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20 of the world’s most beautiful World Heritage Sites

by Sarah Reid, for CNN
Updated 7:55 PM EST, Mon February 2, 2015
Easter Island, or Hanga Roa, is the most remote inhabited island on the planet. Carved from solid basalt between the 13th and 16th centuries, the group of more than 800 massive stone monuments known as moai scattered across the volcanic landscape are the legacy of a Polynesian society that settled here around 300 AD.
Rapa Nui (Chile) —
Easter Island, or Hanga Roa, is the most remote inhabited island on the planet. Carved from solid basalt between the 13th and 16th centuries, the group of more than 800 massive stone monuments known as moai scattered across the volcanic landscape are the legacy of a Polynesian society that settled here around 300 AD.
Turismo Chile
Ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St. John, which built the city in the 16th century, Valletta is one of the world's rare urban inhabited sites that's been preserved near perfectly. Crammed into a tiny fortified peninsula, the site comprises 320 monuments, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
Valletta (Malta) —
Ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St. John, which built the city in the 16th century, Valletta is one of the world's rare urban inhabited sites that's been preserved near perfectly. Crammed into a tiny fortified peninsula, the site comprises 320 monuments, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
Clive Vella
For sheer diversity, Yellowstone National Park is among the world's great natural wonders. Contained within a 9,000-square-kilometer chunk of Wyoming, the world's first national park contains half of the globe's known geothermal features, and is home to an equally impressive array of wildlife including grizzlies, wolves and bison.
Yellowstone National Park (United States) —
For sheer diversity, Yellowstone National Park is among the world's great natural wonders. Contained within a 9,000-square-kilometer chunk of Wyoming, the world's first national park contains half of the globe's known geothermal features, and is home to an equally impressive array of wildlife including grizzlies, wolves and bison.
Wyoming Office of Tourism
It's still on the tentative list of sites to be brought into the UNESCO fold. But as Myanmar's tourism industry expands, Bagan's profile is gaining prominence. The capital city of the first Myanmar Kingdom, this enormous Buddhist complex on the Irrawaddy River contains more than 2,500 intricate monuments dating to the 10th century.
Bagan (Myanmar) —
It's still on the tentative list of sites to be brought into the UNESCO fold. But as Myanmar's tourism industry expands, Bagan's profile is gaining prominence. The capital city of the first Myanmar Kingdom, this enormous Buddhist complex on the Irrawaddy River contains more than 2,500 intricate monuments dating to the 10th century.
Martien Jansse
Sculpted by erosion, the Goreme valley and its surroundings contain rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide unique evidence of Byzantine art in the post-Iconoclastic period. Within the rugged natural landscape, villages and underground towns dating to the 4th century can be observed.
Goreme National Park and Cappadocia (Turkey) —
Sculpted by erosion, the Goreme valley and its surroundings contain rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide unique evidence of Byzantine art in the post-Iconoclastic period. Within the rugged natural landscape, villages and underground towns dating to the 4th century can be observed.
Turkish Culture and Tourism Office
Scattered between the twisting roots of the Cambodian jungle, this site dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu contains the remains of Khmer Empire capitals dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Among the most famous of its 100-strong group of monuments is the Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the sculptural Bayon Temple.
Angkor (Cambodia) —
Scattered between the twisting roots of the Cambodian jungle, this site dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu contains the remains of Khmer Empire capitals dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Among the most famous of its 100-strong group of monuments is the Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the sculptural Bayon Temple.
Barney Smith
Looming over the city of Athens, this ancient Grecian citadel was built in the 5th century BC and continually beautified through the years. Despite being attacked and pillaged by everyone from the Byzantines to the Venetians, the site still stands to provide important insight into Greek mythology.
Acropolis (Greece) —
Looming over the city of Athens, this ancient Grecian citadel was built in the 5th century BC and continually beautified through the years. Despite being attacked and pillaged by everyone from the Byzantines to the Venetians, the site still stands to provide important insight into Greek mythology.
City of Athens Development and Destination Management Agency
Between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, Petra acted as the capital of the Nabataean caravanning kingdom from around the 6th century BC. Abandoned in the 2nd century AD after an earthquake crippled its water management system, the desert city carved from rose-red limestone remains one of the world's most important archaeological sites.
Petra (Jordan) —
Between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, Petra acted as the capital of the Nabataean caravanning kingdom from around the 6th century BC. Abandoned in the 2nd century AD after an earthquake crippled its water management system, the desert city carved from rose-red limestone remains one of the world's most important archaeological sites.
Jordan Tourism Board
Among the first sites to be listed by UNESCO in the 1970s, this otherworldly archipelago is located in the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean. On top of its bevy of endemic species that have remained unchanged for centuries, the island groups' location at the confluence of three ocean currents also attracts a diverse array of marine life.
Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) —
Among the first sites to be listed by UNESCO in the 1970s, this otherworldly archipelago is located in the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean. On top of its bevy of endemic species that have remained unchanged for centuries, the island groups' location at the confluence of three ocean currents also attracts a diverse array of marine life.
sarah reid/cnn
The spectacular semicircular waterfall that forms the border of Argentina and Brazil spans almost 300 meters in diameter and up to 80 meters in height. It's home to wildlife from neon-winged butterflies to sly caiman to elusive jaguar.
Iguazu National Park (Brazil and Argentina) —
The spectacular semicircular waterfall that forms the border of Argentina and Brazil spans almost 300 meters in diameter and up to 80 meters in height. It's home to wildlife from neon-winged butterflies to sly caiman to elusive jaguar.
sarah reid/cnn
