75 Most Beautiful Landscapes In The Entire World

In a world of Instagram filters, Ultra 4K TVs, and virtual reality, it can be easy to become numb to scenic landscapes. But screens, no matter how crisp, can never truly be awe-inducing. Fortunately, we live in a world where jaw-dropping splendor is available in just about every corner of the planet (lucky us!). 

The following list is a mixture of the rarely seen, easily accessible, and even a few remote dreamscapes. There's more here than most will see in a lifetime. But that doesn't mean you can't try. Whether you're curating a bucket list or simply looking for a little escape, these landscapes are good for what ails you. 

China's Yuanyang rice terraces are built on a cascading terrace spilling over gorgeous hillsides — each with a slope varying from 15 degrees to 75 degrees. Some rise by more 3,000 steps, creating a landscape that is a rare example of beauty meeting practicality. These terraces have been worked for more than 1,300 years, says China Discovery, and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

Mount Roraima is one of the oldest mountain formations on the planet. Surrounded by Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana, all four sides feature 1,300-foot high cliffs. While its cliff walls are only scalable by the most experienced of climbers, there is a path up the mountain's natural ramp-like path.

If you're ready to tackle this rarely seen marvel, Hike Venezuela recommends ascending on the Venezuelan side and perhaps employing the services of an Indigenous guide.

Arizona's Antelope Canyon is sheltered on Navajo land, not far from Utah's southern border. Classified as a slot canyon, its upper reaches are approximately 4,000 feet in elevation. When the sunlight shines on the colors of the canyon, they appear to vibrate off of the walls. The canyon looks red, gold and orange.

Antelope Lower Canyon recommends visiting between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to maximize the prismatic effects of the gorgeous beams of light dancing across the rock face.

Also known as a Sacred Medicine Lake, Canada's Spotted Lake may fool travelers to British Columbia who see it in the winter or spring. According to Tree Hugger, summer causes what appears to be a normal lake to evaporate, uncovering mysterious-looking pools of shallow water long thought to have healing properties. Its "spots" on the surface are caused by high salt levels.

In the era of Photoshop, it's become a bit of a cliche to say that a landscape looks like a screensaver. And is that even a good thing? We say fewer screens and more up-close encounters with nature this stunning.

The absolutely fascinating geology of Argentina's Hornocal Mountains shocks those lucky enough to see it in person.The incredible colors and the inverted-V shaped formation is part of the limestone formation called yacoraite. From a distance, the Earth looks like a beautiful chevron blanket thrown across the landscape.

Indonesia's Mount Bromo has become a popular tourist attraction because of the close proximity you can get to the active craters in the massif area. The active volcano stands at 7,641 feet. The volcano is noted for its spectacular sunrises and its name is derived from the name for Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, says Authentic Indonesia. It's easy to see why.

Looking for a road trip a bit closer to home? It doesn't mean you'll need to skimp on beauty. Virginia's Skyline Drive is one of the best places to see stunning fall foliage outside New England. This is also one of the best road trips you can go on in the U.S. There are many picnic areas along the route. Many prefer the Elkwallow and South River because of the opportunities to "meet" raptors and many animals.The route winds through Shenandoah National Park and is a part of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain chain.

People from all over the world travel to the Ashikaga Fuji Gardens to witness the spectacular display of fuji flowers. The white, blue, and pink fuji are absolutely out-of-this-world gorgeous. Visit the gardens in the winter season to see the place's incredible water illumination display.

Victoria Falls is one of the greatest attractions in all of Africa. It is classified as the world's largest sheet of falling water and boasts a width of 5,604 feet and height of 354 feet. Spray from the falling water can be seen miles away during the wet season.

Visit Valley of the Moon in Brazil and take a walk on one of Earth's oldest rock formations. The landscape was created by ancient lava flows that carved the rocks into moon-like shapes. Get a glimpse of what the Moon's landscape may actually look like in person.

