The 50 Most Photogenic Vacation Spots On The Planet

Exploring a unique and secluded destination that few people have seen is a thrilling adventure, but relaxing while soaking up the sights of a gorgeous spot is just as rewarding. The beauty of some truly shines within photos, as some places look especially attractive in pictures or on film. No filter is required to enhance the beauty.

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's natural wonders and there is no question why. It's the second largest canyon in the entire world. The combination of its powerful and inspiring landscape, large size and mind-blowing colors make this destination one of the most photogenic spots on the planet.

Norway is well-known for their incredible Northern Lights display. The pink, green, yellow, blue, and violet colors that light up the night sky make for the perfect background for photos. Adventure enthusiasts enjoy skiing, dog sledding and ice fishing under the stunning aurora.

The Greek island, Santorini, is by far one of the most beautiful and photogenic places in the world. Capture views of towering cliffs, whitewashed villages and sparkling blue waters. Visit the town of Oia; tourists say that it is home to the most stunning sunsets on the planet.

The bright blue waters and rocky coastline surrounded by towering peaks make Kotor Bay a spectacle to remember. For the best sightseeing, sail through Kotor Bay or walk from Kotor old town. While you are there visit some of their picturesque landmarks – Kotor's Castle of San Giovanni, City Walls, St Tryphon Cathedral and Piazza of the Arms.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet, a World Heritage Area, and home to one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world. It's known for its colorful reefs and variety of plants and animals. Swim, snorkel and dive in the world's largest coral reef and admire the colorful coral cays.

Peru's Sacred Valley is home to the famous Machu Picchu – one of the world's most famous tourist attractions. Hike along the Inca Trail and capture views of ancient ruins. Also, take one of the Sacred Valley tours, go see the historical Pisac Ruins and Ollantaytambo Ruins. Then bring your camera to The Salinas as you will grasp sight of the whole Cuzco area.

Turks & Caicos is home to gorgeous beaches and stunning scenery. If you're craving adventure, make sure you bring along your underwater camera. Tours from Dive Turks and Caicos will pair a caving adventure with a snorkeling session on the barrier reef. Also available in the area: Catamaran sailing, horseback riding, parasailing, and SNUBA excursions.

Colorful, unique, mind-blowing and spectacular are some of the many ways visitors describe Porto Ferro Beach. The beach is covered by orange sand, volcanic deposits and a mixture of shells. People flock there because of its crystal clear waters and colored sand. Make sure you venture up to the top of the sand dunes for amazing photo opportunities.

Find some of the most luxurious resorts, peaceful islands, soft sands, beautiful views and exclusive experiences in the Maldives. Get out there and photograph this destination before it's too late. According to the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, if sea levels continue to rise, the Maldives may end up completely submerged by 2100.

The Algarve is one of the most well-known regions in Portugal. It's famous for its incredible beaches, jaw-dropping mountains, historical interior and splendid nature. For the best photos, embark on an Off The Beaten Track Algarve Walking Tour with We Love Small Hotels. Enjoy spectacular views ranging from interior landscapes to the Algarvian coast and explore the lovely Cacela Velha village.

If you're looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, look no further than Bora Bora. Imagine sleeping in a gorgeous suite inside of an overwater bungalow, you can do this at the Four Seasons. White sands, private pools and the gorgeous sunrise make this beautiful destination one you will want to cherish forever.

Maui is known for many things – water sports, thrilling adventures and relaxation opportunities. But they are most famously known for their natural beauty. Remote locations are breathtaking, the sunrise is out of this world, and the beaches are absolutely gorgeous. If you're looking for adventure go surfing, snorkeling and cliff jumping.

Palawan is commonly referred to as the most beautiful island in the world. This tropical vacation destination is simply paradise. It's described as a nature sanctuary. View gorgeous clear, blue waters, rainforests and stunning mountains. If you're up for adventure, bring your underwater camera and go scuba diving among vibrant marine species.

