22 most beautiful places on the planet

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Our world is full of beauty – created both by the hand of man and by the forces of nature. Probably, life will not be enough to see with your own eyes all the unusual, delightful places of the planet, from which it takes your breath away. Our experts have selected for you several of the many amazing, unparalleled places in the world and offer you to take a virtual trip to them.

In a world of wonders: 22 most beautiful places on the planet

Nomination	a place	name	rating
In a world of wonders: 22 most beautiful places on the planet	1	Mount Roraima, Venezuela	5.0
	2	Marble Caves, Argentina / Chile	4.9
	3	White Harbor beaches, Australia	4.9
	4	Ice Canyon, Greenland	4.8
	5	Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia	4.8
	6	Plitvice Lakes, Croatia	4.7
	7	Chocolate Hills, Philippines	4.7
	8	Grand Canyon, USA	4.7
	9	Fingal's Cave, Scotland	4.6
	10	Petra, Jordan	4.6
	11	Colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia, ​​China	4.5
	12	Batu Caves, Malaysia	4.5
	13	Pearl Falls, China	4.5
	14	Great Blue Hole, Belize	4.5
	15	Cappadocia, Turkey	4.4
	16	Faroe Islands, Denmark	4.4
	17	Songdong cave, Vietnam	4.3
	18	Weddell Sea, Antarctica	4.3
	19	Nike cave, mexico	4.2
	20	Pamukkale, Turkey	4.2
	21	Iguazu Falls, Argentina / Brazil	4.2
	22	Moraine Glacial Lake, Canada	4.2

Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Attraction rating: 5.0

This unique natural site is located on the border of 3 states at once: Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana. And although the area has many beautiful and high mountains, Roraima attracts the most attention. This natural attraction is located at an altitude of more than 2800 meters and is even more attractive because it can be climbed. True, for this, the traveler will have to properly prepare: stock up on provisions, warm waterproof clothing and mosquito repellent.

Around the plateau, dense clouds, like milk foam, swirl, formed due to the proximity of several rivers: Ontario, Amazon and Essequibo. They originate at the foot of the mountain. The spectacular picture is complemented by beautiful waterfalls flowing across the entire surface of Roraima. The mountain remained unexplored for a long time.

Only in 1884, the first daredevils conquered its peak: two British scientists – Thurn and Perkins. It was they who told the world about the unique mountain ecosystem. Their notes inspired the famous Arthur Conan Doyle to create the fantasy novel The Lost World, in which prehistoric creatures lived. This is partly true. Roraima is home to unique animals. This place is inhabited by endemics (representatives of the fauna, found only on the plateau).

Interesting fact. Most of the inhabitants of Mount Roraima are black in color – dragonflies, butterflies and tiny toads, which emit something like a whistle before the rain.

By the way, black predominates not only in the color of animals: the surface of the plateau itself is black. This is due to the 'activity' of the microscopic algae. But where water falls, the color of the plateau is natural – bright pink. And there is a lot of water: peat bogs, crystal-clear lakes and turbulent rivers, adorned with rock crystal crystals along their entire length.

Marble Caves, Argentina / Chile

Attraction rating: 4.9

Not far from the small Chilean town of Chile Chico there is one of the deepest lakes in the world – Lago General Carrera or Lago Buenos Aires (Chilean and Argentine names, respectively). Located high in the Patagonian Alps, the glacial lake has an area of ​​1,850 km2, and its maximum depth is 560 meters.

The reservoir became known to the whole world thanks to the unique Marble Cathedral, represented by a real geological labyrinth called the Marble Caves. They are located almost in the very center of the lake (on the Chilean side). Scientists attribute the unusual shape of the pillared vaults to millennia of exposure to waves. Of course, the walls of the underground formation are not made of marble: they are limestone, but the unusual bluish tint of the surface, reflected in the cold turquoise water, creates a truly fabulous impression.

Three grottoes have gained the greatest fame and popularity among travelers: the Marble Cathedral, the Marble Chapel and the Marble Cave. All the grottoes were once completely hidden under the water column. But the glacier that filled the lake began to melt over time and the amazing outlines of marble labyrinths opened up.

