14 Surreal Destinations Around the World
Here they are – 14 strange, quirky, yet amazingly beautiful and unusual places around the world that are not simply charming and pleasant to the eyes but also have the power to transport you to a whole new world. Experiences you cannot enjoy anywhere else in the world, places that are hard to believe existing, 14 surreal and awe-inspiring destinations you can brag about once you visit them. Here is an exciting list as an inspiration for your next holiday:
Marfa, Texas
Marfa is a small city in the American Southwest that has significantly more unexpected things to offer than the cowboy, deserted vibe of Texas. Marfa is a home to a very quirky yet spectacular juxtaposition of historic architecture and modern art in the shape of minimalistic sculptures rising from the endless desert sand stretches. To add even more uniqueness to the place, UFO sightings, tales of paranormal activity, and the worldwide famous “Marfa Lights” with probably an alien origin are something you can expect from the place. The little Texas city is definitely a strange and impressive place but one that you will quickly fall in love with.
The “Devil’s throat”, Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Just a quick look at the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and you will forget that Niagara Falls even existed on this planet. The heart of the falls is known as the “Devil’s throat” and there is no wonder where this name comes from. If you are bold enough to lean just slightly bit over the rail of the viewing platform you will be able to feel a breathtaking rush and the sensation you are swept away. Definitely a nerve-triggering experience but one worth describing to everyone you know.
The Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Once a prehistoric lake, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is now dried to a moon-like landscape that feels not simply surreal but supernatural. Flat, white, endless salt is everything you will see as far as your eyes can see. This endless white picture is sporadically disturbed by the odd vehicle ferrying passengers and the island Isla Incahuasi covered with cacti.
Škocjan Caves Slovenia
Do you fancy experiencing a real-life fantasy fiction? Then make sure to dive into the depths of Slovenia’s Škocjan Caves and explore plenty of enigmatic stone chambers and undulating pathways. Soon you will reach to a cavernous lair of Tolkien’s demon Balrog that is actually the largest underground canyon in the world. The surreal beauty of these caves is going to impress you at least and this is why their significance as a site of rare natural history is so enormous.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Looking like an icy fairy tale with fluffy snow sleepless at first glance, Pamukkale in Turkey is actually a system of natural hot springs. Having a dip in the thermal waters of Pamukkale is not only enjoyable but also good for the health of your skin. The surreal appearance of the terraced naturally-formed swimming baths and basins comes from the white mineral forests that look exactly like snow. People knew about the therapeutic properties of the water in Pamukkale long before you can imagine and a proof is the ancient submerged column in one of the pools.
The Catacombs, Paris, France
Somewhere around 6 million people lay “buried” in the depths of the Parisian catacombs – something that not many visitors of the most romantic city of the world ever imagine. The remains of people were brought to the catacombs of Paris from the overcrowded cemeteries of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. In fact, the setting of human remains from top the bottom is definitely a gruesome display and not recommended to everyone to visit, but morbid fascination still draws plenty of tourists every year.
Pig Beach, Big Major Cay, the Bahamas
Are you looking for the most surreal travel experience in the world? Well, swimming with pigs in the Bahamas is definitely one of the contenders for the crown and certainly an experience many Instagram influencers share about daily. The unlikely residents of the unspoilt and uninhabited island of Big Major Cay in the Bahamas are as tired of mud and as enjoying the crystal clear turquoise waters just like you. In fact, you will find these happy pigs very friendly but don’t forget to bring some snacks as these greedy residents love a treat!
The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
Visiting the spectacular Golden Temple in Amritsar, India is a truly adventurous experience you will never forget. The holiest of Sikh gurdwaras offers a shelter to all pilgrims regardless of religion. In fact, the journey even does not have to have something in common with religion, because the temple caters for up to 100,000 people every day, many of them simply tourists and visitors who are served with free food prepared by volunteers.
Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar
A journey to Tsingy is certainly an adventure from the biggest scale. Here, in the northwest of Madagascar, Mother nature has formed the most beautiful and spectacular geologically formed forests of limestone. The awe-inspiring rifts of these spiky stone needles are a home to a unique ecosystem of rare and unique species. The best part is that Tsingy remains somehow off the beaten touristic track despite its spectacular beauty!
Matera, Italy
Despite the fact that Italy has many impressive and breath-taking landscapes and views to offer, Matera is probably one of the most unusual and atypical city in the country, located right at the heel of the “boot” and nestled in a mountainside and surrounded by picturesque caves running deep into the rock. There is plenty to do in Matera despite the rather small size – from diving into a labyrinth of small streets, through spending your time in the caves known as the Sassi, to the modernized yet surreal cave hotels, shops, and homes.
Japan during the cherry blossom season
There is hardly anything more magical and enchanting in the world than Japan during its cherry blossom season. Although a short one, the cherry blossom season tradition of picnics and spending time in the gardens and parks while admiring this out-of-this-world beauty is known as hanami sakura by the Japanese people and a deeply rooted tradition. The blossom fever is something everyone is very excited about once the spring comes and all the shops fill into the brim with cherry blossom-themed goods and snacks.
Catatumbo Lightning, Venezuela
Every evening for 300 days of the year is the time when you can witness a rather strange and unusual atmospheric phenomenon over Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. It is the so-called Catatumbo Lightning or a display of earth-shattering streaking power of a lightning that shatters the sky with an average of 28 bolts per minute. The reason for this phenomenon that is impressive with its regularity are the perfect conditions for an electrical storm created by the warm Caribbean winds colliding with the cool air from the Andes.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
The colour blue has always been associated with relaxation, tranquillity, serenity, and calmness and the people of Chefchaouen in Morocco most probably know that very well this is why their town is coloured in blue from top to bottom and in every nook and corner. Far away in the shades of sapphire, the Moroccan town is a true getaway from the burning heat and the overcrowded typical Moroccan scenes.
Snow and Ice Festival, Harbin, China
When envisioning a snow and ice festival you are most probably imagining a surreal and enchanting place but the one in Harbin in China is going to exceed above and beyond your expectations for sure. There is nothing more spectacular than the largest ice festival in the world where you can take a walk across the life-sized buildings made out of blocks of ice and lit in fantastic displays of bright neon.