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. Tip: Visit Red Seabeach in autumn, when the weeds are flourishing, for the best view of the bright red landscape.

From Central Park to the High Line, and Statue of Liberty, there are many picturesque locations in Manhattan. Times Square, specifically, is known for its incredible lights. To get the best views of the city from above head to some of their most famous observation points – Top of the Rock and The Empire State Building. The Top of the Rock experience begins with a step into a glass ceiling sky shuttle and a ride to the top – the 70^th floor; there you will enjoy 360 degree views on the outdoor deck. While your Empire State Building adventure begins with an elevator ride up to the 86^th floor, or if you're up for it, you have the option to continue up to the 102 floor and view the city from one of its highest points.

The Galapagos Islands encompass some of the most pristine beauty in the world. It's a rare destination, with tons of unique wildlife and spectacular nature to photograph. It offers an incredible mix of tropical and polar species as well as volcanic rock landscapes.

If you want to capture the best photos of the Cayman Islands, you're going to have to be ready for adventure. Hiking, diving, and sailing are popular adventures. But visitors love snorkeling at Stingray City – touch, feed, and swim with stingrays. Also, make sure you visit the famous Seven Mile Beach in the Grand Cayman.

The view from above makes Rio de Janeiro one of the most picturesque tourism spots. Literally, if you love being in the sky you're in for a treat. Visitors enjoy spectacular views parasailing, paragliding, hang gliding, parachuting and zip lining. For those of you who would rather capture ocean views, try stand up paddling, kayaking, scuba diving and white water rafting.

Alberta is home to Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third. Visitors will enjoy spectacular views of valleys, mountains, glaciers, meadows, rivers and forests. While you are there you will have the chance to go camping, hiking and view incredible wildlife.

Famous for its white sand and crystal-clear water, Koh Samui beaches are exactly what you picture when you think of paradise. Enjoy the night life along the streets of Chaweng Beach, sunbathe on the laid-back Lamai Beach, view the gorgeous sunset at Lipa Noi Beach, and go fishing at Bophut Beach.

Rainbow Beach is one of the best colored sand beaches in the world. It gets its name from its rainbow-colored sand dunes that overlook a gorgeous white sand beach. Tourists enjoy visiting the close by Great Sandy National Park for outdoor adventures.

With spectacular scenery, warm temperatures and sunny weather year-round, the Florida Keys are a perfect tropical vacation destination. Other than their breathtaking beaches, these islands are famous for their water adventures. You're definitely going to want to pack your underwater camera for your diving, kayaking and snorkeling adventures.

St. Lucia is frequently visited by honeymooners. But all tourists enjoy the gorgeous scenery, year-round weather, picturesque Piton mountaintops, natural waterfalls, unspoiled rainforest, active volcanoes and beautiful beaches. Admire the fine golden sand of Reduit beach, go snorkeling in the clear waters at Anse des Pitons beach, and visit one of the most spectacular black sand beaches in the world: Anse Chastanet Beach.

Stunning landscapes, gorgeous castles and beautiful canals make Galway a very photogenic vacation destination. Visitors flock to the Aran Islands for incredible coastal scenery; tourists love the view from the top of the Cliffs of Moher; and history enthusiasts enjoy exploring the historic sites in The Burren.

Bali is home to some of the world's most jaw-dropping mountains, epic tree houses, and gorgeous beaches. But one of the main reasons why tourists flock here is to stay in one of their luxurious resorts, specifically, Hanging Gardens. The resort itself offers spectacular views. It is surrounded by lush rainforests, and stunning scenery. But its most popular amenity is its infinity pool; swimmers feel like they are literally floating above the treetops.