The Danxia landforms, located in the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, are also known as the eye candy of Zhangye. The rocks and cliffs come in a variety of formations — smooth, sharp, vibrant, and extremely tall. The colorful rocks and rainbow ridges are absolutely awe-inspiring.

Kuril Islands are the focus of a long-standing territorial dispute between Russia and Japan. The volcanic archipelago island chain stretches north across the Pacific Ocean from the Japanese island of Hokkaido to the southern tip of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. It's easy to see why they're fought over; each island looks like its own peaceful paradise.

Colombia's Valle de Cocora is known for being one of the only places in the world to see wax palms in their natural habitat. These slender poles shoot up about 200 feet into the sky and are topped with a few palm leaves. The wax palm is the country's national symbol and the world's tallest palm tree.

Kauaʻi's North Shore, also known as the Nāpali Coast is a place you should see by kayak. The 17 miles of ocean shores are one of the most popular attractions on Kauai. The 4,000-foot tall cliffs along the coastline are some of the most dramatic in the world. You'll see dolphins, seals, sea turtles, sea caves, waterfalls, and many stunning and secluded beaches.

The Seven Rila Lakes are some of the most popular summer attractions for Bulgarians (and others lucky enough to make a trip). The glacial lakes, situated between 2,100 and 2,500 feet above sea level, are located on the northwestern Rila Mountain, itself a stunning highland region on the Balkan Peninsula.|

Scotland's Isle of Skye is every bit as stunning as it is remote. This rugged landscape is tethered to the mainland by bridge but once across, it feels as if you're in another world. This is a world-class destination for walkers and climbers. The Cuillin Range, for example, offers 12 "munros" – or peaks above 3,000 feet.

Once you see the shapes out of the white cliffs at Etretat you're not like to forget the sight anytime soon. Located on France's Alabaster Coast, this 80-mile expanse faces the English Channel northeast of Le Havre.

Whether you're in the mood for a sleepy retreat in the surrounding scenic countryside or live for the drama of these stark cliff faces, you'll find what you're looking for here.

The Cliffs of Moher, estimated to be 319 million years old, are the second most-popular tourist attraction in Ireland, after Trinity College in Dublin. The cliffs, which are about 5 miles long, rise sharply — up to 702 feet above sea level. Increased levels of carbonic acid in the water, along with flooding, will accelerate erosion of the limestone formations, so see them while you still can.

The Douro Valley region, located in northern Portugal, extends from the city of Porto to the country's eastern border. The Port wine production and the unique scenery sculpted by the Douro River and its streams are high points visitors should not miss. The valley is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Valley of Flowers is a must-see if you're visiting India. The surge of aromas from more than 300 alpine flowers will take your breath away. It's open from June until October. As you look at the horizon, you will see bright colorful carpet with refreshing mountainous snowflakes in the background.

With an approximate elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level, Denali is the highest mountain peak in all of North America and is the largest of any mountain above sea level. Five huge glaciers flow off of the slopes of Denali.

Yemen's Socotra, is a remote island on the Arabian Sea, brimming with plants that are up to 20 million years old. The island, often called "the most alien-looking place on Earth," is so isolated that more than a third of its plant life does not exist anywhere else.

Iceland has several black sand beaches but Reynisfjara is one of the most impressive. Its iconic cliff of regular basalt columns resembling a rocky step pyramid, called Hálsanef, is stunning. Gaze out to sea and you'll see the spectacularly shaped basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar.

This coastal desert, filled with stunning red sand dunes, is located in southern Africa. It covers an area of approximately 31,274 square miles, extends along the coast of Namibia, and merges along with the Kaokoveld Desert. It may be the oldest desert in the world but its arid conditions mean that it is only sparsely populated. Here's your chance to see a corner of the world few get to experience.

The Netherlands' Tulip Fields are like a museum of the most beautiful sights in the entire country. The striking colors of the bulbs are a common spectacle in Holland during the spring. You'll see seemingly neverending rows of bright red, pink, and yellow flowers.

