How many of us have ever been literally breathless in front of a spectacle of nature, a particularly scenic landscape, a filmic sunset or free-roaming animals? Nature reserves incredible spectacles for us and there are particular places on Earth that are striking for their pure, uncontaminated, enchanting environment. We Italians are lucky; on our Peninsula we can find many 'postcard' landscapes, from the peaks of the Alps to the Tuscan hills, to the splendid coasts of Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia... an almost endless list. Scattered around the planet there are many other locations that offer the viewer an unforgettable show, to which any photograph would not do justice!
We have put together 20 of these landscapes in a ranking, certain that some, if not all, will make you want to pack your suitcase and leave!
20 - Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Imposing limestone pillars and small islets topped with forests rise above the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Halong literally means 'where the dragon descends into the sea'. Legend has it that this seascape was created by a great mountain dragon that approached the coast and, waving its tail, created valleys and crevasses. Once the dragon disappeared into the sea, water filled the area making only the limestone pillars visible. The geological explanation speaks instead of the simple phenomenon of karstic erosion, but this does not detract from the poetic beauty of this beautiful landscape.
Type: Archipelago
Visiting info: Gulf of Tonkin, 3 hours from the capital Hanoi to embarkation at Halong City
19 - Napali Coast, Kauai - Hawaii
The Na Pali Coast is one of those places that can be considered real food for the soul. The famous Kauai is truly imposing, with its emerald green pinnacles continuing for 17 miles along the coast. Located north of Kauai, the Napali Coast offers panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean, green velvet cliffs and waterfalls plunging into deep, narrow valleys. The rugged terrain has remained virtually unchanged for centuries, ever since the first settlements flourished in these valleys.
SEEALSO: Smart guide to visiting the Hawaiian Islands
Type: Coastal landscape
Visiting Info: Possibility of mini-cruises, trekking, scenic flights, directly from the town of Kauai
18 - Wulingyuan, China
This is a spectacular area covering more than 26,000 hectares in China's Hunan Province. The site consists of more than 3,000 narrow and pointed sandstone pillars, most of which are over 200 m high. The peaks also form many peculiar ravines and gorges, criss-crossed by streams, natural pools and waterfalls. The water has also carved some 40 caves and formed two large natural bridges. The landscape, with its striking beauty, is known not only as one of the most beautiful in the world, but also as home to some endangered animal and plant species.
Type: Mountain landscape, canyons, nature reserves
Visiting info: Departures every 10 minutes by bus from Zhangjiahie station. Arrival in 40 minutes. Tour by ecological bus, tourist train, cable car
17 - Pamukkale, Turkey
The flow of calcite-rich waters, gushing from springs on a cliff nearly 200 m high overlooking the plain, have created an unreal landscape in Pamukkale (literally'cotton castle'), consisting of forests, petrified mineral waterfalls and a series of natural pools. At the end of the 2nd century B.C., the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the spa centre of Hierapolis here. The ruins of the baths, some temples and other monuments dating back to ancient Greek times are still present at the site.
Typology: Natural pools, thermal baths, mountain landscape
Visiting info: From Denizli city by bus, train or dolmuş in 40 minutes
16 - Lake Louise, Canada
Lake Louise is what makes Banff National Park phenomenal and world-famous. The natural landscape is majestic and difficult to describe in worthy words. The area is made up of the lake with its turquoise waters surrounded by a veritable amphitheatre of mountains.
SEEALSO: The largest lakes in the world
Type: Lake landscape
Visiting Info: The town of Banff is about 120 km from Calgary airport. Buses run from Banff to Lake Louis in about 40 minutes
15 - The Moravian Fields, Czech Republic
Photo by PudelekThislandscape formed by undulating fields tells the agricultural history of Moravia, a region of the Czech Republic that is known for its folk traditions, characteristic architecture and landscapes. Observing these fields one is almost mesmerised by their natural beauty, with the colours changing according to crops and time of year, creating harmonious contrasts.
Typology: Countryside
Visiting info: From the Moravian capital of Brno, you can travel to the villages of Lednice, Valtice and Mikulov to admire the landscapes
14 - Mount Bromo, Java Island - Indonesia
Mount Bromo, which reaches a height of 2,329 m, is Indonesia's most iconic and most travelled mountain on foot. It is a still active volcano, which in fact lacks all of its upper part, swept away by various eruptions. White sulphurous smoke continually emerges from the crater. An excursion here will undoubtedly provide you with chills of fear, as Mount Bromo is still one of the most active volcanoes in the world!
Nevertheless, the ascent to the volcano is short and easy and, once you reach the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking and ethereal landscape, especially during sunrise.