Set in northern Italy, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. This range with more than a dozen major peaks is a top destination for adventurous travelers, offering incredible mountain climbing, hiking, cycling and hang-gliding in the warmer months. Make sure you visit the spectacularly gorgeous man-made caves. The area was the front line between Italy and Austria during World War I.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, puts explorative kayakers amidst striking limestone islands, rugged rock formations and low caves, making it a less intense but still exotic and exciting destination for capturing extraordinary footage. The bay in the Gulf of Tonkin includes 1,600 islands and islets. Because of their precipitous nature, most of them are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence.

A trip to Patagonia will have adventurous paddlers cruising past gigantic glaciers and some of the most stunningly beautiful landscapes on the planet. The Marble Caves out in in the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake sit 5,000 million tons of marble, elegantly shaped by nature into caves. Viewing the caves in person is a far more beautiful experience than looking at any photo.

Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in central Turkey that is most famous for odd rock formations clustered in Monks Valley. Tourists go to explore Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by cave dwellers and later used as refuges by early Christians. There are many cave hotels you can stay in including the Uchisar Cave Pansion, which offers hiking, horseback riding, hot air balloon tours, and  bike tours.

An overnight cruise to Milford Sound is one of the most thrilling adventures in New Zealand. Experience the magnificent wonders of a glacier-carved fjord. You'll cruise by hanging spear waterfalls and watch the sunset from the deck. The location on the west coast of the South Island makes Milford Sound a synthesis of spectacular natural landscapes with marvelous hues.

Cyclists will find themselves right at home in this park full of routes, leaves and a festival dedicated to fall biking. The more than 500 miles of trails will keep you entertained. Even if the roads are closed, Shenandoah National Park is always open. Visitors can enter on foot for backcountry camping or expansive hiking trails. Winter brings a better chance to spot all of the woodland creatures including foxes, bobcats, deer, and even turkeys.

The Alpine region of Switzerland is on the bucket list of every avid skier and nature lover. It comprises almost all of the highest mountains of the Alps. The mountain range's inspiring scenery of high summits, deep and steep valleys, and charming lakes are the perfect conditions for unforgettable year-round adventures.

Everywhere you turn Iceland offers breathtaking views of milky, restorative geothermal pools, volcanoes you can hike, waterfalls to marvel and awe-inspiring mountains. Add to this list the fact that you can see the Northern Lights from almost anywhere you are and Iceland is indisputably one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The Carpathians are a mountain system in Eastern Europe, forming a natural border between Slovakia and southern Poland, extending southward through Ukraine and into Romania. The mountains, which are among the most popular resort destinations on the continent, are often called the Green Pearl of Ukraine because of its forests and meadows.

Morocco's stunning blue city is breathtaking. The surrounding Rif Mountains enhance the splendor of the unique palette of blue and white buildings, providing a striking contrast. Adventurers won't be bored – hikes along the hills are strenuous, bathing in the mountain streams is refreshing; and indulging in delicious local food is unforgettable. Valleys, ravines and scenic summits are plenty.

The hills of Kolukkumalai are home to the highest tea plantations in the world, according to Kerala Tourism. The estate is about 7,900 feet above sea level, providing excellent chances for stunning views of the far off plains. The distant hills sliding in and out of the fog is a fascinating scene. Kolukkumalai's time-tested tea factory still sticks to the handmade methods of tea processing it has practiced since the colonial era.

The Mediterranean coast of southeastern France is an iconic tourist destination and a dream location for many photographers. The region is known for its glamour and exquisiteness. Most people will start their trip from Nice, which overlooks the glittering waters of the sea. Don't miss the rocky cliffs in medieval Eze and the unceasing lavender fields in Grasse.

The remains of the village's rich history will leave you in awe. Bibury's main attraction is Arlington Row, a group of ancient cottages with steeply pitched roofs, overlooking a water meadow and river. To get away from the crowds in the village, go on a charming walk through woodland and meadows rich in wildlife, across a Roman road and past a hidden dewpond.