Composed of more than 3,000 individual reefs interspersed with more than 600 topical islands, the world's most extensive coral reef system has been protected since 1981. A 2012 study found that the delicate ecosystem has lost more than half of its coral since 1985 due to a combination of factors including coral bleaching caused by climate change.
Great Barrier Reef (Australia) —
Composed of more than 3,000 individual reefs interspersed with more than 600 topical islands, the world's most extensive coral reef system has been protected since 1981. A 2012 study found that the delicate ecosystem has lost more than half of its coral since 1985 due to a combination of factors including coral bleaching caused by climate change.
Tourism Queensland
Located between emerald banana plantations in eastern Karnataka, the enormous group of monuments that comprise the former capital of the last great Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagara date to the 14th century. Hampi highlights include elephant stables, Kallina Ratha (Stone Chariot) and towering Virupaksha Temple.
Hampi (India) —
Located between emerald banana plantations in eastern Karnataka, the enormous group of monuments that comprise the former capital of the last great Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagara date to the 14th century. Hampi highlights include elephant stables, Kallina Ratha (Stone Chariot) and towering Virupaksha Temple.
sarah reid/cnn
Encompassing the largest ice mantle outside of Antarctica, this picturesque southern Patagonian park bordering Chile is one of the best places in the world to observe glacial activity. Its most famous ice mass is the cool blue Perito Mereno Glacier, from which giant icebergs can be observed crashing into the milky turquoise waters of Lake Argentino.
Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina) —
Encompassing the largest ice mantle outside of Antarctica, this picturesque southern Patagonian park bordering Chile is one of the best places in the world to observe glacial activity. Its most famous ice mass is the cool blue Perito Mereno Glacier, from which giant icebergs can be observed crashing into the milky turquoise waters of Lake Argentino.
Paolo Petrignani
The sites that comprise Cusco's Sacred City are spectacular in their own right, but nothing prepares a visitor for sunrise over the Incan city of Machu Picchu. At 2,430 meters above sea level, in the midst of a tropical mountain forest, the 15th-century settlement was among the few Inca sites that wasn't plundered by Spanish invaders.
Machu Picchu (Peru) —
The sites that comprise Cusco's Sacred City are spectacular in their own right, but nothing prepares a visitor for sunrise over the Incan city of Machu Picchu. At 2,430 meters above sea level, in the midst of a tropical mountain forest, the 15th-century settlement was among the few Inca sites that wasn't plundered by Spanish invaders.
Sarah reid/cnn
On a rocky islet on the coast of Normandy, this fortified village built in the shadow of a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey appears to float on the ocean at high tide. Despite its seemingly unstable sandbank foundations, the picturesque village has survived since the 11th century.
Mont Saint-Michel (France) —
On a rocky islet on the coast of Normandy, this fortified village built in the shadow of a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey appears to float on the ocean at high tide. Despite its seemingly unstable sandbank foundations, the picturesque village has survived since the 11th century.
T Houyel
Comprising the Pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur, including the majestic Great Sphinx, the Old Kingdom of Egypt was considered one of the seven wonders of the world in Hellenistic times. The dozens of tombs buried in the shadows of the famous pyramids have provided archaeologists a glimpse into one of the world's most fascinating civilizations.
Pyramids of Giza (Egypt) —
Comprising the Pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur, including the majestic Great Sphinx, the Old Kingdom of Egypt was considered one of the seven wonders of the world in Hellenistic times. The dozens of tombs buried in the shadows of the famous pyramids have provided archaeologists a glimpse into one of the world's most fascinating civilizations.
Jake Haggmark
Located in northern Tanzania and spilling into nearby Kenya, where the conservation area is known as the Masai Mara, this iconic savannah hosts the annual migration of 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle followed by their predators, in search of pasture and water. The phenomenal natural spectacle is the largest remaining animal migration in the world.
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) —
Located in northern Tanzania and spilling into nearby Kenya, where the conservation area is known as the Masai Mara, this iconic savannah hosts the annual migration of 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle followed by their predators, in search of pasture and water. The phenomenal natural spectacle is the largest remaining animal migration in the world.
Jo Ann Whitaker
A breathtaking sight within the country's so-called cultural triangle, this ancient Ceylon city is also known as Lion Mountain for the giant clawed feet carved into the granite alongside a staircase leading to the remains of a fortified palace built atop the 370-meter peak. The site also features a series of stunning frescoes and lashings of "Sigiri graffiti," one of the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language.
Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) —
A breathtaking sight within the country's so-called cultural triangle, this ancient Ceylon city is also known as Lion Mountain for the giant clawed feet carved into the granite alongside a staircase leading to the remains of a fortified palace built atop the 370-meter peak. The site also features a series of stunning frescoes and lashings of "Sigiri graffiti," one of the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language.
sarah reid/cnn
There are at least 30 Mayan ruins scattered throughout Mexico and Central America. Idyllically situated on a rocky cliff facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans, managing to survive around 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico in the early 16th century.
Tulum (Mexico) —
There are at least 30 Mayan ruins scattered throughout Mexico and Central America. Idyllically situated on a rocky cliff facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans, managing to survive around 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico in the early 16th century.
sarah reid/cnn
Founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, Venice is an architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest buildings contain works by some of the world's greatest artists. Italy boasts the most World Heritage Sites of any nation (47).
Venice and its lagoon (Italy) —
Founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, Venice is an architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest buildings contain works by some of the world's greatest artists. Italy boasts the most World Heritage Sites of any nation (47).
Steen Heilesen
20 of the world's most beautiful World Heritage Sites