Recently, the construction of several dams near the lake has begun to pose an increasing threat to the caves. They can simply flood the limestone labyrinth.

White Harbor beaches, Australia

Attraction rating: 4.9

The white sand beaches in Australia's Trinity Archipelago are more than your average coastline covered in white sand. This is an incredible place that nature has worked hard as a professional designer. Perfectly white, almost like pristine snow, the sand on the beaches of the White Harbor never heats up and crunches exactly like snow.

Even in the strongest heat, you can safely walk on this sand barefoot, without fear of burning your feet. The stable coolness can be easily explained: the coast is 98% composed of the smallest silicon particles washed up by water from dying reefs. White Harbor is located on the territory of the largest of the 74 islands that represent the archipelago. The seven-kilometer coastal area was made a national park. There are no cafes, no bars, no water entertainment: only a snow-white desert, bordered by clear turquoise water. Fabulously beautiful, enchanting with its wild purity place.

Tourists who come from all over the world, wishing to see a natural miracle with their own eyes, stop at the neighboring island of Hamilton, where there is all the infrastructure necessary for a comfortable stay. And at a convenient time, they go to White Harbor to admire its beaches.

Ice Canyon, Greenland

Attraction rating: 4.8

The ice canyon is a cold, inaccessible, but no less attractive natural attraction. The cold river carries amazingly clear water from ancient glaciers straight into the ocean, sculpting ice canyons along the path of amazing shapes and filling them with pure moisture.

Greenland is the largest island on the planet and one of the most remote: most of it is located above the Arctic Circle. This natural wonder is located in Denmark. More than 80% of its territory is always covered with ice and snow. But due to the ongoing planetary warming in recent years, the island 'cover' began to melt intensively. This is how amazingly beautiful canyons appeared in the Greenland ice.

The most unusual of them is Ice. In some places, the depth of the Ice Canyon reaches 40 meters. This is one of the most amazing places on the planet, and completely untouched by the human hand. But Greenland is not only good for its 'wild' glaciers. Here you can enjoy active relaxation: master dog sledding, kayaking, fish in Atlantic waters, recharge with adrenaline by practicing ice mountaineering, and much more.

Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Attraction rating: 4.8

The Uyuni salt flat is the largest and most famous in the world. This is a huge salt mirror covering a colossal area of ​​12,106 km2. It is considered a 'descendant' of the ancient mountain lake Minchin, which dried up more than 25,000 years ago. After it, only a couple of modest reservoirs and two huge salt marshes remained, one of which is Uyuni.

An amazing landscape opens up to the eyes of all travelers who went to see this unusual creation of nature: something surreal, like an endless desert, dazzling with its snow-white. This is how the salt marsh appears during a drought. Some tourists like a completely different kind of salt marsh: an endless mirror that reflects the same endless blue sky. This type of Uyuni gets in the rainy season (January-February).

But this huge salt marsh is known not only for its mesmerizing landscapes: it is a valuable source of salt. About 20 tons are mined here annually. Its total reserve is estimated at more than 10 billion tons. There is also a valuable mineral – lithium. Salt marsh deposits make up about 70% of all world reserves. This is enough to build telephone batteries for the next 100 years.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Attraction rating: 4.7

The most significant natural landmark in the country and one of the most prominent on the planet. The huge national park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in 1949, it was decided to preserve the pristine corner of nature for posterity. This is how the first national park appeared in the country. The unique natural monument amazes the imagination and takes your breath away: the local landscapes seem to have disappeared from the picture.

On the territory of the park there are many waterfalls, bright greenery of various shades of yellow, red and green (including coniferous vegetation that imbues the air with a spicy aroma), karst lakes with clear turquoise water, framed by snow-white limestone rocks, secret paths for pacifying hiking, various caves and a rich animal world.

The unique landscapes can be explored not only on foot along the trails and along wooden decks: travelers can take trips by ferries, boats and buses. You will have to spend about 8 hours to see the beauty of this natural monument in full.