The incredible mountain range is most famous for being home to Mt. Everest. Other than K2, all of the mountains which measure in the top 10 highest mountains of the world are found in the Himalayas, located throughout Nepal, Tibet, India and Pakistan.  The mountain range is among the top greatest trekking destinations in the entire world. Annapurna is the first 8,000-meter peak ever climbed, back in 1950.

Visiting this amazing destination will be one of the craziest adventures in your life. Known as one of the best country parks in Kenya, Maasai Mara offers wide range of safaris – hot air balloons, walking, photographing. The reserve, along with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, forms Africa's most diverse eco-system. The best time to visit is between July and October because of the wildebeest migration.

Going on a safari here should be on every adventures' bucket list. Push your personal boundaries to the limits as you embark on an authentic, one-with-nature wilderness experience. The trek offers close encounters with big game and beautiful scenery. Discover pristine landscapes on foot, without a marked trail, and sleep out under the stars. Try sand skiing and sand boarding. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Twyfelfontein, which has one of the highest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa.

The island is one of the most secluded adventure destinations in the world. 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. The dragon trees are on some of the most famous photos of the place. Yemen is on the list of places that can kill you but this does not apply to the remote island with plants that are up to 20 million years old.

Skye is a favorite location in Scotland both for tourists and locals. It is famous for its décor and sceneries that will take your breath away. This is a world class destination for walkers and climbers. The Cuillin Range, for example, offers 12 Munros – peaks above 3,000 feet. One of the isle's most regal geological landscapes is the Old Man of Storr.

The Danxia landforms, located in the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, are the 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. They are 24 million year old deposits of sandstone and other minerals.

The peninsula of Railay is isolated from the mainland and that is part of its irresistible charm. After all, you can only reach it by boat due to high sandstone cliffs cutting off mainland access. Railay is surrounded by the beautiful Andaman Sea, plush forest, and twisted rock. The peninsula offers enough activities for the most adventurous, while allowing those who want to chill out in paradise the opportunity to do just that.

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest and windiest continent in the world, making it one of the world's most dangerous places for camping. Campers set up enough below the ground to provide shelter from the wind overnight and usually sleep in sleeping bags and bivy sacs, which provide more warmth than tents. The Ice Marathon there is one of the best in the world.

This ancient city is a must-visit adventure destination for 2017. The famous archaeological site in Jordan's southwestern desert is one of the official New 7 Wonders of the World. The prehistoric city was "lost" for centuries. Petra, carved into red, white, pink, and sandstone cliff faces, was the flourishing capital of the Nabataean empire between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106, according to National Geographic.

Formed as a result of transformations between many prehistoric lakes, Salar de Uyuni is one of the most mysterious places on the planet. Striking and serene, the Bolivian salt flats are the largest and arguably the most famous in the world. The vast expanse is situated on the outskirsts of the Andes Mountains and Hamers attests to the fact that it's a great spot for shooting all kinds of incredible photos, as well as participating in outdoor activities. 

Visit this wonder place and enjoy some of the most scenic walks in the country. During the day, stroll through the Brecon Beacons with the scenes of market towns and rolling green hills as the backdrop. Stay the night for pristine views of the constellations at the Brecon Beacons National Park Dark Sky Reserve, home to some of the darkest skies in Britain.

The famous bamboo forest on the outskirts of Kyoto, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful groves on the planet. The soaring green stalks move with the wind, colliding and twisting. Hiking along its paths, which are more than 1,640 feet long, is an adventurous experience worthy of a bucket list. The forest's exquisiteness is also in its sounds – distinct rustling hums that have become their own attraction.

Go on a tour walking on cobble stone streets to see the beautiful baroque and Gothic architecture. The Czech capital is home to one of the most gorgeous bridges in the world – the Charles Bridge. It's also the oldest in the city. The stone Gothic structure, completed in 1402, connects the Old Town and Little Side (Malá Strana), a historic region near the capital. Baroque statues of saints began to be placed in the 17th century. Many of the originals are now in the Lapidarium museum.