Story highlights

UNESCO's World Heritage Sites number more than 1,000

They range from dazzling underwater ecosystems to the ruins of ancient civilizations

Each year around 25 sites of "outstanding universal value" are inscribed

CNN  — 

Every year, around 25 global sites deemed to have “outstanding universal value” are added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

There are now more than 1,000 sites to visit all over the world.

Not bad, considering the original list, compiled in 1978, included only 12 entries.

There are still a few months till the newest members of the prestigious list are announced in June, so here’s a look back at 20 of the most beautiful – and famous – already on the list.

Site details in the gallery above, while info on getting to each is below.

Angkor (Cambodia)

The site is a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city of Siem Reap.

The bulk of visitors come between November and February, when the weather is dry and temperatures are coolest (25-30 C).

To make the most of your visit to this incredible temple complex, a guide is essential.

We recommend Tong Hann of the Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa.

His knowledge and respect for the sites and their history is phenomenal; he’s particularly skilled at creating an itinerary that will keep you away from crowds and allow you to check out some lesser known but beautiful ruins.

Acropolis (Greece)

It’s possible to take a tour to the site, or simply wander in from Athens on foot.

The route along Adrianou Street to the back entrance of the site is a gentler climb than the Dionysus Theatre entrance.

For more information, visit the Greece tourism website.

Bagan (Myanmar)

Ok, so it’s still on the tentative list.

But we couldn’t help but include this beautiful stretch of ruins on the Irawaddy River that dates to the 10th century.

Located in Myanmar’s central west, Bagan is serviced by flights, buses and trains from Yangon.

Accommodation is centered in the surrounding villages of New Bagan and Nyaung Oo.

