Our natural environment has the power to move and inspire, encouraging people to travel to far-flung destinations just to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature in action. From a multicoloured canyon to a colossal glacier floating on tranquil teal waters, these are the most picturesque displays on Earth according to our well-travelled team. Although highly subjective, you might agree with our opinion.

Read on to discover where the world's most beautiful natural wonders rank...

Each spring, Mother Nature puts on a truly captivating display in the heart of Antelope Valley, California. Situated on the western tip of the Mojave Desert, these rolling hills come to life for just a few months, treating visitors to colourful flora that turns the fields here purple and gold. Reminiscent of a Claude Monet painting, the valley becomes awash with native California poppies, lacy phacelias and delicate fiddlenecks.

We've all heard of Mount Everest and Fuji, and while these peaks are mesmerising in their own ways, Kirkjufell in Iceland is altogether more ethereal. The 1,519-foot (463m) mountain can be found on the island's western coastline, an area defined by crystalline fjords, geothermal pools and dynamic waterfalls. It's the most photographed peak in all of Iceland and was also used as Arrow Head Mountain in the TV series Game of Thrones.

As far as lakes go, Ala-Kul is one of the world's most impressive. Nestled at an altitude of over 11,483 feet (3,500m) inside the Terskey Alatau mountain range in Kyrgyzstan, this stunning pool is one of the globe's natural gems. Enclosed by snow-capped peaks, the glacial lake covers just 0.5 square miles (1.5sq km) but its vibrant cyan waters are enough to entice and delight even the most jaded explorer.

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Located inside the Olympic National Park in the US state of Washington, Hoh Rain Forest is one of the country's largest temperate rainforests and showcases the tranquillity of flora and fauna. More than 1,000 years old, the woodland is blanketed in unique mosses and ferns, while its striking sitka spruce and western hemlock trees can reach heights of 311 feet (95m).

There is always something grandeur, wild and majestic about a towering set of cliffs. A booming ocean smashing into the rock face far down below must be one of nature's best ways to awaken the senses. Voted Ireland's best tourist attraction in 2023, these cliffs in County Clare can be easily accessed safely. It is probably best to visit in summer, although the views are spectacular at any time of year. Sunset is the ideal time to visit, cameras at the ready.

Australia is awash with superb scenery but Blue Mountains National Park perhaps has the country's most dynamic offering. An area characterised by sheer cliffs, sweeping valleys, tranquil eucalyptus forests and dramatic waterfalls, this region of eastern Australia is well worth a visit. In the heart of the landscape, Hanging Rock is a huge sandstone ledge that became detached from the main cliff and now juts out over Grose Valley, 328 feet (100m) up.

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Simmering away, reminiscent of your favourite fizz, this pool gets its name from the carbon dioxide bubbles which rise and escape through the water. This cauldron of geothermal activity reaches temperatures of up to 74°C (165°F). The rich minerals and deposits help to create the colourful sediments that give Champagne Pool its striking appearance. Fancy a closer look? There are various guides and tours available all year. However, due to overcrowding, access to the 203 foot (62m) deep pool is becoming limited to help preserve the fragility of the area.

One of Britain's largest underground chambers, the Gaping Gill Cave is perhaps the most well known in the whole of the Yorkshire Dales. At almost 623 feet (190m) deep and comprising over nine miles (15km) of passageways, this gaping behemoth also houses the highest unbroken waterfall in the UK. From a height of around 328 feet (100m), adventurers can see the falls cascade spectacularly into the darkness. Meetup events usually take place in May and August, but experienced cavers can do so freely.

In Indonesia, you can witness a miracle of the natural world. The lakes of Mount Kelimutu frequently change colour, from white to black, and green to red. Located inside Kelimutu National Park on the island of Flores, the lakes sit inside volcanic craters and look different every day of the year. The colours are triggered by mineral chemical reactions in the water.

Most people have heard of the Northern Lights but the dazzling show offered in the southern hemisphere is equally as captivating. The aurora australis, or the Southern Lights, is a dancing curtain of light that glows in every shade from pink to green. The result of energetic electrons colliding with atoms and molecules, this otherworldly multicoloured show can be seen in Antarctica, New Zealand, southern Australia, Chile and South Africa.

The strange and unique landscape of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park features marvellous sandstone pillars, towering up from a seemingly endless gorge. Located in Hunan, China, this bizarre but beautiful topography looks otherworldly. In fact, so fantastical is this dream-like place, that James Cameron used it as inspiration for his sci-fi hit Avatar.

