Top 10 Most Magical Places in the World (For Their Beauty)
As small as the world can be it’s also pretty dang huge, you know? I obviously haven’t been everywhere (though it’s on my list 😉) but of the places I have been, there’s a few that stand out in my mind as some of the most magical places in the world for their beauty. This is my list of those places.
My criteria for this list includes stunning architecture, breath taking natural beauty, rich colors, and any other quality that gives the overall “wow” factor and makes your eyes do this: 😍
Now as I said from the start, the world is huge… and there’s quite a few beautiful places to see out there! So before I give my top 10, I’m going to start with a few honorable mentions, because these are beautiful and worth mentioning as well!
Paris, France
How could I not include this beautiful city on this list? Between its stunning architecture and Parisian charm, visiting this city is nothing short of magical. Just remember to plan your trip well as there are so many things not to miss in Paris!
Salzburg, Austria
Perfectly placed around the mountains of Austria is the beautiful little town of Salzburg. The architecture, small village feel and surrounding mountains and hills are what make this gem an honorable mention.
Machu Picchu, Peru
😍 -> is without a doubt the face anyone and everyone makes when visiting this incredible place. When you mix that with great weather and sunshine that makes the colors of green pop, exploring the ruins and considering the mystery of what exactly life looked like here in its prime is an unreal experience.
Plitvice National Park, Croatia
This natural beauty will surely leave you in awe. Wooden pathways and bridges lead you around the park for the best views it has to offer of the various waterfalls within the park. And yes, the water really is that gorgeous color of blue. 😍
Venice and Burano, Italy
Venice and nearby Burano are two cities I would consider absolute gems of Italy. The way the gorgeous buildings line the canals of Venice is a sight to see. As for Burano it’s the bright colors that make this place pop and so hard to forget.
Serengeti, Tanzania
There’s nothing quite like the experience of safariing in the Serengeti. It’s worth the early morning wake up to be out in a safari jeep while the sun is rising over the gorgeous savannah and wild animals are just waking up and making their way to breakfast. You truly feel like you’re IN the opening scene of the animated Disney movie “The Lion King.”
And without further ado, the top 10 most magical places in the world (for their beauty) in no particular order.
Savannah, Georgia, USA
I always say Savannah is the dreamiest most fairy tale like city in the US, and somehow it’s real life. The stunning architecture, old cobbled streets, southern charm and trees filled with hanging Spanish moss are what make this place so beautiful to me.
Oia Santorini, Greece
This island is what your dreams of Greece are made of. The architecture along the caldera looks stunning as its white paint contrasts blue accents and bright pink bougainvillea all around. The views of the gorgeous Aegean Sea make this island beautiful for both its natural and architectural beauty.
Semuc Champey, Guatemala
This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world I’ve gone swimming. It’s way out in the boonies and a long journey to get to but look at this place. 😍 It’s worth allllllll the time and effort.
Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
It’s impossible not to feel like you’ve gone back in time when walking around Old Town Dubrovnik. The stunning architecture of the city and breathtaking views of the surrounding water and landscape will never cease to impress you.
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Just a leisurely boat ride away from the island of Koh Phi Phi is its uninhabbited sister island Koh Phi Phi Leh. And this is where you’ll find beautiful Maya Bay. The secret to getting it all to yourself is waking up early, hiring a private longtail boat and arriving there before all the group tours do. Worth it. I promise.
Positano, Italy
Positano looks every bit in person like it does in pictures and it’s unreal. How are the buildings built into the side of the mountain like that? How are they so strikingly colorful? How is the ocean so blue? How are there so many viewpoints to stop at with so many different perspectives to take in? I’m not sure how this gorgeous place exists but I’m glad it does.
Rio, Brazil
The harbor in Rio is a sight to see. The gorgeous water, Sugarloaf Mountain rising out of it, the green hills and the way the city is wedged between them… It’s incredible. A highlight of visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue is enjoying the view of the harbor from there. Also have to shout out beautiful Ipanema Beach as it’s my most favorite beach in the whole world.
Lisse, Netherlands (during tulip season)
Spring is without a doubt the BEST time to visit the Netherlands. You can find tulips EVERYWHERE and it’s absolutely incredible! Keukenhof, a maintained garden with acres and acres of flowers, is a must see. But my personal favorite thing to do in the spring in the Netherlands is to go for a bike ride around the nearby fields and gardens surrounding Keukenhof. With the fields and fields and rows and rows of tulips it’s impossible not to pull over every few minutes to take pictures!
Yangshuo, China
The mountains in Yangshuo are something special to see. I’ve heard that they inspired Dr. Seuss’s illustrations. Whether or not that’s *actually* true, I can definitely see some similarities. This area in China is best explored by bike; and what’s better than going for a bike ride with amazing views like this?
Hallstatt, Austria
This is one of those places that look exactly like something from a fairytale. Quiet mornings around town and relaxing evenings by the water are highlights of time spent in Hallstatt.
And that’s my top 10! What do you think? Any I didn’t mention that you think should have made the list? Any beautiful places I haven’t been to yet that you’d recommend? Let me know!
Safe travels friends. 😊
CE