Chocolate Hills, Philippines

Attraction rating: 4.7

An interesting, if not more, natural (according to the assurances of experts) attraction of the Philippines. The Chocolate Hills are the hallmark of Bohol Island – one of the most famous and visited by tourists. The valley got its name not because cocoa trees grow here. It's not like that at all. The area is a plateau, covered with a whole scattering of limestone formations of ideally rounded shape with a height of 30 to 100 meters. Their exact number has not been established and ranges from 1268 to 1776.

But why chocolate hills? Because during a drought period, the grass, which is densely covered with hills, becomes tough and the surface of the hills takes on an unusual appearance, similar to chocolate chips. And thanks to the shape, the hills become exactly like a confection – a chocolate truffle. Experts still cannot find a reasonable explanation for such a natural formation – so clearly formed and so unusual.

Grand Canyon, USA

Attraction rating: 4.7

One of the most significant and most visited conservation areas in the United States. A huge abyss with an area of ​​about 5,000 m2 spread out on the Colorado plateau is a popular tourist destination not only among guests of the country, but also among its residents. The Colorado River flows along the bottom of the canyon, which caused its formation several million years ago.

The canyon is 450 kilometers long and 29 kilometers wide in some places. An incredible cluster of rocky formations in bright shades of yellow and brown, many caves, canyons, waterfalls and small bodies of water – this is all the Grand Canyon. The flora and fauna here is incredibly diverse, as is the climate. If the air at the bottom of the canyon can heat up to + 40 ° C, the temperature on the plateau rarely exceeds + 15 ° C.

That is why here you can find unusually abrupt changes of zones: from coniferous to desert. Fans of outdoor activities will be able to hike across the plateau, kayak, SUP-board, etc. Supporters of a more measured, contemplative rest will enjoy the view of the canyon landscapes from the observation deck, riding a mule or even from a helicopter.

Fingal's Cave, Scotland

Attraction rating: 4.6

One of the most famous and unusual caves in the world is located on the wild island of Staffa (part of the Hebrides). Formed about 66 million years ago, the depression in the basalt rock for many millennia was formed under the 'onslaught' of sea waves. Today it is not a very large cave (the exact dimensions have not been established), about 20-23 meters high and about 66-85 meters deep.

The entrance to it is presented in the form of a huge arch, and the walls are like hexagonal basalt columns, in stark contrast to the calm water that filled the bottom of the cave. In the 19th century, many historical figures visited Fingal's Cave: its views were admired by Jules Verne, John Keats, William Wordsworth, Walter Scott and even the British Queen Victoria. And Mendelssohn was so struck by the beauty and unusual appearance of the rock formation that he created an overture called 'Hebrides, or Fingal's Cave'.

The cave has a unique acoustics thanks to the domed vault: the sound of the sea surf here sounds like something magical. Especially for tourists, a small trail was created above the water, along which you can independently get inside. By the way, from Fingal's Cave you can contemplate the sacred island of Iona – the burial place of the ancient kings of Scotland.

Petra, Jordan

Attraction rating: 4.6

Lost in the rocks, the ancient city was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in ancient times. It is located in the narrow Siq gorge, almost a kilometer above sea level. It is one of the new wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the city dates back to the 18th century BC. (!). Then the Edomites dominated here, then the Nabateans, Romans, Byzantines, Arab peoples and even the Crusaders.

The great stone city at one time was very influential, because it was located at the intersection of important trade routes, and received enormous benefits from the sale of spices. But, after the Romans opened a trade route to the East, the city lost its former influence and was gradually lost in the desert sands. Perhaps it would have remained unknown to the modern world, if not for one Swiss traveler who discovered it in 1812.

In Petra there are more than 800 monuments of antiquity: baths, huge colonnades, temples, tombs, even the palace-tomb of the king of the ancient Nabataean kingdom. It is about the Al-Khazne palace. It is carved right into a huge rock. Specialists, as well as ordinary people, are surprised how the ancient builders managed to create such a colossal structure without scaffolding (there are simply no trees in that area) and special equipment.

Behind the rock with a stone are numerous houses, arches, stairs and even a Roman amphitheater with a capacity of 4,000 spectators. One of the most significant sights of the city is the 45-meter-high Ad-Deir Monastery, which stands majestically on top of a cliff. To see the city frozen in stone, you will have to walk several kilometers across the desert, but the spectacular Petra will definitely be worth it.

Colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia, ​​China

Attraction rating: 4.5

The famous colorful mountains of China are a very curious area, the hills of which are 'painted' in all sorts of shades of red, yellow and brown. Tourists from all over the world strive here to witness this riot of colors with their own eyes. At the sight of the rocks, it seems as if it was a giant artist who once painted them with a giant brush.

Well, if we approach the issue scientifically: experts believe that more than 100 million years ago in this area there was a reservoir with a large amount of silt. Over time, the huge pool of water dried up, exposing its bottom. Everything that had accumulated there over many millennia began to oxidize under the influence of air and acquire an unusual color.

When information about the Colored Mountains spread beyond China, travelers from all over the world began to flock to the nearest town of Zhangye. And instead of a sleepy, forgotten settlement, it quickly turned into an active tourist destination. It is from here that the hike to Zhangye Danxia begins.

Batu Caves, Malaysia

Attraction rating: 4.5

A unique attraction is a mixture of the creation of nature and human hands. The incredible splendor of the tourist attraction is located just 13 kilometers from the capital of the country – Kuala Lumpur. Batu is a whole cave complex, one of the oldest on the planet: its approximate age is about 400 million years.

For many years, Batu served as a refuge for local hunters, until an American naturalist discovered them in 1878. The complex consists of 10 rooms: 3 large and 7 smaller. The most impressive size is the 'Dark Cave'. Its height is 122 meters, and it is 2 kilometers long. These are all stalactite 'landscapes' – slightly gloomy and majestic.

Batu is not only a natural landmark, but also the most famous Hindu temple outside India, where about 1.5 million pilgrims come annually to the Taipusam festival. At this time, rather unusual rituals are held here, which seem at least strange to many European tourists, and to some unpleasant.

Pilgrims march to the caves to the beat of drums. Some of them go into a trance and pierce their tongue or cheeks, sometimes their naked body. For those who would like to visit the cave complex without bumping into Indian pilgrims, it will not be superfluous to find out when the festival is taking place (January / February).

Pearl Falls, China

Attraction rating: 4.5

Part of the nature reserve and one of its most important attractions – the waterfall attracts thousands of travelers who want to enjoy the magical view of the crystal clear water falling down. The waterfall got its name because the falling water breaks on a stone into tiny drops resembling tiny pearls. The most spectacular view of the waterfall is in the spring, when it rains in the mountains and the snow melts.

The waterfall begins in the Utrish mountains, from where the Greater Caucasus Range is formed. Hundreds of kilometers around – entirely relict forests and no signs of man. The nature here is incredibly beautiful, but you can only get here on foot, because there is not a single highway nearby.

The water running along the slopes falls from a 5-meter height directly to the beach, and, after a few more meters, merges with the sea. In summer, the slope along which the waterfall falls is covered with climbing vegetation, resembling a tropical corner. Even on hot days, the water is cold here: those who want to freshen up can stand under the clean streams of the stream. By the way, the water here is crystal clear and tasty – you can even drink it.

Great Blue Hole, Belize

Attraction rating: 4.5

The largest sinkhole on our planet. It can fit the entire American Statue of Liberty and still have about 30 meters left. But the Great Blue Hole was not always a funnel, since the great explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau, who discovered it to the world, discovered stalactites in it. This means that the formation was originally an aboveground cave, because stalactites do not form under water. A thousand years ago, the funnel was terrestrial and, quite possibly, inhabited.

A circular depression on the ocean floor with a diameter of 302 meters and a depth of 102 meters is one of the ten best diving spots on our planet. But in order to dive, you will have to get to the Blue Hole for a couple of hours by boat (almost 100 km from land). Plunging into a huge crater, it will be possible to 'walk' in the system of caves with stalactites flooded with water. But you should be very careful: it is very easy to get lost in this system. No wonder the second (unofficial) name of this place is the Divers' Cemetery.

