The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World

Geology lovers and avid Instagrammers alike will be drawn to the otherworldly hues of the "Rainbow Mountains." The colors were formed by the layering of sedimentary mineral deposits over millions of years, but it's hard to look at the flowing reds, yellows, and oranges and not feel like you're witnessing magic.

If traversing the canals with a be-striped gondolier sounds unbearably touristy, stick to the sidewalks and spectacular arched bridges to get your fill of this truly unique, wildly romantic floating city.

The glacial lakes in Canada's first national park have some of the bluest water you've ever seen. Even if you're not particularly outdoorsy, you can still admire the views from one of the cozy and luxurious lakeside lodges throughout the park, like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Head west from Melbourne on this coastal drive to see everything from the famous 12 Apostle rock formations, to koalas in Great Otway National Park as well as the charming seaside town of Lorne.

This World Heritage site is easily the most famous spot in Peru, and for good reason. The ancient terraced city’s astounding architecture and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains will leave you breathless (as might the nearly 8,000 foot elevation.)

Put every infinity pool you’ve ever seen to shame with these natural, snow-white hot springs overlooking the nearby city of Denizli. On top of the picturesque soak, Pamukkale is also home to the impressively preserved ruins of the ancient Roman spa-city Hierapolis where you can bathe like an emperor among the submerged centuries-old columns.

While Japan is beautiful year-round, the few weeks each spring when cherry trees across the country explode with blossoms is a particularly pretty time to visit.

These two volcanic mountains are one of the most recognizable—not to mention beautiful—features on this Caribbean island. Enjoy the Pitons from the pristine white sand beach at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.

Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh has changed little since the Middle Ages. You could spend days here wandering around maze-like alleyways discovering the city's colorful souks, palaces and gardens.

With turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and overwater bungalows, this small island in the South Pacific is basically heaven on Earth.

All of the Greek islands are undeniably beautiful, but head to the hillside town of Oia for some of the best views of the bright blue Aegean Sea.

Get off the beaten path in this rural district where the rice paddy-terraced mountains and twisting streams will make you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale.

Most travelers head to North India for its Mughal palaces and forts, but the Southern state of Tamil Nadu is where most of the country's major Hindu temples are found, including the brightly-colored Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple seen here and the Meenakshi Temple Complex, which is so large it's considered a mini-city.

If you're looking to get off the grid, head to Chile's Patagonia region for some of the most beautiful mountain views you'll ever see.

Located in the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace of China's emperors for five centuries and is one of the most beautifully preserved examples of ancient Chinese architecture.

There are so many beautiful places in Italy it's hard to pick just one—but the Amalfi Coast's idyllic hillside towns, like Positano, bump it to the top of our must-see list.

Located on southern Thailand's west coast, this province's coastline is dotted with limestone cliffs and hundreds of islands just offshore in the Andaman Sea, making it one of the world's most popular beach vacation destinations.

Each year starting in the end of November and peaking in early December, fields of bright purple Russell Lupins bloom across New Zealand's South Island. One of the most beautiful spots to go Lupin-spotting is in Fiordland National Park, home to the equally gorgeous Milford Sound.

This ancient city in central Myanmar is made up of thousands (yes, thousands) of Buddhist temples and pagodas. One of the prettiest views is from above—we recommend going for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

Before you can swim in these beautiful blue-green waters located near Grand Canyon National Park, you have to hike ten miles to get there. Trust us, it's totally worth the trek.