65 Spectacular Hidden Paradise Destinations You NEED To See
Last Updated on January 31, 2022
There are millions of beautiful paradise spots around the world and some you may have never known they existed. After my popular blog post ‘45 of the most stunning paradises around the world’, here are 65 more spectacular hidden paradise destinations you need to see!
They venture from New Zealand to Morocco and as far as Iceland. Let me know if you have been to any of these places!
1. Isla Perro, San Blas Islands
Suggested by The lost girls guide
Located off the north coast of the isthmus of Panama, the San Blas are made up of 365 islands – one for every day of the year.
2.The Scottish Highlands, UK
Suggested by Watch Me See
Why? I love the mountains and ever since moving to Scotland, I feel so blessed getting the gorgeous views on even the most simple day hikes!
accommodation in the Scotish Highlands
3. Pools Waterfalls, Trinidad & Tobago
Suggested by Go Drift Away
A secluded three-tier waterfall high up in the mountains of one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, if this isn’t paradise, I don’t know what is.
accommodation in Trinidad & Tobago
The compact old town of Tropea perches on the edge of a cliff overlooking the deep blue waters of the Gulf of St. Eufemia creating a striking visual. Sandy beaches below and a classic Italian town above with world-class food make Tropea a paradise on earth.
5. Upper Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
Suggested by Raulerson Girls Travel
The Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of my favourite places to visit & hike in the Upper Peninsula. The Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi and the largest in Michigan. It drops almost 50 feet and reaches 200 feet across allowing for 50,000 gallons of water each second to flow over it. Standing next to it you will be in awe of the power flowing right next to you.
6. Dakhla, Morocco
It is paradise because that’s the place where the restive sands of the white dunes meet the peaceful waters of the blue lagoon. Only you and the nature, enormous surface and the wind.
7. Jokulsarlon glacier lake, Iceland
The prettiest place I have ever been was Jokulsarlon, a glacier lake in Iceland, where you can hear and see icebergs calve off of a glacier, float down a stream and travel through the waves out into the sea. I enjoyed the whole country immensely with its wonderful hiking, the northern lights, friendly people and scrumptious foods, but this place with beyond my imagination beautiful. Truly a paradise.
8. Galapagos Islands
9. Ship Cove, New Zealand
This path leads to paradise. It’s so secluded you forget all your stresses and worries for just a moment and learn to enjoy the moment.
10. The Himalayas
11. Central Otago, New Zealand
Suggested by A Wanderphile
The Otago Central Rail Trail in New Zealand is a special place. It sits proud and direct across the south island. Nestled amongst rugged
tor-studded lands with vast open spaces that are dwarfed by the immense, Central Otago sky.
12. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Suggested by Grassroots Nomad
To me, paradise isn’t a white sandy beach, but it is a wild forest or savanna where I can truly explore and experience the world in all its natural beauty!
13. Port Barton, Palawan Island – Philippines
Suggested by Live Dream Discover
Port Barton on Palawan Island in the Philippines is El Nido’s less popular little brother but to me, the quiet, clean beaches, lack of 5-star resorts, laid back lifestyle and enforced disconnect due to limited power makes it one of the most stunning paradises in the world.
14. Rwanda
Suggested by Stay Curious Darling
Rwanda is the land of green; land of lush forests, rolling hills as far as the eye can see and beautiful tea plantations at every turn. It is one of the only places in the world where you can hike to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The people are kind and curious. It is the land of a thousand hills and a thousand smiles. I could go on and on but pictures and words will never do this beautiful landscape justice. You really have to go see it for yourself.”
15. Québec, Canada
Suggested by Every Footstep An Adventure
The feeling of awe you get when looking down at the mighty Sainte-Anne Falls is indescribable. This magical waterfall is located in Québec, Canada and the memories I created here definitely makes me consider it a paradise!
16. Mombacho Volcano, Nicaragua
Suggested by Best Regards From Far
Where birds sing and the monkeys swing. The cloud forest on the Mombacho volcano is full of life and contains flora and fauna only found there. The cool air is the perfect escape to the heat down the mountain and the vistas over Lake Nicaragua, Granada and its islands are a true reward after a sporty hike up.
17. Lombok, Indonesia
Suggested by The Traveller’s Guide By #ljojlo
Lombok – the epitome of relaxation in paradise! Bali’s lesser-known neighbour is home to picturesque, yet quiet beaches, beautiful people and the place I disappear to if I just want to escape reality. This is why I prefer Lombok to Bali!
18. Khao Yai national park, Thailand
Suggested by Lilis Travel Plans
From lush forests to vast meadows offering breathtaking views, Khao Yai national park in Thailand has it all. And if you’re lucky, you might even see monkeys or elephants in the wild!
19. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Suggested by Ze Wandering Frogs
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s hidden gem. From the red Outback-like dirt roads, the smell of the Eucalyptus trees, the deep blue of the ocean, the sunny Australian sky… to the Kangaroos, Koalas and Echidnas iconic of the Down Under’s wildlife, this amazing island south of Adelaide was our first introduction to the wonders of Australia and one of our best experiences during our trip.
20. Hong Kong Island, China
Suggested by Danik The Explorer
After a long day’s hike around the Dragon’s Back on Hong Kong Island, HK, China, it is time to soak up the sun and relax those muscles by drifting off to sleep on the pure golden sands of Shek O Village. Life is perfect here.
21. Gurudongmar Lake, India
Suggested by Untravel
A mesmerizing view of the snow-fed waters of Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim kissing the pristine blue sky.
22. Svartifoss, Iceland
Suggested by Wandering Wagars
Iceland is one of the world’s most spectacular treasures. Among its plethora of waterfalls lies one of the earth’s true jewel’s, Svartifoss is a waterfall that seems out of this world!
23. Antelope Canyon, Arizona – USA
Suggested by Miss Happy Feet
Why it is paradise: Look at the rich colour of the corkscrew structures! They say a picture represents a thousand words, but in Antelope Canyon, a picture doesn’t even do it justice.
24. Six Senses Laamu, The Maldives
Suggested by Safe Travels By Sally
My paradise is riding around barefoot on an (almost) deserted island on my own personalised bicycle with the biggest grin on my face.
25. Comino (The Blue Lagoon), Malta
Suggested by Chamelle Photography
Malta is a fascinating country with a history dating back to over 7000 years. However, what blew me away was this amazing blue lagoon on Comino island, with the bluest water I’d ever seen. I spent a whole day here and could have easily spent longer!
26. Yosemite National Park, USA
Suggested by Adoration 4 Adventure
This national park is a must-see because of its beautiful and unique rock formations, breathtaking views, and wonderful hikes.
27. The Island of Grenada
Suggested by Cheers To Adventure
To me paradise is a state of mind. Floating in a blue ocean. Making it to the top of a mountain. Scuba diving with the fishes. And all of that can be accomplished on the island of Grenada.
28. Queenstown, New Zealand
Suggested by The Sweet Wanderlust
Paradise is being surrounded by nature, where 50 shades of daytime blue explode into the most amazing sunsets.
29. Komodo Islands, Indonesia
Suggested by Mi Aventura Viajando
What do you get if you mix in the same place the most stunning sunrises and sunsets, amazing landscapes, pink beaches, a world-famous dragon with massive manta rays, sharks and turtles? A paradise over and under the water! Komodo in Indonesia.
30. Fiesole, Italy
Suggested by Voyager
Fiesole is an enchanting place where every step is in harmony with nature and every breath of the fresh mountain air a whiff of ambrosia, a place where you can still hear the sounds of Michael Angelo’s hammer and chisel and feel Leonardo da Vinci’s excitement as he tested his Flying Machine.
31. Florence, Oregon
Suggested by Everyday Runaway
It’s a paradise to me, because this certain beach is only accessible by horseback (unless you want to hike over several sand dunes), and the lack of tourists make it one of the few quiet, clean and beautiful beaches on which you can reflect and really enjoy nature.
32. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Suggested by The Bosnian Aussie
With winding cobblestoned streets, emerald green river cold as ice, stone houses, and an arched bridge where brave men jump from, this gorgeous city will leave travellers feeling like they had stepped into a fairytale. A city full of diversity and a complicated past, but full of beauty and great hospitality, Mostar will leave you wanting more of this great country.
33. Nagarhole National Park, South India
Suggested by Vishualization
This picture was taken in a tree house in Coorg near the Nagarhole National park in South India. This was right in the morning before we left for the safari. Pure Bliss!
34. Sossusvlei, Namibia
Suggested by Journal Of A City Girl
Standing among the towering terracotta dunes, the clear sky overhead, surrounded by the pure silence is a surreal experience. Lying in the largely undiscovered Southern African country of Namibia is Sossusvlei, the oldest desert in the world.
35. Bohey Dulang Island, Semporna, Malaysia
Suggested by Keri Mau
Bohey Dulang Island is just one of the many islands off the coast of the little fishing town called Semporna. Take a trip to snorkel or scuba dive, and get your daily dose of Vitamin Sea.
36. Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Suggested by The Roaming Renegades
Interlaken is a paradise for me because adventure is around every corner of this beautiful and quaint mountain town!
