The Most Spectacular Natural Vistas on Earth
Natural vistas refer to scenic views of natural landscapes such as mountains, valleys, forests, lakes, rivers, etc., that are unspoiled and in their original state. They provide a visual connection with nature and offer a peaceful, serene environment.
If you believe you've seen it all and been to the top spots on Earth, prepare to be amazed! Here's a compilation of some lesser-known destinations that you may have overlooked, but should definitely add to your bucket list. They're even more enchanting than you can imagine.
1. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey known for its unique geological formations, including fairy chimneys, caves, and valleys. It's a popular tourist destination for hot air balloon rides, cave hotels, and ancient cave dwellings and churches. The area has a rich history, having served as a refuge for early Christians and a center of Byzantine culture.
Turkey is known for its vivid landscapes. However, not everyone has uncovered the charm of this historical region in Turkish provinces.
Seize the chance to go on a hot air balloon ride starting at dawn and witness the stunning canyons, valleys and fairy chimneys from a bird's eye view.
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Croatia. It features a series of interconnected waterfalls and lakes surrounded by dense forest and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by walking along wooden pathways and bridges, or by taking a boat tour. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, attracting millions of visitors every year.
The falls are generally hidden at the top end of the upper lakes because of the dense vegetation that hides them and makes them a bit difficult to locate. So, if you're genuinely interested in seeing this treasure, pay close attention to everything around you.
3. Sabah Lake in Malaysia
Sabah Lake is a freshwater lake located in the state of Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It is the largest lake in Malaysia and is known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, including endemic fish species and migratory birds. The lake is also an important source of water for local communities, agriculture, and industry.
Sabah is famous for its scenic beaches and stunning lakes, making it a popular tourist destination. Breathtaking sunsets and secluded islands will leave you awestruck and wanting to stay in this paradise forever.
4. Panjin Red Beach, China
Panjin Red Beach is a famous tourist destination located in the Panjin City of Liaoning Province in China. It is known for its unique red tidal flat ecosystem and its stunning red landscapes, caused by the growth of a type of seaweed known as Sueda. The beach attracts many visitors each year, who come to see the vibrant red landscapes and experience the unique ecosystem.
The plant remains green throughout the summer, but in the fall, it becomes a stunning deep crimson color that resembles the red sea.
Red Beach is mostly a nature reserve, hence it is typically off limits to the general public. Only a tiny, isolated portion is accessible to tourists.
5. Ithaa Submarine Restaurant, Maldives
Ithaa Submarine Restaurant is located in the Maldives and is the world's first all-glass underwater restaurant. “Ithaa” means “mother of pearl”.“Ithaa” means “mother of pearl” It offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding coral reefs and marine life, providing a unique dining experience. The restaurant is located 5 meters below sea level and can accommodate 14 diners at a time. It offers a range of international cuisine, including fresh seafood.
6. Marble Caves, Chile
Marble Caves are a geological formation located in Chile Chico, Patagonia, Chile. They are formed by the erosion of marble rock by waves, creating intricate blue and turquoise caverns and tunnels. The caves are accessible by boat, offering visitors a unique and beautiful view of the marble formations. They have become a popular tourist destination in recent years.
The stunning marble caves in Patagonia have been carved by waves over a span of 6,200 years. The fact that the hue of the marble caves varies depending on the season only adds to the mystique of the location.
7. Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
Bajos del Toro is a rural town located in the central region of Costa Rica, known for its lush green forests, rolling hills, and scenic waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers who come to explore its national parks, trek through its cloud forests, and raft its rivers. Bajos del Toro is also known for its rich wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and various species of flora and fauna.
Bajos del Toro in the Alajuela province is a serene and off-the-beaten-path location. The path leads to the stunning Hidden Treasure Waterfall. Take your time hiking through the clear water trails and descend the stairs to reach an awe-inspiring waterfall beyond your wildest dreams.
8. Mount Edith Cavell, Canada
Mount Edith Cavell is a mountain located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. It is named after Edith Cavell in 1916, a British nurse during World War I who was executed by Geran soldiers for helping Allied soldiers escape from occupied Belgium to the Netherlands. The mountain is a popular tourist destination, offering scenic views and opportunities for hiking and climbing.
Beautiful alpine meadows, a fragrant subalpine forest, and breathtaking bush views may all be found here. The Cavell region's Angel Glacier and Edith Cavell.
9. Ruins of San Ignacio Miní, Argentina
San Ignacio Miní is a Jesuit mission located in the province of Misiones, Argentina, and is considered one of the best preserved examples of the Jesuit missions of the colonial period in South America. It was founded in 1632 and abandoned in the late 18th century. Today, the ruins of San Ignacio Miní are a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is regarded as one of the world's most private and secret locations. The Jesuit missionary complex of San Ignacio Min is now in ruins. A hospital, a school, dorms, and a stone church with a wooden interior were all under construction. Before being completely destroyed by the locals, the complex managed to exist for approximately two centuries.