Towering up almost 65 feet (20m), this majestic tree is estimated to be around 500 years old. The Angel Oak, in Charleston, South Carolina, is thought to be the oldest living tree east of the Mississippi River. With a colossal trunk, the ancient oak spans an area of 17,000 square feet (1,579sqm), thanks to its sprawling branches and crown-like canopy.

Here to prove that not all waterfalls were made equal, the Helmcken Falls in British Columbia is a sight to behold. Positioned on the Murtle River within Wells Gray Provincial Park, this 462-foot (141m) wonder was discovered in 1913 by Robert Henry Lee. Helmcken is by far one of the most scenic spots in all of North America and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the titan from a viewing platform on the rim of the canyon.

There's no denying the beauty of the Alpine landscapes of Switzerland, France and Italy, but many overlook the unmatched majesty of Prokletije, also known as the Albanian Alps. Positioned in the western Balkan peninsula, this breathtaking mountain range extends through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Dotted with quaint villages, lush woodlands and rambling mountain passes, this region is an extraordinary spot for a hike.

La Mer de Glace (the Sea of Ice) on the northern slopes of Mont Blanc is the largest glacier in France and one of the longest in the Alps. Extending from a height of 12,795 feet (3,900m) this mass of ice extends for over five miles (5.6 km). Before the 20th century, access was only possible by mule or on foot. Since 1908, the area has been accessible by train from Chamonix and is now one of the world's most visited natural wonders. A visit to the ice cave 'grotto' in the heart of the glacier is also a must.  

The rainbow-hued mountains in Zhangye National Geopark look just like an artist's paint palette. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning formation was created by natural erosion, when layers of sand, silt, iron and minerals blended together to create a kaleidoscope of colours. The incredible park appears to have been decorated by Mother Nature herself.

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Over on Brazil’s North Atlantic coast, you'll find a seemingly endless stretch of white sand dunes. Covering an area of 598 square miles (1,550sq km), this plain springs to life between May and September when rainwater trickles through the landscape and forms thousands of seasonal azure pools and lakes. A paradise for wildlife, this otherworldly landscape attracts a wealth of animals, including 42 species of reptile.

China's Jiuzhaigou Valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for very good reason and Five Flower Lake is perhaps its most dazzling feature. This serene lake is considered holy by many locals, thanks to its interchanging colours and the fact it doesn't freeze, even in winter. Yet the mystery behind this unique wonder can be easily explained – home to hot springs, the pool also has aquatic plants which change colour when exposed to sunlight.

Covering a spectacular expanse of almost 115 square miles (300sq km), Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It's celebrated for its 16 striking lakes, which are interconnected by a series of dramatic waterfalls that cascade down into a picturesque limestone canyon. The surrounding woodlands are renowned for their wildlife, including bears and wolves.

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If Fjaðrárgljúfur, a stunning canyon in the south of Iceland, looks familiar, that's because you might have seen it in popstar Justin Bieber's music video for I'll Show You released in 2015. Crafted by flowing glacial meltwater which cut its way through the rock, it's said to be at least 10,000 years old. The canyon briefly closed to visitors in 2019 and again in 2023 due to overtourism but has now reopened. Soak in the breathtaking scenery from an observation platform and appreciate the majesty of this natural wonder.

The strange and mysterious formations of Yemen's dragon blood trees might seem like the stuff of science fiction, but they're very much real. These peculiar, mushroom-shaped trees are native to the Socotra archipelago and are scientifically known as Dracaena Cinnabari. The eye-catching tree got its more common name from its red resin which is used for medicine and dyes to this day.

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Within the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park in Colombia, this exquisite river is aptly nicknamed the River of Five Colours. Caño Cristales is considered one of the most beautiful waterways in the world and for several months each year, it dazzles with interchanging hues of pink, green, yellow, blue and black. This natural display occurs thanks to an endemic aquatic plant that changes colour when exposed to sunlight.

As the fourth-longest river in the whole of Africa, the Zambezi is a true spectacle of Mother Nature. Stretching for more than 1,550 miles (2,500km), the river weaves through Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia and Botswana until it reaches the Indian Ocean. With unrivalled natural scenery and some of the world's most attractive waterfalls, the Zambezi is also the home of the iconic Victoria Falls.

Lake St Clair is Australia's deepest freshwater lake. Located in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania, this beautiful body of water is protected inside a Wilderness World Heritage Area. Also known as Leeawulenna (or Sleeping Water), the sublime pool was carved out by glaciers over the course of millions of years. See it on a hike and explore the surrounding pine forests and towering mountain peaks too.

