We’ve travelled the world a few times over and our best travel tips and advice always come from our fellow travellers. When we decided to kick of our ‘Best Of’ series with the world’s best views, of course we threw it over to our wanderlust buddies to find out their top picks from their combined travels around the globe. So, here are the 14 best views from around the world…
Byron Bay | Australia
The Australian coastline is famous for some of the best beaches in the world. Byron Bay on the east coast of Australia offers stunning white sandy beaches and draws millions of tourists every year. Byron has a very chilled out vibe which is what most people love about coming here. Whether you want to hang out on the beach, go whale and dolphin spotting, paddle out for a surf or simply enjoy some delicious food, Byron Bay has got you covered! Make sure you have your camera charged as there’s plenty of opportunities to take some happy snaps.
Porer Lighthouse | Croatia
I recently spent a week touring the Istria region of southern Croatia and it blew my mind every single day. From the sun glistening off the crystal turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea, to the rolling hills and vineyards of its inland wine regions and architecture dating back as far as 500BC, there is perfectly preserved beauty in every direction. There was one view though, that blew them all away.
On our second day, we drove down to the southern-most point of the country and took a tiny little fishing boat across to the Porer Lighthouse, on a rocky island only 80 meters across. We only realised the true beauty of this little spec of land with its protective beacon when the sun fell below the horizon and the stars came into view. The rotating beam of light cast a glow across the rocks, giving the tower a dramatic, ghost-like appearance against the sky. It was probably the most mysterious and intriguing place I have ever stayed.
Wanaka | New Zealand
Around every corner in Wanaka, on New Zealand’s South Island, is one breathtakingly beautiful view after another. For photographers like me it is almost impossible to put your camera down for longer than a few seconds on a drive, walk or boat ride around the lake. We did all three on our visit making sure we made the most of every view. You can explore parts of both the north and south of the lake by car, stopping off for a stroll or just to sit in peace by the water’s edge. Or jump in a small boat from the marina in town to explore some of the islands within the lake. No matter what time of year you visit, the view is equally spectacular; from mountains covered in brown and green plant life over summer, to a complete blanket of white in winter and autumn when the mountain peaks are still dusted with snow.
Kaua’i | Hawaii
Imagine yourself perched on the edge of a cliff 5000 feet high, gazing out at the Na Pali coastal wilderness on Kaua’i. At the Kalalau Overlook, you’re often above the clouds. Lush green folded mountains give way to impossible blues and a suggestion of the distant horizon’s curve where ocean melts into sky. This is the legendary view goddess Pele sought when she emerged from the sea to found a royal dynasty. All is aloha here in this “thin place” where the line between heaven and earth is blurred.
Annecy | France
Located in the southeastern part of France, Annecy is a magnificent town that looks like it came straight out of a storybook! Not only does it have surrounding scenic views of the French Alps, but it also has an immaculate lake called as Lac d’Annecy which is said to be Europe’s cleanest and third largest lake. It’s truly an amazing spectacle that you should witness as it can be quite magical!
To best enjoy such an ‘Annecy experience’, visit this region around summer and then head up to the Col de la Forclaz mountain to dine in one of the cafes or restaurants with a view or hike in one of the mountain trails with guided paths. Or better yet, if you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, book yourself into a tandem paragliding experience so you can really get an aerial view of everything! To cap a day off, make sure that you stick around up until night time somewhere up high or near the lake since the view will be absolutely breathtaking!
Venice | Italy
Venice is a beautiful city that conjures up ideas of romance, history and luxury. Casanova was fond of it, and George Clooney married there, so Venice has something that entices people to it. It is Venice, home of the canals, gondoliers, St Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. It is also home to some of the best back streets that get you away from the maddening crowds.
We visited Venice in March, and it was wet and cold. In some parts, it was crowded with tourists. It didn’t take away from the experience at all. We kept finding angles, colours and architecture that were photograph worthy.
Prague | Czech Republic
We are lucky enough to live in Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, if not the world. There are so many great places here, and we are always on the lookout for the best views in Prague. If we had to choose one, I’d say it’s from the Letna Park beer garden. It’s gorgeous at any time of year, but particularly nice in the summer, when you can grab a cheap beer and relax with friends while taking in a view of Prague’s red roofs and old town!