10. National Park, Channel Islands
The Channel Islands National Park is a US national park located off the coast of California. It includes five of the eight Channel Islands, and protects a diverse array of natural and cultural resources, including unique species of plants and animals, archeological sites, and historic military structures. The park offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
One of the coolest undiscovered locations on Earth is the island of Sark in the Channel Islands, southwest of the English Channel (its population is about 500 people). Only tractors and horse-drawn vehicles are permitted on Sark's roadways, and cars are strictly forbidden.
11. Tongariro, New Zealand
Tongariro is a National Park in the central North Island of New Zealand. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic volcanic landscapes, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.4 km hike that takes in three active volcanic peaks: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. The park is also culturally significant to the Maori people, who have spiritual and cultural ties to the area.
The national park is recognized as a World Heritage site. The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was filmed here between 2000 and 2003.
12. Wisteria Tunnel, Kitakyushu, Japan
The Wisteria Tunnel is a popular tourist destination located in Kitakyushu, Japan. It is a tunnel-like structure made of Wisteria vines that bloom in vibrant shades of purple, pink and white, typically in late April to early May. The tunnel is a popular spot for visitors to take pictures and enjoy the stunning beauty of the blooming flowers.
Around 150 wisteria plants from 20 different types can be found in the garden, which is one of the many reasons to visit this amazing location. Come here in late April or early May for the best chance of seeing the magnificent tunnel in full bloom.
13. Socotra Island, Yemen
Socotra Island is a remote island located off the coast of Yemen. It is known for its unique biodiversity and landscapes, including rare species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. The island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 due to its ecological importance. The island is also home to the indigenous Socotri people, who have a rich cultural heritage and a distinct language.
Socotra Island boasts one of the world's strongest collections of plants, making it a unique destination. With minimal roads and a variety of caves and shipwrecks, it also offers a sense of adventure.
14. Black Canyon of Colorado, Arizona
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and is a deep and narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River. The walls of the canyon are steep, with some of the rock formations reaching over 2,000 feet in height. It is known for its unique geology and scenic beauty, and is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and sightseeing.
On the Colorado River, close to the state line separating Arizona and Nevada, is where you'll find this canyon. It first appeared around 15 million years ago and got its name from the local black volcanic rocks.
15. Cenote Ik-Kil, Mexico
Ik-Kil is a cenote in Mexico, a natural sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. It is located near Chichen Itza and is a popular tourist destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Ik-Kil is known for its clear blue waters and lush vegetation surrounding it.
There are several spectacular cenotes in Mexico, and Ik-Kil is one of them. Prepare for a 26-meter descent if you want to reach this amazing cenote. Ik-Kil has a 60 m-diameter pool of water that is 40 m deep.
16. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, England
St Michael's Mount is an island tidal island located in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, England. It is a castle and former monastery, now home to the St Aubyn family, and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can reach the island by walking across the causeway at low tide, or by boat during high tide. The castle and grounds are open to the public, offering stunning views of the Cornish coastline.
Contrary to your belief, there is indeed a British twin brother of Le Mont-Saint-Michel on the opposite side of the canal. Get ready to be astounded by the island of Monte de São Miguel, its legends, myths, and its rich history of over a thousand years. The castle and chapel have been inhabited by the St. Aubyn family since 1650.
17. Smoo Cave, Scotland
Smoo Cave is a limestone sea cave located in Durness, Scotland. It is one of the largest sea caves in Britain, and features a freshwater stream, a waterfall, and a deep pool. The cave is a popular tourist destination and can be accessed by boat or by foot. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, and it is a site of special scientific interest.
The Smoo cave's name translates to "a hole" or "a hiding spot." As a result, it is clear that it is not a busy location and that attempting it is absolutely worthwhile.
18. Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes is a town in Mono County, California, United States. It is a popular tourist destination known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and fishing. The town is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains and is located near the Mammoth Mountain ski resort.
Can you picture relaxing in the middle of a valley, amidst breathtaking surroundings, in a heart-shaped hot spring? The term is a description of the vastness of the valleys, the immensity of the mountains, and the lakes in the mountains that are incredibly clear.
19. The Great Prismatic Spring
The Great Prismatic Spring is a hot spring located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States. It is known for its vivid colors, ranging from blue to green to orange, and its large size, making it one of the largest hot springs in the world.
After Lake Boiling in the Dominican Republic and Lake Skillet in New Zealand, this hot spring is the third largest in the world. It has a diameter of 370 feet, which is greater than a soccer field (260 feet long and 160 feet wide).
20. Kakslauttanen Hotel, Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a hotel located in Finnish Lapland, near the village of Saariselkä. It is known for its unique glass igloos and traditional Finnish log cabins, which offer spectacular views of the Northern Lights. The resort also offers activities such as reindeer sled rides, snowmobiling, and Husky sledding.
When you hear "the Arctic," what comes to mind first? Prepare yourself for the reality that this hotel will shatter all of your preconceptions with its stunning glass igloos in the middle of a forest if it's cold, stunning vistas, and lack of heat.
These igloos are ideal for appreciating the splendor and grandeur of the Northern Lights.