We're not sure about you but we've never seen anything more incredible than the Nā Pali Coast in Hawaii. This dazzling shoreline is punctuated by razor-sharp sea cliffs, delicate winding valleys and cascading waterfalls. The eye-catching area has had a silver screen moment too – it was the backdrop for 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Natural beauty isn't all about power and drama, and Buttermere, a lake in the English Lake District, is here to prove it. This spellbinding waterway is surrounded by idyllic woodlands and sits in the shadows of the peaks of Haystacks and Red Pike. The area offers some of the best walking trails in the country.

Nicknamed the drainpipe of the Pacific, Thor's Well appears to be stealing water from the sea itself. The natural sinkhole is nestled on the coast of Oregon, close to Cape Perpetua, and is thought to have started out as a sea cave that eventually collapsed into itself. Thought to be around 20 feet (6m) deep, the hole becomes even more mesmerising at high tide or during intense storms when water violently thrashes over the rocks.

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It's hard to resist jumping in this natural swimming hole, around 20 miles (32km) west of Austin. Entirely inviting, the shimmering emerald pool was once hidden underground until its limestone roof collapsed, revealing this oasis. Now a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike, the pool is fed by a 50-foot (15m) waterfall and is only accessible to those with a reservation.

Grüner See, or 'Green Lake' is a jewel of a lake in the Styrian Mountains. So called because of its emerald green waters, this is one of Austria's most idyllic and picturesque attractions which, in a country synonymous with scenery, is a bold claim. This is also a lake with a difference. Visit this national park in autumn and you can walk along the bridge. However from spring to early summer, the park is fully submerged underwater, and the lake doubles in size.

Mystical and magical, the expansive desert of White Sands National Monument is one of nature’s most unusual marvels. Covering 275 square miles (712sq km) inside New Mexico's Tularosa Basin, the dunes are formed from gypsum sand – a rare mineral found in only a few locations on Earth. The sand dissolves in water but luckily the state's dry climate is the perfect breeding ground for this rare and wonderful material.

Lanzarote, once a popular holiday destination for Brits on tour back in the 1980s, also has another side to it. Jagged coastlines, rough and rugged red-brown terrain and a lack of vegetation give the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya an almost Martian feel. Tourists can come and immerse themselves in a unique landscape of continuous volcanic activity, witnessing the Islet Hilario Geyser, the many dormant volcanoes and also the island's only active fire mountain, Mount Timanfaya after which the region is named. The national park measures 19.7 square miles (51sq km) and can be accessed all year round.

Located inside Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina, Perito Moreno Glacier is otherworldly. Considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Patagonia, the epic glacier covers around 121 square miles (313sq km). Every two to four years in mid-March, the large arched section of the glacier falls into Lake Argentino below and the spectacular event attracts thousands of tourists.

Now and again, Mother Nature likes to show us the extraordinary range of the types of art she can create. These weird and wonderful white sandy pillars of rock are bizarre yet beautiful. However, this landscape is ever-changing. Every time it rains (which doesn't happen often in the south of France) some of this sand gets washed away. At some point in the distant future, it is said that these rocks will disappear completely. The whole site can be visited in less than an hour, so go while you still can.

Acadia National Park spans 47,000 acres and is characterised by its lush forests, craggy beaches and iconic granite peaks – the greatest of which is the Cadillac Mountain. Considered the jewel in the crown of the North Atlantic Coast, this lush landscape attracts 3.5 million visitors every year. As well as drop-dead-gorgeous scenery, the area is known for its wildlife such as bears and whales.

The town of Pamukkale in Turkey is celebrated for its natural travertine terraces which cascade down its hillside like clouds. These 17 mineral-rich thermal pools attract thousands of tourists each year and are part of an ancient Roman spa city. The pools are formed by calcium carbonate deposits on the surface of the water.

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These fantastic limestone rock stacks, with the foam crashing around below, provide one of the most dramatic backdrops to any of the world's ocean drives. Around a 170 mile drive (275km) from Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles, nature's majestic rugged plinths, stand towering in splendour to greet you as you drive up the rugged Victoria coastline. Formed (and destroyed) by millions of years of lashing waves, there were actually never 12 apostles, merely nine at the start of the century. Two have subsequently collapsed, and the remaining seven are some of the most iconic wonders Down Under.

One of our planet's most aesthetically dazzling wonders, a trek here could make you almost believe you've been assigned the role of a decoration on a child's birthday cake. Located in the Cordillera de Vilcanota, southeast of Cusco, the journey to Vinicunca is as magical as the destination. Although a long and demanding trek, (the elevation is 16,404 feet/5,000m above sea level) travellers are rewarded with a 'show' befitting of the exertion.