SEEALSO: Java Island, Indonesia: where to find it, when to go and what to see
Type: Volcanic landscape
Visiting info: From Yogyakarta by bus, possibility of reaching the viewpoints and craters by jeep (last 20 minutes necessarily on foot)
13 - Isle of Skye, Scotland - United Kingdom
The Isle of Skye(An T-Eilean Sgiathanach in Gaelic) takes its name from the Old Norse'sky-a' meaning'cloud island', a Viking reference to the mists that often shroud its shores. It is Scotland's second largest island, a 50-mile mosaic of velvet moors, rugged mountains, shimmering lochs and high cliffs overlooking the sea. The breathtaking scenery is the main attraction, but when the fog lifts you can also visit the castles, museums, cosy restaurants and pubs or the dozens of art galleries and craft workshops.
Type: Island, coastal landscape
Visiting info: From Glasgow to Mallaig by train, then ferry, or by bus from Glasgow to the mainland bridge, or train Edinburgh - Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh, and crossing the bridge
12 - Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States
Located in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is known worldwide for its sheer size and magnificent landscape composed of a myriad of colours and shapes. Over 270 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and one mile deep, its walls contain layers of rock that reveal the timeline of Earth's history.
Inhabited since the origins of man, it is home to archaeological remains of civilisations dating back some 12,000 years to the early 1800s. The environment of the Grand Canyon has been under the protection of the United States government since 1893 and, to this day, is considered a national monument.
SEEALSO: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: where is it, when to go and what to see
Type: Desert rock, canyon
Visiting Info: From major cities and airports (Las Vegas and Phoenix) it is about a 5-hour drive. There are connections to the domestic airports of Flagstaff and Page, which are about 1 hour away.
11 - Okavango Delta, Botswana - Africa
Considered to be one of nature's masterpieces, the Okavango Delta offers its visitors a glimpse of true African wildlife. A World Heritage Site, this vast and virtually untouched area consists of freshwater wetlands right in the heart of the arid Kalahari region of Botswana. Here, a wide variety of wildlife can be found within a setting of dazzling natural beauty. Home to large numbers of elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, giraffes and zebras, as well as many species of antelope, it is also a haven for the most feared predators. Yet despite its wilderness, the Okavango Delta is surprisingly accessible and it is possible to visit it up close, thanks to organised safaris either on foot, by mokoro (a typical canoe) or by boat.
SEEALSO: Safari in Botswana: prices, when to go and where
Type: River landscape, nature reserve, wildlife oasis
Visiting Info: There is an airport in Maun. It is possible to arrange a flight to Johannesburg, which is more frequent and cheaper, and then a half-day transfer to Maun (a stone's throw from the Okavango Delta)
10 - Kolukkumalai, India
Photo by Jan J GeorgeIsthere a better place to sip a refreshing cup of tea than in the hills of Kolukkumalai, India, home to the highest tea plantations in the world? The answer lies in the delightfulness of the drink, with its special flavour and freshness derived from the high altitude of the cultivations. In addition to enjoying the natural landscape, you can visit the old tea factory and buy the different varieties, such as Orange Pekoe and Flowery Orange Pekoe.
Kolukkumalai is located about 7,900 feet above sea level, from where one can also admire the distant plains in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. When the fog rises, the distant hills almost seem to slip in and out of the mist, creating a captivating spectacle.
Type: Rural, mountainous landscape
Visiting Info: The nearest airports to Munnar are Cochin (74) and Madurai (120). From Munnar, by jeep from (about 40 km)
9 - Milford Sound, New Zealand
Located on the west coast of the South Island, Milford Sound is a fusion of spectacular natural features. Described by Rudyard Kipling as'the eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound is a fjord carved by glaciers during ice ages: the scenery here is breathtaking in all weathers! The fjord's cliffs rise vertically out of the dark waters, the mountain peaks seem to scrape the sky, and waterfalls cascade fascinatingly downwards from a height of over 1,000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound, and it often does, these waterfalls increase their flow with a magnificent effect.
Type: Fjord, cliffs
Visiting Info: Located in Fiordland Park, a 5-hour bus ride from Queenstown. Can be visited by boat
8 - Namib Desert - Namibia, Angola and South Africa
This extremely arid ecoregion comprises sand dunes, gravel plains and rugged mountains. It is the oldest desert in the world, having existed for at least 55 million years and hosting an area completely devoid of surface water, but divided in two by several dry river beds.
It is a difficult but fascinating environment, especially when the thick fog along the coast is present, the lifeblood of the desert, as it provides enough moisture for the survival of a few species of animals and plants that have adapted to the climate.
SEEALSO: The world's largest deserts
Type: Sand desert
Visiting Info: Flight to Johannesburg, transfer to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. There are no direct flights from Italy. From Windhoek, multi-day excursions are organised which also include the desert
7 - Alabaster Coast, France
Photo by BusterBrownTheAlabaster Coast stretches 130 kilometres with magnificent, white cliffs lined with pebble beaches. The vertiginously high chalk stacks reach up to 120 metres in height. The Grande Randonnée trail runs along the top of these sheer cliffs and offers an exceptional view to all hikers who decide to venture along this route, which includes a number of stop-off points where the scenery is particularly fascinating, such as Etretat, Fécamp and Dieppe.
