21+ Most Beautiful Places In The World – Prettiest Places In The World To Visit

The most beautiful places in the world are a testament to the wonder of Mother Nature. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the endless blue in the Maldives, the world has beauty of all kinds to be explored.

Choosing one, among various of them, to visit is a challenging task. Thus we have compiled a list of 22+ prettiest places in the world that everyone needs to travel to at least once. These destinations will leave a mark on the souls of those fortunate enough to witness them.

1. Santorini, Greece

The ancient island of Thira, now known as Santorini, is one of the best destinations for travellers expecting their most romantic holiday.

You’ll have the unique experience of staying on an active volcano island with beautiful beaches and an open caldera while still being able to experience the life of the locals. Feel free to indulge in delicious Greek foods and drinks at nearby restaurants.

And for those interested in historical sites, Akrotiri of Thira will provide remarkable insights into the past. These archaeological wonders let your glimpse into life from the Bronze Age civilisations to those of the late 17 century BC.

2. Milford Sound, New Zealand

Those who enjoy exploring natural beauties will find Milford Sound a must-see destination. Situated deep into the Fiordland National Park of New Zealand is the majestic system of incredible mountains, dramatic cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and lush rainforest.

Here is also the home of abundant wildlife, which you can enjoy by taking many tours via boats, buses, or even planes. And at the same time, the adorable dolphins, penguins, and seals will make your journey so much more memorable. Have the beautiful nature and incredible wildlife that call its home in your adventure at Milford Sound.

3. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

The UNESCO World’s Natural Heritage site of Ha Long Bay will deliver above-and-beyond experiences for all its visitors. Upon arriving, you’ll be impressed by the thousands of islands and islets. They create an incredible collection of limestones in the middle of the ocean. The place is one of the must-see upon visiting Vietnam.

The unique shapes and placements result from a unique tropical climate and million years of impact. Along with cruising the bay for its sea of limestones, travellers can explore the Cua Van floating village with authentic local experiences.

Enjoy kayaking, cave exploring, rock climbing, and many other exciting activities at the massive cave system of Ha Long. And finally, the beautiful beaches with calming waves will make an excellent choice for those who enjoy a good sunbathing or swimming session.

4. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Explore the glittering white landscapes in Salar de Uyuni. Photo by san724 - stock.adobe.com

Located in the Daniel Campos Province in Potosí of southwest Bolivia is the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni. During the dry season, the 10,582 square kilometres (4,085 sq mi) salt flat transforms into an endless white landscape, which gives the illusion of walking on clouds.

And on a warm day, the entire surface turns into the world’s largest natural mirror, turning the whole landscape into a mesmerising reflection of the sky. Enjoy the stunning view of the earth and sky colliding at the horizon.

This can inspire many beautiful images and photography ideas. So, always bring your camera and a few accessories when arriving at the place.

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

The UNESCO world heritage site was believed to be overlooked by the Spanish during their conquest due to its remote location. It remained hidden from the outside world for centuries until it was “rediscovered” in 1911. Now, it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reasons.

The place sits at a staggering 7,972 feet (2.4 kilometres) above sea level. Upon reaching the top, you are greeted by the intricate stone structures and the surrounding lush green flora. 

If you love biodiversity, a hike through an Inca Trail is necessary. Speaking of which, there are various hiking routes, from the Quarry Trail to a Huayna Picchu climb. And don't forget to strike a pose with the local celebrities – the llamas.

6. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

The famous national forest and its towering stone pillar are said to inspire the movie "Avatar (2009)". And will certainly leave anyone breathless just by witnessing its stunning natural scenery.

This is the only place on Earth where you can witness the unique beauty of floating mountains that spiral skyward. And beneath the stone mountains are lush forests, deep valleys, winding rivers, and many wildlife species.

Here, you'll be able to explore the area using cable car rides and hiking trails. Feel free to study the diverse flora and fauna in the forest, take a thrilling ride on the glass bridge, and experience local culture in nearby villages.

7. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Covering more than 30,000 hectares, Plitvice Lakes is proud to be Croatia’s largest national park. Here, visitors are welcomed by the beautiful karst landscape and a series of interconnected lakes and waterfalls.

The area is home to many species of bears, wolves, and birds which you can observe while hiking and cycling. Also, you can travel the area by boat as you venture across the crystal-clear lakes and witness the cascading waterfalls. And on the banks, lush green forest creates stunning contrasts against the turquoise waters.

Feel free to take a break and picnic with your family and friends while absorbing the breathtaking views. Make sure to have your camera with you since there are a lot of amazing photos to take at Plitvice Lakes.

8. Maldives, Indian Ocean