This is South Africa's "outback" with dramatic mountains in the background. The stunning flower displays can be seen along several drives that center on the towns of Garies, Springbok, Kamieskroon, and Port Nolloth. The best time to visit for the widest variety of colors is in August, when the landscape looks like an artist's palette.

A popular sight-seeing destination for many hikers in Banff National Park. Nestled amid sprawling mountains, this glacially fed lake can be found in the park's "Valley of Ten Peaks." Its most notable draw is the stunningly bright, turquoise-blue color of the water.

This is where hoodoos and the forest meet! Bryce Canyon is actually not a canyon. It is a spectacular series of more than a dozen amphitheaters, each of which is carved at least 1,000 feet into the chromatic limestone of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

The Five-Flower Lake, or Wuhua Lake, is certainly among the most beautiful places in China. This pristine oasis in the Sichuan province is far from big cities. It lies at the end of the upper reach of Peacock River, about 8,110 feet above sea level.

The eye-catching rice terraces in Vietnam's Yen Bai province are one of most attractive sights in an already stunningly beautiful country. The best time to visit in order to see the most colorful and lively displays is in September and October. The golden-green and toast-brown colors of the ripe rice are glowing because of the sun shining on them.

This is one of the most dangerous places for scuba diving. Near the center of Lighthouse Reef, an eerily large submarine sinkhole takes up over 300 meters of the ocean. Over time the ocean rose, and a cave was flooded, creating this World Heritage Site.

Formed as a result of transformations between many prehistoric lakes, Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat. Because of the large, flat area and clear skies, it is often used for calibrating altimeters of Earth observation satellites. It also creates a dream-like reflection off of the crust.

The iconic rock stacks along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria have separated from nearby limestone cliffs. They began eroding away from the caves approximately 10 to 20 million years ago. The wind and water continue to corrode them at an average of 0.75 inches a year.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a dangerous place to take selfies, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its 16 terraced lakes that are joined by waterfalls. The waters have flown over the limestone and chalk for thousands of years, creating natural dams, caves and waterfalls.

This natural wonder is best-known for its spectacular scenery. The gorgeous white landscape and chalk-colored rock formations will leave you in awe. Tourists enjoy camping overnight under the stars, especially on full moon nights.

The Wave in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Arizona Strip is best photographed midday if you want to minimize the extensive shadows. Other areas are best photographed in mid-late afternoon. You must get a permit to see The Wave.

Red Seabeach is one of China's most impressive landscapes. It is the biggest wetland in the world featuring the red plant, Suaeda salsa. There are specific bridges where tourists are allowed to visit and look out over this incredible view.

From June to August the lavender fields come to life. The colorful purple bloom around Mont Ventoux makes for a regal scenery and atmosphere. Go on a relaxing walk along the lavender roads from the field to the distillery and embrace the intense colors surrounding you.

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site deemed as having noteworthy cultural value for signifying a "harmonious interaction between man and nature to produce a landscape of exceptional scenic quality." The colorful village provides a vibrant backdrop for travelers who are after truly stunning snapshots.

Explore 450,000 acres of pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta on horses and riding alongside zebras, giraffes and elephants.

Pamukkale is Turkey's leading mineral-bath spa because of its natural splendor. Hot calcium-laden water flows over a cliff. As it cools down it forms vivid travertines of hard, white calcium that form pools. Named the Cotton Fortress in Turkish, it has been a spa since the Romans built the spa city of Hierapolis around a sacred warm-water spring.

Norway is easily among the most beautiful countries in the world and the fjords are its trademark. The rugged scenery and massive inlets are magnificent. The fjords region ranges from the coast from Stavanger to the Russian border. The rustic village resorts look like they are from a fairytale.

Lake Lucerne is surrounded by mountains, which contribute to the amazing scenic variety around it. The lake reminds of a fjord landscape. A feature that makes Lake Lucerne stand out is the fact that the water flowing into the lake passes beneath the 13th-century Chapel Bridge.

