How many times have you looked at photos of an awe-inspiring place and thought, I’ve gotta go there? We understand that feeling and have come up with the ultimate list of 10 of the most beautiful places in the world that you need to see before you die. From crystal-clear waters to ancient ruins, these places are must-sees. We know what you’re thinking — that sounds like the perfect way to spend my next vacation — and we couldn’t agree more!
Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you're looking for a vacation destination that is both beautiful and historic, look no further than Italy's Amalfi Coast. The coastline is home to some of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes and has been a popular tourist destination since the Roman Empire first settled it more than 2,000 years ago.
Norway's Fjords
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 1,500 historic sites and has a long history dating back 10,000 years. It's easy to see why it's one of the most beautiful places in the world! The breathtaking fjords and dramatic peaks create an otherworldly landscape that you'll never forget.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse and beautiful natural wonders on earth. The reef is composed of a staggering 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for more than 1,400 miles off the coast of Queensland and reaching as far south as Sydney.
The Maldives
The Maldives is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled historic sites on Earth. Located southwest of India, this country consists of over 1,200 islands with a population of just under 400,000 people. A majority of its inhabitants live on the atolls of North Malé Atoll and South Malé Atoll. With a small land mass, tourism is their largest industry accounting for 26% of GDP in 2009. Over 90% of the tourists who visit here come for the clear waters and beautiful beaches.
Machu Picchu, Peru
One of the most beautiful and historic sites in South America, Machu Picchu was once an Incan Royal Estate that is now one of the most popular tourist destinations on Earth. The site's beauty lies in its simplicity: stone structures that were first built by native Quechua people around 900 years ago and later inhabited by members of a ruling class who had strong ties with Cusco and Quito. The site also served as an agricultural research center for Inca society.
The Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum is a historic site and one of the most beautiful places in the world; it's a symbol of Rome's power during its heyday and still stands tall today as an amazing feat of Roman engineering. The stadium is shaped like an ellipsoid and has architectural detail from various periods from its construction in AD 80 until when it was re-opened for games following a major restoration programme in 2011.
The Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is one of the most well-known historic sites and is an absolute beauty. This white marble mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Petra, Jordan
Petra is a historic site located in Jordan and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Iguazu Falls is a truly magnificent site. The waterfall, which spans more than 2 miles and falls 264 feet into Argentina's Iguazu River and Brazil's Parana River is one of the world's largest waterfalls with an amazing sound and breathtaking sights. This site is both a Natural Wonder and a Historic Site because it was formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a natural wonder and a historic site that has been drawing visitors since the 1800s. The U.S. side is known as Niagara Falls State Park and the Canadian side is called Niagara Falls National Historic Site.
