PhotographyTravel Talk

13 Most Beautiful Places in the World Every Photographer Must Visit

Whether its a hobby or career, every travel photographer needs to know this list of the most beautiful places in the world.

As a certifiable travel addict, you’re always looking for new destinations to add to your bucket list. Perhaps, like me, one of your favorite things about traveling is commemorating your journey with a stunning set of travel photographs. Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer you’re always searching for the most beautiful places in the world!

Indeed, finding the perfect background, lighting or subjects for your photos can feel like a full-time job. But never fear! This post is here to help!

In it, we’re covering the 13 of the most beautiful places in the world that you absolutely can’t afford to miss out on. 

Most Beautiful Places in the World

The search for the perfect image often drives me to seek out and add new destinations to my bucket list! These 11 are just a few that have been added recently! So go on, grab your travel camera and Enjoy!!

1. Devil’s Bridge, Antigua 

Looking for a photo opportunity that was millions of years in the making? Want to combine that opportunity with sun, sand and fun? If so, you cant go wrong heading to the sun soaked Caribbean island of Antigua and the stunning Devil’s Bridge.

This delicate,natural arch made from limestone and reef has a dark history however.  Popular belief suggests that slaves leapt to their death off of the bridge during the period of slavery in Antigua giving it it’s name. Regardless of that, it’s still one of the most beautiful places in the world!

The bridge is actually the meeting point between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. So, not only is it beautiful bit it also offers the thrill of being in two places at once.  With some patience you can time your photo just right and capture the exact moment when the water crashes up and blasts into the air from the blowholes just behind the arch!

Afterwards your adventure, you can cool off with a swim and nap on any of the the nearby beaches.

Devils Bridge, Antigua is one of the most beatiful places in the world
Devils Bridge, Antigua is one of the most beautiful places in the world – Photo © Robert Harding/Alamy

2. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Big Lagoon & Small Lagoon from the Air.
Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Continuing with the sun and sand of Antigua we’d be a miss if we didn’t talk about the Philippines to some extend while compiling a list of the most beautiful places in the world!

The jungle covered, jagged limestone jutting from the sea in the southeast of the Philippines is a shining example. The town of El Nido and the island province of Palawan are a few of my favorite spots in the world!

Island hopping in El Nido is all the rage and offers a ton of great photo opportunities! Just be sure to keep your gear in a waterproof bag when not using it! I took a wave over the bow of our boat right onto about $5000 of camera gear 😐

When you’re done exploring, relaxing on the endless stretches of Nacpan Beach is just what the doctor ordered. Honestly you cant go wrong on Palawan, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world!

3. Iceland (all of it)

Kirkjufellsfoss, waterfalls in Iceland
Kirkjufellsfoss is one of the most beautiful places in the world if you ask me!

A list like this would cant even be considered if it doesn’t include Iceland! The land of fire and ice is a head turner. Seemingly, it’s got another stunning view, majestic waterfall or bubbling hot spring around every bend in the road.

It’s no wonder this tiny nation’s population more than doubles during tourist season!

Renting a car and driving the Golden Circle or Ring Road around Iceland is a surefire way to snap some once in a lifetime shots. From windswept landscapes and rugged Icelandic pony’s to whales, puffins and even modern architecture Iceland is an all in one destination!

4. Salvation Mountain, California, USA

Salvation Mountain
Salvation Mountain, California USA – Photo © flickr/Heather Paul

Looking for a truly outside-the-box travel and photography experience? Do you like things that are a bit on the stranger side? In search of bright colors, positive messages, and the perfect background for any portrait? 

If so, then Salvation Mountain in the California Desert is a place you absolutely need to add to your list. 

Dreamed up by the local (and wonderfully odd) artist Leonard Knight, the mountain is completely covered in hearts, lines, patterns, and messages made of paint, straw, and even adobe. This is an interesting stop, especially those who are drawn to folk art, or avant-garde photography. If nothing else the quirk of it all will have you fall in love with this magical spot.

5. Port Gregory Pink Lake, Australia

Pink lake is uniquly PINK
Pink lake is unique to say the least and likely one of the most beautiful places in the world!