Those who do not have sufficient diving experience are recommended to stay at a depth of up to 30 meters. Here you can also get acquainted with the representatives of the marine world: see sea turtles, perch, harmless nurse shark, etc. You can enjoy the view of the Great Blue Hole from a height, flying over it in a helicopter. And for inveterate extremals, they offer a blood-thrilling parachute jump right above the funnel.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Attraction rating: 4.4

The heart of modern Turkey and the unexpected side of this country for many travelers. To many, this Turkish region seems alien, its landscapes are so unusual and mesmerizing: there are snow-capped volcanoes, huge rock massifs, pacifying quiet valleys, etc.

This is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Every day hundreds of balloons rise into the sky over the colorful region with tourists eager to see the fabulous beauty of the Cappadocian landscapes with their own eyes. Cappadocia is beautiful all year round. You just need to choose the right season.

Underground cities, viewing platforms on rocks, inexpensive tasty meat and aromatic wine are always open for travelers here (by the way, one of the best in Turkey, because Cappadocia is a wine region). By the way, it is colder here than in the rest of Turkey, and even more so in underground cities, so you cannot do without warm clothes.

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Attraction rating: 4.4

The North Atlantic Islands are located in the open ocean. And, although in fact they belong to Denmark, life there obeys not her, but its own laws – the laws of nature. There are no azure waters and cozy hotels, but for those who want to enjoy the views of absolutely wild nature, the Faroe Islands are paradise on earth.

National Geografic magazine called the Faroe Islands the best in the world in one of its issues and, perhaps, it is difficult to argue with this. The Faroe Islands, represented by 18 islands, are unique not only in a natural sense. Their economy is actually based on herring and sheep, the weather is often gloomy and cold, and essential household items need to be 'mined' 1,500 kilometers away, but the standard of living here is one of the highest in the world.

But travelers do not come here to get acquainted with the simple, if not down to earth, and, at the same time, comfortable life of local residents. People come here to unite with amazing nature, which creates the impression of being at the edge of the Earth.

Songdong cave, Vietnam

Attraction rating: 4.3

The largest in the world, one of the most unusual and beautiful caves in the world. Shondong is distinguished not only by its truly enormous size: this cave complex has its own ecosystem. The attraction located in the territory of the natural park was discovered to the world quite recently.

In 1991, a local farmer while walking in the forest heard the sound of water and the whistle of the wind. He found a crevice in the rock, but the rumble coming from there was very loud, and the descent was very steep and the farmer was afraid to enter. And only 18 years later the cave was first explored – a group of British cavers descended there.

The dimensions of Shondong are incredible: the volume of the cave is 38.5 million m2. A 40-storey building can easily fit here. The cave system is represented by one and a half hundred different halls, the height of some of them reaches 200 meters, and the width is 150. At the moment, speleologists have managed to study only 6.5 kilometers of caves, but even without this it is clear that this underground system is the largest in the world.

In addition to its gigantic size, Shondong surprises with its ecosystem: since it was inaccessible for many millennia, it managed to form its own microclimate. In some places, sunlight gets inside, and underground waters serve as a nutrient system for local vegetation (the height of individual trees reaches several meters) and animals (monkeys and flying foxes live here).

Although the part of Vietnam where the cave is located has a hot, dry climate, it is always cool and humid in the underground formation. And when warm air masses get inside, a unique phenomenon is formed – underground clouds.

Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Attraction rating: 4.3

The Weddell Sea is considered the cleanest body of water on the planet. In 1986, a survey of its waters established an average visibility at a depth of 79 meters. This is the indicator of distilled water. The Weddell Sea cannot be called small: its area is 2.9 million km2, and the maximum depth mark reaches 6800 meters.

The sea has a very beautiful shade of water – sky blue, and a huge number of ice floes float here throughout the year. Despite its appearance and crystal clearness, the reservoir is not popular among travelers – only the most courageous and experienced dare to swim in this sea. But what is there: not every expedition dares to go there: drifting ice floes pose a huge danger to ships. And yet, the Weddell Sea is an amazing place with crystal clear, never freezing water (even at -25 ° C) and the richest marine fauna.

Nike cave, mexico

Attraction rating: 4.2

The Mexican desert, as it turned out, may surprise: in 2000, the mining brothers, while laying a new mine tunnel, stumbled upon an unusual underground formation: an underground cavity at a depth of more than 300 meters with huge crystals in the form of rays reaching 11 meters. Resembling an underground labyrinth, the cavity, according to scientists' research, has been filled with mineralized water for hundreds of thousands of years. For such a long time, large crystals of a gypsum variety (selenite) have formed in it.

