiking and swimming adventures, this is a corner of Slovenia
that demands to be explored.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Turkey's
Mediterranean coast gets all the attention when it comes to getting
some much-needed rest. But Cappadocia, deep within the Anatolian plains
at the country's center, is the country's greatest gem. The Fairy
Chimneys near Gerome are the area's most enduring sight, with ancient
churches and monasteries carved into the bizarre geological formations.
Its underground cities are also essential stop-offs.
Positano, Italy
Perched
on Italy's gorgeous Amalfi Coast, Positano is one of the most beautiful
villages in Europe. Known for its killer boutiques and waterside
restaurants, not to mention the Byzantine Church of Maria Assunta, it
makes for the perfect summer getaway. Make sure to appreciate its full
form by taking a boat out from the pebble beach for excellent sunset
views.
Lake District, UK
Early morning at Buttermere in England's Lake District.
Shutterstock
Dramatics
mountains, moody weather and ancient lakes have all helped make the
UNESCO-protected Lake District an inspiration for artists, dreamers and
wanderers. Wordsworth and Coleridge's poetry helped turn this stunning
corner of England into a tourist hotspot, while the hand-drawn guide
books and maps of rambler Alfred Wainwright have made it a Mecca for
walkers and those looking to escape the bustle of the city.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Croatia's
status as the ultimate European outdoor escape has long been assured.
And in Plitvice Lakes National Park, which has enjoyed protected status
since 1949, lies one of the most arresting sights in the world: A series
of 16 lakes connected via waterfalls that are constantly changing the
formation of the tufa rocks over which they flow. A vast network of
paths and boardwalks around the lakes make it easy to explore, with lush
woodland and beguiling wildlife at every turn.
Vancouver Island, Canada
With
over 2,000 miles of coastline, almost 10,000 lakes and acres of soaring
mountains, Vancouver Island is like Canada in miniature. Its surfing is
among the best in the world, but take a boat out in the summer for
possible orca sightings. Land lovers have plenty to appreciate about the
back trails criss-crossing the island, encouraging exploration by bike
or on foot. Head toward the forest on the trail of Roosevelt elk and
grizzly bears for more thrills.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Home
to North America's highest peak, Denali National Park is one of the
most tranquil places on Earth. Its six million acres of wild space make
for the perfect escape, whether on a mountaineering adventure or a bus
ride along the Denali Park Road. In September and October, look out for
moose engaged in the annual "rut" -- males battling for dominance, often
in fights to the death. Grizzly bears can be seen throughout the year,
too. Come in winter for a chance to catch sight of the Northern Lights.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
The Colorado River wraps around Horseshoe Bend.
Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images
No
river meander captures the imagination as much as Horseshoe Bend. Here,
the Colorado river turns back on itself having spent thousands of years
carving a route through the desert. Close to the entrance to Grand
Canyon National Park, it's within easy walking distance of the nearest
road, making it a breeze to grab a quick snap from the lookout above the
outer edge of the bend.
Badlands, South Dakota
Renowned
for its rich fossil beds, Badlands, named by the native Lakota tribe
for its arid and extreme terrain, is unlike anywhere else in the United
States. The short Door Trail affords superb views of the surreal rocky
peaks that cover the landscape. It's possible to camp here, watching the
sun rise and color the rocks in brilliant hues.
Monument Valley, Utah
Monument
Valley is the Wild West of the imagination. Its bright red mesas and
buttes, standing high above the desert, are the stuff of legend. Ideal
for a road trip, iconic Route 163 offers some of the best views of this
protected land. It's possible to get up close on horseback tours and
live out those western movie dreams.
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