ALSO SEE: The most beautiful cliffs in the world
Typology: Coastal landscape, cliffs
Visiting Info: It is located in the village of Caux in Upper Normandy. The nearest airport is Le Havre. Paris is about 2.5 hours away by car
6 - Palawan Island, Philippines
The Philippines is a much underrated destination for those seeking a tropical climate holiday, and this island proves it. Palawan is a hidden piece of paradise that was recently named the most beautiful island in the world by some specialised travel sites.
Its blue waters mingle with the emerald green of the vegetation, the mountains seem inscrutable due to the dense jungle that seems to spring directly from the sea.
SEEALSO: Palawan Islands, Philippines: where they are, when to go and what to see
Type: Island landscape, marine
Visiting info: From Italy, flight with stopover in Manila or Puerto Princesa. From there, you travel by jeepney (modified and very colourful jeeps)
5 - Iguazú Falls, Argentina and Brazil
Often voted one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls are without doubt the most visited place and one of the most impressive natural attractions in Argentina and the world. Located in the Iguazú National Park, about 20 km from Puerto Iguazú in the northern province of Misiones in Argentina, the falls are shared with the territory of Brazil. The Iguazú River has its source in the state of Paraná in Brazil and, after crossing 1,200 km across a plateau where it receives numerous tributaries, reaches a series of faults that force it to make an 80-metre leap into the canyon called Devil's Gorge, where the water produces a thundering sound and then flows into the waters of the Parana.
A legend tells of a large snake called'Boi' that lived in the river. To calm its ferocity, the aborigines used to sacrifice a woman in its honour every year. But once, a brave Guaran aborigine snatched the chosen woman and saved her from the dreadful ritual. The Boi serpent became enraged, bent her body and parted the river through the falls, separating the two fugitives forever.
SEEALSO: The most beautiful waterfalls in the world
Type: Waterfall
Visiting info: it is about 12 hours from the capital, but there are internal flights and Port Iguazú has an airport
4 - Benagil Caves, Portugal
The Benagil Caves are a true jewel of the Algarve coastline. They are located 150 metres east of the small beach of Benagil near the village of the same name. The sea cave has two magnificent entrances, a huge collapsed roof, a secluded sandy beach and a circular inner cave. This place is truly worth a visit for anyone with a special interest in the wonders of nature.
Typology: Cave, beach, seascape
Visiting Info: Benagil can be reached by bus from the main cities nearby. It is about 6 hours from the capital Lisbon and from Sevilla, Spain.
3 - Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands inspire those fortunate enough to visit them with a different outlook on life. Unique creatures live here, and humans are considered mere paparazzi, even a little annoying. These islands are not the Bahamas and these are not typical tropical paradises, in fact, most of the islands are devoid of vegetation and some look more like the Moon than Hawaii. This group of volcanic islands and its fragile ecosystem have assumed the almost mythological status of a biodiversity showcase. You don't have to be an evolutionary biologist or an ornithologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is minimal.
SEEALSO: Galapagos: where to find them, when to go and what to see
Type: Cave, beach, seascape
Visiting Info: By plane to Ecuador, Quito or Guayaquil airport (approximately 16 hours). From there, flight to Galapagos, Baltra or San Cristobal airport (approx. 2.5 hours)
2 - Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
"/> Salar de Uyuni is an expanse of 3,800 square miles of salt, the largest expanse of salt in the world. Cracks in the ground form an endless sheet of hexagonal tiles dotted with salt pyramids. Despite the desert's drought and extremely low night-time temperatures, this landscape is not devoid of life: pink flamingos, ancient cacti and rare hummingbirds all live in the Salar de Uyuni.
During the rainy season, the salt desert turns into a huge, shallow salt lake, which can be travelled by boat or four-wheeler. During this period, the shallow salt lake perfectly reflects the sky, creating bizarre illusions of infinity.
ALSO SEE: Salar de Uyuni: when to go and tips for a Salt Desert tour
Type: Salt Desert
Tour info: By plane to Bolivia, to La Paz, from there to Uyuni by bus (10 hours) or by plane. Jeep excursions are organised.
1 - Cappadocia, Turkey
As if taken from a fairytale location and placed on the plains of Anatolia, Cappadocia is a geological oddity composed of honeycombed hills and imposing boulders of an otherworldly beauty. The fantastic topography is matched by the human history of the place, as people here have long used the soft stone of the region to create underground shelters, leaving the countryside littered with fascinating architecture composed of hundreds of caves. Have you come here for the hiking, for the history of the place or for the thrill of turning into a primitive man for a night? No matter the reason, a visit to this landscape reminiscent of the lunar surface will remain in your memories forever. Its rippling rocks, in a palette of colours ranging from sandy orange to cream, are an epiphany, worthy of the best psychedelic dreams.
Typology: Mountainous, hilly landscape
Visiting info: From Istanbul, you can reach Göreme by bus (10 hours, approx. €30.00) or by internal flight to Kayseri and from there private transfer or bus to Göreme.