37. Milford Sound, New Zealand
Suggested by Half This World Away
Milford Sound is one of the most incredible places on earth. A mysterious Fiordland complete with cascading waterfalls and magnificent mountains, It’s a place which evokes a sense of awe. Although not your traditional paradise of golden beaches and white sands, Milford Sound is without a doubt a magical place which has to be seen to be believed.
38. Patagonia, Argentina
Suggested by My Adventures Across The World
Patagonia perfectly fulfils my idea of paradise. A wild territory, mountains that dare to be hiked, with lots of open space, animals free to roam, clean air, silence that is only broken by the strong winds. Can’t really ask for more!
39. Belogradchick, Bulgaria
Suggested by Travel Telling
On top of the mountain with this stunning natural beauty shining towards my face I was reminded of a feeling of thankfulness, sadness and happiness altogether – a real emotional moment! This natural paradise I found during my cycle trip through Eastern-Europe last summer.
40. Bermuda
Suggested by The Go Fever
Bermuda truly is heaven on Earth: it has the most stunning pink-sand beaches I’ve ever seen! You’ll also find delicious food, adorable architecture and a wealth of historically important sites on the island, plus the people of Bermuda are the nicest I’ve met in my travels around the world.
41. Cerknica lake, Slovenia
Suggested by Adventurous Journeys
Mysterious and miraculous Cerknica lake is world phenomenon, yet very unknow outside of Slovenia. It´s the biggest disappearing lake in the world. The legend about the creation of the Cerknica lake is also Slovenian version of Rome and Juliet. The lake is important natural and wildlife resort and home to mythical creatures from Slovenian folk culture.
42. Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica
Suggested by Drink Tea & Travel
There are no hotels along this beach, no souvenir shops, and no restaurants, just hundreds of palm trees lining a long stretch of beautiful beach sandy beach.
43. Near Dixie, Idaho – USA
Suggested by Woman With Wanderlust
Paradise is a place to get away and it doesn’t get anymore away than skiing into the Idaho backcountry and waking up to this view.
44. Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
Suggested by Fui Gostei Contei
Only 160km separate Rio de Janeiro city from Arraial do Cabo, where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Don´t miss the opportunity to see the sunset from Pontal do Atalaia and to go for a short hike to Forno Beach. Trust me, even the most amazing pictures don´t do justice to this paradise!
45. Batanes, Philippines
Suggested by I Am Aileen
Dubbed as the ‘Home of the Winds’, the Batanes islands in the Philippines is one of those hidden destinations that hold a kind of beauty that is unrivalled. Truly a paradise on Earth, Batanes will absolutely make you fall in love with its breathtaking landscapes!
46. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
47. Rocky Lookout, Wairarapa – New Zealand
Paradise is when you feel like you’re at the top of the world! If you need some time out, this is the place to go.
48. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Suggested by Bacon Is Magic
When you tire of beaches head to the desert in northern Chile, here you will find wild desert with salt rock formations and beautiful sunsets.
49. Sheikh Zayan Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Suggested by Spice Goddess
Set in the midst of the hustle and bustle lies this beautiful mosque that captivates one’s attention. Every side is beautifully crafted and one can not help take about a million pictures.
50. São Miguel, the Azores
Suggested by My Feet Are Meant To Room
Halfway between Europe and North America, the 9 islands that make up the Azores are still a relatively unspoilt territory. The main island of São Miguel is home to hot springs, tea plantations, numerous walking trails and breath-taking lakes like Lagoa de Fogo!
51. Ampersand Mountain, New York, USA
52. Natural Pool, Isle of Pines – New Caledonia
Suggested by My Favourite Escapes
After a journey on a traditional boat, a calm hike in the forest and a river crossing, we reached the Natural Pool. You can take time to eat a crawfish before snorkelling in the transparent water naturally protected by rocks from the sea.
53. Canigao Island Paradise, Philippines
Suggested by Crizzy Kiss
It is an islet that is tucked away in the middle of nowhere and where everything is pure nature.
54. The Windward Coast of Oahu, Hawaii
55. Taiwan
Suggested by Veronika’s Adventure
There are very few places on Earth that offer such a high concentration of natural beauty as Taiwan. This mountainous island in the heart of East Asia has it all: rushing rivers, scenic cliffs, deep gorges. I lived there for two years and never run out of places to explore!
56. Alpe di Siusi , Northern Italy
Suggested by Wander Your Way
The Alpe di Siusi is the largest high alpine meadow in Europe. The natural beauty here is stunning – unlike anything I’ve ever seen! Truly a mountain paradise!!
57. Cape Breton, Canada
Suggested by Life In A Carryon
Natural beauty, relaxing days on the water, delicious food from the sea, what more could you ask for from the paradise that is Cape Breton in Nova Scotia.
58. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Suggested by There and Back in a New York Minute
Part of the ABC island, Aruba is one of the world’s greatest treasures. This small desert island off the coast of Venezuela entices visitors with white sandy beaches, beautiful dives among WWII shipwrecks, and most of all, the generous locals who are eager to share their unique culture.
59. Sari Sari Falls, Dominica
60. Similan Islands, Thailand
Suggested by Wonderluhst
The Similan Islands (Thailand) is said to be one of 10 best places for snorkelling, diving and just enjoying the water in general in the WORLD! It has the bluest and clearest waters you’ll ever see.
61. Olifant’s river, South Africa
Suggested by Yoko Meshi
It was not unusual to see all kinds of beautiful wildlife from Elephants, Umpalas, Giraffes and baboons grazing by the waterside. This place was truly my kind of paradise.
62. Punta Del Diablo, Uruguay
Suggested by Haisu Qu
The vibe, the colours, and the people – Punta Del Diablo is the perfect hidden paradise.
63. Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Azores
Suggested by Viaje Comigo
This Portuguese archipelago (of 9 islands) is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The green hills and lakes and the volcanic nature scene of the island of São Miguel – the biggest of Azores – may leave you speechless. It is mesmerising.
64. Muxía, La Coruña, Spain
Suggested by Nomadic Newlyweds
A sleepy but stirringly spiritual seaside town in the province of Galicia – Northwestern Spain. Arriving at the edge of the Costa da Morte after 28 days (and nearly 800km) hiking the Camino de Santiago – Embracing the healing powers of the sea and of this special place, is an overwhelming and rejuvenating experience!
65. Sedona, Arizona
Suggested by Maria Abroad
The Red Rocks of Sedona are mesmerizing. You will find yourself pausing, reflecting, as you gaze at the beauty in front of you. Like nature’s architectural masterpieces, fiery rocks against the deep blue sky will take forms and shapes in your imagination and the memory of this magical place will stay with you forever.
So, what’re your favourite hidden paradise destinations from this list? Please share! You can read part one of the most stunning hidden paradise destinations here.
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Carla Boechat
Wooooooooooooooow! Packing everything now and taking the road.
Amazing list, Anita!
Thanks for sharing my favorite spot in Brazil. Hope you can come to visit it someday 🙂
Javi (Mi Aventura Viajando)
Challenge accepted! I will see these 65 amazing places before I die.
A pleasure to be on this list 🙂
MariaAbroad
Wow, this invokes serious Wanderlust! Thanks Anita, now I won’t get anything done today, but rather stare out the window, daydreaming about those places 😉 Thank you for featuring my Sedona picture <3
verushka143
Thank you for sharing my picture.A severe case of wanderlust x
Voyager
Thank you Anita for featuring our post on Fiesole. 🙂 The part II collab post is wonderful. Each of these places are truly spectacular! Bucket list growing!!
Livia Chamelle
Thanks for adding my pic, Anita. There are so many beautiful places on this earth and so little time… Must get cracking! 🙂
Cynthia
An amazing list of places you put together, Anita! Thanks for featuring my little paradise in Québec! 🙂
kbernard23
I’m not writing this because I’m featured in this post. But this is seriously breathtaking. These photos make me want to leave home and never return!!!
Anita Hendrieka
kbernard23I know right, it just makes the bucket list even longer!!
Danik
Great post. Thank you for adding me onto this amazing post. Have shared on social media. 🙂 Lots of places on here I never heard off and want to visit.
Anita Hendrieka
DanikThanks for contributing Danik!
Raulersongirlstravel
Thank you Anita for including me in this amazing collection of places! So excited to see it and now have added more places to go in the future!
Anita Hendrieka
RaulersongirlstravelThanks for contributing! 🙂
danielwalldammit
Really beautiful stuff. I love those trees in Namibia.
Anita Hendrieka
danielwalldammitAren’t they beautiful?!
Patricia - Ze Wandering Frogs
Thank you again for the collaborative opportunity! What a great list, just made our travel plan even longer!
Anita Hendrieka
Patricia – Ze Wandering FrogsThanks for contributing! There are some beautiful places out there.
Heather
Great list. I have been to 12 and added all the rest to my list.
AlicevstheWorld
All of these places look amazing!
Alex S
Wow! What a great list. I can’t believe there’s a mention of the UP. Still one of the most beautiful random places I’ve personally ever visited. Once I can’t ski I’ll travel more to warm locales until then working on my ski travel bucket list.
icho
Absolutely beautiful places! Thank you for sharing with us! Keep up the good work!