Buddhist monasteries are nestled into cliff sides. Colorful prayer flags are flapping in the wind. Rugged peaks are towering over valleys. There are views that are common in Bhutan, one of the most secluded adventure destinations in the world.

This is a UNESCO treasury. Go to see a combination of beautiful architectural gems. Its stunning gardens and postcard scenery also make this beautiful town in Czech one to remember. Moravia is predominantly formed of hilly country, highlands and low mountain ranges.

The park, whose name means "place of spirits," is a remote and wild area, but indigenous peoples have lived there for thousands of years, according to Parks Canada. Today's visitors come for wilderness-oriented experiences – camping, backpacking, climbing, and sailing. The park is accessible only by boat and charter plane during the summer.

This is a unique mountain with a flat top that overlooks the city of Cape Town in South Africa. It reaches approximately 3,558 feet in elevation. Visitors enjoy hiking or using the cableway to reach the top.

You've likely seen pictures of the striking white buildings overlooking the sea—Santorini is no travel secret, but it's still well worth the trip. Check out the black sand beaches of Perissa, the historic hilltop village of Oia and the incredible wineries in the area.

The setting sun transforms the aspen trees and Maroon Bells into an absolutely magical place. All that's missing is you, pitching a tent to spend the night in the gorgeous wilderness.

Zhangjiajie, China's first national forest park, became famous worldwide from the movie Avatar in which the Hallelujah Mountains were inspired by Heavenly Pillar in Zhangjiajie. The most popular and iconic feature of the park are the dangerous sandstone peaks.

Did you know that America boasts its own rain forest? That's right, you won't even need a passport to see this almost alien-like splendor. Located on Washington's rugged coast, you'll get the full Pacific Northwest experience here, but the result is far from gloomy. Sumptuous greens surround you here and, despite the fact that the area is popular among experienced and novice hikers, it's still one of the quietest places in the entire world.

Despite the fact that California's Salton Sea ranks on our list of most chilling abandoned places, many residents still make their homes in this former resort area. Because of the area's high salt content (which increased over time), what was once a manmade Palm-Springs-like escape became an almost Martian desolate landscape. If you don't mind a little ruin among your beauty, the Salton Sea is still ready to welcome you.

If your escape needs to be postcard-worthy, it's hard to top the sunsets of Turks and Caicos. Pastel skies meet gentle turquoise waters and while we know you're not there to make your friends jealous exactly, it's hard not to imagine a person with a front-row seat to this show hasn't been especially blessed (not to mention blissed out). Sign us up.

Hilly, majestic, and a bit mysterious, it's no wonder Sicily was the perfect romantic (and dramatic) setting for Season 2 of "White Lotus." If you're the kind of person who likes to indulge in sumptuous food while azure water tickles your toes and a friendly Mediterranean sun shines down on your shoulders (and who isn't?), put this Italian isle on your list.

Never heard of Cannon Beach? Don't worry; we suspect you've seen it. Once you've seen Haystack Rock rising dramatically from the Pacific off Oregon's coast, it's hard to forget. Sure, you may remember it from the pivotal scene in "The Goonies," you won't need to see a pirate ship to be awed by the sight. And while the rocky beaches of the Pacific Northwest aren't as sanguine as their cousins down in California, you'll still find yourself transported by the expansive views.

Though these geologic formations may look like the sky spilled a bag of Hershey's Kisses across the landscape, we doubt that's how these hills got their name. More likely, it's the deep brown color they turn during the dry season that gave them their unique moniker. And there are more than 1,000 of them spread across the Bohol province in southern Philippines. Sure you could explore them all, but why not climb to the nearest vista and enjoy the delicious views? 

While the name is foreboding and the location isolated, there's really nothing to fear from Antactica's Blood Falls. Though the blood-red colors stand out among the vast expanse of white and deep blue of the ocean, the hue is all natural, thanks to a steady flow of oxide-rich glacial water streaming toward the sea.