Tours are available with Backyard Travel, among others.

Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

Located nearly 1,000 kilometers from mainland Ecuador, the islands are serviced by flights from Quito and Guayaquil.

Multi-day boat cruises are generally the best way to explore the islands.

For a truly rewarding experience, there’s the National Geographic Galapagos Expedition.

Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia (Turkey)

Due to the remote nature of the site in central Anatolia, most visitors opt to fly in from Istanbul to visit the area on a tour.

Hotels cut out of the rock provide accommodation.

For more information, visit the Turkey tourism website.

Great Barrier Reef (Australia)

Larger islands are serviced by flights from mainland Australia.

It’s also possible to visit the reef via day trips from northern Queensland ports including Cairns and Port Douglas.

For more information, visit the Tropical North Queensland Tourism website.

Hampi (India)

Hampi is serviced by overnight bus from Goa.

Trains run to nearby Hospet from Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata, and visitors will find a good range of low- to mid-range lodgings around Hampi village.

Tours available through On The Go Tours, among others.

Iguazu National Park (Brazil and Argentina)

The less developed but refreshingly uncrowded Brazilian side of the falls is a half-hour bus ride from the city of Foz do Iguacu.

It’s the same distance to the falls from Puerto Iguazu on the Argentine side.

The two countries are connected via a bridge downriver of the falls.

For more information, visit the Argentina tourism website.

Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)

Most visitors to this remote southern region of Argentina base themselves in El Calafate, the closest town to the park entrance.

There are daily flights and buses from the capital, Buenos Aires.

For excursion options, check out Gigantes Patagones.

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Several multi-day treks terminate at Machu Picchu, but it’s also possible to take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, and climb a steep flight of stairs or bus up to the site.

Only the first 400 daily visitors are granted entry to Wayna Picchu, a separate set of ruins overlooking the main complex.

Tucan Travel offers a range of tour options.

Mont-Saint-Michel (France)

Mont-Saint-Michel is serviced by buses/tours from Rennes and St-Malo, but it’s also possible to stay in one of Mont Saint-Michel’s small hotels.

For more information, visit the Normandy tourism website.

Petra (Jordan)

Buses and day/overnight tours run from Jordan’s capital Amman and the port city of Aqaba.

It’s also possible to organize tours from Egypt, and the Israeli resort town of Eilat.

For longer stays, you can bunk down in Wadi Musa, Petra’s neighboring town.

For more information, visit the Jordan tourism website.

Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

Just 25 kilometers southwest of Cairo along the Nile River, the complex is most easily visited on a day trip from Egypt’s capital.

For more information, visit the Egypt tourism website.

Rapa Nui (Chile)

While it’s possible to access Easter Island by air from Tahiti, most visitors opt for the five-and-a-half hour flight from Santiago, Chile.

For more information, visit the Chile tourism website.

Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

The short October/November and March/April rainy seasons notwithstanding, the Serengeti, usually accessed via Kilimanjaro or Nairobi airports, offers great game viewing year-round.

For tours, visit the Audley Travel website.

Sigiriya (Sri Lanka)

The central Sri Lankan site is located two to three hours by local bus from the city of Kandy (via Dambulla, home to a massive cave temple complex).

It’s also possible to organize a tour or personal driver from Kandy.

For more information, visit the Sri Lanka tourism website.

Tulum (Mexico)

Located a few minutes drive from the small Yucatan Peninsula township of Tulum, the easily accessible ruins lie about 60 kilometers south of the larger township of Playa del Carmen, and a further 60 kilometers from Cancun.

For more information, visit the Mexico tourism website.

Valletta (Malta)

Just south of Sicily, Malta is connected by flights from across Europe.

It’s possible to stay in Valletta, but the bulk of visitors make for the tiny nation’s beach resorts.

For more information, visit the Malta tourism website.

Venice and its lagoon (Italy)

Venice is served by nearby Marco Polo and Treviso airports, while trains arrive at the Venezia Santa Lucia train station in the western part of the city.

For more information, visit the Italy tourism website.

Yellowstone National Park (United States)

Located around 100 kilometers from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the closest major airport hub, the park has five main access points.

Most visitors choose to drive throughout the park, camping en route.

For more information, visit the Wyoming tourism website.

Published December 2013, updated February 2015.

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