Some of the most beautiful places in the world are also some of the best-kept secrets. The Pink Lake in Port Gregory, Australia, is perfect for those who are willing to venture outside of Sydney and other common photography spots in the Outback

This lake’s waters are a stunning shade of pink, thanks to the bacteria present in the salt deposits. 

As with many of the destinations on our list, the best time to visit the Pink Lake is in the early morning, as that’s when the hues are the brightest. There are also flights available from the local airport for those interested in capturing the ideal aerial shot!

Since it’s a well-known spot for fashion photographers, you may spot one of your favorite models on the job. This also means it’s excellent for amateur fashion photographs looking to build up their editorial portfolio. 

6. Cappadocia, Turkey

If you’re looking to take what may be your most beautiful picture ever, then head to Cappadocia, Turkey a short drive from Istanbul — the land of the fairy chimneys. While sadly not home to actual fairies (that we know of!) these chimney-like structures are actually the result of millions of years of volcanic eruptions and relentless wind & water erosion.  

Cappadocia Turkey at sunrise is one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Cappadocia, Turkey at sunrise is one of the most beautiful places in the world!

The chimneys you’ll find while exploring Cappadocia also provided hiding places for local villagers when ancient invaders arrived. In fact, there are whole underground cities here in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We think the best way to see this fairyland is by air — in a hot air balloon. Photograph the stunning Anatolian plateau right as the sun rises by booking an early morning hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia! As a bonus you’ll likely be in the air with 100+ other hot air balloons.  Cappadocia is one the the world premiere hot air ballooning destinations!

7. The Swing at the End of the World, Ecuador

For the photographer who is also a thrill-seeker, the Swing at the End of the World in Casa de Arbol, Ecuador, simply can’t be missed. 

You’ll actually have the chance to swing 100 feet out over cliffs and canyons, and snap a truly once-in-a-lifetime photo in the process. 

You can capture images of grass and tree-covered mountains, bright blue skies, local villages below, and the tops of trees inches below your feet. 

It’s not for the faint of heart, but the evidence will be well worth it in the end. 

8. The Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic 

Sedlec Ossuary is one of the most beautiful places in the world
Sedlec Ossuary known as the bone church is a stunning but creepy sight!

If you’re looking for unique travel destinations—and have an appreciation for the darker things in life—then a visit to the Sedlec Ossuary, about an hour outside of Prague in the small town of Kutna Hora, is an absolute must-see. 

Also known as the Church of Bones, it’s home to over 40,000 human skeletons. The centerpiece of the Ossuary is the enormous bone chandelier, which contains one or more of every bone in the human body. 

You’ll also be able to see a coat of arms entirely constructed of bones.

Amazingly, some of the Ossuary was constructed by a half-blind monk, as the town was looking for an efficient way to dispose of the bodies of those who had died as a result of the European Plague and had to use who was on hand at the time to help. 

9. Prambanan, Indonesia

Prambanan Temple in Indonesia
Prambanan Temple

When you think of pictures of beautiful places in Asia, you likely think of Siem Reap, China’s Forbidden City, or Ho Chi Minh City.  However, if you’re looking for something a bit less overrun with tourists, you should pay the Prambanan Temple complex in Indonesia a visit.

Constructed in the 10th Century, it actually contains a whopping 240 different temples in many states of repair. Those who love to study up on ancient gods, legends, and political history will adore visiting this temple complex.

The story goes that a Princess of Java was married off to a man she hated, after her father lost a battle. In order to avoid the marriage, the Princess agreed to it only on the condition that her groom-to-be build a thousand statues before the sun came up. 

The groom, however, enlisted the help of spirits. In order to prevent the work from being completed, the Princess set part of the temple of fire, so everyone would think morning had come. The groom, in anger, turned the Princess to stone. 

In addition to hunting for the Princess, be sure to see the temple of Shiva, stone carvings of Krishna, and even check out the Ballet, which often performs at the temple.  

10. Hallstatt, Austria

Stunning mountains? Check. A gorgeous lake that you can lounge around or a boat across with ease? Check. Castles, colorful chalet-style houses, and flower boxes in hand-carved wooden windows? Mummies preserved in salt?