Soon after the opening of the cave, water was pumped out of it, and after 5 years it was decided to isolate this unique natural object from the external environment in order to preserve it. Nevertheless, it will not become another tourist attraction, since it is simply dangerous for humans: the crystals are too fragile, the air inside is hot, humid and saturated with hydrogen sulfide. The air temperature in the cave reaches +50 0С, and the humidity exceeds 90%. It is impossible to stay in such conditions for more than 10 minutes. Only special suits that cool the body and an oxygen mask allow you to stay a little longer.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Attraction rating: 4.2

The world famous 'Cotton Castle' (this is how the name of the area is translated from Turkish) is a significant tourist attraction and health resort. Indeed, if you look at Pamukkale from a height, it will look like a lot of fluffy cotton bolls collected in one puzzle.

Looking at the panoramic photographs of Pamukkale, many tourists mistakenly believe that you can get healthier by taking baths right in these 'cotton' terraces. But this is not the case. The special mineral composition makes the water in them unsuitable for bathing. For this, the resort provides special pools, also of natural origin.

This place is often (and quite deservedly) called 'Cleopatra's Pool'. Being in the water of such pools creates a feeling similar to being in champagne. And the whole point is in its unique composition: it is saturated with calcium sulfate and bicarbonate, carbon dioxide (the same that is used in carbonated water) and has a high level of ionization. Just half an hour in such a mineral 'cocktail' is enough for the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, heart and skin to say 'thank you' (and from the bottom of my heart).

Unfortunately, over the years of tourism, the natural pools of Pamukkale have turned from 'cotton' to trampled snow, and not in the best sense of the word. But after the appeal of the Turkish authorities to UNESCO (by the way, the resort is one of the World Heritage Sites), many terraces were restored to their former snow-white beauty.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina / Brazil

Attraction rating: 4.2

Iguazu Falls is one of the 7 official wonders of the world. The river waters have made their way into the soft rock surface, but have not coped with the basalt deposits. This is how numerous islets were formed, creating a real 3-kilometer network of hundreds of rapids, channels, powerful waterfalls and canyons.

Both countries with the waterfall system consider this wilderness a natural park. The most impressive views of the cascade are from the Brazilian side, although most of the falls are on the Argentine side. But the most spectacular, without a doubt, can be considered the 'Devil's Throat' – a huge vertical cliff: from an 82-meter height, water falls into a huge hollow in the form of a horseshoe, over which a rainbow forms.

For the convenience of contemplating beauty, tourists were equipped with numerous bridges and observation platforms. The most courageous are offered a ride on a rubber boat almost to the very foot of the waterfalls, and fans of a panoramic picture will appreciate all the beauty of the cascade from the helipad.

Moraine Glacial Lake, Canada

Attraction rating: 4.2

A unique beauty reservoir with a glacial 'past' is located in Banff National Park. This is its main attraction and a source of pride for Canadians. The lake water is of glacial origin, therefore it is crystal clear and transparent as glass. The water temperature is quite cool, and this is not surprising given the fact that the ice melts only with the arrival of June.

The lake cannot be called large – its area does not exceed 0.5 km2, and the maximum depth mark is only 14 meters. But this in no way diminishes the pristine beauty of the reservoir, surrounded by 10 peaks of snowy mountains.

The lake was discovered relatively recently: at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, it was discovered by naturalist Walter Wilcox. For 10 years, starting in 1969, the lake landscape was depicted on the $ 20 bill. The picturesque region abounds with hiking trails of varying difficulty. True, some of them cannot be walked at certain times due to the likelihood of a grizzly bear attack.

In the summertime, canoeing trips in the crystal blue waters are especially popular among travelers. In autumn, the valley becomes especially charming, covered with golden colors of autumn foliage. In winter, the view of the valley is no less attractive: the serene lake covered with ice and the mountain peaks 'dressed' in snow caps evoke pacification and a sense of peace.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.