The quality of light just seems different in Yosemite National Park. The waterfalls, sequoias, and stark granite cliffs are rendered even more beautiful by the playful light dancing across the landscape in this Californian treasure nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Whether you're tackling El Capitan (good luck!) or simply trying out one of its many beginner-friendly hikes, the sights of Yosemite won't soon be forgotten. 

If there's anything Spain loves, it's a dramatic painter. Just ask Picasso, Dali, or Goya. But Mother Nature didn't do such a bad job herself when it came to capturing the unique and awe-inspiring beauty of the country's Rio Tinto (Red River). Much like that glacier in Antarctica, iron is responsible for some of the river's deep-red color, but a high level of acidity and various heavy metals add depth to the rich hue. While iron extraction likely played as big a role as Mother Nature in creating the striking visuals, the river isn't barren. It teems with life that can thrive in its harsh conditions. And we think that's pretty beautiful in its own right. 

Want to post a California location tag on social media unlike any other? Head to Mono Lake, due east of San Francisco and almost to the border of Nevada. Here you'll find not only a recreational paradise (think boating, birding, and hiking), but a landscape unlike any other. According to Mono County, the lake can be classified as a large inland sea, as it spans nearly 600 square miles. But it's the mineral towers that are the real draw here. Branching up out of the water as far as the eye can see, you can gaze at them as you enjoy a leisurely float. Thanks to the water's unique alkalinity, you'll be floating with ease. 

This one is for the googology lovers. Madagascar's Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is a geomorphological wonderland. And while a bunch of limestone popping up out of the ground may not sound all that exciting, when you see the reserve in all its glory, the result is a landscape as otherworldly as it is spiritual. And the view is one that will make you grateful to live on a planet packed with so much unique beauty — even if the view is unlike any you've seen before.

Truly the most metal name of all the selections on this list, you might be forgiven for thinking the attraction sounds a little dramatic. After all, could a natural phenomenon really look like a portal to another dimension? Well, turns out, yes. But that doesn't mean you should shy away from visiting. Maybe it would help to know that its other name is simply the Darvaza gas crater. Not as evocative, true, but every bit as impressive in person. And while a recent visitor to this continually burning crater described the sensation of seeing it to National Geographic as feeling "a bit like a baked potato," it's still an awe-inspiring site to stand (safely) along the rim of this extreme phenomenon.

Boulders. Seen one, seen 'em all, right? Not necessarily. Consider the Moeraki Boulders of New Zealand. According to New Zealand's tourism site, these massive and numerous calcite formations have been around for more than 65 million years — so it's only natural New Zealand's Indigenous people, the Maori, have legends that depict these structures as washed-ashore gourds from a great canoe. And they do truly look like they've been idly dropped across the landscape by a giant's hand. Mystical meets geological intrigue in this sight not to be missed when visiting Aotearoa.

Yes, it's true. We kind of have a thing for national parks. But can you blame us when they preserve some of the most remarkable scenery in the entire world? Deep inside Yellowstone National Park sits the Grand Prismatic Spring, a stunning marvel that may sit in the shadow of Old Faithful but deserves plenty of spotlight on its own. Larger than a football field, per Yellowstone National Park, the concentric circles extending from the center are a colorful bullseye of bacteria growth. Sounds gross, maybe, but nevertheless looks extremely cool. These microbes love the thermal heat — and we love the colors they show us. Win-win.

Australia's Lake Hillier likely looks like a dream you once had. Pastel pinks and saturated blues meet at the horizon. One of the smallest sites on this list (and partially overshadowed in photos by the very nearby Pacific Ocean), the lake nevertheless makes for a striking scene. Unlike many of the other uniquely colored landscapes on this list, there's currently no pat scientific explanation for the lake's vibrant though, according to the lake's official website, most pin the explanation on carotenoids, the very pigment that gives carrots their vibrant hue. 