Hallstatt, Austria is like a fairytale come to life!
Hallstatt, Austria is like a fairytale come to life!

Yes, Hallstatt, a tiny but incredibly popular town in Austria, has all of that and more. Both the stunning natural scenery and the UNESCO-protected houses easily make Hallstatt one of the most amazing places in the world.

Here you can expect to see locals and tourists alike dressed in dirndls and trachten, the traditional Austrian dress. While visiting you should certainly make time to climb the Echerntal trail, which climbs up above the town, the views are spectacular! Just don’t forget your camera gear!

Be aware, however, that Hallstatt can get overrun with tourists quickly, especially in the summer months. It’s best to go early in the morning or better yet, off season. You’ll also want to heed the signs posted about where you can and can’t take pictures to avoid clashes with the local residents. 

11.
The Dubai Miracle Garden, United Arab Emirates

Writing a list of the 10 most beautiful places in the world without a mention of Dubai is nearly impossible.There are so many amazing things to do in Dubai that it would be hard to pick just one. If you had to, the Dubai Miracle Garden is near the top of the list!

The Dubai Miracle Garden is a beautiful place
The Dubai Miracle Garden is kitschy but fun!

Expect to see houses made entirely of flowers, colorful heart-shaped archways, and even an airplane made entirely of blooms. The whole garden looks like a Disney movie come to life. You’ll see flowers in every color of the rainbow. Laying claim to the “highest flower pyramid” and”longest flower wall” in the world the gardens are a quirky destination that photographs beautifully!

It’s an incredibly popular spot for wedding and engagement photos in the area. Be aware that, if you plan to stage any sort of a professional shoot here, you’ll need to get prior permission and a permit from the park. 

12. Table Mountain, South Africa 

The view from the Table Mountain cable car is impressive!
The view from the Table Mountain cable car is impressive!

Especially for photographers looking to capture epic landscape photos, taking a climb (or, more realistically, a ride) up South Africa’s Table Mountain is practically a rite of passage. 

The Mountain is named for its flat-topped shape, making it one of the most unique natural landmarks in the world. You’ll be able to spot the famous Devil’s Peak, as well as the city center and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for years. 

The bright blue-green waters of Table Bay are certainly not to be missed. If you climb high enough, you can even see parts of the mountain peeking out from atop clouds. It’s truly a piece of heaven.

Plus, you’ll then have the chance to visit Cape Town, which is home to countless photo opportunities. 

13. Meteora, Greece

Greece, well known for the antiquities of Athens and the stunning islands of the Adriatic. Most people however bypass mainland Greece missing out on some of its most amazing places! Meteora is just one of those spots.

Meterora greece is one of the most amazing places in the world!
Meteora, Greece is a stunning escape from everything Athens has to offer!

Here, clinging precariously to the top of limestone spires that rise hundreds of feet off the valley floor, are the fabled monasteries of Meteroa. Translated literally as “suspended in air”. Meteora’s monasteries were once a secure refuge for monks and nuns away from the hazards of invading and conquering armies.

While you won’t have to trek miles on foot or climb a precarious rope ladder to visit them now they’re no less stunning. While Athens and its history definitely deserve some of your time you’d be making a grave mistake if you missed out on seeing Meteora in person!

Ready to Photograph the Most Beautiful Places in the World?

We’re certain that this post has you more than ready to invest in a few new pieces of camera equipment, load up on memory cards, pack your backpack and book a flight to some of the most beautiful places in the world. 

No matter your experience level with travel or photography, you’re certain to enjoy the destinations on this list.

Looking to travel with other people who share your interests — while taking a few photography classes to improve your skill set? Want to learn more about the best places to visit? 

Keep checking back with us for travel tips, reviews of travel photography cameras and equipment, and much more. 

Patrick Horsfield

I’m Patrick, traveller, explorer, writer and photographer in chief here at Adventographer. Growing up with a healthy appetite for adventure on the west coast of Canada helped me shake the mindset that I needed material things and encouraged me to make travel a priority in my life. I write from a wealth of travel experiences both good and bad and endeavor to create & share amazing, inspiring content from around the world as a catalyst for change. Come along with me as I Explore/Create/Educate!

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