Millions of years of erosion and weathering have created this incredible nature reserve around 43 miles (70km) from the west coast of Madagascar. The Tsingy de Bemaraha is a 'stone forest' of limestone towers. 'Tsingy' being the local word for 'walking on tiptoes', owing to the sensations felt when traipsing on these unique rocks and crevices. Let's not forget the sheer rich abundance of exotic and endemic wildlife that this incredible country has to offer. Lemurs, snakes, chameleons, rare birds, hissing cockroaches – these are just some of the fascinating creatures that can be encountered here. Not easy to get to, it's a long and bumpy drive. The best time to go is the dry season, from April to November.

Wales' highest peak, Mount Snowdon, and indeed the entire Snowdonia National Park, is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. In Wales, a country of breathtaking valleys and glens, that is quite an achievement. A relatively easy hike up, (depending on which route you opt for) or there is always the mountain railway as a cheat option. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the fells of the Lake District in northern England. Atop this popular peak, there is also a museum and even a café from which to take in the idyllic panoramic views.

Near the village of Cheddar in Somerset, lies one of Britain's most iconic natural landmarks, Cheddar Gorge. This dramatic landscape of rock faces, cliffs and subterranean caves demonstrates the sheer power of water and the effect it can have on the landscape. Access is available all year, and as well as the stunning panoramas, visitors can learn about the secrets of our ancestors and see the site where the famous Cheddar Man was discovered – a 10,000 year old skeleton.

The ultimate expedition. Only the true explorers dare to dream of traversing the Darien Gap – over 60 miles (97km) of thick, dense, treacherous jungle that connects Central and South America. The sheer array of plants, flowers and vegetation make this area a botanist's dream. One of the wettest places on Earth, (and inevitably prone to landslides) this is not for the faint of heart. With the inhospitable conditions, dangerous animals and not to mention local 'guards', let's not beat around the bush here – this place is highly dangerous, yet stunning.

A crystal clear, pristine Alpine lake, which at 12 miles (20km) long and with a depth of 617 feet (188m), Königssee is the deepest lake in Germany. The stunning Bavarian location makes it one of Germany's top destinations for visitors. Also, with the lake located just inside the national park, there isn't the need for any strenuous hiking. Take a boat and enjoy the magical silence, occasionally broken by a blast of the boatman's trumpet, echoing and ricocheting from the steep slopes that encase the emerald water.  

The 'Peaks of Europe', as these mountains were once christened by sailors, are one of the most stunning parts of northern Spain. Made of limestone, this mountain range extends more than 12 miles (20km) and forms part of the Cantabrian Mountain range. Picos de Europa is also Spain's only inhabited nature reserve, and is home to emblematic animals such as the brown bear and Iberian wolf. Guided tours can be booked during the summer months, as well as many self-guided routes all year round.

We can all probably agree that countries such as Switzerland could fill up an entire gallery of beautiful images all on its own. Miles of yodelling rolling hills, icy glaciers, pristine lakes and distinctive chalets adorn this most serene of landlocked countries. Covering 44 square miles (114sq km) and a depth of 702 feet (214m), Lake Lucerne is the fourth-largest lake in the country, not to mention one of the most iconic and picturesque. Cruising on the lake is also an absolute must.  

When you think of Northern Ireland, Giant's Causeway is probably the first thing that springs to mind when planning where to visit. On pretty much everyone's bucket list, these interlocking hexagonal basalt columns are one of the most unusual yet spectacular natural sights in the whole of the United Kingdom. With over 40,000 of these stones dating back millions of years, it's easy to see why tourists flock here from all over the globe.

There's no way Yellowstone National Park's Grand Prismatic Spring could be left off this ranking. The vivid blue centre of the geyser is surrounded by bands of glorious colour, created by the heat-loving bacteria that live there. From above, the pool looks just like a painting of the sun. With a depth of 164 feet (50m), the spring reaches temperatures of 70°C (160°F). 

A gallery of the world's most beautiful natural wonders cannot fail to have one of its most photographed and most climbed mountains included. While climbing this most iconic and visually perfect mountain brings a lot of satisfaction, viewing Fuji from anywhere you can, brings an almost equal amount of pleasure. You can only climb Fujisan in summer (officially) yet the winter will offer far more opportunities to see it – in all its snow-capped glory.

Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885, Banff contains some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth and therefore tops our ranking of the most beautiful natural wonders. From raging rapids, tranquil lakes and swirling glaciers, many tourists come to be awestruck by this unparalleled mountain scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies every year. There are activities for all, from traditional hiking, camping, water sports – Banff National Park is an outdoors adventure for everyone.

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