These 18 craggy islands are nominally part of Denmark but are situated between Iceland and Norway and offer some of the most distinctive landscapes a traveler can come across. Sleepy villages huddle beneath towering hills and a big sky, creating the impression of children tucked in under the covers and content in their cozy slumber. This is a hiker's and birder's paradise, as you might expect, so if you enjoy a brisk hike on a heath, this far-north sojourn might be for you.

Monument Valley is one of the defining landscapes of the American Southwest. It's landscape as cultural canon — and for good reason. These evocative sandstone buttes rising up out of the red desert near the border of Arizona and Utah have been featured in countless films and TV shows over the years. Want to conjure the magic and mystery of the Southwest? You're talking Monument Valley. It's hard to believe the familiar site is only about 5 square miles, but that doesn't detract from the grandeur. 

Jordan's Wadi Run is a UNESCO-protected area — and not just because of its abundant natural beauty. The site actually tells a unique story about the history of mankind, thanks to its thousands of inscriptions and carvings. People have lived in the area for more than 12,000 years, meaning its history is so much more than surface-deep. That said, that surface is also pretty remarkable, as it stretches out over tens of thousands of hectares, not far from the Rift Valley.  

Every Jane Austen fan will recall that the Lake District was where Elizabeth Bennet set out to explore in order to conquer her feelings for Mr. Darcy, but you hardly need a dramatic life crossroads to happen to have an excuse to explore this history-rich and scenic countryside. This is, after all, the quintessential rural England, beloved as a holiday escape for locals and a sojourn for pilgrims alike. While you may see more striking landscapes, you likely won't see many more serene.

Arguably, this central Turkey region is as known for its interesting (and beautiful geology) as it is for its hot air balloons — launched each morning at sunrise, per Journey Era. Obviously, one of the best ways to see this stunning landscape is from above, as in your own sunrise flight. And plenty of companies offer this service. If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, just know that this is one of the best areas in the world to hike. 

Appropriately, you'll find this stunning ice cave in, well, Iceland. Visitors to these glassy wonders (this isn't the only one of its kind) have described the experience as like stepping into a cathedral, and it's easy to see why this would evoke spiritual feelings in visitors. But if you visit, beware. Trips To Discover notes that it's only possible (and safe) to visit in the winter and that, despite the yawning opening, the cave eventually narrows to only a few feet high.

Imagine lying down in a sea of blue flowers. That's what visitors to Japan's Hitachi Seaside Park could experience. While the whole park (which sits in view of the Pacific Ocean) is a wonderland in its own right, with all the expected scenery and hiking opportunities, it's the seasonal flowers that explode like tiny firecrackers across the fields. Poppies, roses, zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos can be found at various points throughout the year, so there's rarely a bad time to experience such fleeting beauty.   

Imagine the beauty of a pearl. Or perhaps a found shell on the beach. Now imagine a while wall of that gorgeous shimmer . That's what visitors to Chile's Marble Caves can expect. According to Ecophiles, it was thousands of years of waves lapping at the mineral-rich walls of these caves that created their iridescent glow. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to see this natural wonder, including organized tours and kayaks for rent!

It's no surprise that as the largest coral reef in the world, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, makes the list. More than 3,000 reef systems here meet caves and stunning islands, according to GreatBarrierReef.org. And, as one of the planet's true marvels, it's no wonder there are so many ways to experience the reef — whether above the water (on a helicopter tour), on it (kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours), or beneath it (diving here can't be beat) — you can meet this pristine wilderness on its own terms. 

Yet another UNESCO site is added to our list because who doesn't love a waterfall? And who wouldn't love to be surrounded by a semi-circle of cascading water? And the falls, despite being some of the most beautiful in the world, aren't the only nearby attraction. UNESCO also mentions the surrounding rainforest, rich in biodiversity and teeming with life. Any visit that can include seeing a waterfall — and potentially seeing a howler monkey, jaguar, tapir, or anteater — sounds like an exciting afternoon to us.