Porto | Portugal
I visited Porto for the first time earlier this year at the end of February, beginning of March. From the moment I set foot outside my apartment, it was love at first sight! Porto is charming, vibrant and welcoming. This colourful city is full of beautiful views everywhere you turn which is truly a feast for your eyes. One of my favourite views of Porto can be viewed across the Douro river from Vila Nova de Gaia. From here you can see all the colourful buildings that make Porto’s skyline truly special. This view is even prettier at sunset.
Lake Thun | Switzerland
When you think of Switzerland, you might automatically associate it with beauty and nature. I often get asked about what it’s like to live in such a beautiful country. Well, the truth is, I live in a city that is around 1.5 hours away from the foot of The Alps, and don’t get to see mountains or lakes in my daily life. Of course, I live along the Rhine and absolutely love it. Last January I took a trip to Interlaken and Grindelwald. Crossing the Lake Thun region was a spectacular sight. I think this picture was taken while I was in the train. It was so beautiful that I would really like to revisit the region and just spend time relaxing and admiring the beauty.
Santorini | Greece
Santorini is a small island in the Aegean Sea in Greece. It is very famous around the world for the magnificent view that it offers from the Caldera. It doesn’t matter which time of the year you visit, the white washed houses and the blue domed churches along with the vastness of the Aegean Sea make it irresistible. The Caldera was made from the eruption of the volcano that is still active and can be visited on an excursion from the island. Santorini’s sunset is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Lots of people gather everyday in Oia, a small town that hangs from the cliff at the one end of the Caldera, to admire it. The view from the island is so incredible that you will not be able to stop taking pictures.
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona | Colombia
I step off the bus at the entrance to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. I have been looking forward to hiking in Tayrona since I booked my trip to Colombia. The plan is to hike the 2.5 hours out to Cabo San Juan de Guía. Cabo is also the only place to safe place to swim in the park. My plan was to rent a hammock and spend the night. The forty-five minutes of hiking is through the Colombian jungle. I got a little distracted in the jungle when I spotted some monkeys. The last hour and a fifteen minutes of hiking to Cabo is a combination of beach hiking and costal jungle hiking. The views along the coast look like they belong on the covers of guide books (and they do grace the cover of Lonely Planet). I would recommend going in November. The weather is usually calm and while it’s hot, it is not unbearably hot and humid. The park was busy but not overcrowded that one couldn’t find a quiet place to sit on the rocks and watch the wave’s crash on the rocks.
Wadi Rum | Jordan
Of all the countries I’ve visited, there’s no other place that has touched me more than Wadi Rum in Jordan. It’s a stark and forbidding place; in spring time, it’s dry and cold with the green of the oasis far and few between. And yet this “vast, echoing, and God-like” desert has a lot of charm all on its own, from the thousand-year-olds petroglyphs carved on its cliffs, to the hardy Bedouins who have survived there for centuries. As I sat at the peak of a low sandstone mountain waiting for sunset, I couldn’t help but feel blessed that I was there to witness such a glorious sight. The vastness of Wadi Rum is indeed humbling.
Yangshuo | China
Yangshuo in China has some of the most beautiful scenery we have ever seen in our travels around the world. Even people who have lived in China their entire lives say that this region is the most beautiful. During our visit, Liz and I rented a motorbike so that we could ride around the quiet village roads in the countryside to explore further. We got a little lost riding around, but I think that was the best way to see this natural beauty of the area. This area is highlighted on the back of the 20 yuan currency here in China. If you are ever planning on visiting China make sure to make time to see this area and rent a bike so you can get a little lost.
Cape Town | South Africa
At the bottom of the world, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities anywhere and much of that has to do with sitting at the foot of the Table Mountain National Park. Nearly all visitors to Cape Town are familiar with the Table Mountain Cableway, which brings them swiftly to the summit in under five minutes. The open cable cars can be a terrifying experience for people who are scared of heights, however, it is perfectly safe. The views from the summit of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town and the entire Cape Peninsula are breathtakingly beautiful. It’s no wonder that Table Mountain is one of the new wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!