Travel is as much discovering new places as it is about freezing those moments of magic that will never fade away. For photographers, the globe is full of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and adorable natural marvels that can be immortalized. Here are some of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet that you must add to your travel wish list.
Santorini, Greece
Renowned for its blue-dome houses in whitewashed villages, Santorini must be one of the most beautifully placed destinations where you can vacation. The island in Greece has simply stunning panoramas of the Aegean Sea, which looks even better when the setting sun paints colors across the horizon. From clicking pictures of the sun setting over the sea to taking snaps of Oia’s picturesque narrow alleyways, Santorini is heaven for photography enthusiasts.
Places Best Suited to Take Shots:
- Oia for sunset views.
- The caldera cliffs for panoramic views.
- The volcanic black sand beaches.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park is a feast for the eyes in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Snowy mountains, glacial lakes, and pine forests make it one of the most stunning natural landscapes on the planet. The turquoise-colored Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are particularly photogenic, with the mountains around them reflected in their pristine waters.
Best Places to Photograph:
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- The breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains from Bow Summit.
- The Icefields Parkway road trip.
Kyoto, Japan
Travel back to the past and soak in the culture in the lovely, postcard-perfect city of Kyoto in Japan. Abundant in traditional temples, serene gardens, and Fushimi Inari Taisha’s stunning red Torii gates, Kyoto offers the ideal means of experiencing vintage Japan. With pink blossoms shrouding everything around in the spring, it fills your images with something magical.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless Torii gates.
- The Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion in peaceful gardens.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest for an otherworldly ambiance.
Iceland
Iceland is a photographer’s dreamland with dreamlike scenery of volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, and waterfalls. The unpredictable weather and shifting light are the ideal combination for nature photography at its best. From the aurora borealis to stunning waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, Iceland is replete with picture-postcard moments.
Best Photography Spots:
- Blue Lagoon for a dramatic spa experience.
- Northern Lights in winter.
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for seals and icebergs.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Perched on top of the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a mythic ancient Inca city filled with photo-perfect moments. The vegetation surrounding the site and the mist enveloping the site most of the time provides an otherworldly ambiance. From capturing the famous terraces to the bird’s eye view of the mountain, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic destinations.
Best Photography Spots:
- The classic perspective from the Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
- The intricate stonework of the ruins.
- Sunrise photos with fog covering the Machu Picchu fortress.
Petra, Jordan
Jordan’s ancient rock city of Petra is a photographer’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage site, carved out of the red sandstone cliffs, is full of enigmatic and scenic locations. The famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is only the beginning, as hidden tombs, caves, and stunning sandstone formations provide endless opportunities for photography.
Best Photography Spots:
- The Treasury, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- The Siq, the narrow canyon that is the entrance to Petra.
- The Royal Tombs for up-close architecture.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast, with its cliffs-lined shores, colorful towns, and turquoise Mediterranean waters, is a photographer’s dream. The charming town of Positano, with its pastel-colored houses spilling down the cliffs, is one of the most photographed locations along the coast. The seafront road offers many scenic vistas that are perfect for capturing Italian beauty.
Best Photography Spots:
- Positano for cliffside architecture.
- Ravello for seaside vistas from a panoramic viewpoint.
- Amalfi Town for coastal scenery and historic cathedral.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Norway’s Lofoten Islands offer some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in the world. Rocky, steep mountains rise precipitously from the sea, dotted with fjords and virgin beaches. Colorful fishing communities with red rorbu houses (traditional fisherman’s houses) create an unforgettable contrast with nature.
Best Photo Opportunities:
- Reine, a fishing village with beautiful mountain views.
- The northern lights over the fjords.
- Henningsvær, a small, scenic village.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
For a tropical paradise with turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, and luxurious overwater bungalows, don’t miss French Polynesia’s Bora Bora. The island’s stunning lagoons and coral reefs make it a prime location for landscape and underwater photography. From the air, photographing the island, or in its crystal-clear waters, Bora Bora’s beauty is unparalleled.
Best Places to Photograph:
- Mount Otemanu for island panorama views.
- The lagoon and coral reefs for snorkeling photography.
- Sunrise or sunset overwater bungalows.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s diverse scenery, from snow-capped mountains and lush rainforests to isolated beaches and rolling hills, offers breathtaking opportunities for photography. Some of the most spectacular and photogenic destinations in the world are in New Zealand, including those that have been made famous by the Lord of the Rings films. From Fiordland National Park to the stunning beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand will take your breath away.
Best Places for Photography:
- Milford Sound for stunning fjord landscapes.
- The Hobbiton movie set in Matamata.
- Lake Tekapo for wonderful starry skies.
Conclusion
The world is scattered with breathtaking locations, each with their own beauty for photographers to etch in memory. From Iceland’s rugged landscapes to Bora Bora’s tropical paradises, these photo-spots are inspiration-filled for travelers who want to freeze their travels behind the lens. Pick up your camera and get ready to explore these amazing destinations that will leave you speechless and with an album full of great clicks.
Safe travels and good snapping